THE ongoing 'people's initiative' (PI) campaign for Charter change has become a contentious, deeply polarizing and consequential issue. It has now ripened and sown political discord that is driving a wedge between senators and members of the House of Representatives. It is even causing friction within the House among those members who are against it primarily due to its potential to reshape the Constitution and profoundly impact the political landscape of the country.

Certainly, this PI has been met with stern opposition from every corner of Philippine society, including the Senate. But in all these, the most imperative question is why this PI is extremely politically polarizing and strongly opposed by many Filipinos, including senators, Vice President Sara Duterte, and even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who appears to be somewhat ambivalent about it. Is this PI for 'Cha-cha' the 'silver bullet' to the complex socioeconomic and political problems of the country?