Malacañang respects the stride of lawmakers who aim to revive the Charter Change.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, it is the “sole constitutional prerogative” of Congress and does not need the blessing of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Alam niyo po hindi kinakailangang bigyan ng basbas ng Presidente ‘yan.’Yan naman po ay katungkulan talaga ng Kongreso. Tanging Kongreso lang po ang pwedeng magsimula ng proseso para sa Charter Change, hindi po ang Presidente (You know, the blessing of the President is not needed [for that]. That is the duty of Congress. Only Congress can start the process for Charter Change, not the President).”
Secretary Roque also denied the claim of some solons that term extension is what the government officials including the President want in the revival of Charter Change.
“The President made it clear, wala po siyang kahit anong kagustuhan na manatili ng isang minuto man lang (he does not want to stay even for a minute) beyond his term of office on June 30, 2022.” – Report from Mela Lesmoras