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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider P20M to congs in exchange for PI signatures? Gomez says it ain't true 

P20M to congs in exchange for PI signatures? Gomez says it ain't true 

Published Jan 10, 2024 02:39 pm

At A Glance

  • Deputy Majority Leader Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez has said that there was "no truth" to the claim that House of Representatives members have been offered P20 million each to deliver the signatures needed by the proposed People's Initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha).
  • Senator Imee Marcos was the one who floated the alleged P20-million offer to congressmen.

20240110_223217.jpgLeyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez (left), Senator Imee Marcos (Facebook)

Deputy Majority Leader Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez has said that there was "no truth" to the claim that House of Representatives members have been offered P20 million each to deliver the signatures needed by the proposed People’s Initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha).

“There is no truth to this statement. Nobody has to pay or bribe me or any other lawmakers when it comes to pushing for constitutional reforms, which I believe will truly help our economy and improve the lives of our Filipino people,” Gomez said in a statement Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos--a lawmaker from the other legislative chamber, the Senate--was the one who floated the alleged P20-million offer to congressmen.

The House leadership is set to revisit discussions on Cha-cha this 2024 after the attempt last year--hinged on a proposed Constitutional Convention (Con-Con)--wasn't acted upon by the Senate.

And historically, that has been the cycle--the House eagerly launches a proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution only for it to fall flat when it is submitted to the Senate.

Gomez says he understands the wisdom behind the Cha-cha effort.

"A revised Constitution can pave the way for reforms that encourage foreign investments, streamline bureaucratic processes, and foster a more business-friendly environment which, in turn, can contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic development," he explained.

Gomez also said he was willing to “be a frontliner, if I need to or if I am tasked to do it” in advancing changes to the Charter.

He stressed that political and social concerns, such as political dynasties, corruption, and the protection of human rights, can be more exhaustively discussed when constitutional reforms are tackled.

"Who are the people afraid of constitutional reforms? These are the politicians who think their term limits will be changed, shortened or scrapped, a reason which is totally self-serving and selfish," he said.

Related Tags

Sen. Imee Marcos Charter change People’s Initiative Richard Gomez
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