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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cynthia Villar prays of discernment amid Cha-cha moves

Cynthia Villar prays of discernment amid Cha-cha moves

Published Jan 22, 2024 01:11 pm

Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday, January 22, prayed for discernment when she led the Senate’s opening prayer during the resumption of the Senate’s first session for this year.

Villar, in her prayer, asked the Lord for “discernment and courage” as the Upper Chamber deliberates on Charter change initiatives.

“Dear Lord, we seek discernment and courage as we deliberate on Charter change initiatives. May our collective action resonate with the true voice of the Filipino people, maintain the integrity of our Constitution and uphold the checks and balances that fortify our democracy,” Villar said.

“Let our decisions be grounded in your will, aligned with the democratic principles that are the foundation of our nation, keep us vigilant in preserving transparency and true representation and in protecting our nation from the perils of self-interest and deceit,” she further said.

Villar also prayed that no “personal ambitions of a few” would “diminish the collective will and the broader needs of the Filipino people.

A few minutes after the formal opening, the Senate embarked on a three-hour caucus.

After the caucus, the Senate leadership referred Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which seeks to introduce amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes chaired by Sen. Robinhood Padilla.

This, despite the fact that Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri had earlier announced that a subcommittee on constitutional amendments will be tasked to tackle RBH No. 6 and which will be chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

The latest push to amend the Constitution has recently strained relations between the House of Representatives and the Senate after some lawmakers disclosed bribery attempts in exchange for a signature on a People’s Initiative petition to revise the 1987 Constitution.

Zubiri said President Marcos himself tasked the Senate to lead the discussions on Charter change, as the Chief Executive himself sees the People’s Initiative as “divisive.”

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Senate of the Philippines Cynthia Villar Charter change 1987 Constitution
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