AMID declaration by Senate President Francis Escudero that Charter change (Cha-cha) is not a priority of the administration, Sen. Robin Padilla said he will continue the Senate hearings and more importantly, the debates – on proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution.
In another development Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, vowed to help Filipinos to be dislocated and left jobless with the prohibition of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators as enunciated by President Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Escudero said the measures seeking to rewrite the economic provisions of the Constitution will be placed in the “backburner” for the time being.
“I just want debates to occur because that is the role of Congress, to debate on key issues,” he said,
“What hurts me is that moves to amend the Charter seem to be blocked. But the Senate President has said he is okay with debates on the matter,” said Padilla, chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes.
Padilla said he welcomes Escudero’s pronouncement that he is amenable to debates on Cha-cha.
Padilla said his committee will continue to hold hearings on proposals to also amend political provisions of the Constitution.
He expressed confidence the committee reports culled from the committee hearings would reach the plenary.
“Now is the time to talk about the Constitution,” he said,
Meanwhile, Gatchalian gave assurance he would assist Filipino workers who would lose their jobs with the absolute ban on POGOs.
“I want to assure Filipino workers who will be adversely affected by the ban that I will personally ensure they receive the appropriate support to tide them over,” said Gatchalian.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito also said the government should give alternative jobs to those who will be affected by the POGO phase out.
“We must have a clear plan to support those affected and ease the transition,” Ejercito said.
Gatchalian and Senator Risa Hontiveros led the Senate hearings on the illicit operations of POGOs with an eye on the involvement of some personalities and syndicates in the controversial gaming operations.l
“I thank the President for heeding the call of our people to ban all POGO operations in the country,” he said.
Gatchalian, who had vigorously push the ban on POGOs, considered the presidential pronouncement “a victory for all peace-loving Filipinos.”
With the imposition of the ban, he noted the country would be in a better positioned to achieve stronger, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth moving forward.
“I join the call of the President on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. as well as other concerned agencies including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and Department of Labor and Employment to facilitate closer coordination for an orderly and peaceful conclusion of POGO operations in the country,” Gatchalian said.
