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Charter change to divide House, says Nograles


MANILA, Philippines - The issue of constitutional change will certainly divide lawmakers in the House of Representatives, House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Wednesday said in a press conference in Quezon City. Nograles said, however, that the House will decide on the issue when the time comes even though there may be divisiveness among the representatives. “There is no doubt in my mind that this will divide congressmen," said Nograles. “But at the end of the day we would have to bite the bullet and the House must decide." The split in lawmakers’ opinions was obvious even in the press conference, where pro and anti constitutional change congressmen sat next to each other as they explained their stands. Amenable to amendments Several congressmen said they are amenable to constitutional change, but set varying conditions. Nograles said he has always been in favor of federalism, but said he is leaving it up to the committee on constitutional amendments to lay out the discussion of the issue. “As leader of the House, I will support whatever comes out of the committees," said Nograles, who also called on colleagues to go back to their districts over the weekend and conduct town-hall consultations to determine how their constituents feel about Charter Change. This was echoed by Buhay partylist representative Irwin Tieng, who said he trusts that committee chair Victor Ortega will ably handle the issue. “I trust the chairman to tackle the issue with utmost care," said Tieng. Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona was more vocal about his support for constitutional change, saying that he is “personally convinced" that there are provisions that need to be amended. Madrona particularly cited economic provisions “that would curtail confidence of foreign investors in our country" as those that need amending. By contrast, Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo said he has reservations about amending provisions that concern national patrimony, saying his group is carefully guarding the Constitution’s “protectionist character" so the country will not be engulfed by the “globalized, liberalized economy." During and after 2010 Ocampo said, however, that he is not opposed to the review of the Constitution provided that it is done after the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Fellow Bayan Muna representative Teodoro Casino expressed a similar sentiment, saying President Arroyo’s endorsement of Charter Change will not bode well for its proponents. “I think that Malacanang, particularly President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is the worst person who can advocate for Charter Change," said Casino, citing the President’s negative popularity ratings. Bukidnon representative Teofisto Guingona III also said Charter Change must be done after 2010 because the public’s trust in President Arroyo has already been severely tarnished. “[Charter change must be done] after 2010 when we have elected a new leader whom all of us trust," said Guingona, adding that the President merely wants to extend her term. “Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, do not play with the Constitution, do not play with fire, do not burn this country," Guingona said. “You are dividing an already very divided Philippine society." For his part, Paranaque City Rep. Eduardo Zialcita said the country will be “better off" it the Constitution is amended by a Constitutional Conventions whose members will be elected simultaneously with new national officials in May 2010. “I think the Cha-Cha now is not timely," said Zialcita, although he added that he does not think President Arroyo is using constitutional change to extend her term. All systems go Constitutional amendments committee chair Ortega, however, said it’s “all systems go" for his committee since Congress began, saying they have already conducted several meetings and heard both pro- and anti-Charter Change stances. “We in the committee are ready to tackle things as they arrive," said Ortega. He added that the committee will also deliberate on the possible modes of amendments – Constitutional Convention, Constituent Assembly, or People’s Initiative–which he said all have advantages and disadvantages. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
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