Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Saturday, January 27, said he hopes the conflict between the Senate and Lower House over the manner in which the Constitution is amended is resolved soon to prevent it from affecting the economy.
“I hope it does not last long because it is the people who will suffer if the economy is affected,” said Revilla, who was in Bacolod for the distribution of salary payouts to about 905 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The Senate earlier unanimously rejected the House push for Charter change via a people’s initiative, which would mean members of both houses of Congress would be voting as one.
The Senate wants a bicameral process to be observed but a people’s initiative is also allowed by the Constitution, Revilla said.
Revilla said while the members of the Senate were hurt by the push for a people’s initiative, at the end of the day he will respect the decision of the people.
He is in favor of amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution, Revilla said, adding that he is also seeking reelection.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante also said on Sunday that he is in favor of amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution, which will help draw in investors.*