People’s Initiative Act under scrutiny

Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday filed a resolution urging the Senate to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the efficacy of Republic Act 6735, or The Initiative and Referendum Act.

Marcos, who has been vocal about her opposition to the House of Representatives-led Charter change, filed Senate Resolution 903 amid the reported push for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“In order to ensure that there is a realistic avenue for the people to propose amendments to the Constitution or to propose national or local legislation, as well as to approve or reject a local or national law or resolution, there is a need to examine the efficacy of RA 6735 in providing for a system of initiative and referendum,” the resolution read.

Earlier this week, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman claimed that members of the House of Representatives supermajority coalition had launched a signature campaign for Charter change via a people’s initiative.

Lagman alleged that proponents of Charter change were encouraging voters to sign the petition for a people’s initiative in exchange for P100.

“During the meeting, they were informed that the people’s initiative would be used as the mode for amending the Constitution and they were given mobilization funds and the forms to be signed by at least three percent of the registered voters of the legislative district to which their municipalities belong,” he said.

“Voters who would sign the petition for a people’s initiative will be given P100 each, 50 percent of which has already been advanced to the municipal mayors and respective coordinators,” he added.

On Tuesday, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte revealed that a people’s initiative for cha-cha is also happening in Davao City.

In a Facebook post, Duterte aired his frustration over the people’s initiative purportedly spearheaded by PBA Partylist Rep. Margarita Nograles.

“I was informed that PBA Partylist Rep. Margarita ‘Migs’ Nograles is spearheading the PI movement in Davao City,” Duterte said.

“I am against this people’s initiative as this is not the people’s voice but the voice of a few who want to perpetuate themselves in power,” he added.