Press Release - Constitutional amendments now being pushed through People's Initiative, threat to 'checks and balance' in gov't -- Bong Go

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, January 24, after attending the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Lung Center of the Philippines, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his strong opposition to the ongoing People's Initiative, highlighting a united front from the Senate and raising concerns about the implications for the Filipino people and the country's democratic framework.

Go elaborated on the unanimous decision by the Senate against the ongoing People's Initiative through a manifesto signed by all of the senators on Tuesday.

"Unanimously, 24-0 pumirma po sa manifesto... lahat po ng senador ay tutol dito sa People's Initiative dahil alam naman natin na, I'm sure, na hindi po na-explain nang mabuti sa publiko yan kung ano yung napapaloob do'n sa pinapapirma sa kanila," said Go.

The senator emphasized the importance of safeguarding the constitution and the Senate as an institution, to ensure there are 'checks and balances' in government. He added that any proposed amendment to the constitution must focus on the welfare of ordinary Filipino citizens and not for political gain of anyone.

"Protect the constitution, the Senate as an institution, and our democracy. Protect the will of the people, protect the interest of the people," he asserted.

"Unahin po natin ang interes ng ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino. Hindi po ang pulitiko ang dapat na makikinabang dito. That has been my position at hindi po nagbago yan. Unahin po natin ang interes ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan." he added.

The Senate manifesto emphasizes the risks associated with the current PI's proposal that the Senate and the House of Representatives vote jointly rather than separately as a constituent assembly on constitutional amendments.

"Kung ang nakalagay doon is voting jointly na po ang gagawin, papano po yung checks and balances ng gobyerno," he questioned.

Go also emphasized the critical yet equal roles of the Lower House and the Upper House which is the Senate in the legislative process of the Philippines. "Kaya nga po tayo may Lower House, kaya nga po mayroon tayong Senado para kapag ipinasa ang batas, o yung bill sa Lower House ay may magtse-check rin po sa Senado," he stated.

"Kaya