The time is ripe to amend the 1987 Constitution – including through a people’s initiative – so long as this is truly from the people.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this as he reiterated his warning against some politicians against twisting the will of the people to suit their ambitions.
“Ang boses ng taongbayan ay boses ng Diyos.”
“Peoples initiative: Vox populi, vox Dei. Ang boses ng taongbayan ay boses ng Diyos… Pag-usapan nang matino ang peoples initiative. Huwag gawing isyu ng politiko at ambisyon ang nag iisang kapangyarihan ng taong bayan,” said Padilla, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes.
“Ibigay natin ang ating suporta sa people’s initiative.”
“Taumbayan lamang ang makapagdadala ng tunay na pagbabago ng sistema tungo sa ikauunlad ng Bayan. Ibigay natin ang ating suporta sa people’s initiative,” the legislator added.
The lawmaker noted that even before people’s initiative, some politicians had already raised a howl about the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
He added what should be resolved is whether the Senate and House should vote separately or jointly, as 24 senators would be rendered irrelevant by 300-plus House members in a joint voting.
“Ito na ang panahon para maresolba ang naiwang tanong sa ating Saligang Batas patungkol sa pag-amyenda o rebisyon ng ating Constitution. Tanging taongbayan na lamang ang maaaring magdesisyon,” the senator concluded.
