It’s not over yet — Cha-cha advocates

After the disgraced attempt to amend the Constitution through people’s initiative, administration lawmakers have not thrown in the towel in efforts to convert Congress to a unicameral parliamentary system through the constituent assembly (con-ass).

"It ain’t over till it’s over," Leyte Rep. Eduardo Veloso said.

"We remain optimistic about the chances of con-ass especially since 194 congressmen have signed... the Resolution 1285 filed by (Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero) Pichay," he added.

Veloso also said it is not for former President Fidel Ramos to declare that efforts to rewrite the Constitution are already futile.

He said the efforts are still "alive" with allies led by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. already gearing up for the battles ahead to push con-ass in the House of Representatives.

Veloso said the defeat of the people’s initiative in the Supreme Court does not mean the six million signatures supporting the petition have been invalidated by the high tribunal.

"We are not about to abandon con-ass just because of the ill-fate suffered by the people’s initiative petition. There’s still hope for Cha-cha (Charter change) through con-ass. If we fail in this endeavor, then it can be said that Cha-cha is dead and it would be time to move on," he said.

Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda, for his part, stressed it is not yet time to give up. "Not all available options have been exhausted," he pointed out. "Let’s give con-ass a chance."

Miranda also took exception to claims made by Ramos that Cha-cha efforts are over, saying "con-ass has a good chance of getting approved in the House."

House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles, however, noted his colleagues in the administration have expressed support for Cha-cha initiatives but in different tunes.

"We all sing at the same time but different songs all out of tune! Cha-cha can’t succeed with the administration having discordant voices," the Davao City lawmaker said.

Nograles noted the different positions taken by administration party leaders over Charter change initiatives.

He said Ramos is singing a different tune as against those of De Venecia and Malacañang.

Nograles called anew on President Arroyo to set the tune for the party leaders to follow.

"Our leader must clear the air and give just one simple marching order - deal or no deal - that’s it," he said.

"Maybe the President should clear the air and tell her allies in Congress to proceed or to postpone (con-ass)."

Nograles suggested that as soon as Congress resumes session on Monday, party leaders should first hold a caucus and agree on the courses of action to take.

"Then I will suggest that House leaders meet the President and her key people in the Cabinet so we can sing one song. Nobody sings out of tune," Nograles said.

Veloso argued that once the effort to amend the Constitution succeeds and a parliamentary system is put in place, influential power brokers will no longer be around to cut deals and enrich themselves at the expense of the President and her family.