Senate to resume Cha-cha hearings next week

January 11, 2018 - 9:48 AM
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Philstar file photo of Sen. Francis Pangilinan

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will resume hearings on proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution on January 17, Wednesday, Senator Francis Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan, chair of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, said the hearing would tackle three bills:

  • Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon
  • Joint Resolution No. 1 by Senator Richard Gordon
  • Senate Bill No. 128 by Senator Miguel Zubiri

Pangilinan said they will seek to determine if there really is a need to amend the Constitution and, if so, which parts should be revised and why, and if the changes should be done through a constituent assembly of Congress or elected delegates to a constitutional convention.

Aside from these, Pangilinan also noted the importance of settling once and for all if a constituent assembly requires the Senate and House of Representatives to vote jointly or separately on the proposed amendments.

Expected to attend the hearing are constitution experts, members of the academe, business sector, labor, civil society, and other stakeholders.