There is an \u201cemerging consensus\u201d in the Senate to review and amend the 1987 Constitution either through a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) or Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass), Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cI think we can see an emerging consensus in the Senate that we need to review our Constitution, amend the Constitution,\u201d Drilon said at the \u201cKapihan sa Manila Bay\u201d in Malate.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cWhether or not it will be done through Con-Ass or a Con-Con, I have no feel at this point, just that having to review and amend the Constitution is a matter that I think there is a unanimity in the Senate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n
However, as far as the proposed shift to federalism is concerned, Drilon believes that it could only be done through a Con-Con.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cOf course the other option is to let Congress do the Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass). But my reading of the public opinion is that they would prefer a Constitutional Convention where the entire constitution will be reviewed. That\u2019s my reading,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cHaving said that, if indeed it will be a Constitutional Convention, whether we maintain the present system of government or shift to federal system is a matter for the constitutional convention delegates to decide,\u201d he further said.<\/p>\n\n
On the proposed reimposition of the death penalty, Drilon reiterated that he is against it but said he is willing to listen to \u201cboth sides of the spectrum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
\u201c<\/strong>Personally I am against it because basically, I see an imperfect justice system where errors can be committed. When you send an innocent man into the death chamber, that is a mistake that cannot be corrected. That is my position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n \u201cI am willing to listen because there are very strong proponents on both sides. We will come into a final decision when it goes to the floor for a vote,\u201d the Senate leader added.<\/p>\n\n The shift to federalism and the reinstatement of the death penalty were among the campaign promises of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. RAM<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n READ: Federalism, war on crime top Duterte legislative agenda<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n RELATED VIDEOS<\/p>\n