The News Today Online

ConCom on Charter Change: We will only recommend

By Maricar M. Calubiran.

ConCom Secretary General Lito Monico Lorenzana said the Consultative Commission is only translating the 'Greek language to lay man's term' as regards the proposal to revise the 1987 Constitution.

Lorenzana made the clarifications in lieu of accusations that the Con-Com is a rubber stamp of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the latter to have a graceful exit amidst the mounting calls for her to resign.

Fifteen ConCom commissioners were in Iloilo last Wednesday to conduct consultation on the proposed amendment in the Constitution. They divided themselves into three groups. The group discussed three issues—the proposed shift in form of government (from presidential to parliamentary), the proposed structure of government (unitary to federal) and national economy and patrimony.

The Consultative Commission was created by the President to conduct consultations and studies and propose amendments and revision to the 1987 Constitution primarily the proposal to shift from presidential-unitary to parliamentary-federal system of government.

Lorenzana said the commission is tasked to center their consultations on economic policies in the Constitution to match the country’s vision for global competitiveness and to review economic policies which tend to hinder the country’s global competitiveness and adversely affect the people’s welfare.

He said they have no authority to extend or cut short the term of the President. Lorenzana said there was no deal between the members of the Concom and the President when they accepted the latter’s invitation for them to join the commission. They don't receive salaries from the government.

Lorenzana said the commission has until December 15 to finish the public consultations and submit their recommendations to the President. It depends on the President to reject or accept their recommendation.

He added that there would be 'external debates' among the members of the commission before they would come up with final recommendations. Once the President approves their recommendation, she will give the leeway to Congress to decide and conduct a plebiscite before any change in the government is implemented.

The Con-Com is hoping that the shift of government will take effect on 2006 or 2007.