People's initiative may still be shot down in opposition bailiwicks
Iloilo -- The people's initiative in support of the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution has already gathered six million voters from around the country.
However, efforts may still go to waste if there aren't enough signatures in a single district, especially those under opposition representatives.
"Our concern is that, although we already have six million signatures, which is equivalent to 12% of all the registered voters, it could still be nullified if there is a single district that failed to come up with signatures of at least 3% of the voters therein," Commission Ronald Adamat told reporters Saturday at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, shortly before speaking to about 900 members of the Philippine Councilors League on their annual continuing education seminar.
"So what we want to ascertain is that for every district, there are signatures of at least 3% of registered voters therein, otherwise the whole process would be nullified," Adamat added.
Adamat said that they are paying extra attention to the districts represented by opposition congressmen. He singled out that of Sorsogon 1st District Representative Francis Escudero, who is minority floor leader for the lower house, and Iloilo 5th District Representative Rolex Suplico. Both of whom are staunch critics of President Arroyo, who in turn has been pushing for amendments to the Constitution. Opposition politicians believe that proposed changes in the form of government is Arroyo's means of staying in power.
"So even if we have already gathered six million signatures, it could still be nullified if signatures in one district are below the 3% requirement," Adamat stressed. "It affects the whole process. That is how important it is."
In relation to this, Adamat solicited the support of councilors from around the country.
"The councilors are the frontliners because they are directly involved with their constituents," he noted.
In his address, Adamat stressed the need for charter change, particularly in changing the form of government from presidential to parliamentary federal, and in liberalizing Philippine economy.
"In way yes, I will be courting them so that they will be enlightened for them to come up with the right decision, which decision is to have charter change," he said.
He expects the local legislators to be responsible enough in disseminating such matters to their constituents in turn.