Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

The House of Representatives' role in the People’s Initiative (PI) movement, if any at all, is to "encourage public discourse and awareness" on Charter change (Cha-cha). 

Thus, said Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, as he came to Speaker Martin Romualdez's defense on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28 following supposed evidence that the latter had been "espousing" PI, which is supposed to be a purely civilian undertaking. 

"We wish to clarify Speaker Romualdez's position and the stance of the House of Representatives on this matter," Salceda said. 

"The role of the House of Representatives, as envisioned by Speaker Romualdez, is to encourage public discourse and awareness regarding constitutional amendments, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged in the democratic processes that shape the nation," said the Bicolano. 

Earlier Sunday, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero had floated that there was a video of Romualdez during a speaking engagement in Iloilo last December wherein he espoused PI. 

Part and parcel of the PI is a signature campaign. The PI petition for constitutional revision may be filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) once necessary number of signatures are acquired by proponents. 

Salceda says the PI is a process "for the people, by the people". More importantly, he says the Romualdez-led House "respects this process and believes in the capacity of the Filipino people to decide the best course for the nation's constitutional future". 

"Speaker Romualdez and the members of the House are committed to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected," Salceda said. 

This commitment, he said, includes providing the necessary support for a transparent and inclusive process that allows every Filipino to participate meaningfully in shaping the nation's destiny. 

"We hope this clarification reassures the public of the House's respect for the [PI] as a citizen-driven process and its commitment to the democratic principles that underpin our nation," noted Salceda. 

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Romualdez has repeatedly denied any personal hand in pushing for the PI. 

At any rate, he said last Friday that he sees no fault with the House members or senators who make the effort to answer the questions that their constituents may have on PI.  

"Pero (But) at the end of the day, senators and congressmen are people no? So as long as you are not using government funds, you are not using your offices in pursuit of these purely civilian activities, you're in good stead," said the Speaker. 

The PI aims for a constitutional amendment to enable Congress--the House and Senate--to “vote jointly” in future attempts at Cha-cha. This will be turned into a simple yes or no question during the plebiscite, which proponents want to hold in June 2024.