Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel emphasized the need for “a lot of convincing” to sway senators, acknowledging the current “cold” sentiment towards amending the Constitution. He suggested delaying efforts until 2025, hoping for a more favorable Senate composition after the midterm elections.
Senators Imee Marcos, Chiz Escudero, and Joel Villanueva echoed skepticism, citing concerns about timing, unclear procedures, and the absence of public support. Senator Marcos criticized the push, stating that President Marcos already deemed it untimely and the Senate had twice rejected similar proposals.
While House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. remain optimistic about progress before President Marcos’ next State of the Nation Address, the lack of Senate enthusiasm casts doubt on the initiative’s success.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 14, 2023
