Consultative committee: We are not influenced by politics

MANILA, Philippines — Members of President Duterte’s consultative committee (Concom) assured the public of their independence following their decision to include anti-political dynasty provisions and educational requirement for elective officials in the Constitution they are drafting. 

Antonio Eduardo Nachura, retired associate justice of the Supreme Court, said they would not be influenced by lawmakers who attempt to revise the Charter for their own political interests. 

Nachura also noted that the President himself has given his full trust and confidence to the Concom members tasked to review the 1987 Constitution during their oath taking in Malacañang last month. 

“I won’t say anything because I don’t want you to feel that I am trying to influence anyone of you,” Nachura quoted Duterte as saying.

For his part, former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the qualifications of barangay officials and senators should not be the same.

“Their duties are different so a senator should possess a wider perspective in life through his educational attainment,” Pimentel said.