Constituent assembly practically dead, lawmaker says

MANILA, Philippines – The chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on justice believes that moves to convene Congress into a constituent assembly (con-ass) to amend the Constitution have already been overtaken by events.

Speaking at the weekly Friday Balitaan sa Rembrandt Hotel forum, Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor said the constituent assembly is “practically dead as far the House of Representatives is concerned.”

However, amending the Charter through a constitutional convention is “very much alive” and may be done on or after next year’s elections, he added.

Defensor said the withdrawal of Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte of his resolution was the final blow to the proposed con-ass measure.

House members are now focusing on Charter change through a constitutional convention, he added.

Defensor said House members are determined to pursue moves to amend the Constitution.

A resolution sponsored by Speaker Prospero Nograles seeking to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution might trigger a constitutional crisis if it would be questioned before the Supreme Court, he added.

The resolution aims to introduce amendments to the Constitution through the regular legislative process. – Perseus Echeminada