SENATOR Francis Pangilinan has assured that the Senate opposition members will push for checks and balances amid calls for a revision of the Constitution by Congress leaders.
During his visit in Pampanga on February 2, Pangilinan noted that while he belongs to the opposition, he will not be biased but will continue to be transparent regarding the ruling on the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
“Just because we are opposition, we’ll always oppose. And if ever we do, it’s because that is democracy,” said Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party.
“Kapakananan po ng taumbayan ang lagi nating nais, kaya po tayo ay magiging balanse at tama sa usaping ito,” he added.
Pangilinan, who hails from Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, said that as chairperson of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, he will allow each side to voice out its concern.
“All voices, whether in favor or against that can be accommodated will be accommodated. We won’t allow just one group’s interest to be followed. We will make a proper system,” he said.
The senator pointed out that Filipinos should participate in the process, as “they too should be involved in the final say.”
“Gusto natin hikayatin ang mamayan mismo na makibahagi sa debate na ito. Huwag lang umasa sa mga pulitiko na mag-desisiyon. Makilaam at magkaaron ng sapat na kaalaman,” he noted.
“Kaya naman tayo ay iikot sa iba’t-ibang parte ng ating bansa. Mag-iimbita tayo ng mga experts, resource person, pati mga local officials and sectoral groups like labor and farmers ay hihikayatin natin makilahok, para talagang maging inclusive at participatory ito,” he added. (Erika B. Gines)