Sen Padilla seeks SC clarification on joint vs separate voting for const amend

Senator Robin Padilla filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking clarification on whether both chambers of Congress should vote jointly or separately during discussions to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Padilla's motion, submitted two days after filing his initial petition, asks for oral arguments to clarify legal points and underscores ambiguities in constitutional provisions that prevent him from performing his duties effectively.

House lawmakers, including opposition members like Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, believe joint voting should be used as it aligns with the framers' initial intent to have a unicameral Congress.

Padilla's petition calls for an authoritative declaration from the high court to resolve long-standing disputes over constitutional amendments and revisions.

Senator Padilla also filed a resolution last February seeking separate voting by both Houses of Congress in amending the Constitution, and on Wednesday submitted a motion at the SC asking for urgent oral arguments.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez assured that the House will not consider any political constitutional amendment proposals under Speaker Martin Romualdez's leadership.