(GMA NEWS) Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said Friday that amendments to the 1987 Constitution should be voted on separately by both Houses of Congress and not jointly.
In an online interview, Estrada said “no way” amendments would be voted on jointly, as “Congress” refered to the entire legislative branch, not just the House of Representatives.
“It is reasonable to assert that any proposed amendment or revision to the Constitution should be voted on separately by both Houses of Congress,” he said.
“Kung yung ultimo mga local bills, pagpapalit ng pangalan ng mga kalsada ay dumadaan sa Senado para pagbotohan at aprubahan, ano pa kaya itong pag-aamyenda ng Saligang Batas?” he added.
He noted that former Senate Presidents Franklin Drilon and Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. and former Justices of the Supreme Court also believed that the voting process should be separate.
“Ignoring the Senate’s role and voice in the amendment process would violate the principle of bicameralism and the separation of powers. It would also undermine the legitimacy and credibility of the proposed changes, as they would not reflect the will of the entire Filipino people. Still, only a fraction of their representatives,” he said.
Asked if he would agree to a joint session instead of joint voting, Estrada stressed that although he respected the wisdom of the majority of the Senate, he still wouldn’t agree.
“Ako, I bow to the wisdom of the majority of those in the Senate. Hindi natin alam baka pwede ring trap yan o hindi. They must show proof of life muna bago kami sumabak diyan, mahirap e,” he said.
Estrada also hoped his colleagues would engage in a constructive and respectful dialogue and that the House of Representatives would respect the Senate’s constitutional mandate and prerogative instead of dismissing them. — DVM, GMA Integrated News