House panel sends con-ass measure to plenary

MANILA, Philippines - The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments on Monday approved the controversial measure pushing for a constituent assembly that would amend the 1987 Constitution. In a special meeting, lawmakers voted 22-10 on the motion of Maguindanao Rep. Didagan Dilangalen to have the measure approved and sent to the plenary for deliberations. Committee chair and La Union Rep. Victor Ortega said sending the measure to the plenary would allow for more comprehensive discussions on the issue. "I cannot fathom why we don't want this to reach the floor," he said. Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco, who voted in favor of approving the measure, said the issue has been "talked to death" and added that the final decision should be left to the plenary. The committee held a special meeting after the Rules committee referred HR 1109 back to the committee on Constitutional Amendments earlier in the day. Before the voting, several members of the minority protested to HR 1109's approval. Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza said the committee heard resource persons during the previous hearing but lawmakers did not actually discuss the resolution. "This committee has not discussed this resolution and therefore we should not act," she said. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called HR 1109 unconstitutional and illegal, pointing out that it was not a joint resolution so the Senate is excluded from the process. Likewise, South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio said, "The House cannot do this alone. We need the Senate in order to amend the Constitution." The committee earlier went into an executive session upon the request of Speaker Prospero Nograles before the meeting was opened to the media. The House has only a few session days left to tackle the measure in plenary, as Congress is set to adjourn session June 6. - GMANews.TV