Zubiri: Marcos prefers charter change plebiscite alongside 2025 elections

by: BONZ MAGSAMBOL

SUMMARY:

The article discloses what Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has said about presidential candidate
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s interest in Charter Change (Cha-Cha) through a plebiscite in
the 2025 elections. This insight reveals how complicated the political situation is in the
Philippines, with constitutional reforms being both governance and an instrument for political
gain.

In fact, Marcos Jr’s position appears to be well thought out as he seeks to involve the public
directly in Cha-Cha, something that may endear him to citizens by claiming for democratic
decision-making. His intention of using a plebiscite is also meant to win over people and create
an opportunity for possible alteration of certain provisions of constitution especially those
relating to its transformation into a federal state.

However, this proposal points out some aspects surrounding Cha-Cha debate which are
ambiguous and controversial. While holding a plebiscite might boost democracy in terms of
participation, it raises concerns about how feasible, transparent and inclusive it could be.
Furthermore, his preference shows that Philippine politics intertwines governance with
electoral strategies

Zubiris recent statement encourages us to think about the difficulties and possibilities that
come with changes. It highlights the importance of being open having discussions, with the
public and following values when dealing with controversial matters. This emphasizes how
crucial it is to participate and stay alert in protecting systems and procedures, in the Philippines.

REFLECTION:

According to Zubiri’s expose, the ongoing debate on Cha-Cha in the Philippines and political
tactics of major people like Marcos Jr are now clearer. Its preference for a plebiscite
demonstrates that it is committed to democratic values since it wants to involve people directly
in deciding about constitutional changes. In spite of this, it also points out the intricacies and
controversies surrounding Cha-Cha including concerns about transparency and legitimacy of
the process. Consequently, proposed Cha-Cha through plebiscite during 2025 elections is an
added dimension to political landscape showing significance of constitutional reforms in
determining future course of actions for the Philippines.
SOURCE CITATION:

Rappler. (2024, February 29). Zubiri: Marcos prefers Charter Change through plebiscite in 2025
elections. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/zubiri-marcos-prefers-charter-change-
plebiscite-2025-elections/