Questionable initiative

The plot thickens as far as the reported attempts of administration allies to install highly-favored presidential kin, albeit a presidential survey laggard, as the next head of government of the land. The fastest way to catapult the politician into power is by tinkering with the 1987 Constitution. Only then can the legislator become the country’s next Chief Executive.

The story has been going around in political circles since last year. Is it fake news? A figment of someone’s malicious mind? Consider the following events.

Nearly a year ago, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. reiterated his stance against Charter Change. Without replacing the 1987 Constitution, PBBM said the country can attract foreign investments. It ran counter to the position of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has advocated for constitutional amendments in terms of economic provisions. Before 2023 ended, the Speaker announced the Lower House will pursue Cha-cha this year.

In reaction, Senator Imee Marcos alluded to an ‘unwinnable presidentiable’ who wants to become prime minister once the country reverts to a parliamentary system of government. Days after, Romualdez denied aspiring for the prime ministership through Charter change.

The President himself seems to have reconsidered his original position. His administration is reviewing certain constitutional limitations or impediments on foreign investments and private land ownership.

Like many individuals who campaigned hard for PBBM in the last election, I expect him to speak on the issue very soon. Did he change his mind? Or will he sound the death knell to the Cha-cha initiative once and for all? Will he finally rein in the alleged political ambition of his cousin?

My unsolicited advice to our dear President: please put an end to the madness in the Lower House. Please save the institution from an image and reputational problem. The trust rating of the Lower House has dropped to 34 percent, according to a recent Publicus Asia survey. Moreover, eight in 10 Filipinos acknowledge that there is corruption in the Lower Chamber.

The Constitution can be amended or revised through a constitutional convention, a constituent assembly or a people’s