CHA-CHA, NOW OR NEVER—REMULLA
Opposition congressman Gilbert Remulla (2nd Dist., Cavite) today said now is the best time to push the charter change initiative (cha-cha) “since there are hardly any objections” that could again impede efforts to plug the many loopholes in the 1987 Constitution.
“Now is the best time for cha-cha because unlike before, there are hardly any objections on this growing clamor for constitutional reforms. If we can’t do it now, we might not be able to do it in our entire lifetime,” Remulla said.
Remulla said that there is a general consensus that the 1987 Constitution needs important corrections and although there is sputtering opposition from some quarters, their objections are limited so far on the motive behind this effort.
Instead of questioning the motive of the cha-cha proponents, Remulla advised critics to actively participate in the move to gather constructive inputs that could help in the formulation of a cha-cha agenda which truly reflects public sentiment, including the sector that their represent.
“Our country can’t go on like this where public interest is often being overshadowed by distrust and constant political bickering. For once, we should at least attempt to unite and move together to correct the defects in our Constitution,” Remulla said.
Remulla also pointed out that the climate is ripe for cha-cha because even most members of the opposition from both the House of Representatives and the Senate have already expressed their support for constitutional reform.
“As a member of the minority, I should be one of those who are most concerned on this cha-cha move but like most of my colleagues in the opposition, I believe that we should now accept the fact that our Constitution is seriously flawed and should be corrected,” he pointed out to dismiss claims that the cha-cha could be used to advance various political interests.