By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental halted the acceptance of signatures supporting the People’s Initiative aimed to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, Comelec-NegOcc elections supervisor, said they have received instructions from the national office to preserve, seal and secure the collected signatures pending further review.

Ananoria said they have gathered a total of 248,398 signatures from various towns and cities in the province, including its capital Bacolod City.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed a cautious stance for the People’s Initiative, while awaiting further developments.

However, Lacson underscored its constitutional significance but also acknowledged potential challenges.

“People’s Initiative is constitutional. It seems that People’s Initiative is not a viable process,” he said.

“Every time you go through a People’s Initiative, there is a counter that money is involved. Might as well take that option out. It’s either the constitutional convention or a constituent assembly,” he added.

Lacson said he cannot comment on reports that local officials are behind the signature campaign for the People’s Initiative.

Atty. Cesar Beloria, Jr. said he has evidence to prove that the signature campaign for People’s Initiative has irregularities.

“We have proof that it was initiated by some political leaders,” Beloria, who also spearheads moves for withdrawing signatures, said.

“We are gathering more proof and for the witnesses to execute affidavit,” he added./DGB, WDJ