By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It seems there’s no stopping the momentum of a people’s initiative (PI) seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution to authorize senators and congressmen to vote together in charter change (Cha-Cha).
On Wednesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia revealed that the poll body has received signature forms for the People’s Initiative or PI from about 400 cities and municipalities.
It was gathered that these areas include Quezon City, Manila, Mandaue in Cebu, Quezon Province, Laguna, and Iloilo.
Garcia said their task at this point is ministerial, meaning they can only accept the signature forms and issue a certification upon receipt of these.
Saying anyone can file the petition, Garcia explained that a petition for the People’s Initiative or PI needs to be filed once they get the required number of signatures before the Comelec can get the process rolling.
Only then will Comelec have jurisdiction on the matter, he clarified.
Comelec can then issue guidelines, give directives, and determine if there is sufficient form and substance.
It can then also verify if the signatures are indeed signatures of registered voters.
The poll body can also check — motu proprio, or on its own — if people signed because they were coerced or if they received something in return.
If this is the case, the signature will be disregarded.
If a violation was committed in obtaining the signature such as the use of public funds, a case may be brought to a court.
(el Amigo/MNM)
