The move for all senators and representatives themselves to introduce changes in the 1987 Constitution has gained more momentum in the House of Representatives.

Cebu 3rd district Rep. Gwen Garcia and Batangas 2nd district Rep. Raneo Abu, both House deputy speakers, have withdrawn their respective draft measures calling for a constitutional convention (con-con), a mode for charter change (cha-cha) popular with the solons.

Garcia initially pushed for con-con—which requires the election of delegates who will draft the amendments to the constitution—in her House Bill No. 312.

But she changed her mind since President Rodrigo Duterte and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez supported a constituent assembly—wherein amendments will be drafted by the lawmakers.

“In the spirit of cooperation and unity, with the direction of our present administration and the leadership of the House, I am withdrawing my bill in favor of he holding of a con-ass to change our Constitution,” Garcia said.

Abu, meanwhile, attributed his withdrawal to “unforeseen events and because of reasons mentioned by the Secretary of Budget and Management.”

It was reported that doing away with the logistics of the con-con (another election, offices for the delegates, salaries, etc.) will reportedly save the government P4–5 billion.

Both solons now support House Joint Resolution (HJR) No. 2 calling for a con-ass, which was authored by Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Albee Benitez.

The president, who once supported con-con, has favored con-ass because he said it is cheaper, faster and more efficient.

Garcia and Abu made their withdrawals during Wednesday’s controversial hearing by the Constitutional Amendments Committee, chaired by Southern Leyte lone district Rep. Roger Mercado.

The hearing ended abruptly when Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Barbers  and Surigao del Sur 1st district Rep. Prospero Pichay nearly came to blows over the discussion of a motion for con-ass.