“NO Marites or Parites”.

Irked, after some invited guests “snubbed” the third hearing of the Committee on Constitutional Amendment and Revision of codes, Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, who chairs the committee, expressed dismay Friday, September 2, 2022.

A neophyte senator, Padilla, said this hearing is all about the country’s future as he explained that a thorough study must be given by both sides of the coin, fair and square, in tackling the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

“Sana po ay mapagbigyan niyo kami sapagkat dito ay ‘di kami nga ‘marites’ or ‘parites’. Itong bagay na ito ay hindi isinasantabi sapagkat Saligang Batas po ito,” Padilla said.

Padilla invited several experts in the Constitution, including those who favor a shift to Federalism and those who do not favor changes in the 1987 Constitution, particularly the so-called “restrictive economic” provisions.

The senator, who did not hide his disappointment, explained that this ongoing hearing is vital for the possible transformation of the country to a parliamentary system of government.

Padilla’s reaction was based on a letter sent to his committee by an invited guest from the executive, which he did not name, saying that they will review whatever recommendations will be forwarded to them by both the Senate and the House.

“We thank you Senator for the invitation. In as much as we have no opportunity to consider and review the House and Senate resolutions in relation to the mandate of the DOE, may we respectfully request that we may be allowed to submit written comments at a later date after due internal study,” the letter forwarded to his committee stated.

Padilla admitted he is piqued by this kind of attitude and response, stating that it is not his kind of personality to accommodate the “hide and seek” style of communication as he maintained that changing the existing constitution needs thorough studies and participation from all sectors.

“Ang hirap nito sa taguan hindi ako sanay sa taguan [nang] taguan,” Padilla obviously piqued said.

Meanwhile, Padilla confirmed his recent election as the new acting Executive Vice President for the PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan) Cusi faction.

The PDP-Laban replaced Karlo Alexei Nograles, who resigned from the post upon being appointed as the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

The position of Padilla is considered the second-highest position in the once-ruling party, which former President Rodrigo Duterte currently chairs.

Based on the National Executive Committee Resolution no. 29. issued on August 29, the NEC fully nominated and dully appointed Padilla as the EVP of the PDP-Laban “in an acting capacity until the next election of National Officers in a National Assembly held for that purpose.”