• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The signature campaign on the proposed amendment to the Constitution has started in Negros Occidental.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. yesterday confirmed that he has allowed the signature campaign for Charter change, specifically on its it economic provisions, in the northern Negros city starting last week.
It is being spearheaded by a private group in Cadiz City, he said.
Based on his monitoring, the mayor said that the signature drive does not involve any money, unlike in certain areas, as reported in the social media.
Escalante, who serves as secretary- general of the United Negros Alliance, a political group in Negros Occidental, said that he and Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III have no problem with the people’s initiative as long as it will cover only the economic provisions.
“We will not be at a loss if we amend the economic provisions of our Constitution,” Escalante said.
He added that he also relayed his stand and that of Marañon to the barangay officials of Cadiz City for them to be informed about the signature campaign.
“It is still a people’s initiative, and not a plebiscite yet,” Escalante said.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who heads the Association of Chief Executives-Negros Occidental, said that he is now getting the sentiments of 30 other local chief executives in the province.
“I will issue a statement soon,” Benitez said. | GB
