on Wednesday, Deputy Speaker Aurelio"Dong" Gonzales said con-ass would allay concerns on constitutional amendments — including the cost of a convention, which had been estimated at a minimum of ₱14 billion.
[Translation: It's the easiest. Con-ass - we won't have elections anymore, we won't have con-con delegates anymore. Number two, it can be held simultaneously with the barangay and SK elections. And number three, we would save ₱14 billion.] Gonzales maintained that con-ass would also ease the Senate's concern that con-con would have plenary powers, and guarantee that only economic provisions of the Constitution would be touched.
Meanwhile, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez questioned why the Senate is hesitant on charter change.