House approves con-con bill on final reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading House Bill 7352 seeking to form a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The bill, which is the implementing measure of Resolution of Both Houses 6, got 301 "Yes" votes and seven "No" votes. No one abstained during the voting.

The measure also provides for a P10,000 compensation per delegate per day of attendance in the proceedings.

The delegation will be composed of 316 members. Of this number, 80% will be elected from congressional districts while 20% will be appointed by the president.

The con-con delegates’ term of office will be from December 1 this year to June 30, 2024.

Each delegate will also be entitled to necessary traveling and lodging allowance “to and from his place of residence when attending sessions of the convention or any of its committees.”

House Bill 7352 also authorizes the Secretary of the Senate and the Secretary General of the House of Representatives to take charge of all arrangements for the convening of the body.

Under the bill, the con-con session will commence on December 1 this year at 10 a.m. at the House session hall.—LDF, GMA Integrated News