In a surprising revelation during the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 30, the head of the People’s Initiative for Reforms, Modernization, and Action (PIRMA), Eddie Oñate, admitted to coordinating with House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House lawmakers in gathering 3% of voters’ signatures per legislative district for the People’s Initiative (PI) campaign.
Initially, Oñate staunchly denied any collaboration with Romualdez and other congressmen in planning for the PI push. However, during the hearing, he reversed his statement after a photo surfaced, showing him together with Romualdez in what appeared to be a meeting focused on the People’s Initiative. Oñate attributed his earlier denial to a memory lapse, acknowledging that he did meet with House Constitutional Amendments chairman Rufus Rodriguez and former Ako-Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin, but retracting this when confronted with the incriminating photo.
The photo, dated Jan. 8, 2024, not only featured Oñate and Romualdez but also included House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. This raises questions about the extent of collaboration between PIRMA and influential lawmakers, as the meeting reportedly took place at Romualdez’s residence in the exclusive Forbes Park.
The revelation has sparked concerns about the transparency and integrity of the People’s Initiative campaign, which aims to gather signatures for proposed legislative amendments. Critics argue that the involvement of high-ranking lawmakers in the signature-gathering process raises questions about the grassroots nature of the initiative and its independence from political influence.
This controversy adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about constitutional reforms and initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues in the country. It underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and ensuring that such initiatives truly reflect the will of the people rather than being driven by political interests.
As the Senate Committee continues its investigation, the public awaits further clarification on the extent of collaboration between PIRMA and lawmakers, as well as the implications for the credibility of the People’s Initiative process.
Ops. Huli 😂 pic.twitter.com/6hOyTsnAn2
— Seven—— (@AgilaAngMalakas) January 30, 2024