Cha-cha at the Senate? Weird

The Senate just filed Resolution No. 10 calling for a change in the system of government from republican presidential to a parliamentary form of government. Malacanang in a statement said they’re surprised with the 180 degree turnaround. The Senate has been vigorously opposing cha-cha moves. Now, eleven senators have signed their own death warrants.

Why the move towards a parliamentary system of government? Note that this reso was even filed by Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr, a strong voice against cha-cha before under the Arroyo administration. Pimentel is known for advocating federalism, yes, but not under Arroyo’s. Why the sudden change of heart, Mr. Pimentel?

Notice that the ones who co-signed the resolution were also strong oppositors to cha-cha, especially Senate President Manuel Villar and Senators Pia Cayetano, Juan Ponce Enrile, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan and Ramon Revilla Jr. The voting crossed partylines, showing the urgency of the resolution.

What prompted them to file a resolution such as this one? Are they anticipating some moves from Malacanang? Is this a move to finally solve the impasse in peace talks with the Bangsamoro people?

I remember writing about cha-cha a few months ago and I said that this administration has a June deadline for it. Is the Senate pre-empting a similar undertaking from Congress? Do they have prior information that Congress will be initiating cha-cha moves this May?

Some thoughts:

1. Maybe the Senator saw the writing on the wall that they’ll lose the vote come cha-cha in Congress?
2. Maybe they are seeing the specter of a prolonged Arroyo rule under this system of government?
3. Maybe they already lost hope of ousting Gloria from the palace and they just want to slice this country apart so that they, themselves, will be able to rule at least a portion of it?

I would like to know what prompted these fine gentlemen and a lady to vote for cha-cha. And I would also like to know why major palace factotum Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago abstained herself from voting the measure?