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Advocates Philippines
Senate Raises Concerns Over People's Initiative As President Marcos Calls For Validation Of Signatures
Photo credit: PCO
In a significant development, the Senate has issued a statement expressing deep concerns about the ongoing People's Initiative (PI) and its potential impact on the country's democratic foundations.
The Senate, as a co-equal chamber, asserts that the proposed changes, specifically the joint voting provision, could undermine the delicate balance of the nation's democracy.
The PI, which aims to amend the Constitution, has drawn criticism from the Senate for its seemingly innocuous alteration that would allow the Senate and the House of Representatives to vote jointly in a constituent assembly.
The Senate argues that this change could pave the way for unchecked amendments and revisions, eroding the principles of bicameralism and checks and balances.
According to the Senate's statement, this alteration would render the Senate powerless to prevent critical decisions, including those related to foreign ownership of lands, removal of term limits, or the possibility of a no-election scenario in 2025 or 2028.
The Senate sees this as a direct threat to the nation's hard-won democracy and vows to stand as a bastion against such attempts to violate the Constitution.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. weighed in on the issue, addressing concerns about alleged signature-buying in the People's Initiative. Speaking at the launch of the Lung Transplant Program in Quezon City, President Marcos emphasized that signatures obtained in exchange for money should be invalidated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
President Marcos dismissed reports of direct cash payments but acknowledged reports of promises of various benefits to entice voters to sign.
He expressed his intention to verify the claims with members of Congress. The President emphasized the need for the Comelec to conduct a thorough validation process, ensuring the integrity of the signatures gathered.
Responding to suggestions that social services programs should be suspended during the initiative, President Marcos asserted that the government cannot withhold assistance from those in need.
He called for allowing the Comelec to perform its duties without interference, ensuring a fair and transparent validation process.
For a People's Initiative to be considered substantial, each congressional district must gather signatures from at least 3 percent of its registered voters. The unfolding events surrounding the PI underscore the delicate balance between constitutional amendments and preserving the essence of Philippine democracy.
The Senate, as a co-equal chamber, asserts that the proposed changes, specifically the joint voting provision, could undermine the delicate balance of the nation's democracy.
The PI, which aims to amend the Constitution, has drawn criticism from the Senate for its seemingly innocuous alteration that would allow the Senate and the House of Representatives to vote jointly in a constituent assembly.
The Senate argues that this change could pave the way for unchecked amendments and revisions, eroding the principles of bicameralism and checks and balances.
According to the Senate's statement, this alteration would render the Senate powerless to prevent critical decisions, including those related to foreign ownership of lands, removal of term limits, or the possibility of a no-election scenario in 2025 or 2028.
The Senate sees this as a direct threat to the nation's hard-won democracy and vows to stand as a bastion against such attempts to violate the Constitution.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. weighed in on the issue, addressing concerns about alleged signature-buying in the People's Initiative. Speaking at the launch of the Lung Transplant Program in Quezon City, President Marcos emphasized that signatures obtained in exchange for money should be invalidated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
President Marcos dismissed reports of direct cash payments but acknowledged reports of promises of various benefits to entice voters to sign.
He expressed his intention to verify the claims with members of Congress. The President emphasized the need for the Comelec to conduct a thorough validation process, ensuring the integrity of the signatures gathered.
Responding to suggestions that social services programs should be suspended during the initiative, President Marcos asserted that the government cannot withhold assistance from those in need.
He called for allowing the Comelec to perform its duties without interference, ensuring a fair and transparent validation process.
For a People's Initiative to be considered substantial, each congressional district must gather signatures from at least 3 percent of its registered voters. The unfolding events surrounding the PI underscore the delicate balance between constitutional amendments and preserving the essence of Philippine democracy.
Jan 23, 2024
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