MANILA, Philippines: Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel "Joel" Villanueva and Sen. Maria Imelda "Imee" Marcos on Friday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) not to burden the people who want to withdraw their signatures from the People's Initiative (PI) for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

Reached for comment on the poll body's approval of a "withdrawal form," Villanueva cited complicated requirements.

He said that "while the actions of Comelec regarding the 'fake' People's Initiative (PI) are a welcome development, we are calling on the poll body not to make it hard for our countrymen to withdraw their signatures because this is their right. The process of signing is simple, let us also simplify the process of withdrawing the same," said Villanueva in Filipino.

"It is therefore important to have a clear direction from the Comelec, especially since the Supreme Court has already said that there is no law for a People's Initiative in amending the Constitution," the majority leader added.

Senator Marcos, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation said the withdrawal of signatures should be as easy as affixing the same.

"Requiring an explanation certainly makes it more difficult for people to withdraw their signatures en masse. They were not asked for an explanation when they signed the PI sheets, why would they be asked to explain themselves if they decided to withdraw their signatures," Marcos said.

"The Comelec has suspended Resolution 10650 and any actions concerning the PI campaign. That is the reason why they cannot act on the withdrawal of signatures right now. I do hope however that they treat the PI sheets in the same manner that they treat the withdrawal sheets--for record purposes only," she added.

The Comelec on Wednesday approved a "withdrawal form" for individuals who wish to retract their signatures for the amendment of the Charter.

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