CEBU CITY (Feb. 13, 2024) – Mayor Mike Rama prefers a referendum during the 2025 election to determine if there is a need to change the Constitution or some of its provisions.

Mayor Mike Rama. | 📷 PPRMN

Rama said he would rather support an initiative that would allow the public to clearly decide if there is a need for Charter Change rather than leave the matter to politicians.

“I-issue nana karung umaabot nga 2025 elections aron maapil na’g estorya,” Rama said in his Ingna’ng Mayor program over Sugboanon Channel this afternoon.

“Kung moabot na didto, ang Comelec mo-istorya ana, para mapangutana na. Kung mahimo in a referendum, aron mabutang sa balota,” he added.

The mayor said a referendum is necessary to determine the true sentiments of the people about the issue.

Rama said he remains “aghast” that the issue to change the Constitution suddenly cropped up in the open.

1987 Constitution. President Corazon C. Aquino receives the final draft from Justice Cecilia Muñoz – Palma, president of the Constitutional Commission she created during the revolutionary government she led after the February 1986 EDSA Revolution. |📷 Official Gazette

He said he is surprised to learn that some politicians in the national level are now pushing for a “people’s initiative” to change the Constitution.

“Mura naman siyag uhom, ug nibutho. Karun nidaghan na ang istorya about people’s initiative,” Rama said.

The mayor lamented that the proposal to change the fundamental law of the land has become a “secret initiative” to further the ambitions of some political groups.

Rama said that even local officials like himself were caught off guard by what was going on the national level.

“It’s creeping in the dark, clandestinely, surreptitiously. Done in stealth, murag gilipat-lipat ta,” he added.

Rama clarifies he supports Charter Change but he reiterates that it should be through a Constitutional Convention.

1899 Malolos Congress. Delegates gather at the Barasoian Church in Bulacan. President Aguinaldo sits at the center as a delegate (to his right) reads the final draft of the Constitution of the First Pilippine Republic upon proclamation on January 22, 1899. |📷 Official Gazette

Patriotism, national unity

Despite infighting among his closest allies in the national level, Rama reiterated that he is for a “united, indivisible, undivided Philippines.”

Rama also called for a return to national unity during last Monday’s flag ceremony.

“It’s not easy but manhood, political maturity, statesmanship, heroism, patriotism, nationalism, I wish basta ing-ana na gani’ng dapita,” he said.

“Our country right now is at its threshold. Our country is not that much in stability,” he added. | PPRMN / jkv

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