Local officials seeking people’s initiative pledge to gather 5M signatures

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) yesterday pressed anew for Charter change via a people’s initiative.

In a unanimous decision, the group declared yesterday that the people’s initiative is the "most democratic means" by which the fundamental law of the land may be rewritten.

ULAP president and Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, said that local leaders — mostly members of the 1.7 million-strong ULAP — will initiate the drive to gather at least five million signatures next month to pave the way for the conduct of the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution so the country can shift from a presidential system to a unicameral, parliamentary form of government.

"Through the individual support of the member leagues, the ULAP will take care of anchoring the people’s initiative nationwide," Aumentado said.

In an ULAP national executive meeting yesterday, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza also expressed strong support for the people’s initiative, saying the people themselves want changes in the Charter. "We cannot waste time. We must bring the Charter change issue directly to the people."

In a press statement, ULAP said the Senate, which is seen to be fighting for political survival by opposing Charter change, could no longer stonewall the matter of constitutional amendment because a people’s initiative will prove that the majority of the people favor Charter change.

Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia said his research showed that the people’s initiative to change the Constitution is the best mode for rewriting the basic law of the land because the people would actively participate in the exercise.

La Union Gov. Victor Ortega said Congress alone could not be relied upon to tackle amendments to the Constitution because of the time constraints hampering the passage of legislation needed to amend the Charter.

League of Cities president and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said the country’s city mayors support ULAP’s position to use the people’s initiative as a means to amend the Constitution.

Other local governments officials including Camarines Sur Gov. Raymundo Villafuerte, League of Municipalities president Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico Jr., Camiguin Gov. Pedro Romualdo, Southern Leyte Gov. Rosette Lerias, all endorsed the ULAP’s position.

Also at the meeting were Governors Jericho Petilla (Leyte), Loreto Ocampos (Misamis Occidental) and Vice Mayors League president Jessie Cruz, among others.