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Bishop wants Congress excluded from charter change

Constitution ammendments needed to convert Philippines into a federal system
Bishop wants Congress excluded from charter change
Published: August 02, 2016 09:30 AM GMT
Updated: August 02, 2016 09:30 AM GMT

A Catholic bishop said legislators should be excluded from the process of amending the Philippine Constitution.

Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon told church-run Radio Veritas on Aug. 2 that amending the constitution by Congress as a constituent assembly is "self-serving."

"The reason to resort to a constituent assembly of senators and congressmen because of lack of funds is flimsy," the prelate said.

He said the "people must be consulted in major issues."

"If congress is bent on amending the constitution they should be excluded from this process," said Bishop Bastes.

"At least an election of delegates to the constitutional convention must be done. Our country can afford this," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte proposed to amend the constitution so the Philippines can shift to a federal system of government.

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