Bong casts doubt on proposed Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. on Thursday expressed apprehension that the current moves to amend the 1987 Constitution might be used to revise term limits and definitions of power of the three co-equal branches of government.

While he is open to amendments on certain economic provisions of the Charter, Revilla expressed apprehension on information that the proposals to “surgically” amend some economic provisions is actually a cover to amend political provisions.

He did not discount the possibility of collusion between Malacañang and its allies in Congress on the latest Cha-cha moves.

“Bukas naman tayo na pag-usapan ang ilang probisyon ng Saligang Batas pero hindi dapat galawin ang mga political provision na malinaw na ang kasalukuyang administrayon at mga kaalyado lang nito ang makikinabang,” Revilla said in a statement.

Revilla issued the statement a day after the Palace said President Aquino is open to discussing with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. his views on the proposed amendment to the economic provisions in the constitution.

He also scored the means by which administration allies would want to amend the constitution, citing that there are only two constitutional modes provided for – either through a Constitutional Convention or through a Constituent assembly. “The method being pushed is neither. Pati ang proseso ay hindi iginagalang,” Revilla said.

Revilla  said he received information that the present Aquino administration want the amendments to tinker on political limits of terms in addition to strengthening the executive on financial authority.

“May nakapagsabi kasi sa atin na may balak ang administrasyong ito na higit pang palakasin ang ehekutibo, lalo na sa usaping pananalapi,” he said.

"Sinabi rin ng source natin na ito, na balak din nilang galawin ang term limits para masiguro ang kanilang pamamayagpag beyond 2016.  Nakikita daw nila kasi ang kahinaan ng kanilang mga magiging kandidato kaya kailangan nilang gumawa ng ibang paraan,” Revilla added.

Revilla, who has been implicated in the pork barrel controversy, also expressed disbelief in Malacañang’s claims that the President and his men know nothing about the Cha-cha push.

He explained that this is highly improbable considering that presidential allies started the ball rolling in the House of Representatives.

“We again see double talk from Malacañang.  They said that they do not impose on Congress,” Revilla said.

“If they don’t, then what do they call what they did in the Corona impeachment; and their meddling in the RH and sin tax bills? If that is not imposing, I don’t know what is,” he pointed out.

“Sabi nila wala silang kinalaman sa Cha-Cha, pero hinahayaan naman nila ang mga ka-alyado nila na umalagwa.  Tandaan natin, nang maghugas kamay si Pilato, parang siya na rin ang nagpapako kay Kristo sa Krus,” Revilla said.