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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Release of signature retraction forms don't equate to defeat of PI--solon 

Release of signature retraction forms don't equate to defeat of PI--solon 

Published Feb 17, 2024 05:17 am

At A Glance

  • 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez doesn't view the release of retraction forms for signatures in the People's Initiative (PI) as a defeat for the particular movement for Charter change (Cha-cha). 

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (Ellson Quismorio/MANILA BULLETIN)1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (Ellson Quismorio/MANILA BULLETIN)

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez doesn't view the release of retraction forms for signatures in the People’s Initiative (PI) as a defeat for the particular movement for Charter change (Cha-cha).

What it actually is, according to the lawyer-congressman, is a welcome development in the information and education campaign to let the people know about the efforts of well-meaning organizations to remove the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

“The Comelec (Commission on Elections)with Chairman Garcia at its helm, in fact, should be congratulated for doing their job and performing their mandate in relation to the [PI] mode of amending the Constitution,” he said.

Earlier, the poll body released retraction forms for those who may want to withdraw their signatures from the PI to amend the Constitution.

This was an offshoot of the Senate's ongoing investigation on the PI, which according to some senators had been marred by irregularities.

For Gutierrez, however, senators have been meddling too much with the PI, despite proving so little, if anything at all.

HAVE YOU READ THIS?

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/16/nako-confuse-ka-senate-should-be-sincere-with-word-war-ceasefire-says-house-leader

“That is why we appeal to the Senate to stop meddling in the process of the People’s Initiative. Their investigation is turning into a witch-hunt obviously directed against the House,” Gutierrez said.

At any rate, Gutierrez congratulated Comelec for performing its mandate under the Constitution and under existing laws. He said its action sends a good signal that democracy and the rule of law are indeed working in the country.

The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation led by Senator Imee Marcos has been conducting hearings on the PI.

Related Tags

Sen. Imee Marcos Charter change People’s Initiative Rodge Gutierrez
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