For the Makabayan bloc, it would be insensitive for congressmen to debate about Charter change (Cha-cha) while public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers are on strike.
As such, the militant solons are asking the House leadership to postpone the scheduled deliberations on Cha-Cha-cha in plenary Monday, March 6, while the transport strike is ongoing.
"The nation and our constituents are more concerned now on how to help public utility drivers ensure their jobs and livelihood that are about to be phased out by the supposed modernization of ," the Makabayan bloc said in a statement Sunday afternoon, March 5.
"It would be the height of callousness and insensitivity for the House to continue deliberating on Cha-cha that is not even among the top concerns of Filipinos while commuters are stranded and drivers are to go jobless," the group said.
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives--composed of ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel--further stressed that Cha-cha won't solve these problems of commuters and drivers.
"To be more pro-active, we suggest that Congress should instead use the session days during the transport strike to deliberate on what measures can be done to support drivers and operators as well as alleviate the transportation problems of our country," the group further said.
Last March 1, 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.
The bill is essentially the accompanying legislative instrument of RBH No.6, which was approved on second reading by the House Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The resolution 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.
Plenary debates on HB No.7352 are expected to begin Monday.