Opposition to the Congress majority plan to convene the Constituent Assembly has been registered quickly in the House of Representatives but proponents believe that the super majority’s plan will prevail in the end.
The Makabayan bloc which has allied itself as part of the Malacañang-backed super majority quickly objected to the proposal to convene Congress into a Con-Ass for the purpose of amending the 1987 Constitution.
On the other hand, the minuscule minority led by Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat aired misgivings over the Con-Ass decision, pointing out that the body might not be able to make a comprehensive study of Charter amendents.
“We, Makabayan bloc in the House of Representative, express our objection to the proposed Constituent Assembly. Con-Ass will not be acceptable to the people as they perceive Congress to be dominated by political dynasties and fear that vested and self-serving interests would inevitably influence proposed changes to the Constitution,” stated the Left-leaning Makabayan bloc headed by ACT party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.
The group of administration lawmakers said strong opposition to Con-Ass is evident in social media, adding that the objection has been “fast and furious.”
“Makabayan will strongly oppose any effort to revise the Constitution that will do away with its protectionist economic provisions, remove the anti-dynasty clause, and lift term limits of elected officials,” the Makabayan said. (Ben R. Rosario)