Latest news with #ConstitutionofthePhilippines
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Kiko replaces Robin as Senate constitutional amendments panel chairperson
Senator Kiko Pangilinan, a lawyer, had previously led the Senate panel on constitutional amendments, which is responsible for all matters of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines and the revision of existing codes. (Photo: Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau) Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan on Tuesday formally replaced Senator Robin Padilla as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada approved the motion made by Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito in the plenary to elect Pangilinan after no senator objected. Pangilinan, a lawyer, had previously led the Senate panel on constitutional amendments, which is responsible for all matters of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines and the revision of existing codes. "I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm resolve to safeguard the democratic ideals enshrined in our Constitution," Pangilinan said. "The Constitution belongs to the people, and any move to change it must be anchored on their aspirations and welfare. It must also undergo a thorough, principled, and participatory process," he added. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday raised the possibility that Padilla would yield the chairmanship of the constitutional amendments committee to Pangilinan, admitting that being a lawyer was part of the considerations on who should lead the panel. Padilla earlier refiled a resolution seeking to revise the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Robin as head of Senate ethics panel? Joel says, ‘nothing's final'
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday confirmed that Senator Robin Padilla is being considered to be the next chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privileges, but stressed that it is not yet final until approved in the plenary. The Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee is in charge of all matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity and reputation of the upper chamber and its members. 'We've been talking about it, especially in the light of the statements made by the minority leader…that he is entertaining the idea of supporting Charter change,' Villanueva said in a press conference. 'In fairness to Senator Robin, he is open to that idea, even Senator Kiko (Pangilinan). So we're talking and nothing is final until we decide on it as an institution,' he added. Villanueva previously told reporters that he may personally lead the ethics committee, but on Monday, he said that doing such is only 'secondary' as he is already in charge of the committee on rules which is 'way bigger than everyone would think about.' He also said that it is possible that Padilla would yield the chairmanship of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes to Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan. 'Everything is possible and alam ng bawat miyembro ang kanilang strengths and weaknesses…I'm happy to report na we'll do everything we can to ensure na 'yung best person to head these committees would lead these committees doon sa natatama doon sa expectation ng buong Senado,' he explained. (Everything is possible and each member knows his or her strengths and weaknesses...I'm happy to report that we'll do everything we can to ensure that the best person to head these committees will be able to meet the expectations of the entire Senate.) Pangilinan, a lawyer, had previously led the Senate panel on constitutional amendments which is responsible in all matters proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines and the revision of existing codes. Villanueva admitted that being a lawyer was part of the considerations on who should lead the committee on constitutional amendments. ''Yung (the) intricacies, especially having a lawyer et cetera, that was part of the talks and I salute Senator Padilla for even mentioning that particular issue,' he said. GMA News Online has reached out to Padilla for his views on his possible selection for the ethics committee and the possibility of him yielding the committee on constitutional amendments to Pangilinan. Padilla has refiled a resolution in the 20th Congress seeking to revise the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines through a constitutional convention. Senate Minority Leader Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III, meanwhile, said that he would be in favor of amending the 1987 Constitution should the Supreme Court (SC) maintain its decision to junk the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, in response, questioned why Sotto would be supportive of a Charter change, which he said is being pushed by the House of Representatives led by Speaker Martin Romualdez. Senate open to Cha-cha? Personally, Villanueva said that discussions about the Charter change should be done at the right time and right way. 'Well I think 'yung word na 'open' has been there for quite a long time and the important thing is that we discuss it and the majority would have a free hand on expressing themselves and their positions,' he said. 'Ang hirap lang because at this point in time, 2028 is around the corner, so anything you do right now with Charter change, hindi mo na maaalis 'yung pagiisip ng taumbayan na ito ay konektado sa 2028 elections,' he continued. (It's just difficult because at this point in time, 2028 is around the corner, so anything you do right now with Charter change, the public may think that that is connected with the 2028 elections.) — RF, GMA Integrated News
