Discussions on the 1987 Constitution are directed toward national progress and not bickering, Sen. Robin Padilla said Sunday.
He stressed this in a statement after he suspended Friday the second public hearing conducted by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments which he chairs.
“But we are not closing the discussion on the subject, definitely not,” he said.
Padilla pointed out that the hearings, including the first done on Aug. 25, aim to gather enough information and knowledge on how the Charter can be enhanced to address the problems facing the country.
“We are gathering information on how to benefit our people. We are not fighting. If you hear people raising their voices, it is out of passion for positive change. But what we are doing is necessary,” he said.
“What we need is to discuss how we will ensure progress. We cannot rely on promises if we want change. We must act and not just talk,” the former movie star added.
Padilla said the committee hearings intend to determine the actions needed to solve the problems of Filipinos, including joblessness, high electricity rates, and low wages.
He added both sides in the debate, including those favoring the 1987 Constitution and those favoring amendments to it, have their respective merits.
“This is why the committee does not favor one over the other,” he added.
Sen. Christopher Go has expressed his support for calls to shift the country’s system of governance to federalism, citing the need to educate the Filipino people about its benefits.
“It is that which empowers public institutions, embodies fundamental regulations and principles, provides people’s rights, and maintains law and order in the country,” explained the senator.
“It is the very backbone of society and equips legislators with the basis for proposing and enacting laws, a power that is vital in addressing the needs and interests of the nation and our people,” he added.
However, Go noted that, remarkable as it is, the current Constitution contains provisions that are either outdated or are no longer helping the country “grow and advance alongside today’s most pressing concerns.”
One of the needed amendments, he said, is one that would allow a shift to federalism to promote more equitable regional development throughout the country.
Go added that regions will have greater autonomy and control under federalism, giving them the ability to solve their own problems and offer more appropriate and timely solutions.
He pointed out that the benefits of a stronger local government are ensured, and the lives of Filipinos are prioritized.
“The goal and beauty of federalism is to preserve personal or regional liberties by distributing and allocating the powers of government so that one department or group may not dominate all powers,” said Go.
He said this will ensure that true participation and decision-making happen on the ground.