ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda on Wednesday criticized the Senate for dismissing the people’s initiative and urged senators to genuinely consider public opinion on amending the 1987 Constitution.
“Bakit kayo takot sa tao? Eh ang gagaling naman ninyo. ‘Di ba 24 kayo? Nagkaisa kayo eh ‘di makukumbinsi niyo ‘yung tao magboto ng “no” (against people’s initiative),” Salceda challenged the senators.
The chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means insisted that it is high time for the people’s voices to be heard on constitutional reforms.
“Hindi naman lagi na lang kayong nakikinig sa mga senador. Lagi na lang kayong nakikinig sa mga congressman. Bakit hindi natin pabayaan ang tao? Kaya nga nilagay ‘yan sa 1987 Constitution, ang people’s initiative. Para saan pa ‘yun?” he pointed out.
“Once and for all, why won’t we listen to the people? Let them speak,” Salceda said, directing his statement to 24 senators who unanimously signed a manifesto condemning the ongoing people’s initiative, citing allegations of bribery and other illicit activities.
Salceda questioned why senators appeared hesitant about the public’s opinion instead of encouraging them to vote “no” against the ongoing signature campaign, which calls for a constitutional amendment allowing Congress to “vote jointly” in future attempts to change the Constitution.
Salceda also vehemently rejected claims of bribery and other unlawful activities in the current signature drive for a people’s initiative to amend the Charter, asserting with conviction that Filipinos are discerning individuals who cannot be fooled or easily swayed.
“Susmaryosep! Hindi ganoong kaano ang mga Pilipino. Napakababa naman ng tingin nila sa tao. Hindi ‘yan basta-basta pipirma eh,” Salceda said
metrosundaily
