Cha-cha timeline came from congressman, group says

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel on Tuesday said that his source for the so-called people's initiative timeline for Charter change is a congressman.

Manuel had earlier disclosed a timeline showing dates for various processes in the people's initiative, including gathering of signatures from registered voters as early as Dec. 15, 2023 to the conduct of the plebiscite on June 17, 2024. The certification of the plebiscite results would supposedly be on July 8, 2024, or two weeks ahead of President "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s third State of Nation Address (SONA).

"Kasama po 'yan sa mga nakuha nating impormasyon, in particular mula po sa nasa loob din ng Kamara," Manuel told reporters in an interview.

(That is part of the information we gathered, particularly from those who are within Congress.)

Manuel refused to name the legislator.

When asked if the Kabataan Partylist plans to question the ongoing signature campaign for people's initiative before the Supreme Court, Manuel replied, "We are still looking na maimbestigahan ito sa Kamara."

(We are still looking forward that Congress investigate the matter.)

The Makabayan Coalition in the House of Representatives, composed of the Kabataan, ACT Teachers, and Gabriela Partylist groups, on Monday filed a resolution to investigate the alleged "signature buying" in different areas in the country to supposedly pave the way for a people's initiative.

If the House investigation does not push through, Manuela said, "We would be open to exploring other possible options."

Senate leaders on Monday filed Resolution of Both Houses 6, which calls for a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.

"With this development na aside sa merong gumugulong na people's initiative pero bumubukas na rin ang Senado sa constituent assembly, tingin natin mas nararamdaman natin ang desperasyon para baguhin na talaga ang Constitution kasi all routes possible are being explored," Manuel added.

(With this development, we can see that aside from the ongoing people's initiative, the Senate is opening the door for a constituent assembly. We can feel the desperation to amend the Constitution because all routes possible are being explored.)

In a statement released Friday, the Kabataan Party-List said that a July plebiscite would provide Marcos' allies in the House the opportunity to hold a constituent assembly during the day of the SONA when members of Congress convene for a joint session.

"This is a perfect gift not only for Marcos Jr., but also for his foreign patrons from the United States and other monopoly capitalists eager to capture our economy and markets through a reversal of nationalist constitutional provisions on patrimony," the group said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News