Castro fears amendments to political provisions despite economic Cha-cha

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro on Sunday raised concerns that the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution would still touch on its political provisions despite lawmakers' declarations that changes would be limited to economic provisions.

In a Kapihan forum, Casto said that term extensions might also be covered should there be political amendments to the Constitution.

“Isang bahagi ‘yan ng Charter change. Nangangamba rin kami na kapag binuksan ang Charter change ay magagalaw din ang mga political provisions. Magagalaw din ang term extension,” she said.

(That is a part of Charter change. We fear that once the Charter change begins, the political provisions will also be touched, including term extensions.)

“Kasi meron nang nagsulong niyan eh. Marami tayong mga kasamahan sa House of Representatives, at mukhang dito sa Senate meron na ring nagsusulong nung mga political provisions,” she added.

(Some people are pushing for that. We have many colleagues in the House of Representatives who do so, and it seems that some senators are also pushing for amendments to the political provisions.)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the planned Charter change would be limited to economic provisions, stressing the need for the government to attract more foreign investments to help the Philippines reach upper-middle-class income status by 2025.

“I want to make it clear. This Administration’s position in introducing reforms to our Constitution extends to economic matters alone, or those strategically aimed at boosting our country’s economy. Nothing more,” Marcos said.

Several opposition figures on Friday also warned that efforts to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution will open the floodgates to political amendments, including term extensions.

For his part, Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon urged the Senate to show its dedication to support the economic reforms being pushed by the President.

“We urge the esteemed members of the Senate to take into account the statement of our President, who emphasized the need to facilitate the entry of significant foreign investments. This will pave the way for faster and more inclusive economic growth, which can ultimately lead to a better quality of life for all Filipinos,” said Bongalon, who is also a member of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

Specific provisions

Senator Chiz Escudero, meanwhile, wanted to know the specific economic provisions Marcos wanted Congress to amend.

“Sa palagay ko wala pa naman talagang pormal pang posisyon ang executive branch… Siguro opinion lamang ang bibigay ng mga undersecretary, pero wala pa talagang solidong posisyon ng executive branch. Kung ano ba talaga ang babaguhin at kailangan ba talagang baguhin ‘yan o hindi,” said Escudero on Super Radyo dzBB.

(I don't think the executive branch has a formal position. Maybe the undersecretaries give an opinion, but there is no solid position from the executive branch yet. What needs to be changed and does it need to be changed or not?)

“Ang Pangulo nga mismo, walang nabanggit eh. Ano pa kaya yung mga undersecretary?”

(The President himself did not mention anything. What more the undersecretaries?)

The Resolution of Both Houses 6, which seeks to lift the 40% restriction on foreign ownership in advertising, education, and public utilities, is still under deliberation by the Senate.

The House of Representatives vowed to adopt the Senate version as soon as it is approved.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had said that the Senate would set the pace on deliberating RBH 6, adding that it “cannot be rushed like any regular bill that is just approved without thinking.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News