Lawmakers flag 'vote-buying' in Charter change signature campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Local executives have allegedly been tasked with carrying out a people's initiative signature drive for Charter change that involves P100 payouts to each constituent who signs the petition, House lawmakers said over the weekend. 

Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay, 1st District) said on Saturday that mayors of his represented district in the province of Albay were given “mobilization funds” to clinch the signatures of their constituents in support of allowing Congress to vote on changes to the Constitution jointly. 

A copy of the alleged petition that Lagman showed reporters stated that it wants to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow the Senate and the House to vote as one instead of convening separately when deciding on possible changes to the 1987 Constitution. This would effectively give the House an upper hand in Cha-cha talks as the 315-member lower chamber outnumbers the Senate.

“This movement is apparently nationwide as Congressmen belonging to various political parties have been sent the necessary forms,” said Lagman, who showed reporters a copy of the form.

Three mayors from Albay who informed Lagman of the arrangement were reportedly given a 50% advance payment for the signature campaign that covers the cost of clinching 3% of the voters in each district — the minimum requirement for a successful people’s initiative campaign for Cha-cha.

Lagman said that the meeting with Albay mayors for the distribution of the signature campaign was attended by past and present lawmakers of the Ako Bicol partylist.

“Former Ako Bicol Party-List Congressman Pido Garbin is expected to deny that the various municipal mayors present during the meeting in the afternoon of 05 January 2024 at Ellis Hotel in Legazpi City received from Ako Bicol coordinators 50% of the total amount of P100/voter constituting 3% of the total voters per municipality compromising their legislative districts," the lawmaker said.

During the said meeting, incumbent Ako Bicol congressman Rep. Raul Angelo "Jil" Bongalon was also present at Ellis Hotel, which is reportedly owned by partymate Rep. Elizaldy Co, said Lagman.

In a statement, League of Municipalities of the Philippines - Albay