The Senate welcomed the recent statement of President Marcos in leading deliberations related to amending the 1987 Constitution.

In an interview, Marcos was asked about his preferred mode when it comes to constitutional reforms to which he replied: "The Senate is taking the lead and between the two houses, they will come to an agreement then that will be the way we’ll do it."

Initially, before the controversies unfolded regarding the People's Initiative (PI) and the alleged involvement of the House of Representatives (HOR), Zubiri said that President Marcos tasked the Senate to take the lead in reviewing the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to avert a constitutional crisis.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri thanked the President for reiterating his trust in the Senate to lead the review of the economic provisions of the Constitution, as they had discussed at the start of the year.

"This review is well underway, with the hearings for Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 proving to be very productive and enlightening, shaped by insight from Constitutionalists, proponents, critics, and all manner of stakeholders, from the education sector to the foreign business chambers," he said.

"Rest assured that we are determined to come out with the best possible amendments that will help relax the economic restrictions of the Constitution, that will benefit our people and uphold our national interest. We also remain resolute in protecting the rest of the Constitution," he added.

Zubiri also mentioned that as far he's concerned, PI is "water under the bridge".

It would be better, according to him, if the House would adopt Senate's RBH 6 so that there would be "no confusion, no bickering, and no uncertainty".

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said it's clear that the President trusts the Senate.

"We are proceeding as we speak right now of what we intend to do. And that is to keep on deliberating on this joint resolution by both houses. So, it is what it is, you are seeing what we are doing in the past couple of weeks now," he said.

Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito said that the President has to make a categorical statement to honor on what was agreed upon in his presence by both leaders of both houses in Malacañang on Jan. 5.

The problem is, according to Ejercito, is that People's Initiative (PI) efforts to amend the existing Charter pressed on despite what was agreed even after that meeting with the President.

"The other House did not honor that agreement," he said.

"Wala na sanang gulo kung nasunod lang ang usapan (There wouldn't be any confusion if they followed what was talked about)," he added.

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said the President is correct, and thanked him for the trust he bestowed upon the Senate.

Revilla added that the Senate has been tackling RBH6 since it was agreed upon which is why there are numerous hearings in the Senate where the opinions, positions, and recommendations of stakeholders and legal experts on Cha-cha are gathered.

"We are also grateful to our counterparts in the House for filing RBH 7 and immediately scheduling it for hearing. This proposal mirrors RBH 6 in the Senate, and will usher in an expeditious and efficient consideration and resolution of issues and concerns on the proposed amendments," he said.

"The sooner we conclude this, the better it is for our people," he added.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said that it is "worth noting" that the Senate has heeded the President’s earlier call to be at the forefront of crafting proposed Charter changes, specifically on the economic provisions in the Constitution, preserving the bicameral nature of the legislation. This was even before the “word war” between the two Chambers escalated.

He added that by taking the lead in this crucial process, the Senate demonstrates its commitment to shaping the future of our nation through thoughtful and deliberate constitutional amendments.

"Let us hope that this collaborative effort results in positive changes that benefit all Filipinos," he said.

Sen. Win Gatchalian said that it's very clear with the President that he wants the Senate to lead Cha-cha. He added hearings on this are lengthy and that they want to ensure that the constitutional amendments will benefit the people.

"Ayaw rin natin mangyari na magpapasa tayo ng proposal tapos sa pagdating lower house hindi acceptable or i-criticize nila kaya very thorough itong ginagawa nitong Senate committee on charter change (We don't want to pass a proposal that once it reaches the lower house will not be acceptable or will be criticized by them that's why the Senate Committee in charge of Charter change is very thorough in its endeavor)," he added.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, despite being against Charter-change said that those who support the President should follow his directives and let the Senate take the lead.

"The President has made his position clear. He wants the 1987 Constitution amended. Although just a few months ago he said amending the constitution was not one of his priorities. There has clearly been a change of heart," he said.

"However the President has been given no role by the constitution in the amending of the constitution. Hence the President has to depend on those who have roles in amending the constitution. According to the President, the Senate 'takes the lead'," he added.