![[EXPLAINER] Forget about people’s initiative for ABS-CBN](https://i.headtopics.com/images/2020/7/11/rapplerdotcom/explainer-forget-about-people-s-initiative-for-abs-cbn-1281947264550932481.webp)
'It will cost the Comelec at least P4 billion, and it will overlap with its preparation for the 2022 elections. Let’s set the exercise aside for when we truly need it.' Read this explainer by Emil Marañon III.
Since after 70 pro-administration members of a House of Representatives, many lawyers and law professors have advocated an “initiative” where voters can directly legislate a franchise for the network. Many posts advocating for it, perhaps fueled by the public’s anger, have gone viral, and some friends have asked me about its feasibility.
For people to initiate the passage of a national legislation, the draft law must be signed by at least 10 percent of our country’s total voters, and at least 3 percent of every legislative district’s voters. However, the people did not give all of its legislative powers to Congress, it reserved some for itself. This remainder of the peoplelegislative powers is what gives life to the process of an initiative. An initiative, thus, is the purest and most direct form of democracy, and the laws it produces are as valid as that made by its mere delegate, the Congress. Thus, Attorney De la Cruz and Mr Remitio are, in theory, correct.
It will be conservatively similar to a barangay election in terms of expenses, which should not be lower than P4 billion. The amount of preparation for the referendum itself will take a minimum of 6 months. Unfortunately, Comelec neither has the money or time for it.“Conduct and supervision of elections, referenda, recall votes and plebiscites”
Another option is a supplemental appropriation from the same Congress which denied ABS-CBN’s franchise bill.
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