‘No more time for Cha-cha’
THREE senators stressed that they have NO time for the last-minute proposal in the House of Representatives to push for longer terms for the president, congressmen, and local officials by amending the 1987 Constitution.
Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III stressed that it would be “too late in the day” for the constitutional amendments to be tackled, saying this measure should be pushed in the 19th Congress instead.
“Parliamentary ethics dictate that I do not question the motive of a fellow legislator, but what I can say is ‘it’s too late in the day.’ They should try that in the 19th Congress. Good luck,” Sotto, said.
For his part, Senator Panfilo Lacson agreed to Sotto’s statement saying that even in the 18th Congress, the push for Charter change has not been successful.
“I don’t think there’s still time to tackle any measure that involves Charter Change. Kung noon ngang mga nakaraang taon, hindi nangyari – lalo na ngayon that we have only nine session days left, not including the joint session of Congress to convene as the National Canvassing Board for President and Vice President,” paliwanag ni Lacson.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the proposal should not be taken seriously.
“Papatulan pa ba yang ganyang klaseng balita?” he asked.
The Houses of Congress and Senate are set to resume session on January 17 and will adjourn sessions again on February 4, 2022.
Congress will resume session on May 23, 2022 or after the 2022 national and local elections where a new set of senators and congressmen will be elected.
