EDITORIAL - The case for con-con

When Jose de Venecia Jr. was still the biggest proponent of Charter change, he correctly pointed out that convening Congress into a constituent assembly was the cheapest and quickest way to amend the Constitution. The House of Representatives tossed him out as its leader but retained his basic views on Cha-cha. The chamber, dominated by Malacañang allies, is now pushing for a constituent assembly even without the participation of the Senate.

Filipinos who believe a Constitution should be periodically updated to keep in step with the rapid pace of change around the world will go along with Cha-cha on the cheap, especially in this period of global recession. But the haste by which proponents want to change the Constitution could prove divisive and counterproductive to reforms. The haste has been linked by Cha-cha critics to the self-serving objective of many of the proponents to lift their own term limits. This will also pave the way for President Arroyo to extend her stay in power — a possibility that has not been ruled out by pro-administration congressmen.

A compromise now looms as senators push instead for a constitutional convention, with the delegates to be elected together with the president and other officials during the general elections in May 2010. The mechanics will have to be worked out so that only those with the proper qualifications can be elected to the con-con. Going by the record of previous conventions, the work could take nearly a year before the finished product can be presented to the people for ratification in a plebiscite. Both the convention and the plebiscite will require funding. But the timing will ensure that whatever changes are introduced will not allow President Arroyo to remain in power beyond June 30, 2010. This removes the biggest reason for opposition at this time to Cha-cha.

A con-con will be costlier than a constituent assembly. But it is less divisive, and the delegates can focus on their work and consider constitutional changes with careful deliberation. In the long run, a con-con could prove more cost-effective than a constituent assembly. Those who think Cha-cha is indispensable for moving the country forward should give the holding of a constitutional convention serious thought.