Press Release
December 8, 2008

CONCON NOT CON-ASS

Senator Rodolfo G Biazon today filed Joint Resolution No. 18 calling for a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to or revisions of the Constitution.

"The credibility of political institutions in our country is so eroded that even the implementation of laws, programs and resolutions of political controversies through institutional processes do not provide political, social and economic stability."

"This is the reason for the massive public opposition to the proposed Constitutional Assembly (CON-ASS) being pushed by politicians who are now in power. The general perception is that the proposed amendments to the fundamental law are designed to serve the political interests of those in power."

"Challenges brought about by the changing social, political, and economic environment both here in the country and abroad may require adjustments in the Constitution to enable the country to adjust and cope with these new developments."

"There are clamors for changes in the form of government, the legislative system, socio-economic framework, the jurisdiction of the Commission on Appointments, and such other matters which require amendments to the constitution."

"Because the Constitution is the fundamental law of the land and the foundation of the social, political, and economic stability of the country, our people should have a direct role in the framing of their Constitution and by reason thereof, the persons tasked with enshrining the ideals and aspirations of our people in the Constitution should be chosen by the people themselves."

"I therefore filed Joint Resolution No. 18 to convene the Constitutional Convention after the national election of 2010."

Biazon said this call is basically composed of four steps:

Approval of a joint resolution of Congress convening the CONCON; Election of the CONCON delegates simultaneous with the national election in May 2010; Convening of the CONCON during the 15th Congress and the first year of the next Administration; and Submission of the proposed amendments to or revisions of the 1987 Constitution to the people for ratification through a plebiscite.

"This will be a process that will be completed within the incumbency of the two Administrations, the current and the next after May 2010 and two Congresses, the present 14th and the next 15th Congresses. This will reduce suspicions of the Constitution being manipulated by politicians to serve their interests."

"THIS WILL EFFECTIVELY STOP THE CON-ASS MOVES BY PRESENT POLITICIANS WHO ARE IN POWER!!"

"To avoid added expenses for the election of the members of the Constitutional Convention, such election should coincide with the coming national and local elections on the second Monday of May 2010."

Senator Biazon said the members of the present Congress may not be the best persons to propose amendments to, or revision of, the constitution as their proposals may be viewed to be biased towards their interests and those of their kin.

"Any effort by Congress, acting as a Constituent Assembly, to propose amendments to, or revision of, the constitution may only serve to divide the attention and resources of the Legislature that are best devoted to the formulation of measures that would help improve the country's economic and social conditions."

Biazon concluded, "It is more prudent to have the Constitution reviewed for possible amendments or revision by a Constitutional Convention that shall serve as a forum for an intelligent and independent discussion, profound study and passionate debate on the proposed remedies to perceived charter defects."

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