As he prepares to chair another hearing on the matter on Friday, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla reassured the public of fairness from the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes in tackling possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
Padilla said his committee will continue to invite experts on the Constitution, including those who are in favor of a shift to federalism and those who do not favor changes to the 1987 Constitution.
He added some future hearings may be held in remote areas so Filipinos in the provinces will understand the issue.
“Ayaw kong isipin ng mga tao din na maging one-sided tayo. Hindi ito ipapatawag natin puro federalist lang. Ipatatawag din natin ang naniniwala sa 1987 Constitution at ito ay gagawin natin ang hearing na ito sa malalayong lugar (I do not want the people to think we are one-sided. We are inviting not only federalists but also those who believe the 1987 Constitution should not be changed. We will conduct some hearings in remote areas),” he said in an interview aired Wednesday night on NET-25.
For Friday’s hearing, the committee has invited resource persons including:
* National Security Adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos
* Prof. Solita Monsod
* Mr. Orion Perez Dumdum of the Constitutional Reform and Rectification for Economic Competitiveness and Transformation (CoRRECT).
In past hearings, the committee had invited experts who are both in favor and not in favor of amendments to the Constitution.
Padilla stressed the hearings are for national progress and not for bickering. He added the hearings aim to gather information on how the Constitution can be enhanced to address the problems facing the country.