The Visayan Bloc threw its support to economic chacha during the forum at Ugnayan sa Batasan. (from left) are Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas; Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo B. Benitez; Guimaras Rep. Joaquin Carlos Nava and Eastern Samar Ben Evardone on Tuesday (September 09, 2014) at Batasan Hills in Quezon City. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — A partylist lawmaker on Tuesday warned that amendments to the political provisions in the Constitution could be inserted in the resolution on economic charter change being currently debated at the House of Representatives.
Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza said that Davao Representative Mylene Garcia Albano, chairperson of the committee on constitutional amendments, could not commit that political provisions would not be touched in case Congress approves the resolution amending the Constitution.
“I am extremely shocked that Congresswoman Albano would refuse to commit on such a crucial issue when even Speaker Sonny Belmonte and Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzales have repeatedly assured us and the nation that only economic provisions would be tackled for amendments,” Atienza said.
Atienza said that during the interpellation, he asked Albano if her committee would entertain initiatives to amend the political provisions of the Constitution.
Albano replied that if anyone files a resolution or a bill, then her committee should tackle it and report it to the plenary and have it voted by the House members, adding that if the majority wants it, then the chamber will approve it.
“Knowing the propensity of the House to railroad certain measures then it would come as no surprise if such a measure gets approved,” Atienza said.
Atienza warned that the public would not approve of any moves to amend political provisions of the Constitution, such as the lifting of term limits for the President and other elective positions.
Belmonte, principal author of the House Joint Resolution to amend the economic provisions of the charter, had repeatedly said he would oppose moves to introduce political amendments to the measure. (MNS)