MANILA, Philippines — The administration’s Charter change (Cha-cha) initiative is still alive at the House of Representatives despite the apparent decision of its principal proponent, President Duterte, to skip it in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Thus, senators would lose one-year to two years, while House members and local officials would gain as much if Cayetano’s proposal was followed. Not giving upThe consultative committee (Concom) of President Duterte is not giving up on federalism even if he did not mention anything about it during his SONA. The bishop stressed that this is precisely the reason why the Church has been vehemently opposing the proposed Cha-cha. “Our constant call since last year is no to Cha-cha because we do not trust the people now who will change (the Constitution).

Source: Philippine Star July 24, 2019 16:18 UTC