By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is determined to uncover the driving force behind the movement to amend the Constitution through a so-called people’s initiative.
“The sole motive of those orchestrating this people’s initiative is to sideline the members of the Senate—individuals elected by the entire nation—from participating in amending or revising the Constitution. Rest assured, we will closely monitor this,” remarked Hontiveros.
“If they persist in pushing this agenda, we must ascertain who truly is behind and financing this purported ‘people’s initiative,'” she added.
Hontiveros emphasized that instead of fixating on the people’s initiative, attention should be directed toward addressing issues such as low wages, soaring commodity prices, escalating corruption, and China’s persistent encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Senate, alongside the Filipino people, stands as a vanguard of democracy. We will not permit this to become an effortless, one-sided struggle. We will confront their planned deceit and disrespect for our Constitution with a resolute fight,” declared the senator.
Hontiveros also contended that labeling it a people’s initiative is inaccurate if the public is not the instigator of the plan.
“Right from the start, when the advertisement went viral, it was evident that this move was solely for the benefit of those with abusive personal interests. The organizers behind the TV ad and those distributing the forms raise suspicions, as they refuse to reveal their identities and hide behind a law firm,” she remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
