And the proverbial Charter change (Cha-cha) train in the House of Representatives keeps on chugging.

This, after Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez sponsored on the floor House Bill (HB) No.7352, or the proposed Act implementing Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6, during plenary session Wednesday afternoon, March 1.

The bill is essentially the accompanying legislative instrument of the resolution, which was approved on second reading by the House Tuesday, Feb. 28.

RBH No.6 provides for the creation of a hybrid constitutional convention (con-con), which will be tasked come up with proppsed amendments to the existing 1987 Constitution.

In his sponsorship speech, Rodriguez presented the committee report of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments on HB No.7352. The Mindanaoan chairs the particular panel.

"I thank you for all your resolve and steadfastness in taking the position of not only fulfilling the mandate of Congress but of being patriotic citizens on doing our part towards economic development," Rodriguez told the plenary, referring to RBH No.6's adoption on second reading.

Rodriguez has repeatedly said that the planned Cha-cha was primarily about amending the restrictive economic provisions of the existing Charter.

He said Cha-cha attempts have existed way back in the 11th Congress. "Now, it's the 19th Congress."

Regarding the choice of a con-con, the House leader said consultations have shown that it is "the most trusted mode" for constitutional amendments.

He said the con-con is "highly favored being the most democratic, transparent, and inclusive of all modes".

"The election of delegates and the appointment of experts and sectoral representatives, along with constitutionalists and experts will ensure the balance of views and the quality of the proposals of the convention," he added.

He said the con-con will be composed of 251 elected delegates and 63 appointed delegates, for a total of 314.

The previous figure before the existence of HB No.7352 was 304 (253 elected, 51 appointed).

The sponsorship of HB No.7352 opens up the bill to plenary debates in the 314-strong chamber.