THE first hearing conducted by the House of Representatives on Charter change Wednesday was marred by squabbling between two lawmakers who almost exchanged blows had cooler heads not intervened.

Representatives Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte and Prospero Pichay of Surigao del Sur traded curses after heated discussions on the motion of Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia that the House should convene as a Constitutional Assembly to tackle proposals to amend the Charter.