About 400 cities and municipalities have submitted signature forms for the People’s Initiative to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), as confirmed by chairman George Garcia. Among the areas involved are Quezon City, Manila, Mandaue in Cebu, Quezon Province, Laguna, and Iloilo.
At this stage, the Comelec’s role is ministerial, allowing them to accept signature forms and issue certifications upon receipt. Once the required number of signatures is obtained, a petition for the People’s Initiative can be filed, and anyone is eligible to submit it.
Comelec will gain jurisdiction over the matter only after receiving the petition. Subsequently, they can issue guidelines, give directives, and assess the form and substance of the initiative. Verification of signatures as those of registered voters is also within their purview.
The poll body has the authority to independently investigate if any coercion or exchange of benefits occurred during the signing process. Signatures obtained under such circumstances will be disregarded. Violations, including the misuse of public funds, may lead to legal proceedings.
The People’s Initiative aims to amend the 1987 Charter, granting senators and congressmen the authority to vote collectively in amending the Constitution.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 18, 2024
