With the House of Representatives (HOR) intending to revive talks on Charter change or "Cha-cha" in 2024, senators on Wednesday, Dec. 13, weighed in on the matter with specific concerns on how it will be executed.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva raised two points on possible talks about Cha-cha, primarily the timing of the discussions.

"Numbers will show that our economy is on its way to recovery. We have recently passed the Public Private Partnership Act which we authored in the Senate. We also passed laws such as the Retail Trade Liberalization Law, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act. We need to see the full impact of these laws first before we talk about Charter Change," he said.

He also wondered if it will undergo the right process.

"We need to know these details before we engage in any debate on Cha-cha," he said.

Villanueva added that these questions will need to be answered before the Senate will be convinced to discuss these matters.

For Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Cha-cha is something that should always be discussed especially if there are proper motivations such as improving the system of government in the Philippines.

He added that he's open to reviewing the Constitution if and only if federalism is the agenda.

Senator Imee Marcos, on the other hand, pointed out that President Marcos had already stated that it's not timely since the concern should be on the people's livelihood and on lowering rice prices as well as other commodities.

"Dalawang beses na ibinasura iyan binasura iyan nang todo-todo ng Senado. Bat pagpipilitan, bakit ganon? Ang kulit (This has been outrightly junked by the Senate twice. Why are they forcing it, why is that? How annoying)," she said.

"Baka may gustong mag-prime minister na hindi manalo sa presidente (Maybe someone who can't win as president wants to become prime minister)," she jested.

Senator Chiz Escudero says that it is always timely to revisit the 1987 constitution for as long as the motives are honest and honorable like advocating for structural change in the government system.

Anyone wanting to change the Constitution should first be clear and clarify what specific procedure they will follow or take in amending the Constitution and what are their specific proposals or amendments vis-a-vis the 1987 Constitution.

"No position for or against can be made without these specifics (and not mere ambiguous and general intent or statements) as a starting point for any discussion to amend the constitution…at least insofar as I am concerned," he said.

"There is no perfect or imperfect time to review the Constitution but, as I said, they should be clear and unequivocal in regard to my two queries," he added.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday, Dec 12, once again raised the need to revisit the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

"I believe 2024 will allow us again to revisit the...of the constitution I think it’s timely that we---and we’d like to focus very much on the economic provisions," Romualdez said in his speech during his Christmas party for House reporters.