Senators weigh in on joint conduct of Cha-cha plebiscite, 2025 polls

The government would save around P13 billion if the plebiscite for Charter change (Cha-cha) is conducted simultaneously with the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

In a statement on Wednesday, Zubiri welcomed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia’s statement that they are in favor of holding the plebiscite to ratify the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution together with the 2025 polls.

He echoed the statement of the poll chairman that around P13 billion would be saved if the plebiscite and the NLE are held at the same time.

The Senate chief likewise said the Comelec’s statement is consistent with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“This strategic move not only streamlines our electoral processes but also saves valuable resources. P13 billion is a significant amount that could be allocated towards critical infrastructure projects and social programs that will benefit our nation,” Zubiri said.

“I agree with the position of the COMELEC. With limited resources and competing priorities, it is imperative that we maximize every peso spent to address the most pressing needs of our citizens, and it also aligns with the vision of the President for the country,” he added.

Garcia’s statement was contrary to his previous position that the poll body could not hold any Charter change-related plebiscite in 2025 and even in late November or December of 2024.

‘Bad idea’

But for Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the simultaneous conduct of the 2025 elections and the plebiscite is a “bad idea” as she reiterated her opposition to Cha-cha.

“I think ang pagpilit nila ng plebisito sa kanilang pekeng people’s initiative o plebisito sa sinasabing amyenda sa economic provisions lamang ng Konstitusyon, I think is a bad idea, any which way na gawin ‘yan sa ngayon,” Hontiveros said in a press conference.

(I think their insistence of a plebiscite for their fake people’s initiative for amendments of economic provisions in the Constitution is a bad idea any which way it is done.)

“Ako po ay tutol sa Cha-cha, whether sa economic or political provisions, whether sa pamamagatin sa mala-[constituent assembly] na proseso dahil hindi pa nga sigurado con-ass ba ang ginagawa ng Senado o ng House sa ngayon. Tutol talaga ako d’yan,” she added.

(I am against Cha-cha, whether for economic or political provisions, whether through a [constitutent assembly] process because it is not clear if con-ass is what is happening in the Senate or House now. I am against it.)

The Senate is currently tackling the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 which seeks to amend the economic provisions of the charter, particularly the provisions on public utilities, education, and advertising.

The House of Representatives has also started its deliberations of RBH No. 7 which is identical with the proposal of the Senate.

Last Monday, Zubiri said no less than Marcos wants the plebiscite for Charter change (Cha-cha) done simultaneously with the 2025 elections.

Zubiri shared this after Marcos talked with the senators in a private meeting held after the ceremonial signing of two new laws on Monday morning. —KG, GMA Integrated News