Pangilinan sees lack of support for Cha-cha

Manila, Philippines - Sen. Francis Pangilinan expressed apprehension yesterday that the proposal to amend the Constitution would not succeed because of the lack of support for Charter change (Cha-cha) at this time.

“There is nothing wrong with discussing Cha-cha but to actually go ahead with it is another story altogether. There is not enough critical mass of support for Cha-cha and if that level of support isn’t reached, then making it happen will be very difficult,” Pangilinan said.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile have started discussions on the proposal to amend the Constitution, focusing on the economic provisions.

Belmonte and Enrile have expressed confidence that they could get the necessary support for Charter change from their respective chambers.

But this early, several legislators have already shown a lack on interest in this renewed effort to amend the Constitution.

“The three-fourths vote requirement to proceed with the constituent assembly mode can only be effectively undertaken if there is a overwhelming consensus in favor of Cha-cha, which doesn’t exist,” Pangilinan added.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that there is no valid reason to rush discussions on Charter change.

Santiago said that she personally is against amending the Constitution.

She said the legislators would not have the time to tackle proposals to amend the Constitution until after the May 2013 mid-term elections.

Pangilinan said Charter change is not a do-or-die situation for the country.

“We may benefit from changing a number of provisions in the Constitution but it will not be a matter of life or death for us,” Pangilinan said.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan, however, is pushing for amendments to the security provisions of the Constitution to allow the Philippines to deal with international disputes like the one involving Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales that China is claiming as part of its territory.

Honasan, who visited Bacolod City yesterday, agreed with Enrile’s proposal that “if we are able to modify our Charter and incorporate some flexibility, then without an act of Congress or so much bureaucratic procedure we can reconfigure the application of our resources in situations like what is happening now – a threat to our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“In fact, we have agreed already in the last legislative summit that it’s about time we start addressing these very important issues. There are many infirmities or weaknesses in the 1987 Constitution,” he added.

Honasan said that aside from the amendments to the economic provisions, the security provisions should also be changed.

“As for me, I will modify my stand. Let us also start discussing the amendment to our security provisions. Now is as good a time as any to begin discussing other aspects, like the security aspects, with the problem of Panatag Shoal,” Honasan said.

President Aquino said on Friday that he is not in favor of amending economic provisions of the Constitution as it might just delay economic progress.

“Changing the Constitution changes the rules of the game which might only delay the progress,” he said.

“Even with the present Constitution, I think we are capable of reaching the economic heights that we want,” he pointed out. – With Danny Dangcalan