Press Release - Cayetano expects healthy Senate debate on constitutional amendments

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is looking forward to the Senate holding vigorous discussions on the 1987 Constitution's economic amendments.

This as the Senate gets set today (Monday) to deliberate on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH No.6) which deals with proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

"We hope that the Senate can be the kind of institution that will have healthy debate, where all ideas are welcome," Cayetano said.

RBH No. 6 was filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, together with Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Senator Sonny Angara.

This morning, it is set to tackle three proposed amendments on economic provisions only, namely on public services, education, and advertising.

Cayetano said a balanced discourse is needed because of its potential impact in the country.

In an interview with reporters last week, Cayetano said there are many "deep issues" that need to be discussed.

"If you talk about actual constitutional change, merong mga malalalim na isyu na dapat talagang pag-usapan. I understand if we want to spend our political capital on amending economic provisions kasi malaki ang balik nito eh. Maraming positive na effect ito," he said.

He said the Peoples' Initiative (PI), which had resulted in a word war between members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, should not be given capital and energy.

"'Pag binaboy at mali 'yong proseso, mali na 'tong lahat... Remember, the Senate and House are two halves of one whole... We have to be wary, where we want to spend our political capital," the senator said, referring to shortcuts the PI was proposing.

The Commission on Elecions (COMELEC) had already indefinitely suspended all PI proceedings on January 30.

Following developments on PI and RBH 6, both chambers agreed on a ceasefire over PI on February 4. The Senate also agreed to pause its PI inquiry.

Cayetano, inaasahan ang malalim na talakayan ng Senado tungkol sa Cha-cha

Inaasahan ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang malawak na diskusyon ng Senado tungkol sa panukalang amyendahan ang ilang probisyon sa ekonomiya ng 1987 Constitution.

Nakatakda ngayong araw (Lunes) na pag-usapan sa Senado ang Resolution of Both