House members voted viva voce to pass House Resolution No. 1562 which had already been signed by 287 congressmen as co-authors prior to the proceedings.

HR 1562 declared the Lower House’s defense of both Romualdez and “integrity and honor” of chamber even as their alleged role in the People’s Initiative campaign is being investigated by senators.

Earlier, senators unanimously signed a manifesto declaring their decision to reject the PI. A subsequent investigation was conducted following allegations that the PI signature drive has been tainted with massive bribery.

During a Senate hearing, PI proponents admitted that they had held meetings and consulted Romualdez and his allies in the majority concerning the PI.

“The confrontational tactics used by the Senate are detrimental to the spirit of cooperative governance and the public’s confidence in parliamentary processes,” congressmen stated in HR No. 1562.

In his sponsorship speech of the measure, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio D. Gonzales Jr. accused certain senators of hurling “unfounded allegations” against members of a co-equal legislative body and thus are guilty of “direct violation of inter-parliamentary courtesy.”

“We must as one body rise in defense of the leadership and dignity of our institution against these ridiculous allegations,” Gonzales said.

The House official declared that the Lower House has “no involvement in the signature drive to amend the Constitution.”

Adoption of the measure was not unanimous as three members of the Makabayan bloc issued statements declaring that they have abstained from the voting.

Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro said Charter change is being given priority by Congress yet there are more urgent issues confronting Filipinos that require legislative action.

“Sa katunayan, ayon sa Pulse Asia at Octa Research surveys, inflation ang pangunahin inaalala ng mga pamilyang Pilipino hindi Chacha,” she said.

For her part, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas stressed that the manner by which the 1987 Constitution should be amended is not an issue that majority of Filipinos want resolved.

According to Brosas people are more concerned that Charter amendments will focus at allowing foreign capital to take over the economy and thus, result to graver poverty situation among Filipinos.