Press Release
March 27, 2009

Withdraw support for Con-Ass; Be one with the people
Chiz dares House Speaker Nograles

Senator Chiz Escudero said yesterday that House Speaker Prospero Nograles should heed the people's opposition to charter change before 2010 by withdrawing his support from the draft resolution calling for a constituent assembly.

"I urge and challenge the Speaker not to give in to the pressure of the House cha-cha train. He should stand his ground for the people even at the expense of losing his position," he said in a statement.

Escudero, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, noted that the latest Pulse Asia survey shows that two out of three Filipinos do not favor changing the constitution at this time.

Conducted from February 2 to 15, the Pulse Asia poll also shows that public opposition to cha-cha is a "view shared by majorities (60% to 70%) in all geographic areas and socio-economic groupings."

"The right time for charter change is not now, but after 2010. The Senate will not be a party to this charade and the people will surely reject any proposed amendments at this time," Escudero said.

The senator also pointed out that Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Jose Melo has said it is no longer possible to hold a plebiscite on charter change before the 2010 elections.

"Why even push and rush it at this time? At a time when we are confronting a deepening economic crisis, the last thing we want to engage in is a divisive debate on charter change," Escudero said.

Nograles has said that he will file the draft resolution calling for the convening of a constituent assembly (Con-Ass) to amend the constitution after it was able to get the support of 175 congressmen

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