Key takeaways:
- The Philippine House of Representatives is moving towards passing a resolution for constitutional change.
- The proposed changes aim to lift restrictions on foreign ownership to stimulate foreign investments and economic growth.
- There is a debate among legislators and the public about whether charter change should be a priority over other pressing issues.
- The leftist bloc in the House, Makabayan, is prepared to challenge the charter change measure, expressing concerns about self-serving agendas.
- Past attempts to amend the constitution have faced resistance from the public, raising doubts about prioritizing charter change over other issues.
Introduction
The Philippine House of Representatives is making significant strides towards passing a resolution that would pave the way for a constitutional convention to amend the 1987 Constitution. This proposal has ignited intense discussions and captured the attention of the nation, as it could potentially reshape the country’s political landscape.
What to Know About the Resolution
The resolution, anticipated to be approved this month, marks a pivotal moment in Philippine politics. It signifies a determined effort by lawmakers to address long-standing issues and bring about constitutional changes that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of the Filipino people. This move comes after the filing of 11 bills and resolutions related to charter change since July of last year, coinciding with Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assumption of the presidency.
If approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law by Marcos, the convention will commence with the election of district delegates on October 30, the same day as the barangay and youth council elections. Also, sectoral delegates will be appointed by the Senate president and House speaker. The convention is scheduled to last for seven months, concluding on June 30, 2024.
Representative Rufus Rodriguez, the principal author of the proposed measure, has emphasized the merits of the so-called hybrid constitutional convention option. He describes it as “highly favored”, highlighting its democratic, transparent, and inclusive nature.
The involvement of elected delegates, experts, sectoral representatives, and constitutionalists is expected to ensure a balanced representation of views and the generation of high-quality proposals during the convention. The focus of the proposed changes is to lift restrictions on foreign ownership of land, properties, public utilities, and businesses. This move comes after extensive hearings and consultations conducted over the past few months.
Is Carter Change a Worthwhile Initiative or Misplaced Government Priority?
While the Carter change promises a number of benefits, the proposal has sparked a lively debate among legislators and the public. Some believe that charter change should not be the government’s priority at this time, as there are more pressing matters that require immediate attention. President Marcos himself expressed this sentiment, stating that charter change is not his top concern and that foreign investments can still be encouraged within the current constitutional framework.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel echoed the President’s sentiments, citing recent laws such as the Public Service Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Foreign Investment Act, which have already opened up greater opportunities for foreign involvement in the local economy. Pimentel, known for advocating federalism, reminded his fellow legislators that addressing more pressing issues should take precedence over the long-standing proposal to reform the country’s political system.
Also, Senator Risa Hontiveros, another member of the minority, cautioned proponents of charter change to critically evaluate their claims. She expressed concern about the potential diversion of significant resources toward constitutional amendments when the nation is grappling with challenges such as surging inflation and a food crisis. Hontiveros called for a departure from the notion that charter change alone can solve all of the country’s problems, urging a more comprehensive approach to address pressing issues.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
Although charter change proponents may have the numbers in Congress, this alone is insufficient. Past administrations, despite enjoying majority support in Congress, failed in their attempts to amend the constitution due to strong resistance from the public. As legislators today take inspiration from Marcos’s high trust ratings, it still begs a critical question: Can the government afford to risk losing public support by prioritizing charter change over other pressing issues?
For now, the Philippine populace, having witnessed the consequences of past abuses of power, remains vigilant and skeptical. However, the inherent risk of self-serving motives and the potential erosion of democratic principles can serve as rallying points for those who resist charter change.