House remains committed to approving Cha-cha before Holy Week

The House of Representatives is determined to adhere to its schedule for expediting the Charter change process, despite reported preferences from President Marcos Jr. to synchronize the plebiscite with the 2025 elections.

Lawmakers disclosed on Tuesday that the lower chamber aims to finalize the approval of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, which proposes economic amendments to the 1987 Constitution, before the Holy Week break in March. This timeline contrasts with the Senate’s plan to pass its own Charter change proposal (RBH 6) before adjourning for its sine die break in May—a schedule reportedly influenced by Marcos’s desire to align the plebiscite with the 2025 elections.

Committee deliberations on RBH 7 are expected to conclude by March 6, with the possibility of the second reading occurring from March 11 to 13, according to Rep. Neptali Gonzales (Mandaluyong) during the second meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

Proponents of Charter change in the House view Marcos’s instructions to the Senate as a positive development, as it provides a definitive deadline for the process. Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Partylist) emphasized the importance of the Senate prioritizing deliberations on the proposed economic amendments.

While welcoming the president’s working timeline, Gutierrez hopes the Senate will not delay the process until sine die adjournment.

Both Gutierrez and Rep. Margarita Nograles (PBA Partylist) emphasized the confidentiality of closed-door discussions regarding Marcos’s instructions.

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) highlighted the House’s effort to expedite the passage of RBH 7 to shield proposed constitutional amendments from political manipulation.

Politics News: House remains committed to approving Cha-cha before Holy Week