Yes to Cha-Cha via Con-Con but not in 2007!

We've been consistent with our views about charter changes, that the best way to do it is through a Constitutional Convention (Concon). But then, there are those like House Speaker Jose de Venecia who are in a hurry to make this paradigm shift in the kind of government we should put in place. He ends up saying that the best way is through a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass). While I agree with him that this is the most cost-effective way of changing the charter, it may not be reflective of the true will of the Filipino people given their trust and confidence with today's politicians.

But Speaker de Venecia kept on prodding, even to the point of using the so-called "People's Initiative" which in the end couldn't prosper as the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that it did not have any guideline or implementing rules and regulations to do a credible People's Initiative. So in effect, we're really back to square one. No charter changes can be seen in the horizon, which means there will be national and local elections in May 2007.

But thanks to the great debates on whether we need to change the charter or not, even the opposition now realizes that after all, there really is a need except they would be comfortable that this is done after the end of the term of office of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). Finally, someone from the opposition has accepted the reality that indeed, GMA would be able to finish her term of office in 2010. The whole problem with cha-cha after GMA is, what would happen if the opposition lost again and dislikes the new President? Would they once and for all scrap the idea of cha-cha?

If you ask me, the May 2007 elections is the perfect time to hold elections for Con-Con delegates. Those who cannot participate in the Concon are the so-called "Last Termers" who might run as Concon delegates for lack of other things to do. What we ought to do is simply put a provision where before a Concon delegate takes his oath of office, he or she would sign a document that would prevent them from seeking public office in two elections after the enactment of a new constitution. Let's start the ball rolling on this so we can finally fix whatever is wrong with this country.

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Yesterday, I read that letter to the editor written by Mr. Elberto Emphasis purportedly to answer the articles we wrote about his misdeeds. However, this fellow seems to have mastered the art of doublespeak making so many claims and insults, yet he still did not answer the challenge of Mayor Teddy Ouano to declare the Mandaue Reclamation illegal. It just makes me wonder why he hasn't even cared to answer the letter of Mayor Ouano?

Worse of all, he attacked the letter we published a couple of days ago as one manufactured by me. That letter reported to me that that Mr. Emphasis attacked my person on station DyLA in a broadcast made inside a Norkis-owned facility. How was I to know that he was doing this when I was in Dumaguete? I don't even know where he holds this "Kapihan for Ate Glo" but thanks to that letter, now I know. No, Mr. Emphasis, we have a lot of friends who gives us such reports and now you are denying what you did?

This only shows his true self in admitting what discredited broadcasters like him do. Let me quote him: "Using an alleged letter addressed to him, which by the way is an old trick used by some unscrupulous broadcasters". Let me give him a friendly advice. When you point a finger at someone, please take note that three of your fingers are pointing back to you! I wonder which broadcaster he was referring to?

Mr. Emphasis seems to have mastered the art of speaking in innuendoes. Like many radio blocktimers he tried to insinuate that I was a "Bar Flunker". What a laugh! The fellow is totally misinformed and uses such wrong information to attack my person! How could I flunk the Bar when I had to quit my law studies because I had to run the business when my father died? Mind you, that accusation leveled against me isn't even a Bert Emphasis original. He probably heard this being aired on the radio a long time ago by another discredited broadcaster and I reckon they must be birds of the same unscrupulous feather!

I'll have him know that when I heard that accusation thrown at my person, I confronted that radioman on air when he was broadcasting those innuendoes, and he had to apologize profusely. No, I didn't mention the name of that radioman because he already passed away a long time ago… may he rest in peace! As for Mr. Emphasis, may he too find peace in the truth and stop peddling all those lies and innuendoes about my person!

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For email responses to this article, write to [email protected]. Bobit's columns can also be accessed at www.shootinginsidecebu.blogspot.com