Senate says ‘people’s initiative’ exploits democratic process
The Senate issued a manifesto condemning the “people’s initiative” to amend provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which they said will undermine the power of the Senate. .....»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Signature drive for people’s initiative to continue – PIRMA
The signature drive for a people’s initiative will continue despite the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Senate, according to the lead convenor of the People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action......»»
PMPI Issues Urgent Warning against Alleged Manipulation of People s Initiative for Constitutional Amendments
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) expresses alarm over reports that a campaign to amend our Constitution through the people's initiative has begun.Various accounts have alleged that payment or aid is being used to lure people to sign documents to push for the so-called charter change through a people's initiative. Worse, there are reports that local government officials have facilitated these alleged c.....»»
PMPI Issues Urgent Warning against Alleged Manipulation of People s Initiative for Constitutional Amendments
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) expresses alarm over reports that a campaign to amend our Constitution through the people's initiative has begun.Various accounts have alleged that payment or aid is being used to lure people to sign documents to push for the so-called charter change through a people's initiative. Worse, there are reports that local government officials have facilitated these alleged c.....»»
Rama pushes for open, democratic approach to charter change
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is pushing for open and democratic discussions about charter change, including holding a referendum during the 2025 elections to gauge public opinion on potential constitutional amendments. Through his program, Ingna’ng Mayor, aired on Sugboanon Channel on Tuesday, February 13, he called for a “referendum” process to.....»»
PIRMA head faces Senate contempt raps
The People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action or PIRMA must divulge to the Senate the names of donors who funded the television ad bashing EDSA people power or face criminal charges, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros warned yesterday......»»
Dipolog bishop urges people not to sell signatures for people’s initiative
'A people’s initiative that does not genuinely come from the people themselves... only favor the interests of the powerful few,' says Dioscese of Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare.....»»
Improvement sought in ‘very rotten’ budget process
Congress should exercise greater transparency in its budget process, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, who called the process “very rotten.”.....»»
People in Davao ‘deceived’ into signing people’s initiative forms – barangay officials
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 03 February) – Voters in the city were deceived into signing documents purportedly in exchange for money and other benefits but were actually meant to gather signatures for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, barangay officials from Davao City claimed during a Senate hearing on Friday. The witnesses alleged […].....»»
Senators praise Comelec for suspending people’s initiative proceedings
MANILA, Philippines — Senators rejoiced at the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to suspend all proceedings related to a people’s initiative aimed at amending the 1987 Constitution, saying that it is nothing but a victory for the Filipino people. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, in a statement, said the Philippine government has finally.....»»
Amid House-Senate rift, Romualdez seeks common ground on Cha-cha with Zubiri
After the Senate delivered a scathing rejection of the ongoing People’s Initiative (PI) campaign to amend the Charter, House Speaker Martin Romualdez has reached out to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to express the lower chamber's support for an alternative PI led by the upper chamber......»»
Isinusulong na Cha-cha, Peso initiative not peoples initiative — Senador
NANINIWALA si Senador Sherwin Gatchalian na hindi maaring tawagin pang Peoples Initiative kundi Pera initiative na ito ay dahil kapalit ng paglagda ng taong bayan ay may kapalit na halaga. Ayon kay Gatchalian batay sa impormasyong kanyang nakalap sa bawat pirma ng isang tao ay mayroong kapalit na isang daan o dalawang daang piso. Kung ….....»»
Senate, House joint resolution on Cha-Cha now suspended, says Pimentel
After a strongly worded manifesto, the Senate hits the brakes on charter change until they can ascertain the 'real agenda,' says Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel.....»»
People’s initiative advocates: 8 million signatures in 3 months
Despite the Senate’s rejection, proponents of Charter change through people’s initiative are still gathering required signatures and are hoping for a plebiscite by October......»»
DFA says PH committed to ‘One China policy’ after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s president-elect
In a statement, the DFA said the message of Marcos was “his way of thanking” Taiwan for hosting nearly 200,000 overseas Filipino workers and conducting a “successful democratic process.” .....»»
Philippines reaffirms ‘One China policy’ after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai
'The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,' the Department of Foreign Affairs statement says.....»»
Bill pushing P100 daily wage hike gets Senate nod on 2nd reading
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill pushing for a P100-daily minimum wage hike for private sector workers. Senate Bill No. 2534 under Committee Report No. 190 was unanimously approved during Wednesday’s plenary session. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that once the wage hike bill gets the final.....»»
No order from me to push people’s initiative, says Romualdez
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday denied any link to push Charter change (Cha-cha) via people’s initiative (PI). He told reporters that he gave no order to members of the House of Representatives to undertake such a campaign, after Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, in a news conference earlier on Monday, linked him to.....»»
Speed of Cha-cha signatures betrays fake people s initiative campaign, lawmaker says
“I think that the speed that these signatures are being gathered shows that there is indeed an organized effort with a lot of resources pushing for this fake people's initiative (PI),” Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) said in a message to Philstar.com......»»
Terrorists are jokers
The Anti-terror Law is a product of hysteria and paranoia of the previous administration. It aims to fight terrorism, but it is by itself the mother of all terrors, so it seems. From it emerge the awkward, leery stunts and exploits of those in the corridors of power. One big reason why I have never […].....»»