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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate panel subpoenas alleged proponent of People's Initiative campaign

Senate panel subpoenas alleged proponent of People's Initiative campaign

Published Jan 30, 2024 05:59 am

The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation on Tuesday, January 30 moved to subpoena a certain Atty. Anthony Abad who is reportedly behind the signature campaign for Charter change.

It was Sen. Francis Tolentino who made the motion to subpoena the lawyer during the Senate panel’s initial hearing into the People’s Initiative (PI) drive.

During the hearing, Sagip party-list lawmaker Rodante Marcoleta pointed out that Abad appears to be the proponent of the said initiative and not the House of Representatives.

“Atty. Anthony Abad appears to be the proponent of this initiative. Earlier, the House of Representatives ay sila po ang nagiging kontrabida dito (are becoming the villains here),” Marcoleta pointed out to the panel.

“I am not representing the House of Representatives today, I was personally invited by the chairman to appear, but as a member hindi niyo maalis na medyo magdamdam din ako sapagka’t ang patutsada ay tungkol sa House of Representatives, lalong-lalo na sa Speaker (I cannot help but be also hurt about the accusations against the House of Representatives, especially against the Speaker),” said Marcoleta.

Saying he is not defending Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcoleta said he hopes that the Senate would move their attention from the House leader to the person who spearheaded the initiative.

“If it isn’t him, why can’t we concentrate on Abad?” the House lawmaker pointed out.

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa agreed to the motion saying Abad is the “face of this brouhaha.”

“He should present himself. Otherwise, useless ang inquiry,” Dela Rosa said.

Sen. Imee Marcos, chairperson of the panel, eventually approved the motion.

Related Tags

Sen. Imee Marcos People's Initiative Charter change Senate Committee on Electoral Reform and People’s Participation Francis Tolentino Bato dela Rosa
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