Cha-Cha possible within Duterte’s term – ex-SolGen

THE proposed shift to the federal system of government could happen in the second half of the administration of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, according to a former solicitor general.

Atty. Florin T. Hilbay, who served as solicitor general during the time of former Pres. Benigno Aquino III, said the Congress would try to achieve Charter change (Cha-cha) before the President steps down in 2022.

“In the next two to three years, if the Senate and the House of Representatives come to an agreement, then it is possible,” Hilbay told reporters in Iloilo City.

Hilbay was in Iloilo City for a speaking engagement at the University of the Philippines-Visayas on Aug 24, 2018 to discuss national issues, particularly federalism and the West Philippine Sea.

But Cha-cha will not happen in 2019, based on the pacing of the Congress, Hilbay said.

Government can go ahead with the amendments next year if martial law is declared.

“Based on the draft Federal Constitution, there will be elections in May 2019,” he added.

Personally, Hilbay said he opposes the shift to a federal form of government. Instead, he proposed to include an anti-political dynasty clause in the current Constitution.

“That is for me, the only thing that should be changed,” he said.

He added that if the Cha-cha pushes through, it should be done via Constitutional Convention (ConCon), not the Constitutional Assembly in Congress.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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