|
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Mayor junks seat in Charter change commission
By Nelson C. Bagaforo and Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has turned down his appointment to the consultative commission created by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to undertake studies and make recommendations to Congress if it decides to go ahead with changing the 1987 Constitution.
Duterte, in a letter to Arroyo dated Friday, thanked the President for giving him the opportunity to participate "in this great undertaking," but said his duties as city mayor, crisis manager for Regions 11 and 12, and regional peace and order chair prevent him from accepting additional jobs.
"These positions require my continued presence here since they involve matters affecting the safety and security of both regions against the continuing threats of terrorism, criminalities and lawlessness," he added.
He said additional responsibilities would seriously compromise his ability to promote the welfare and interest of his constituents.
While Duterte declined the offer, former Mindanao Business Council (MBC) President Jojie Ilgan-Bian welcomed her appointment in the commission saying this will give Mindanaoans the chance to influence changes and revisions in the Constitution.
Changes that hopefully will bring about a better and empowered Mindanao in terms of governance, investments, and socio-economic development, he added.
Bian was among those appointed in the commission Wednesday.
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Rigoberto Tiglao on Thursday revealed six more members of the Citizens Consultative Commission, including Duterte.
The five others are former De la Salle University president Bro. Rolando Dizon, former Mindanao State University president Dr. Emily Marohombsar, former president of the Philippine Bar Association and member of the Center for Restorative Justice in Asia lawyer Rita Linda Jimeno, Philippine National Oil Corporation-Energy Development Corporation chief executive officer Sergio Apostol, and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento.
"These members were chosen based on the qualifications set forth in Executive Order 453 which states that members of the Concom must be men and women of national standing, experienced in government or with recognized competence in their respective fields," Tiglao said.
The six joined the 33 other members initially named Wednesday led by Jose Abueva, one of the framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and former secretary of the Constitutional Convention from 1971 to 1973, and former senator Vicente Paterno.
Tiglao said while they would have welcomed a volunteer or a nominee from the opposition, the Palace did not receive any notice from them.
He said the opposition was busy with some other things when the nominations were made.
The members of the commission were welcomed in Malacañang Friday afternoon, where they were also briefed by the PMS on the administrative arrangements related to their work.
The commission will hold its first meeting on September 28 and the members are expected to work full time within the next three months.
Tiglao said a form of honorarium for the members would be decided later on.
He said they would be reviewing existing and new Constitutional reform proposals in consultation with the various sectors of society nationwide.
The President signed Executive Order 453 on August 19 creating the commission to propose the revision of the 1987 Constitution to make it more responsive, relevant, and competitive to inward and global changes.
A fund of P10 million has been allocated for the commission. (With Sunnex Luzon)
(September 24, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Pinay slay suspect to undergo mental tests