2024 constitutional reform attempts in the Philippines

Constitutional reform in the Philippines, commonly referred to as charter change or colloquially as cha-cha, involves the political and legal procedures required to modify the existing 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. According to the interpretation of the Constitution, amendments can be suggested through one of three approaches: a People's Initiative, a Constituent Assembly, or a Constitutional Convention.{{Cite web |last=Gavilan |first=Jodesz |date=January 16, 2018 |title=What you need to know about Charter Change |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/193718-charter-change-explainer-philippine-constitution/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}}

{{Excerpt|Constitutional reform in the Philippines|Ramos administration|paragraphs=1|hat=no}}

Amid impeachment complaints during her presidency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for a shift to a parliamentary system, stating the Philippine political system "has now become a hindrance to our national progress".{{cite news |title=Arroyo urges political system overhaul |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/7/25/arroyo-urges-political-system-overhaul |access-date=June 22, 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=July 25, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127081247/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/7/25/arroyo-urges-political-system-overhaul |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |language=en}}

During the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, discussions and proposals related to charter change began as Duterte expressed support for amending the constitution to shift the country's government system to a federal republic.{{Cite web |last=Inquirer |first=Philippine Daily |date=May 20, 2016 |title=Duterte: Polls on federalism in 2 yrs |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/786631/duterte-polls-on-federalism-in-2-yrs |access-date=January 29, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} However, the push for charter change discontinued in 2019 after heavy political division and disagreements within his administration and political allies.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2019 |title=Duterte's federalist project indefinitely on hold {{!}} East Asia Forum |url=https://eastasiaforum.org/2019/07/24/dutertes-federalist-project-indefinitely-on-hold/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |language=en-AU}}

{{Main article|People's Initiative}}

The People's Initiative (PI) outlines the procedures for constituents to propose changes to the constitution through a petition process. The process is summarized as:

• A petition for a People's Initiative must be signed by at least 12% of the total number of registered voters, with each legislative district represented by at least 3% of its registered voters.
• The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) verifies the authenticity of the signatures and ensures that the petition complies with the requirements set by law.
• If the petition is deemed valid, the proposed law or constitutional amendment is subjected to a national referendum. A majority vote in favor is needed for the proposal to become law.

President Bongbong Marcos has been a major supporter of charter change, running as a candidate for the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas during the 2022 presidential election which supports changing the system of government to a federal republic.{{Cite web |last=Valente |first=Catherine S. |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Marcos pitches for federalism |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/25/news/marcos-pitches-for-federalism/1906820 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Manila Times |language=en}} During his presidency, Marcos said that the country has "taken steps" towards a shift to federalism.{{Cite web |last=Mangaluz |first=Jean |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Bongbong Marcos: PH doing first step of federal gov't 'in all but name' |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1821146/bongbong-marcos-were-doing-first-step-of-federal-govt-for-ph-in-all-but-name |access-date=February 3, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

In January 2024, the People's Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (PIRMA) initiated a PI attempt.{{Cite web |title='EDSA-Pwera' ad, umarangkada para isulong ang Charter change |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/893759/edsa-pwera-ad-umarangkada-para-isulong-ang-charter-change/story/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=Balitambayan |language=en}} The proponents suggested that both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, should vote jointly on the proposed amendments in a constitutional assembly. However, the 24-member Senate has opposed the proposal, as its vote would be outweighed by the 316-member House of Representatives.{{Cite web |last=Laqui |first=Ian |title=Senate says 'people's initiative' exploits democratic process |url=https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/24/2327991/senate-says-peoples-initiative-exploits-democratic-process |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}

The effort gained controversy when Albay Representative Edcel Lagman revealed constituents were allegedly offered ₱100 to ₱10,000 for their signatures.{{cite news |last1=Vigilia |first1=Wendell |title=House probe sought on signature drive |url=https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/house-probe-sought-on-signature-drive/ |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=Malaya Business Insight |date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114230853/https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/house-probe-sought-on-signature-drive/ |archive-date=January 14, 2024}} Some constituents also claimed that they were not informed that they were signing forms relating to constitutional change and instead were told that the forms were for government subsidy.{{Cite web |last=Patumbon |first=Rojean Grace G. |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Cash for signature?: Davao City lawmakers denounce alleged 'vote buying' in signing petition for Cha-cha |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/cash-for-signature-davao-city-lawmakers-denounce-alleged-vote-buying-in-signing-petition-for-cha-cha |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=SunStar |language=en}} On January 9, president Marcos' sister, Senator Imee Marcos disclosed that up to {{Philippine peso}}20 million was allegedly offered to each congressional district that could deliver the required number of signatures that support the Charter change pushed in the House.{{cite news |last1=Felipe |first1=Cecille Suerte |last2=Cayabyab |first2=Marc Jayson |title=Imee: P20 Million Offered Per District For House Cha-Cha |url=https://www.onenews.ph/articles/imee-p20-million-offered-per-district-for-house-cha-cha |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=One News |date=January 10, 2024}} While the proponents claimed that they have achieved the minimum 12 percent national voter threshold on January 23,{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Jom |date=January 4, 2024 |title=People's initiative has reached required number of signatures — Salceda |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/01/24/peoples-initiative-has-reached-required-number-of-signatures-salceda |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}} COMELEC suspended the proceedings due to the alleged reports of bribery.{{Cite web |last=Jaymalin |first=Mayen |title=Comelec suspends indefinitely PI proceedings |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/30/2329513/comelec-suspends-indefinitely-pi-proceedings |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}

Amidst the controversy, Bongbong Marcos said that while he is in favor of charter change and PI, reiterated that he only supports changes in the constitution's economic provisions and not political ones.{{Cite web |last=Piatos |first=Tiziana Celine |date=January 30, 2024 |title=PBBM seeks compromise in Cha-cha dispute |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/01/30/pbbm-seeks-compromise-in-cha-cha-dispute |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Dantes |first1=Charles |last2=Lopez |first2=Vince |date=January 23, 2024 |title=Marcos draws line on Cha-cha: Economic provisions, yes; political ones, not for now |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314409753/marcos-draws-line-on-cha-cha-economic-provisions-yes-political-ones-not-for-now.html |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Manila Standard |language=en-US}} Imee Marcos accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez of spearheading the initiative for Charter change and questioned the initiative's motives, saying the restrictive economic provisions have already been addressed in the past Congress through the enactment of the Retail Trade Act, Foreign Investments Act, and Public Service Act. During a hearing by the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation on January 31, PIRMA lead convenor Noel Oñate admitted discussing with Romualdez about the PI and claimed responsibility for a signature drive campaign, but denied the allegations of bribery.{{Cite web |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=January 31, 2024 |title=PIRMA lead says Romualdez helped them in Cha-Cha signature drive |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/people-initiative-convenor-charter-change-says-romualdez-help-signature-drive/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}}

On another hearing in February 2, witnesses from Davao City said that they were promised government aid through aid program of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development as well as ₱4,000 in cash in exchange for their signatures in the PI forms. Rene Estorpe, the barangay captain of Agdao Centro, claimed these promises came from the PBA Partylist, a party-list political party representing the country's athletes.{{Cite web |title=People in Davao 'deceived' into signing people's initiative forms – barangay officials |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/02/people-in-davao-deceived-into-signing-peoples-initiative-forms-barangay-officials/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |work=MindaNews|date=February 3, 2024 }} A PBA party-list coordinator from barangay San Antonio admitted to distributing coupons for government aid to lure people in her village to sign for the PI forms.{{Cite web |last=G |first=Herbie |date=February 3, 2024 |title=Davao witnesses link PBA party-list workers to 'deceptive' Cha-Cha initiative |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/davao-witnesses-link-pba-partylist-workers-deceptive-charter-change-initiative-february-2-2024/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}} Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro ordered the arrest of people found offering money to residents in exchange for their signatures for the PI forms.{{Cite web |author1=Mayen Jaymalin |author2=Emmanuel Tupas |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Marikina cops ordered to arrest PI signature 'buyers' |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/02/2330349/marikina-cops-ordered-arrest-pi-signature-buyers |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}

Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines President Pablo Virgilio David warned the public about the potential deception in the gathering of signatures for the people's initiative, suggesting the PI was mainly driven by "a few public servants and not truly the initiative of ordinary citizens".{{cite news |last1=Cabico |first1=Gaea Katreena |title=CBCP warns of deception in people's initiative on Charter change |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/01/2330156/cbcp-warns-deception-peoples-initiative-charter-change |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205134022/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/01/2330156/cbcp-warns-deception-peoples-initiative-charter-change |archive-date=February 5, 2024}} Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission that crafted the 1987 Constitution, opposed proposed amendments and revisions to the charter, describing such proposals as a "lethal experiment, a fatal hit, [and] a plunge to death";{{cite news |last1=Ombay |first1=Giselle |title=Ex-CJ Davide: Amending Constitution a 'cha-cha dance to hell' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/896482/ex-cj-davide-amending-constitution-a-cha-cha-dance-to-hell/story/ |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205134236/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/896482/ex-cj-davide-amending-constitution-a-cha-cha-dance-to-hell/story/ |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |language=en}} he also warned against amending the "restrictive economic provisions" of the Constitution, saying that "the day will not be far when public utilities and advertising industries will be under control or even under the full ownership of aliens".{{cite news |last1=Legaspi |first1=Zeus |title=Charter framer Hilario Davide Jr. warns vs changing economic provisions |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899437/charter-framer-hilario-davide-warned-vs-changing-economic-provisions |access-date=February 6, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205070610/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899437/charter-framer-hilario-davide-warned-vs-changing-economic-provisions |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |language=en}}

A prayer rally was held in Davao City on January 28, only hours after the Marcos administration's Bagong Pilipinas rally, in opposition to the PI and charter change. The prayer rally was notable for the attendance of high profile politicians such as former president Rodrigo Duterte, vice president Sara Duterte, Imee Marcos, Davao City mayor Sebastian Duterte, Bongbong Marcos' former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.{{Cite web |last=Casucian |first=Jiselle Anne C. |date=January 28, 2024 |title=VP Sara, ex-Pres. Duterte denounce Cha-cha in Davao prayer rally |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895663/vp-sara-former-president-duterte-attend-davao-prayer-rally-to-denounce-cha-cha/story/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Dwight de |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Uniteam divided: The politicians in opposing Sunday rallies in Manila and Davao |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/politicians-crossovers-opposing-rallies-manila-davao-marcos-duterte-january-2024/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}}

During the rally, Rodrigo Duterte accused Marcos of consolidating power for himself and his allies by attempting to increase the term limits of the president and members of congress, and warned that Marcos will "suffer the same fate as his father," referencing the overthrow of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. through the People Power Revolution in 1986.{{Cite web |last=Lema |first=Karen |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Open warfare between Marcos, Duterte |url=https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2024/02/1009479/open-warfare-between-marcos-duterte |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=NST Online |language=en}} Duterte also accused Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez of orchestrating the PI{{cite news |last1=Llemit |first1=Ralph Lawrence G. |title=FPRRD slams PI; accuses First Lady Marcos, Speaker Romualdez behind it |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/fprrd-slams-pi-accuses-first-lady-marcos-speaker-romualdez-behind-it |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=SunStar |date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129145217/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/fprrd-slams-pi-accuses-first-lady-marcos-speaker-romualdez-behind-it |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |language=en}} and called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police to "protect the constitution"; he also vowed to arrest the proponents of the PI if he were to ever return to power.{{Cite web |last=Argosino |first=Faith |date=January 29, 2024 |title=I'll order arrest of PI movers of Cha-cha if I regain power – Rodrigo Duterte |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1895671/ill-order-arrest-of-pi-movers-of-cha-cha-if-i-regain-power-rodrigo-duterte |access-date=February 3, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

Rodrigo Duterte accused Marcos of being a drug addict, claiming that Marcos' name was on the list of drug personalities published by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during his tenure as mayor of Davao, and also alleged that those in government and the AFP has knowledge of Marcos' drug addiction. However, this was later denied by PDEA, who said that Marcos was never in their list of drug personalities since the database was established in 2002.{{Cite web |last=G |first=Herbie |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Foul-mouthed Duterte at it again, spits venom at Marcos and calls him 'drug addict' |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/foul-mouthed-duterte-cusses-marcos-calls-him-drug-addict/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}} In response to Duterte's accusation, Marcos sarcastically said that Duterte's judgment was allegedly affected by his use of fentanyl, in which he said Duterte has been taking for the last five years.{{Cite news |date=January 29, 2024 |title='Knives are out': Marcos says fentanyl fog behind Duterte's tirades against him |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/knives-are-out-marcos-says-fentanyl-fog-behind-duterte-s-tirades-against-him |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} Duterte replied saying the drug was prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain from injuries he sustained from a past motorcycle accident; he also suggested that Marcos take a public drug test in Luneta Park together with him.{{Cite web |last=Valente |first=Catherine S. |date=February 1, 2024 |title=Duterte to Marcos: Let's take drug test |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/02/01/news/duterte-to-marcos-lets-take-drug-test/1930629 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Manila Times |language=en}}

Sebastian Duterte demanded Marcos' resignation during a political forum held at the same day, accusing him of laziness and incompetence.{{Cite web |last=Gavilan |first=Jodesz |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Baste Duterte to Marcos: Resign if you can't make love of country a priority |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/baste-duterte-to-marcos-resign-if-you-cant-make-love-of-country-a-priority/ |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}} According to Imee Marcos, Duterte later retracted the statement and apologized.{{Cite web |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |title=Baste apologizes for resignation call |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/31/2329800/baste-apologizes-resignation-call |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}} However, Duterte clarified that he was not apologizing to president Marcos and he was only apologizing to Imee Marcos "out of pity" and demanded she stop "using him" for political statements.{{Cite web |last=Legaspi |first=Zeus |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Baste Duterte clarifies 'apology' to Imee Marcos: It was simply out of pity |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1898958/baste-to-imee-on-saying-sorry |access-date=February 6, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Jom |date=February 4, 2024 |title='We talked, it is okay now' Imee says after Baste's post |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/02/04/we-talked-it-is-okay-now-imee-says-after-bastes-post |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}}

On January 30, Rodrigo Duterte expressed frustration on how the government uses resources and taxpayers' money{{cite news |last1=Alivio |first1=Cristina E. |title=FPRRD eyes to revive 'Mindanao initiative' |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/fprrd-eyes-to-revive-mindanao-initiative |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=SunStar |date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202093721/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/fprrd-eyes-to-revive-mindanao-initiative |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |language=en}} and revived an initiative that Davao del Norte Representative and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez advocated{{cite news |title=Duterte bares signature-based plan for separate Mindanao |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895927/duterte-bares-signature-based-plan-for-separate-mindanao/story/ |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131024535/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895927/duterte-bares-signature-based-plan-for-separate-mindanao/story/ |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |language=en}} for political forces from Mindanao to start a movement for a "separate and independent Mindanao". Duterte said that Alvarez will head the independence movement and further explained that the movement will not start a rebellion nor will it cause "bloodshed" but will follow international laws to achieve its goal.{{Cite web |last=Lacorte |first=Germelina |date=February 1, 2024 |title=Duterte now wants 'separate, independent' Mindanao |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1897324/duterte-now-wants-separate-independent-mindanao |access-date=February 3, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} Alvarez thanked Romualdez, explaining the ongoing PI has added fuel to renewed calls for Mindanao independence.{{cite news |last1=Panganiban-Perez |first1=Tina |title=Alvarez 'thanks' Romualdez over renewed calls for Mindanao independence |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895976/alvarez-thanks-romualdez-over-renewed-calls-for-mindanao-independence/story/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131123823/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895976/alvarez-thanks-romualdez-over-renewed-calls-for-mindanao-independence/story/ |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |language=en}}

Duterte's declaration drew wide disapproval; Senate president Migz Zubiri and minority leader Koko Pimentel, both natives of Mindanao, condemned Duterte's plan, with the latter stating that the "last thing that we want is for our country to be chaotic and divided."{{Cite web |last=INQUIRER.net |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Lawmakers, ex-Muslim rebels reject Duterte call for secession |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1898045/lawmakers-ex-muslim-rebels-reject-duterte-call-for-secession |access-date=February 3, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} Former Moro separatist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rejected Duterte's call for independence, with deputy speaker of the Interim Bangsamoro Parliament Omar Yasser Sema saying that "secession is not the solution to this current problem." The National Security Council through National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that any attempt of secession "will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory".{{Cite web |last=Ombay |first=Giselle |date=February 4, 2024 |title=NSC: Philippines to stop all tries to dismember republic |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/content/896406/nsc-mindanao-officials-oppose-duterte-s-secession-call/story/ |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2024 |title=No niceties: Año warns of 'resolute force' vs attempts to secede from PH |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2024/02/04/no-niceties-ano-warns-of-resolute-force-vs-attempts-to-secede-from-ph/politiko-lokal/ |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=politiko.com.ph |language=en-US}} Presidential peace adviser and former AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the public to "turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation", saying such calls would only lead to destabilizing the country.{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=John Eric |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Reject Duterte's call for independent Mindanao, Galvez tells public |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1898238/reject-dutertes-call-for-independent-mindanao-galvez-tells-public |access-date=February 5, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} Murad Ebrahim, Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and chair of another former Moro separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) called for strengthened support behind Marcos and the Philippine government "to allow peace and civility to reign over the affairs of our land".{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Edwin |date=February 3, 2024 |title=BARMM chief 'stands firm' on peace deal; rallies support for Marcos |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1898695/barmm-chief-stands-firm-on-peace-deal-rallies-support-for-marcos |access-date=February 5, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} Camiguin Governor Xavier Romualdo and Camiguin Representative Jurdin Romualdo said that Duterte could be held criminally liable for sedition following his calls for Mindanao secession.{{Cite web |last=Legaspi |first=Zeus |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Ex-Pres. Duterte may be held liable for sedition – Romualdos of Camiguin |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899015/ex-pres-duterte-may-be-held-liable-for-sedition-romualdos-of-camiguin |access-date=February 5, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}} In response, Duterte's former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo called the fierce comments and threats to seize Duterte "overreacting" and said that Duterte's remarks about secession was "just an idea".{{cite news |last1=Legaspi |first1=Zeus |title=Panelo on use of force vs ex-President Duterte: 'Overacting!' |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899498/panelo-on-use-of-force-vs-ex-pres-duterte-youre-overacting-too-much |access-date=February 21, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205073715/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1899498/panelo-on-use-of-force-vs-ex-pres-duterte-youre-overacting-too-much |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |language=en}}

On February 8, Marcos described the efforts at secession as being "doomed to fail for it is anchored on a false premise, not to mention a sheer Constitutional travesty," and pledged to uphold the Constitution.{{Cite web |last=Ayalin |first=Adrian |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Marcos: Call for a separate Mindanao 'doomed to fail' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/2024/2/8/marcos-call-for-a-separate-mindanao-doomed-to-fail-1927 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN |language=en}} On February 21, Lanao del Norte representative Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said that 53 out of 60 members of the House of Representatives from Mindanao had signed a manifesto rejecting Duterte's secession proposal.{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2024 |title=Mindanao solons sign manifesto rejecting Duterte's 'secession' campaign |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/2/21/mindanao-solons-sign-manifesto-rejecting-duterte-s-secession-campaign-1443 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN |language=en}}

On February 27, Duterte retracted his calls for the secession of Mindanao, saying that it was a bluff and a "joke" to get the attention of "Manila". He further explained that he does not want the Philippines to be dismembered, and that he wanted "a better deal for Mindanao".{{cite news |title=Mindanao independence: Duterte's 'joke' that just didn't fly |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/duterte-joke-independence/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=Rappler |date=February 28, 2024 |language=en }}

On February 5, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 156, pledging loyalty to Speaker Romualdez; the resolution also stated that the Senate supposedly violated the principle of inter-parliamentary courtesy and interfered with the House's affairs when the Senate conducted hearings on PI. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. defended the resolution after Senate President Zubiri and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva took offense at the resolution.{{cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Cristina |title=House and Senate at an 'impasse' after senators take exception with loyalty pledge |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/06/2331394/house-and-senate-impasse-after-senators-take-exception-loyalty-pledge |work=The Philippine Star |date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206090329/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/06/2331394/house-and-senate-impasse-after-senators-take-exception-loyalty-pledge |archive-date=February 6, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Garner |first1=Jom |title=Zubiri: Senate open to settle 'impasse' with House amid renewed word war |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/02/05/zubiri-senate-open-to-settle-impasse-with-house-amid-renewed-word-war |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206090427/https://tribune.net.ph/2024/02/05/zubiri-senate-open-to-settle-impasse-with-house-amid-renewed-word-war |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |language=en}}

On February 13, several senators questioned a new {{Philippine peso}}26.7 billion cash assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) named "Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program" (AKAP), which they described as a "foreign project". DSWD Undersecretary for Legislative affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo said the project was also "just as foreign" to the DSWD and that the project was not part of the original budget proposal for 2024 from Malacañang. Senator Imee Marcos said she learned about the program from a congressman who sent her a text message saying "All soft projects including AKAP must go through the Office of the Speaker. AKAP, AICS, TUPAD, MAIP for the PI and other efforts". Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate finance committee, said the AKAP program was initiated by the House. In response, House appropriations chairman Elizaldy Co, said Imee Marcos was tarnishing the good intention of the program.{{cite news |last1=Hana |first1=Bordey |title=Senators question P26.7-billion aid linked to people's initiative |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/897374/senators-question-p26-7-billion-aid-linked-to-people-s-initiative/story/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214021418/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/897374/senators-question-p26-7-billion-aid-linked-to-people-s-initiative/story/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |language=en}}

On February 8, President Marcos, in a speech to the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) during the occasion of Constitution Day in Makati, expressed full support for efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution.{{cite news |last1=Aurelio |first1=Julie M. |title=Marcos backs economic Cha-cha, hits secession |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1901856/marcos-backs-economic-cha-cha-hits-secession |access-date=February 9, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 8, 2024}} Following Marcos' announcement, senior deputy house speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Salceda said that the chamber would limit its proposed amendments the constitution to economic aspects in accordance with the president's wishes.{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=RG |title=House to limit cha-cha to econ after Marcos statement |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/2/12/house-to-limit-cha-cha-to-econ-after-marcos-statement-1901 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN |date=February 12, 2024}}

In an attempt to hasten the resolution of reforms in the Constitution, the House of Representatives approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7), an almost exact copy of RBH 6 which was earlier filed by Senate President Migz Zubiri and Senators Loren Legarda and Sonny Angara. The proposed amendments are on the ownership of and grant of legislative franchises to public utilities in Article XII, basic education in Article XIV, and advertising in Article XVI. The main suggested amendments center around the insertion of the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law", allowing Congress to lift or relax present economic restrictions in the Constitution, and the addition of the qualifier "basic" in Article XIV.{{cite news |last1=de la Cruz |first1=Jovee Marie N. |title=House panel okays RBH 7 in bid to fast-track Cha-cha |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/03/07/house-panel-okays-rbh-7-in-bid-to-fast-track-cha-cha/ |access-date=June 22, 2024 |work=BusinessMirror |date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306161847/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/03/07/house-panel-okays-rbh-7-in-bid-to-fast-track-cha-cha/ |archive-date=March 6, 2024}}

On April 1, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon wrote a letter to Speaker Romualdez and Senate President Zubiri unveiling his proposals for amending the political provisions of the Constitution. These involved doubling the membership of the Senate to 48 senators to "increase efficiency" by reducing the numbers of committee assignments per legislator and switching to a parliamentary form of government.{{cite news |title=Gadon targets political cha-cha |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/04/gadon-targets-political-cha-cha |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |date=April 4, 2024}} In response, Zubiri cited recent opinion polls showing widespread disapproval for charter change in saying that such amendments would only further dampen support for it.{{cite news |title=Zubiri on Gadon's proposal: No one will support political amendments |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1927583/zubiri-on-gadons-proposal-no-one-will-support-political-amendments |access-date=April 10, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=April 8, 2024}} Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, who heads the House of Representatives' panel on constitutional reform, advised Romualdez to ignore Gadon's proposals and reiterated the President Marcos and the House's support for economic amendments only.{{cite news |title='Ignore Gadon's Cha-cha proposal' |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/06/news/national/ignore-gadons-cha-cha-proposal/1940092 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Manila Times |date=April 6, 2024}}

In late April 2024, a peace rally intended to defend the Constitution and criticize the "excesses” made by the Marcos administration was planned by former President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters to be held in Bustos, Bulacan. Duterte called his supporters to attend the rally saying "If you are brave, for the country, defend the flag, and the Constitution, and attend the peace rally to show your anger". The rally was later cancelled, allegedly under the Marcos administration's obstruction and harassment.{{cite news |last1=Francisquete |first1=David Ezra M. |title=Mayor Baste dismayed over Maisug rally cancellation in Bulacan |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/mayor-baste-dismayed-over-maisug-rally-cancellation-in-bulacan |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=SunStar |date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430064424/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/mayor-baste-dismayed-over-maisug-rally-cancellation-in-bulacan |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Ginigipit ng gobyerno! Rody Duterte cancels Bulacan peace rally – Roque |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2024/04/28/ginigipit-ng-gobyerno-rody-duterte-cancels-bulacan-peace-rally-roque/snitch-network/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Politiko |date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240501032830/https://politiko.com.ph/2024/04/28/ginigipit-ng-gobyerno-rody-duterte-cancels-bulacan-peace-rally-roque/snitch-network/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |language=en, fil}}

On May 20, Migz Zubiri resigned as Senate president following what he called were attacks against him that began following his opposition to the People's Initiative.{{cite news |last1=Tulad |first1=Victoria |title=Zubiri on Senate presidency resignation: 'I saw it coming' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/20/zubiri-on-senate-presidency-resignation-i-saw-it-coming-2153 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN |date=May 20, 2024|language=en}} President Bongbong Marcos subsequently expressed support for Zubiri's replacement, Francis Escudero.{{cite news |last1=Bajo |first1=Anna Felicia |title=Marcos extends support to Chiz Escudero as Senate president |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907439/marcos-escudero-senate-president/story/ |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521024418/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907439/marcos-escudero-senate-president/story/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |language=en}}

In a face-to-face survey of 1,200 respondents conducted by Pulse Asia from March 6 to 10, 2024, at least 88% of respondents said that they were against amending the 1987 Constitution, with only 8% supporting and the remaining 4% uncertain.{{cite news |last1=Panti |first1=Llanesca |title=88% of Filipinos against Cha-cha —Pulse Asia survey |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/901857/88-of-filipinos-against-cha-cha-pulse-asia-survey/story/ |access-date=March 27, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=March 27, 2024}} However, House deputy speaker David C. Suarez and House majority floor leader Manuel Dalipe disputed the survey, alleging that it uses "biased and leading questions" which they said could have influenced the outcome of the survey.{{Cite news |last=Subingsubing |first=Krixia |date=March 31, 2024 |title=House disputes survey on anti-Cha-cha majority |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1924200/house-disputes-survey-on-anti-cha-cha-majority |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} In another mobile-based survey conducted by data research firm Tangere from October 14-16, 2024, 61.9% of 1,500 participants expressed support for the proposed constitutional amendment on economic reforms.{{Cite news |last=Baroña |first=Franco Jose |date=October 22, 2024 |title=Poll shows support for Charter change high |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/10/22/news/national/poll-shows-support-for-charter-change-high/1987909 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=The Manila Times}}

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