The signature campaign to push for amendments to the 1987 Constitution has reached Negros Occidental.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that a private group asked permission to initiate Charter change signature campaign in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, which he allowed.
As per his monitoring, Escalante said the signature drive for the proposed amendments to Constitution in Cadiz City did not involve any money, unlike in certain areas, as reported in social media.
The Cadiz City signature campaign started about a week ago.
Escalante, who serves as secretary general of United Negros Alliance, a local political group in Negros Occidental, confirmed that he and Rep. Alfredo Marañon III have no problems with the “People’s Initiative,” as long as it covers only the economic provisions of the Constitution.
“We will not be at a loss if we amend the economic provisions of our Constitution,” Escalante said.
Asked if the signature campaign was also discussed among UNegA members, Escalante said it was not yet taken up.
He also relayed his stand and that of Rep. Marañon, to the barangay captains of Cadiz City, for them to be informed in case the signature campaign reaches their respective villages.
“It is still a people’s initiative, and not a plebiscite yet,” Escalante stressed.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, chair of the Association of Chief Executives Negros Occidental, disclosed that he is now getting the sentiments of 30 other mayors of the province.
“I will issue a statement soon,” Benitez said.
On the other hand, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson distanced himself from the signature campaign to push for amendments of the Constitution, which has been linked to some lawmakers. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)