Vice President Sara bucks Cha-cha moves: Guard the Constitution

MANILA, Philippines — Rejecting the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution is “to guard the Constitution,” Vice President Sara Duterte said yesterday, as she joined the pushback against the move seen as “tainted” by reports of bribery by its proponents.

“My fellow Filipinos, the ‘Money in exchange for signatures for the People’s Initiative’ continues daily in Davao City and other parts of the country. This is a reflection of the proclivity of politicians to buy votes during elections,” Duterte said in a statement.

She issued the statement a week after her older brother Paolo, who is Davao City representative, expressed his opposition to the people’s initiative, which aims to gather the signatures of at least 12 percent of registered voters per legislative district, to set into motion amendments to the Constitution.

“This is how they take advantage of the dire situation of poor Filipinos and violate their right to decide freely, without any fear or influence from money,” the Vice President said.

“For Filipinos, let’s also remember that exchanging signatures for bribes has serious consequences on our lives, freedom and future,” she added.

She also scored the proponents of the people’s initiative efforts and Charter change proponents in general, saying amending the Constitution should be the least of their worries amid the prevalence of poverty as well as uncertainties in peace and order.

“I hope we will first discuss the welfare of Filipinos rather than allowing foreigners into our country. Let’s put the Philippines first. Let’s take care of our Constitution,” she added.

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros has also voiced her opposition to moves to amend or even revise the Constitution, saying the country has more pressing problems that cannot be solved by Charter change.

In an interview with ANC yesterday, Hontiveros cited the soaring prices of goods, as well as red tape and corruption in government, that she said are the real stumbling block to the country’s progress.

“The top issues of the Filipino people are the prices of food and goods, working people’s salaries, corruption in government. Even China’s bullying at the West Philippine Sea,” Hontiveros