Lawmaker on canceled charter resolution hearing: ‘I am disappointed’

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 20) — The chairperson of the House of Representatives’ constitutional amendments committee expressed his dismay over the Senate decision to cancel a hearing on Monday on the charter change resolution.

“I am disappointed, after inviting me last March 14, I received last night a notice of cancellation from the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes,” Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Monday in a statement.

The lawmaker said he was “prepared” to present the basis of Resolution of Both Houses 6 that calls for the convening of a constitutional convention to propose changes in the charter’s economic provisions, as well as House Bill 7352, which implements the resolution.

Rodriguez said these measures were “all data-driven, evidence-based and future-proof.”

No reason was noted for the cancellation, he added.

His counterpart in the Senate, Sen. Robin Padilla, said Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri directed a closed-door meeting with congressmen instead in line with "interparliamentary courtesy.”

Zubiri said he heeded the call of Rep. Elpidio Barzaga "for a ceasefire on the heated discussions on charter change.”

“Traditionally, the Senate does not invite incumbent members of Congress as resource persons, as they are accorded interparliamentary courtesy," Zubiri said. "Being a neophyte senator, the chair (Padilla) may not yet be fully abreast with the traditions and practices."

CNN Philippines Correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.