DILG to take active part in Cha-cha drive, says Palace

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will take an active part in the administration’s efforts to push for amendments to the Constitution, Malacañang said yesterday.

In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye Jr. said advocating Charter change (Cha-cha) to allow a shift to a unicameral parliamentary system of government and lift restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution would involve local governments and people at the grassroots level.

"The DILG could facilitate public awareness on Charter change, but it will not interfere with the freedom of choice of the people," he said.

"We appreciate the response of our local officials to the need for fundamental change in our political system. They deal directly with the people and have a feel for what the people want and need."

Interior Secretary-designate Ronaldo Puno admitted yesterday he would push for Charter change when he formally assumes office after his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

"I am one of those leading the drive to change some provisions in the Charter, that’s not new," he said. "I definitely will work on the Charter in Congress."

Puno formally took over the DILG helm during turnover ceremonies in Quezon City yesterday from Angelo Reyes, who has been appointed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone said yesterday the fusion of local government and sectoral group power supporting Cha-cha moves had created an "irreversible tide."

"The fusion of LGU power and the NGO power means that the people’s initiative has reached the tipping point of irreversible tide," he said.

Evardone, spokesman for the League of Governors, said a handful that continued to defy the people’s clamor should now realize that they could no longer stop the wheels of change.

"We continue to appeal and urge all sectors of society to join the great debate to crystallize the national agenda for fundamental structural change in the country," he said. "It’s about time to move on and be counted."

On the other hand, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, headed by Binalonan, Pangasinan Mayor Ramon Guico Jr., has proposed the holding of a one-day dialogue on constitutional reforms at the municipal level nationwide.

"We believe that this is the most auspicious time to make a follow-up of the Sigaw ng Bayan because, as town mayors, it is our sworn duty to inform our people of the issues on constitutional reforms and help them make an informed choice," he said.

Senators are suspicious that the administration wishes to use the DILG to convince the public to support proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Opposition senators have criticized President Arroyo’s appointment of Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno as secretary of interior and local government.

Senators fear Puno will use the DILG to ensure the success of the people’s initiative or a signature campaign launched by local officials to directly propose amendments.

Puno, president of the pro-administration Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino party, has been pushing for Cha-cha through a people’s initiative to extend the terms of all local government officials. Puno temporarily turned over the Kampi presidency to Camarines Rep. Luis Villafuerte.

However, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he saw nothing wrong in Puno’s appointment or his personal advocacy for Charter change.

Even while still in the House of Representatives, Puno had never hidden his support of Charter change to effect fundamental political and economic reforms in the country, he added.

Local officials led representatives from groups of fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, veterans, the elderly, disabled, students, overseas workers, farmers and women in signing the "Manila Declaration" calling for Charter change at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila last Wednesday.

Local officials earlier said they are launching the people’s initiative campaign as parallel effort to moves to convene Congress as a constituent assembly.

According to the administration timetable, a draft Constitution would be hammered out by Congress, acting as a constituent assembly, next month.

This would be followed by a 60-day campaign for the people to approve the amendments in a plebiscite in June.

Under this timetable, by July a parliamentary government would be set up and the Senate and the House of Representative would be merged into a unicameral legislature, allowing the lawmakers to elect a prime minister from among their members.

By 2007, elections would be held for new members of parliament, with the President and Vice President still serving their mandated terms until 2010.