• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who chairs the Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental, yesterday said that the proposed Charter Change should be given a chance.
“Let’s give people the chance to say what they want of the Charter Change,” Benitez said as the signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution, through people’s initiative, is ongoing in the towns and cities of Negros Occidental.
“We should have debates about the ChaCha now. We should be talking to the Senate, congressmen, local leaders, especially the people, about what we want to happen for our country,” he added.
Confirming that 15 mayors in Negros Occidental are supporting the Charter Change, Benitez said that the people’s initiative is really just the opening of conversation about the proposed amendments.
“We should have to talk about it. We should not shut down an idea right away. We should give it a chance. What does it mean, what provisions of the Constitution that we have to improve, economic or political provisions,” he added.
Benitez said the alleged offering of government programs for people who will sign for the people’s initiative is not happening in Victorias City.
The campaign to withdraw signatures from supporting the move to amend the 1987 Constitution has been launched in the province over the weekend.
Catholic church leaders condemned the alleged practices in gathering signatures in Negros Occidental, by using social assistance as leverage, which they described as morally reprehensible.
Benitez said that there may be best leaders and experts, but if the system is not allowing for more development for the country, province or city, then there is a need to revisit the Constitution.
“I think we should give it a chance. At the end of the day, it is the people, who will decide,” he added. | GB
