‘GMA to sign EO on con-com soon’

A preparatory consultative commission tasked to assist Congress in proposing amendments to the Constitution would immediately start work next month after President Arroyo signs the executive order creating it.

In separate interviews, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes said Mrs. Arroyo would sign the EO "anytime soon."

Cruz said the commission, whose official name has yet to be announced, would be composed of 50 representatives from the national and regional levels and sectoral groups.

"The nomination of the members would be done in the first week of September and they would immediately start their consultations with the people and research on the various proposals for the new Constitution, particularly the shift from the unitary presidential system to the parliamentary federal system," Cruz told The STAR.

Cruz said the commission which Malacañang earlier called the "Citizens’ Consultative Constitutional Commission," would generate a consensus from the people on the different suggestions, and come up with a single proposal to Congress.

The commission’s proposal would be acceptable to the people and would lessen debates in Congress, he added.

The commission could finish its work no later than December, Cruz said.

Reyes said local executives would be closely involved in the process as an important component in constitutional reforms in the shift to federalism, and that the local government units are supportive of the move.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said the regional leaders and sectoral groups are expected to present their nominees to the Palace, which would select those to be included in the commission.

"But of course, the President would make extensive consultations on selecting among the various nominees," he said. "This would be more of her heeding their choices."

Mrs. Arroyo will be receiving the endorsements of the various sectors, he added.

During her State of the Nation Address last July 25, Mrs. Arroyo said she prefers that both the Senate and the House of Representatives convene as a constituent assembly. — Paolo Romero