DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya (File photo) MANILA - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday reiterated that reforms in the country's Constitution are long overdue and necessary to respond to the changing demands of society. "Thirty-five years after it (Constitution) was ratified, it is time to give it a new and closer look, not in the spirit of carping or disdainful criticism, but in a sincere effort to make it responsive to the demands of our times," DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, who is also chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Constitutional Reforms, said in a statement. Malaya made the remark in support of neophyte senator Robin Padilla who will chair the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments. "Towards this end, we commit to providing the good senator with the technical support and assistance he needs to succeed as chairman," he said. He also lauded Padilla for taking on the tough task of introducing Cha
ROOKIE. Senator-elect Robin Padilla attends a briefing on legislative processes at the Senate building in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 14, 2022). The session tackled plenary procedures. (Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB) MANILA - Neophyte Senator-elect Robin Padilla still remembers a conversation he had with President Rodrigo Duterte several months back. Duterte told him that he always has a lot on his mind and likes talking but has no concrete plans. "Ngayon, eto na ako. Ito na siguro yung inaantay ko (Now, I'm here. Maybe this is what I've been waiting for)," he said in an interview on Tuesday, referring to his win in the Senate where he can push his agenda. Presumptive Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri previously announced that the majority agreed to let Padilla lead the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes and Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development in the 19th Congress. Padilla has finished the "Executive Mentoring on