A leader of the House of Representatives has allayed fears over the renewed push to amend the 1987 Constitution, saying the initiative is not intended to abolish the Senate or extend political terms, but merely to clarify ambiguities in the Charter.
Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City First District Rep. Ronaldo Puno maintained that his Charter change proposal through a Constitutional Convention (Con-con) does not include political amendments such as extending the terms of politicians.
On Monday, Puno, who also chairs the National Unity Party (NUP), revived talks on Charter change in a privilege speech, citing the need to correct “enduring ambiguities and deficiencies that weaken its legal foundations and degrade its reliability as the country’s supreme law.”
The most recent example, Puno said, is the interpretation of the word “forthwith” in Article XI, Section 3(4) on impeachment, which should have been a safeguard against delay but has instead become a source of deadlock and controversy.
In his speech, Puno said a Con-con allows the people, through their chosen delegates, to correct textual deficiencies, reconcile contradictions, remove ambiguities, institutionalize needed reforms, and ensure that the foundational law meets the needs of a dynamic and democratic society.
Puno stressed that the Con-con route — rather than a constituent assembly — ensures singularity of purpose, avoids conflicts of interest, and guarantees broader representation. He said both the House and the Senate can set parameters for which provisions should be amended and the qualifications of Con-con delegates.
Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin said he is open to Puno’s proposal, noting that a Con-con may be more appropriate for extensive constitutional changes.
Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said he supports discussions on economic provisions, calling them long overdue, but warned against including political provisions.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co cautioned against using the West Philippine Sea issue to sway public support for Charter change, saying, “This is clout chasing at its worst.”
