Lawmakers sign ‘social contract’

They now have a "social contract" to dispel fears and allegations surrounding the House move to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Charter change proponents in the House of Representatives yesterday signed the "Social Contract for Constitutional Reform" at the historic Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Members of the House led by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and the presidents of the Leagues of Municipalities and Cities and representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs) signed the contract.

With De Venecia were Deputy Speaker Raul Gonzales and Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Gerry Espina, Mauricio Domogan and Clavel Martinez.

"We have no ulterior motives in proposing these constitutional reforms," the document read. "And to overcome any mistrust or suspicion, we propose that these reforms be undertaken under a social contract between sovereign citizens and their elected lawmakers."

"To this historic contract, we affix our signatures as concerned citizens, and call on the House and the Senate to immediately convene a constituent assembly to bring about the above amendments — so that together, we may achieve a new beginning for our country," it said.

The other signatories include League of Cities president Tagaytay Mayor Francis Tolentino, League of Municipalities president Mayor Ramon Guico and League of Provinces president Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario.

The league presidents said they seek the strengthening of local autonomy to empower local governments to chart their future.

Consultative Group for Constitutional Reform convenor Carmen Pedrosa and Coalition for Charter Change Now! convenor Bro. Rolando Dizon also signed the contract.

Businessman Alberto Fenix, former ambassador Alberto Pedrosa and Marietta Primicias-Goco also signed the contract.