Arroyo partymate files reso, bill calling for Con-Con

A partymate of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Lakas-Kampi-CMD who allied himself with the House majority bloc has filed a resolution and a bill calling for a constitutional convention (Con-Con) to amend the 1987 Constitution. In filing House Concurrent Resolution 04 and House Bill 2265, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said the present Constitution contains provisions that have seemingly outlived their purpose and "need to be revisited to institute much needed socio-economic and political reforms." "I am of the firm belief that there is really a need to amend the Constitution and that is the reason why I filed the resolution and the bill for Con-con," he said in a text message to GMANews.TV when asked why he filed two pieces of legislation on the same matter. He said a resolution is not enough as it is merely an expression of a sentiment. "Even if the entire members of the House would unanimously sign a resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention, that would not be sufficient. There must be an enabling statute and that's the reason why I filed the bill for [a] Con-Con," Barzaga said. Last July 1, Mrs. Arroyo herself filed House Resolution 8, which which sought to amend the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention. It was co-authored by her son, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado "Dato" Arroyo. During her incumbency as president, Mrs. Arroyo's allies repeatedly tried, but failed, to change the Constitution. Critics of the former Philippine leader have accused her of wanting to effect Charter change then to allegedly enable her to prolong her stay in power, even becoming a prime minister. 'Most transparent means' In Barzaga's resolution, the Cavite lawmaker said the Constitution must be able to provide direction and effectively respond to the conditions at various points in the life of a nation and its people. He said the various proposals for amendments to or revision of the Constitution are essential for the country to directly address the basic needs of the people and ensure its competitiveness in a highly globalized economy. "Calling for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution is the most transparent, exhaustive and democratic means of implementing constitutional reforms," he said. Barzaga said through the resolution, the Congress with the vote of two-thirds of all its members can call for the Con-Con. In the bill, the lawmaker stated that the Con-Con shall be composed of delegates who shall be elected from every legislative districts of the country and have the same qualifications as those required of the House members. The election of the delegates shall be held on the second Monday of May 2013, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issuing the rules and regulations needed for the election. The bill stated that officers and members of all political parties, coalition or alliance are prohibited from nominating, fielding, endorsing, supporting for or against any candidate. A candidate who is a member of a political party or holding office, whether elective or appointive, shall be deemed resigned from the party upon filing of the certificate of candidacy. It also states that any person elected and qualified as delegate to the convention shall not be eligible to run for the office in the first local and national elections to be held after the ratification of the proposed amendments to the Constitution or be appointed to any government office or position while the convention is in session and one year after its final adjournment. The Comelec chairman, assisted by the Senate secretary and House secretary general, shall initially take charge of all the arrangements for the convening of the Con-Con. The Con-Con shall meet in the House session hall on the third Monday of November at 10 in the morning. Chief Justice to preside The Chief Justice shall preside at its opening until a presiding officer is elected from among the delegates, according to the bill. The delegate shall receive no compensation except a per diem of P2,000 for every day of actual attendance in the convention or any of its committees and traveling expenses to and from his place of residence. Barzaga’s bill stated that the convention shall submit its report to the President and Congress and Comelec within 30 days from the completion of the consolidated amendments. The amendments or revisions proposed by the Con-Con shall be valid when ratified by a majority of votes cast in a plebiscite, which shall be held not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the approval of such amendments. The Convention shall complete its work within one year from the time of its organization. — KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV