Former UP president is con-com chairman

Former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva was elected chairman yesterday of the 42-member Consultative Commission (con-com) tasked to propose amendments to the Constitution.

The commission settled down to work yesterday with the election of its officers and the formation of working committees.

Elected vice chairmen were Pedro Romualdo (Mindanao), Oscar Rodriguez (Luzon), Pablo Garcia (Visayas) and STAR columnist Carmen Pedrosa (Metro Manila).

The officers were elected by viva voce.

Working committees were also formed to study possible constitutional reforms.

Initially formed were the committees on State Principles, Federalism, Parliamentary Government, Political Party Reforms, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Judicial Reforms, Economic Policy Reforms, Duties and Obligations, Style and Ways and Means.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita convened the Commission at 3:20 p.m. at the Pearl Hall of the SEAMEO Innotech International House, with an explanation on the background of Executive Order 453 which created the con-com.

Forming the convener’s group was Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes, Presidential Legal Counsel Mercedes Gutierrez, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao and Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz.

"This day heralds the start of the great debate on the Charter change," Ermita said. "The debate on constitutional reforms will encourage Filipinos to participate in the future of the country."

President Arroyo wanted the people to be involved in the revision of the Constitution, he added.

Ermita said the Consultative Commission will focus on reforming the Constitution with the objective of shifting from a unitary presidential form of government to a federal-parliamentary one, and reviewing any economic policies that could hinder the country’s economic growth.

Among those to be consulted by the commissioners are members of Congress and the Judiciary, including former high ranking members of government, he added.

Ermita said the 42 commissioners were chosen by Mrs. Arroyo from a pool of about 200 candidates.

"You were chosen for your intellect and your patriotism," he told the commissioners.

Under EO 453, the con-com will hold nationwide consultations with all sectors of society being allowed to participate.

The con-com will have until Dec. 15 to wrap up its review of the Constitution.

It will then submit its findings and recommendations to Mrs. Arroyo who will then transmit these to Congress.

Under EO 453, the Consultative Commission should not be composed of more than 50 members, comprising representatives at the national, regional and sectoral levels.

The delegates must also be appointed by the President. — With Pete Laude