Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday, January 9 stressed the need to investigate the alleged payment of P100 in exchange of a signature for the people’s initiative in order for attempts to amend the Constitution to gain ground in Congress.

Pimentel made the proposal following allegations raised by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel on Monday.

“We need more investigative work. But if indeed the signatures were paid for then the People’s Initiative Petition is not from the people but is the initiative of the source of the money which could be commercial or some other vested selfish interest,” Pimentel said in a text message to reporters.

“A bribed initiative is not the people’s spontaneous initiative,” he added.

“Anything of value in exchange for a signature can be considered a bribe,” the minority leader stressed.

Pimentel said the probe can be initiated by Congress, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Asked what cases can be filed, the senator said an anti-graft case is in order especially if the money is sourced from public funds.

"If source is public funds then anti-graft (cases can be filed). But whatever is the source of the money, it invalidates the entire people's initiative because it is not the people's initiative. It is a money initiated and driven effort. Not recognized by the Constitution," Pimentel said.

Lagman, an opposition lawmaker, had earlier claimed that lawmakers from the supermajority coalition in the House of Representatives have launched a campaign for Charter change (Chacha) through the people’s initiative, noting that municipal mayors from his district have been called to a meeting last January 5 supposedly for this agenda.

The lawmaker said the mayors were informed that the people’s initiative would be used as a mode of amending the constitution. He also alleged they were given "mobilization funds" and forms that would be signed by at least three percent of the registered voters of the legislative districts to which their municipalities belong as part of the initiative.

“Voters who would sign the petition for people's initiative will be given P100.00 each, 50 percent of which has already been advanced to the municipal mayors and respective coordinators,” according to Lagman.

Some senators have also denounced the move. Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada called it “unethical and illegal” and clearly a violation of the country’s laws and undermines the democratic process.

“The people’s initiative is a constitutional right that should be exercised freely and without coercion. Whoever is behind this sinister move to tinker with the 1987 Constitution should be investigated and prosecuted for engaging in such unlawful activity. The people’s trust in the democratic process must be protected and preserved,” Estrada said.

Senator Imee Marcos also attested to the allegations saying she got hold of information that congressmen and local executives are asked to provide lists of beneficiaries.

These beneficiaries, she said, “could be their staff and or coordinators’ relatives.”

“Clearly, someone with unlimited access and control over listed funds (is behind this),” according to Marcos.

She pointed out, however, that the “power of the purse” is with Congress, “not the President.”