OFFICERS and members of the House of Representatives will not attend tomorrow’s Senate hearing on the ongoing people’s initiative to propose a single amendment to the Constitution, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe today said.
He was reacting to the public invitation extended by Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on electoral reforms.
“While we appreciate Senator Marcos’ open invitation to the Senate probe, it seems we in the House have our hands full crafting legislation aimed at enhancing the lives of our fellow Filipinos. It’s a demanding task, but someone’s got to do it,” Dalipe said.
“Perhaps while we focus on building bridges, others seem more inclined to hunt for witches. But rest assured, should our legislative schedule allow, we’d be more than willing to engage in fruitful discussions, preferably ones that construct, not deconstruct, our collective efforts for national progress,” he said.
Congressmen have distanced themselves from the people’s initiative, saying they have nothing to do with it.
They conceded though that it is the people’s ultimate right enshrined in the Constitution to directly proposes changes in the Charter.
