Senate eyes plebiscite for Charter change with elections

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri welcomed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia's support for conducting a plebiscite for Charter change simultaneously with the 2025 National and Local Elections.

Zubiri stated that holding both events together could save around PHP13 billion, which he believes should be allocated to critical infrastructure projects such as funding the construction of approximately 5,200 classrooms.

The Senate chief emphasized that this move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision for maximizing resources and noted the potential to fund social programs.

In contrast, Senator Risa Hontiveros called the simultaneous conduct of elections and plebiscite a 'bad idea' and reiterated her opposition to Charter change.

Senator Francis Tolentino agreed with former President Rodrigo Duterte that the six-year presidential term should not be extended through Charter change.

The Senate is currently considering Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which seeks to amend economic provisions in the Constitution, while the House of Representatives has started its deliberations on an identical proposal.