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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Smooth sailing from now on? Romualdez hails Senate for committing to take up Cha-cha measure

Smooth sailing from now on? Romualdez hails Senate for committing to take up Cha-cha measure

Published Jan 31, 2024 08:56 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 31 the Senate's announcement to finally take up its very own Charter change (Cha-cha) measure--Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6--next week. 
  • The Senate didn't immediately act on it and instead engaged the House in a back-and-forth on Cha-cha and the recent People Initiative (PI), which can bypass the solons. 

IMG-9d33b73353aac2396b66093266c7cfed-V.jpgSenate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

Will it be smooth sailing between the House of Representatives and the Senate from here on out?

House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 31 the Senate's announcement to finally take up its very own Charter change (Cha-cha) measure--Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6--next week.

"We are heartened by the news that the Senate, finally, will commence hearings on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6 next week. This marks a significant step towards the much-awaited constitutional amendments," Romualdez said in a statement.

"We welcome this latest development as the announcement of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri demonstrates a united legislative front in addressing crucial changes that have the potential to shape the future of our country," he said.

"I commend Senate President Zubiri for his leadership in taking this bold step forward," added the Leyte 1st district congressman.

Zubiri led the filing last Jan. 15 of RBH No.6, which proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution via Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass).

For some reason, the Senate didn't immediately act on it and instead engaged the House in a back-and-forth on Cha-cha and the recent People Initiative (PI), which can bypass the solons.

These exchanges between the lawmakers have even bordered on the unparliamentary. But these may all be water under the bridge.

"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I await with great anticipation the outcomes of these Senate deliberations. The prospect of amending and potentially easing certain restrictive provisions in the 1987 Constitution is more than a legislative exercise; it is a great stride towards realizing the aspirations of our people and unlocking the full potential of our nation," Romualdez said.

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/30/have-it-your-way-house-members-willing-to-do-blood-compact-with-senators-over-cha-cha

Romualdez had earlier vowed that the House would adopt RBH No.6 once the Senate approves it. This is envisioned to hasten the process of constitutional revision.

"As the Senate embarks on this momentous task, the House of Representatives stands ready to collaborate and contribute to this significant legislative endeavor. We share a common goal – to ensure that any amendments to our Constitution serve the best interests of the Filipino people and lay a strong foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Philippines," he said.

The Senate's announcement came a day after House Deputy Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe stated in a press briefing that the only way to "kill the PI" was for senators to pass RBH No.6.

Senators had assailed the PI as being ostensibly a House effort. Romualdez has denied this.

Related Tags

Senators Charter change People’s Initiative Martin Romualdez Juan Miguel M. Arroyo House of Representative RBH 6
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