Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (Facebook)

Ranking members of the House of Representatives have slammed Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri's claim of a possible constitution crisis as the two chambers of Congress continue to butt heads over the push for Charter change. 

Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez, and Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, all expressed misgivings Sunday, Jan. 28 about the Senate chief's claim. 

“It is disheartening to see Senate President Zubiri jump to the conclusion of a constitutional crisis instead of embracing the spirit of collaboration put forth by Speaker Romualdez. We need dialogue, not doomsday predictions,” Dalipe said. 

Dalipe was referring to the Senate's own Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6, which sought tweaks to the 1987 Constitution's economic provisions via Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass). No less than Speaker Martin Romualdez has expressed support for it and even vowed to adopt it in the House once it is passed by the Senate. 

Zubiri initially responded with a warning of a potential constitutional crisis, and alleged that the House persists in its efforts to initiate a People's Initiative (PI) for constitutional revisiom—an allegation vehemently denied by the House leadership. 

Gonzales frowned at Zubiri's rhetoric, and said that rather than fostering unity and constructive engagement, the warning about a constitutional crisis only exacerbates an already contentious situation. 

“This is a time for dialogue, not escalating tensions,” he pointed out. 

The Senate President further contended that the ongoing signature drive in support of the PI petition was not only flawed but also unconstitutional. 

Suarez ,for his part, underscored the need for a collaborative effort between the House and the Senate on constitutional reforms. This is crucial for the benefit of the nation, he said. 

"Speaker Romualdez's gesture of collaboration should be met with an open mind and a willingness to explore common ground. It is disappointing to witness a swift dismissal rather than an embrace of the opportunity for meaningful dialogue,” Suarez said. 

Suarez also warned about the potential consequences of Zubiri’s approach to the situation. "We risk further polarization and gridlock by prematurely labeling the situation as a constitutional crisis. The responsibility lies with both chambers to navigate this complex terrain with prudence and a commitment to the democratic process." 

Dalipe echoed his fellow House leaders' views. "[A] constitutional crisis is not the path we should embark on.” 

“Instead of fueling discord, we must engage in constructive dialogue to find a consensus that addresses the economic concerns without jeopardizing the stability of our constitutional framework,” added the majority leader. 

Gonzales also underscored the urgency of a collaborative approach on the amendment of the fundamental law of the land. 

“Our duty as public servants is to safeguard the interests of the people and the integrity of our institutions. Resorting to a constitutional crisis undermines the very essence of our democratic values,” Gonzales said.