Barangay officials who participate in the signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution may face sanctions, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DILG Undersecretary Chito Valmocina said they received reports that some village officials are gathering signatures to push for Charter change (Cha-cha) through the people’s initiative method.
Under the 1987 constitution, at least 3 percent of the registered voters of every congressional district must sign for the initiative to succeed.
According to Valmocina, village officials are not allowed to engage in activities related to the initiative.
“Halimbawa po, ang isang barangay official siya mismo ang bumababa at nagpapa-pirma sa mga tao, siyempre may violation na roon,” he said.
“I-black and white niyo kung meron kayong nakita kasi hindi puwede ‘yong hearsay,” Valmocina added.
In a report by ABS-CBN News, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the move to change the Constitution to make the Senate and the House of Representatives vote jointly on revisions or amendments threatens legislative checks and balances.
“What they’re asking [for] is a blank check for the House. The House will get a blank check to change anything, including revision.”
As of Jan. 20, some 700 cities and municipalities have submitted to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) the required signature forms for the people’s initiative.IMT
