Several members of the House of Representatives in the Philippines have raised concerns about a campaign for charter change, where mayors were allegedly asked to give P100 to every constituent who signed a petition to amend a constitutional provision.
This provision directs the chambers of Congress to vote separately when modifying the Constitution. Mayors from the province of Albay were reportedly summoned to a meeting on January 5, where they were given sheets of paper for their constituents to sign.
The campaign is said to be nationwide, with congressmen from various political parties receiving the necessary forms. The purpose of the alleged campaign and the individuals behind it have not been disclosed .
The issue of having the House and the Senate vote together on constitutional amendments has been a subject of debate whenever charter change is discussed. This is because the 24-member upper house would be outnumbered by their counterparts in the lower house, potentially impacting the balance of power .
Source: PhilNews24 | January 8, 2023
