Senator Risa Hontiveros has criticized the reported move to amend the constitution, stating it should not be called a “People’s Initiative” if it’s not initiated by the people.

In a statement released to the media, she also labeled the initiative a “well-funded, well-oiled campaign” and asserted that “it is all about greed and the desire to act with zero accountability to the nation.”

“Umpisa pa lang, nang mag-viral ang patalastas, halatang ang galaw na ito ay para lang sa kapakinabangan ng mga abusadong may nakatayang personal na interes. Kaduda-duda na yung mga organizer na nasa likod ng TV ad, at yung mga kumakalat ng form ay ayaw magpakilala at nagtatago sa likod ng isang law firm,” she stressed.

She also clarified that the reported people’s initiative “is not about any economic or political reforms in the Constitution.”

“Walang nabanggit tungkol diyan ang mismong form daw na kumakalat. The campaign only wants both houses of Congress to ‘vote jointly’ during a Constituent Assembly, thus weakening the Senate’s voice and participation in the process of Charter Change.”

The opposition senator stated that the organizers aim to exclude members of the Senate in the amendment or revision of the Constitution. She also assured the public that she will ardently guard this issue.

“Imbes na magsayang ng oras sa mga pekeng ‘people’s initiative’ na yan, mas magandang unahin natin ang totoong hinihingi ng ating mga kababayan – ang maibaba ang presyo ng bilihin, maitaas ang sweldo ng manggagawa, tugunan ang lumalalang korapsyon, bantayan ang walang tigil na pang-aapi ng China sa West Philippine Sea, atbp. Napakaraming problema ng bansa na hindi masasagot ng ‘people’s initiative’ na yan,” she said.

She vowed to fight the initiative and also called on the public to take action.

“Tatapatan natin ng matinding laban ang pinaplano nilang panloloko at pangbabastos sa ating Saligang Batas,” she pointed out.

Photo: Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB