Davao groups to march vs. people’s initiative for Cha-cha on Jan. 28

A Davao local official on Thursday called on the public to join a prayer rally against a signature campaign for the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Davao 3rd District councilor Conrado Baluran said more than 50,000 people are expected to troop to Davao City on January 28, 2024, for the “One Nation, One Opposition” prayer rally. 

“Together with the calling for every Filipino people to participate in this greater cause for a nationwide campaign, Davao City will remain resilient and will not just stand aside as an observer but shall take part continuously striving to unite for one nation, one strong opposition,” said Baluran in a press statement.

Several legislators previously said they received reports that cash assistance such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is being used to lure people into signing the people’s initiative for Charter change.

Under the signature campaign, voters were asked if they were in favor of amending Article 17, Section 1 of the Constitution, which will allow all members of Congress to jointly vote on proposed constitutional amendments in a constituent assembly.

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte likewise warned his constituents against the signature campaign.

“To all Dabawenyos, do not sell your soul for a mere P100 or P10,000 in exchange for your signature. If you want to follow the minions of the person dreaming to be great in Congress to perdition that is your choice,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III earlier said reports on the signature drive would point to Speaker Martin Romualdez as the one behind the people’s initiative efforts.

Aside from Pimentel, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa earlier said that he was informed that Romualdez was behind the people’s initiative efforts — a claim denied by the House Speaker. 

“No orders,” Romualdez had said. “I don’t know what Senator Bato is talking about.”

On Tuesday, Romualdez explained that the House of Representatives only facilitates the democratic process of a people’s initiative, stressing that this excludes direct involvement in the signature collection. —LDF, GMA Integrated News