Proposed shift to federalism a “lethal experiment”
By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide on Wednesday said there was no need to amend the Constitution, which he called the “best” in the world.
Davide made the statement at the start of the Senate’s hearing on resolutions calling for the convening of the Upper House as a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution.
Davide said the proposed shift to federalism was only a “lethal experiment,” a “plunge to death” and a “leap to hell.”
Even then, he said that should there be a need for Charter Change, this should be done via a constitutional convention.
He said the adoption of federalism, after all, with “massive, substantial changes,” would involve a “massive overhaul” of the Constitution.
As such, he said Charter Change should be done by delegates elected by people via a “nonpartisan election.”
“There should be no rush,” he said.
In a related development, Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, gave the assurance the Senate would not railroad the hearings on Charter Change.
This was despite the fact that the Lower House already passed a resolution for the convening of a Con-Ass.
According to Pangilinan, the method with which Charter Change should take place should be studied carefully.