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‘Senate rules on Cha-cha on the right track’
The Senate rules on amending the 1987 Constitution are “on the right track” and ready even before the sub-committee wraps up its discourse on the Resolution of Both Houses 6 pushing Charter change, a senator said......»»
Cha-cha plebiscite and midterm polls in one event: A test of Comelec s independence
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are now leading charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the conduct of the plebiscite had Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Garcia describe the logistical preparations required for it. He argued that it should be held as a separate event from the 2025 midterm electi.....»»
Cha-cha plebiscite during mid-year elections: No media question on Comelec s apparent uncertainty
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are on the forefront of ongoing charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Com.....»»
Comelec cannot conduct Cha-cha plebiscite this year – poll chief
The Commission on Elections cannot conduct a plebiscite for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution this year, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia......»»
FPRRD: Constitutional amendment works may have started thru Con-Ass
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte called the eagerness of the Marcos administration to amend the 1987 Philippine constitution for term extension "kababuyan” (nastiness) after learning that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his allies are now resorting to amending it through a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass)......»»
Legislated amendment
After so much huffing and puffing against the controversial people’s initiative (PI), the questioned nationwide signature campaign to amend the country’s 1987 Constitution appears blown away to oblivion......»»
Transparency, accountability pivotal in Cha-cha talks, senator assures
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has underscored the unwavering commitment of the Senate to uphold its word, while placing paramount importance on the principles of transparency and accountability in the ongoing discussions surrounding the amendment of the 1987 Constitution......»»
Why mounting a 2024 plebiscite on charter change will be a daunting task for Comelec
Charter change advocates are eyeing a plebiscite this year to ratify their proposed amendment to the 1987 Constitution, but the Comelec says it doesn't have enough time, manpower, and resources to mount a nationwide vote, as the 2025 elections inch closer.....»»
4th mode of Cha-cha
In 2013, then House Speaker Quezon City 4th District Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. first initiated a move to amend to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution by legislation – a law approved by Congress. Under Belmonte’s proposal, both chambers of Congress could vote separately to pass these economic amendments into law instead of a wholesale amendment of the Constitution......»»
Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed
Senators welcomed the move of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed measure crafting a Magna Carta for seafarers. Senator Raffy Tulfo, the sponsor of Senate Bill 2221 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, said the passage of the proposed measure will promote the welfare and continuous employment of seafarers on board foreign-owned vessels. "I am very happy that we have passed the first phase of the period of amendments for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill yesterday (25 Sept), which coincides with the celebration of the National Maritime Week,” he said. In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated 25 September, Marcos emphasized the need for the immediate enactment of SB 2221 to address "recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers.” Tulfo expressed confidence that the bill will soon be passed into law. "Matapos ang unang stage ng period of amendment at ang suportang ito mula mismo kay Pangulong BBM, mas tiwala ako na mapapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill," he said, as he rallied for the need to address shortcomings in the education and certification of Filipino mariners. Among other lawmakers who filed their versions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers include Senators Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Bato dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Robinhood Padilla, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Christopher Bong Go, Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, and Zubiri. Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers earlier cited the significant role of Filipino seafarers in global trade and marine transportation. He noted the industry’s huge contribution of all overseas Filipino workers to the country's economy. Go said the Philippines has been the primary source of maritime labor and considered the manning capital of seafarers globally since 1987. Of the 1.5 million mariners worldwide, 25 percent are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry, he added. Hence, the passage of a proposed Magna Carta for the Seafarer must be crucial “for protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers in situations where they are vulnerable or exploited, such as during emergencies, accidents, or conflicts,” said Go. The post Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reinsert ‘imminent danger’ in Charter, Robin asks
The recent incident involving the use of a water cannon and dangerous maneuvers by China against Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal warrants an amendment to the Constitution, Senator Robin Padilla said Monday. During his manifestation following Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s privilege speech on China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea, Padilla pushed anew for amendments to the 1987 Constitution. “If we are reaching the point where the whole Senate is really frustrated about the actions of China, I want to remind you all that we also have a responsibility in these four walls of the Senate,” he said in Filipino. “We have a provision in our Constitution that we need to amend and that is about the declaration of martial law,” he said. He said the deletion of the phrase “imminent danger” in the 1987 Constitution, which had been an important factor in the declaration of martial law on 21 September 1972, must be corrected. “When are we going to act? That is my question. Do we have to wait for an invasion?” he asked. “Are we going to wait for them to land in Palawan before we amend the Constitution and insert back the phrase ‘imminent danger?’” he added. He continued: “The imposition of martial law does not mean we will have a flashback of what happened in 1972. It is not like that. Martial law is a thing utilized to organize the Filipino people correctly.” ROTC Padilla stressed the importance of the legislation of the proposed mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps program for higher education institutions and technical-vocational students. “It is undeniable that China has military reservists. Maybe they will just walk on us or pee on us — we will get drowned already,” he said. “What I am saying to my beloved colleagues in the Senate is let us level our anger at China with an action like the mandatory (ROTC),” he added. He continued: “I am hoping that at least with the ROTC, let us prepare our fellow Filipinos. The same goes with the imminent danger.” The post Reinsert ‘imminent danger’ in Charter, Robin asks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padilla invokes Martial Law to deal with China-WPS row
The recent incident involving the use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers by China against Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal warrants an amendment in the country’s Constitution, Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla said Monday. In his manifestation during Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s privilege speech about China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea, Padilla pushed anew his desire to amend the 1987 Constitution. “If we are reaching the point where the whole Senate is really frustrated about the actions of China, I want to remind you all that we also have a responsibility in these four sides of the Senate,” he said in Filipino. “We have a provision in our Constitution that we need to amend and that is about the declaration of martial law,” he added. He pointed out the deletion of the phrase “imminent danger” in the 1987 Constitution. The provision was among the requirements for declaring martial law under the 1973 Constitution, but was no longer included in the new Charter. The 1987 Constitution must be amended, he stressed, to bring back the "imminent danger" requirement. “When are we going to act? That is my question. Do we have to wait for an invasion?” Padilla demanded. “Are we going to wait for them to land in Palawan before we amend the Constitution and insert back the phrase ‘imminent danger’?” He continued: “The imposition of martial law does not mean we will have a flashback to what happened in 1972. It is not like that. Martial law is a thing we can use to organize the Filipino people correctly.” Padilla likewise stressed the importance of the proposed mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps program for higher education institutions and technical-vocational institution students. “It is undeniable that China has military reservists. Maybe they will just walk on us or pee on us — we will get drowned already,” he said. “What I am saying to my beloved colleagues in the Senate is, let us level our anger to China with an action like the mandatory [ROTC]. I am hoping that at least [with] the ROTC, let us prepare our fellow Filipinos. The same goes with the 'imminent danger' [provision].” The post Padilla invokes Martial Law to deal with China-WPS row appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padilla wants four-year term limit for president
Senator Robin Padilla on Thursday said he is planning to push for political amendments in the 1987 Constitution such as limiting the term of the president and elected officials to four years. In a press conference at the Senate, Padilla said this is his “alternative plan” after failing to gain enough support to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution via constitutional assembly. “We have another bill about the extension of terms, the reelection of [former] presidents, four-year term for local officials,” he said in Filipino. “If they don’t want [amendments] on the economic provision, we will try political [amendments],” he added. Asked about the basis of his plan to allow former presidents to run for office again, the neophyte senator answered: “Six years are not enough for a wise president, but for a foolish president, it is too much.” ‘Cha-cha not dead’ Padilla, who chairs the Senate panel on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, insisted that his aspiration for charter change (cha-cha) is “not yet dead.” “Maybe the [amendments on] economic provision but not cha-cha,” he said. The lawmaker is advocating for the amendment of the economic provisions through a constitutional assembly or con-ass while the House of Representatives is pushing for a constitutional convention. He explained that one of the reasons cha-cha in Congress “died” is due to the issue of Speakership in the House of Representatives. “It ultimately died after the row in the lower chamber,” he said. Last week, reports about the speakership row emerged after former president and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was stripped of her title as senior deputy Speaker. Arroyo was replaced by Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales. The move fueled speculations that it was related to a failed attempt by the former president to oust Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The veteran politician had admitted that she was gunning for the speakership last year but that is “no longer part” of her “political objectives” at this point. The post Padilla wants four-year term limit for president appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Charter stumbling block in joint oil search
Senator Robinhood Padilla on Thursday said the “outdated” economic provisions of the Philippine 1987 Constitution are a “stumbling block” to the Philippines and China’s possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea. “For so many times, the limitations in our Constitution have been an issue in discussions on oil and gas exploration,” Padilla said in a statement. “Thus, with the upcoming resumption of the talks, does this mean our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is open to amending outdated economic provisions of our Charter, particularly Sec. II, Art. XII that states the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State?” he continued. Earlier this month, the DFA announced that the Philippines and China will hold their “preparatory talks” in Beijing for the possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea in May. Padilla, who is pushing for an economic charter amendment through a Constitutional Assembly, also cited the recent Supreme Court ruling which invalidated and declared unconstitutional the 2005 Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking as one of the “stumbling blocks.” “Another stumbling block is the decision of our Supreme Court last January, ruling as unconstitutional the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking,” he said, referring to a tripartite agreement signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that allowed the Philippines with China and Vietnam to conduct explorations for oil resources in the South China Sea. Padilla stressed that time should not be wasted in amending the Constitution. “There is no time to lose. Filipinos have long felt the effects of a shortage of oil: joblessness, lack of sufficient income, and rising transport costs and prices of basic goods,” he said. “Because of these, I am one with those hoping for the success of the discussions, as well as a solution between the Philippines and China to end the suffering of ordinary Filipinos,” he added. The DFA previously said that the Philippines is open to restarting negotiations with China, so long as discussions fall within the limits stipulated in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. In 2018, the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China on joint oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. However, Duterte, a week before stepping down from office in June last year, ordered then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to terminate the discussion on joint exploration with China, citing that “three years on and we had not achieved our objective of developing oil and gas resources so critical for the Philippines but not at the price of sovereignty; not even a particle of it”. The post Charter stumbling block in joint oil search appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa, Tolentino seek charter amendment on democratic representation
Two pro-administration senators are seeking changes to the 1987 Constitution on "democratic representation" apart from economic provisions of the charter, a resolution filed in the chamber showed......»»
Inevitable change
Proposals for constitutional amendment have been up for discussion numerous times in the Legislative. The current and past administrations have seen several contentious provisions in the 1987 Constitution, particularly on its inapplicability to and debilitating effects on these modern times. Many political and constitutional scholars say that a Constitution is supposed to endure changes in society over time......»»
Mommy Dionisia, Mike Yamson 10 years nang magdyowa: Thank you, Lord!
SAMPUNG taon nang magkarelasyon ngayon ang nanay ni Manny Pacquiao na si Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao at ang boyfriend niyang si Mike Yamson. Yes, yes, yes mga ka-Marites! Ten years nang magdyowa ang dalawa at in fairness, going strong pa rin ang relasyon at mas lalo pa raw nagiging solid sa paglipas ng panahon. Twenty-seven years.....»»
Milk tariff collections rise by 31% to P2.4 billion
Revenues raised by the government from various imported milk products jumped by 31 percent to P2.36 billion in 2023, the highest in at least eight years, from P1.8 billion in 2022......»»
88% of Pinoys oppose Cha-cha – Pulse Asia
Public opinion on Charter change, which last year was roughly divided among Filipinos, is now largely skewed toward those opposed to changing the country’s Constitution, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed......»»
Red carpet to be rolled out for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will leave no stone unturned for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 – in terms of hosting the event for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years......»»