MANILA - Four key members of the Philippine House of Representatives advocated on Monday for an early plebiscite to ratify proposed amendments focusing on the economic provisions of the Constitution, a move aimed at avoiding the politicization of the process during the 2025 midterm elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez and Representatives Geraldine Roman (Bataan, 1st District), Jeffrey Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District), and Francisco Paolo Ortega (La Union, 1st District), the proposal comes in response to election lawyer Romulo Macalintal's assertion that conducting the plebiscite alongside the May 2025 local and congressional elections would contravene the constitution. Suarez highlighted concerns that merging the plebiscite with the midterm elections could lead to the Constitution being subjected to "political mudslinging."
Suarez also noted Macalintal's statement provides a "legal basis" for the House to pursue an earlier plebiscite date. "The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and we have to protect it. In doing so, we have to make sure that when we conduct amendments and go through a plebiscite for it, the attention and understanding of the people are focused solely on the issues at hand," he elaborated.
Rep. Geraldine Roman supported Suarez's position, stressing that a separate plebiscite would prevent the proposed constitutional changes from being overshadowed by electoral politics. Roman, the chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, called on the Senate to act with urgency on the matter, highlighting the importance of passing Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 without aligning it with the national elections.
Roman also addressed concerns about potential political amendments being introduced, affirming commitments from Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the focus would strictly be on economic changes. "No politician in his right mind would actually try or even attempt to introduce political amendments," she stated, aiming to reassure senators.
Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jeffrey Khonghun emphasized the benefit of conducting a plebiscite separately from the midterm elections for clearer voter understanding and engagement. Similarly, Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega underscored the necessity of treating the Constitution with the reverence it deserves, separate from political agendas.
The House's move to propose an early plebiscite underscores their intent to isolate the constitutional amendment process from political influences, focusing on economic improvements to foster a better environment for growth and development in the Philippines.