Press Release
July 12, 2018

Unconstitutional
Poe dismisses NO-EL talks says Senate ok crucial

Expressing stiff opposition on plans to cancel the 2019 midterm elections, Sen. Grace Poe expressed confidence that the Senate as a body will not approve such move.

In a television interview on Thursday, July 12, Poe said any move to shortcut the proposed shift to a federal form of government will not be accepted by the public.

"The Constitution specifically states when we are going to have the elections and 2019 is certainly an election year. You can probably amend the Constitution but even if you do, you need the Senate vote," Poe said amid the administration's keen push for federalism.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has floated the idea of a no-election scenario, saying that scrapping the May 2019 polls is necessary to pave the way for a smooth course for federalism.

Poe maintained, "There's the Senate that he has to deal with."

Poe insisted any move by the House of Representatives needs concurrence by the Senate.

"I don't think so [Senate accepting] and the public should not accept this... Pero hindi nila talaga puwedeng gawing no election," said Poe.

According to the lawmaker, Congress is bicameral in nature and the House, in the lawmaking process, cannot pass a bill by itself and needs the Senate vote.

"Something as crucial as this, you are voting jointly? I don't think that is the intention of the framers (of the 1987 Constitution)."

"Kahit na palitan pa nila 'yan sa House, kailangan pa rin ng approval ng Senate. At kami, reasonable naman kami ng mga kasama ko, sa tingin ko naman, we don't want to railroad this issue. It gives a bad impression about our country. What are we trying to do?" Poe said.

Asked if she was wary that Congress led by administration allies in the House will convert itself into a constituent assembly to vote on the draft Charter during the President's national address, Poe had this to say:

"What message are they trying to send? Kung gagawin nila iyon, halatang-halata sa taumbayan na may ginagawa silang kalokohan. Bakit nila idadaan doon? If they really believe in their proposed Charter, why would they pull these kinds of stunts?"

"Make it go through the proper process. 'Pag pinagdebatehan 'yan ng both houses of Congress, kailangan pa rin dumaan sa plebisito. Sa bandang huli, ang taumbayan pa rin ang boboto: Payag ba sila diyan o hindi?" said Poe.

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