MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday said that she prefers a constitutional convention (con-con) as a mode of changing the Constitution rather than a constituent assembly (con-ass).
Robredo, however, clarified that she understands the reservations of President Rodrigo Duterte on a convention as it would be more costly.
"Ideally con-con 'yung gusto ko pero naiintindihan ko kasi 'yung reservations sa ating pangulo. 'Pag con-con malaking budget 'yung kinakailangan," Robredo said at a televised press conference on Wednesday.
The vice president noted that a con-con would require budget for the election of the delegates and the entire process.
"Para kasi sa akin 'pag gusto natin talaga people participation, makapag-concentrate sa trabaho ng pag-aamyenda ng Constitution, mas maiigi 'yung con-con," the vice president said.
Robredo added that a constituent assembly would be "over and above" the duties of the members of Congress.
However, the vice president said that she is in favor of the proposal of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to form a constitutional commission that will serve as a "council of wise men."
READ: Alvarez urges Duterte to form 'council of wise men' for charter change
"Napanood ko kahapon sa balita na kung con-ass man nagbabalak 'yung Congress na magbuo ng parang constitutional committee na siya yung gaganap na parang council of elders na mag-a-advise sa Congress. Okay naman ito kaya bukas tayo sa usapan," Robredo said.
The proposed commission will be composed of at least 20 constitutional law experts that would draft the revised Constitution.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez listed retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., San Beda College of Law Dean Ranhilio Aquino, former Cagayan de Oro Mayor Reuben Canoy and Ateneo Law School Dean Emeritus Joaquin Bernas as possible members of the commission.