ANGELES CITY -- Fr. Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, said the congressmen’s plan to convene a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) will not succeed this year.

Bernas issued the statement during Saturday’s Con-Ass forum organized by civil and religious groups here who call themselves as Council of the Laity of the archdiocese of San Fernando.

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The forum was held at the Holy Angel University Theater and attended by some 600 participants from the academic, religious, and civic sectors.

“I honestly believe that it will not succeed. And if ever there would be moves to push it through, the people would surely oppose it,” Bernas said.

Congress, he said, cannot muster the required 220 votes to proceed with its plan to amend the Charter.

Congressmen recently passed House Resolution 1109, which calls for the convening of Con-Ass. The move was met by stern opposition from anti-Charter change groups and individuals. It even sparked rallies all across the country.

Bernas, a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, said he is more in favor of a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) than Con-Ass. But he said any move to amend the Constitution should be done after the 2010 elections.

“This would give us the assurance that politicians would not use this to perpetuate themselves in power,” Bernas said, stressing that voters should think more clearly now on candidates they will vote for 2010.

Meanwhile, Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David said congressmen in Pampanga should also explain to Kapampangans why they had voted in favor of House Resolution 1109.

“The four congressmen in Pampanga should dialogue with the people and explain why they made such a decision. They are our representatives. The least they could do is consult with us,” David said.

He said the Council of the Laity will make ways to inform the people of the dangers of Con-Ass as well as educate the youth on their responsibility to select the proper leader.