Roxas sets local "grand debate" on cha-cha
Roxas City -- The provincial government of Capiz is set to have a debate on the proposed Charter Change this March.
Governor Vicente Bermejo said that the initiative is a way of clarifying issues on Charter Change, particularly on the advantages and disadvantages of the amendments.
The governor said that he is not comfortable with allowing Capiceños to vote on an issue, like in the holding of people"s initiative on the proposal, without the information to support the people"s decision.
The debate, which will be presented by the speakers from both the negative and affirmative sides in the common dialect of Capiceños, aims to provide adequate information and understanding to the people here on the vital national issue.
Bermejo pointed out that there is a need to provoke the public"s mind, like those in the various sectors in the society, in order to have an enlightened conviction of their chosen stand.
To ensure a wider coverage of information by the Capiceños, the governor said that the debate will have a full media coverage by the local radio stations and cable television networks in the province.
In a sectoral core group meeting here, Bermejo had asked non-government and civic organizations and other sectoral representatives present to help in facilitating the said debate.
One important highlight of Charter Change will focus on the change in the system of government from Presidential to parliamentary form with all the reforms attached to such change.
Meanwhile, lawyer Alberto Deslate, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Capiz Chapter, has committed to provide lawyer-speaker to take the stand in the affirmative and another one lawyer for the negative side. The remaining speakers will be scouted by the province"s core group led by Provincial Legal Officer Napoleon Oducado.
The debate is anchored on the proposition: Resolve to adopt the proposed Charter Change drafted by the Constitutional Commission.
(PIA)