KINIKILALA ng Kamara de Representantes ang People’s Initiative (PI) bilang isang demokratikong paraan upang maipabatid ng taumbayan ang kanilang pagnanais na maamyendahan ang Konstitusyon.

Ito ang sinabi ni Albay Rep. Joey Salceda bilang tugon sa sinasabing resibo kung saan nabanggit ni Speaker Martin Romualdez, sa isang talumpati noong Disyembre 2023, ang pag-amyenda ng Konstitusyon sa pamamagitan ng People’s Initiative.

“We wish to clarify Speaker Romualdez’s position and the stance of the House of Representatives on this matter. The House recognizes the People’s Initiative as a fundamental democratic process that is explicitly citizen-driven and enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. It is a mechanism that allows Filipinos themselves to directly propose amendments to the constitution, independent of congressional action,” sabi ni Salceda.

Ayon kay Salceda ang pahayag ni Speaker Romualdez na kumikilala sa People’s Initiative ay hindi nangangahulugan na ito ay direktang sasali rito.

“It is crucial to understand that this support does not equate to direct participation or control by the House in the People’s Initiative process. The role of the House of Representatives, as envisioned by Speaker Romualdez, is to encourage public discourse and awareness regarding constitutional amendments, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged in the democratic processes that shape the nation,” sabi ni Salceda.

Iginiit ni Salceda na hindi dapat masamain ang pagkilala ni Romualdez sa prinsipyo ng demokrasya.