ConAss to allow "zombies' to rewrite constitution

OFFICE OF AKBAYAN PARTY-LIST REP. TOM VILLARIN
S513 South Wing Building, Batasan Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City

PRESS RELEASE
July 29, 2016

CON ASS TO ALLOW 'ZOMBIES' TO REWRITE CONSTITUTION - AKBAYAN SOLON

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin insisted that the constitution must be amended by constitutional convention, not assembly, to uphold what remains of the democratic checks and balances in the legislative branch of government.

"A constitutional assembly under a supermajority in both chambers of Congress is like having zombies to rewrite our constitution," said Villarin.

The lawmaker was referring to the overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives, who recently thwarted the emergence of a real opposition by paving the way for the mockery of House rules that is the election of Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as leader of the co-opted minority.

Villarin seconded the nomination of Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat for speakership and was also one of the "legitimate eight" who came out yesterday to publicly condemn the plot of the supermajority.



"We want a democratic, deliberative, and inclusive process, not one that stifles opposition and dissent, which is what our Congress has now turned into," he stressed.

While the administration cites the projected cost as an excuse, Akbayan firmly believes that no entity can put a price tag on the principle of genuine representation.

"The Constitution should be written by the people and for the people. If we need to rewrite it, let it be in a manner that befits our democratic principles," Villarin stressed.