DAVAO del Norte Congressman Bebot Alvarez broke his silence on the controversial People’s Initiative (PI) aimed at amending the constitution.
In an interview on the SMNI Nightline News program, Alvarez condemned the current push for PI for Charter Change (Cha-Cha).
“We know that when we change the Constitution, the goal should be for the people, for their welfare. Not for the benefit of one person or politicians. It should not be like that,” Rep. Pantaleon ‘Bebot’ Alvarez, Former House Speaker stated.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez‘s name was previously linked to the PI issue. However, his allies clarified that he is not behind the initiative.
“It isn’t the Speaker actually who initiated this… Wherever they got that information, I don’t know, maybe it’s just defamation,” Rep. Erwin Tulfo | ACT-CIS Party-list said.
Reports circulated that some were allegedly paid for their signatures in favor of PI in exchange for assistance to ease the economic restrictions of the 1987 Constitution.
But many of them reportedly did not fully understand the Cha-Cha issue.
“One requirement to change the constitution is for the people to understand. What needs to be changed? They need to understand that. There’s a process where you educate the masses, educate the people. Why do we need to,” Alvarez added.
Romualdez has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, Alvarez compared the previous push for Cha-Cha during the Duterte administration with the goal of establishing a Federal Form of Government.
The former House Speaker said that the past government’s path was clear compared to the current leadership.
In fact, he said anyone back then could examine the draft constitution they prepared.
“It’s clear, we know the goal. In fact, they even formed a commission led by Chief Justice Renato Puno.”
“Not like now, where they’re having supposed petitioners sign for this People’s Initiative. But, they’re using AICS. Government funds are being used,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also mentioned anti-political dynasty provisions during the Cha-cha push back then, but he admitted that the Duterte Admin fell short on time for Federalism.
Alvarez believes that someone wants to become the prime minister of the Philippines, hence the insistence on Cha-Cha.
The prime minister holds the center of power in countries with a parliamentary form of government, encompassing the execution of the country, policy-making, cabinet appointments, law passage, budget control, and crisis management.
In the current setup, the Congress selects the prime minister.
“Probably! Because the one pushing for it knows they won’t win if they run for President. You know, to run for president, you need a strong appeal – charisma. This one aspiring to be president is like the Supreme Court, right? No appeal. You’re appealing to heaven after that,” Alvarez ended.
