(HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1109 - A Resolution calling upon the Members of Congress to convene for the purpose of considering proposals to amend or revise the constitution, upon a vote of three-fourths of all the Members Congress.)

I OBJECT to the approval of House Resolution No. 1109 for the following reasons viz:

First, the period of debate and interpellation was closed abruptly and unceremoniously. Equity and fair play dictates that each one should be given the opportunity to ventilate his views on any issue, especially a contentious and very important one to the life of the nation, like charter change. The untimely stoppage of the said period of debate paved the way to the hasty approval of House Resolution no. 1109 without our legitimate and valid concerns heard on the floor.

Second, the urgency poised by the proponents of charter change has no justifiable reason save to promote their own interest. Indeed, not the interest of the people who catapulted them into power because in the midst of serious economic and financial problems, and global health threats, the approval of HR 1109 became the top priority in the legislative agenda instead of important pieces of legislation covering the problems that beset the nation.

Finally, the amendment of the Constitution is not what the Filipinos need during this time of crises. We need jobs from millions unemployed, food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, healthcare for the sick, education for our children and other basic social services. Clearly, the hasty approval of this house resolution is to place the self-serving interest of government officials over and above the welfare of the people.

Therefore, in view of the foregoing considerations, I hereby reiterate my NO vote in House Resolution No. 1109.

Thank you.