Post by barok on Oct 17, 2005 12:47:48 GMT 9
by Rey Anthony Chiu
Tagbilaran City (23 September) — A BOHOLANO leads a mix of 33 academicians, constitutional experts, businessmen, farmers and political leaders who were nominated and later screened by Malacañang to initially appraise charter change in line with Executive Order 453, (establishing the Citizens Consultative Commission), says Presidential Management Staff Rigoberto Tiglao at a weekly press conference in Malacanang this week.
A native of Duero, Dr. Jose Abueva, a constitutional expert and academician who once sat as president of the state owned University of the Philippines and who was a member of the Constitutional Commission in 1987, tops the list of pre-screened nominees that had Malacanang’s nod.
Dr. Abueva also heads a group that has done extensive studies on the Constitution.
With Dr. Abueva are 32 other thinkers and workers involved in the works and have their feet anchored on firm grounds, Tiglao admitted.
The consultative commission was established by the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo after a lot of proposals have been made to set up a study group to help Congress when and if it decides to amend the Constitution.
“The idea here is to bring together under one roof, given enough resources so that all of the proposals… about amending the Constitution could be undertaken in a formal, although free-wheeling venue”, Tiglao told the media.
Tiglao confirmed that the committee would tentatively meet, September 28, after Malacañang has nodded on to the short list from 150 nominations.
With Dr Abueva are Atty. Anthony Acevedo, Ronald L. Adamat, a representative of our indigenous peoples, Dr. Emmanuel Angeles, Professor Rene Azurin, Mr. Jose C. Bello Jr, a former military man, Ma. Romela M. Bengzon, a practicing lawyer, Columnist Jarius Bondoc, businessmen Francis Chua and Donald Dee, former Representative Guilberto Duavit.
Also there is former Congressman and Biliran Mayor Gerardo S. Espina Sr., former Governor Pablo Garcia, UP Chancellor and Corporate Executive, Nelia P. Gonzales, businesswoman Joji Ilagan-Bian from Davao City.
Dr. Gonzalo Jurado, a well-known economist and guru of sprouting economists, Mr. Jose P. Leviste Jr, James Marty Lim of Liga nga mga Barangays and NGO leader and former Aquino Executive, Lito Monico C. Lorenzana.
Mr. Sergio Luis Ortiz Jr. of the exporters group, Columnist Alexander Raymundo Magno, Jose Sonny G. Matula, Labor leader Democrito T. Mendoza, Atty. David C. Naval, Victor Ortega, and respected businessmen, Vicente T. Paterno.
Also in the list is Miss Carmen N. Pedrosa, Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, Governor Pedro P. Romualdo, Bishop Efraim M. Tendero, Mr. Ray M. Teves, Atty. Antonio T. Vilar and Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco.
Executive Order 453, calls for not more than 50 members, and the President may wish to appoint the remaining 17 other members within the week, Tiglao said.
Observers believe that the commission is a mix of Filipinos of unquestionable integrity, not thinking of any short term gains but the future of the country and catalyze non-partisan, lively debates on the form of Constitution the country wants. (PIA)