MANILA – Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his willingness to back his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in relaxing economic constraints within the Constitution, stating he felt at ease in supporting such endeavors.
Speaking at a gathering in Cebu City, Duterte highlighted his openness to constitutional amendments, provided they don’t involve extending terms for current officials.
Additionally, he remarked that Marcos Jr. hadn’t made any significant errors during his presidency thus far.
“Maybe those below him, but him, I haven’t heard anything. So, I continue to support him,” Duterte said.
Duterte reiterated his support for Marcos under the condition that Marcos adheres to the standard six-year presidential term.
He cautioned Marcos against emulating the prolonged tenure of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who remained in office for more than two decades until his ousting during the EDSA Revolution in 1986.
“Just end your trip and then let go and let the Constitution work,” Duterte said.
The President has consistently emphasized that his push for amendments to the economic sections of the Constitution is aimed at enhancing the country’s appeal to investors.
Just a few weeks ago, Duterte and Marcos were engaged in a public exchange of criticisms. Duterte had characterized Marcos as a “drug addict” who frequently operates under the influence during his official duties. In response, Marcos attributed Duterte’s behavior to the effects of the potent painkiller fentanyl.
During a press briefing on Monday, certain members of the House of Representatives expressed appreciation for Duterte’s endorsement of economic Charter change (Cha-cha).
Isabela Representative Faustino “Inno” Dy 5th welcomed the endorsement from the former president, describing it as a positive development.
House Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez expressed his satisfaction with Duterte’s remarks, but he expressed a desire for similar support from Duterte’s allies, indicating it would further bolster their cause.
Suarez highlighted the House’s consistent efforts in advocating for economic Charter change (Cha-cha).
On Monday, the House, acting as a committee of the whole, initiated discussions on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, which outlines the specific provisions slated for amendment.
RBH 7 mirrors the proposed amendments outlined in RBH 6, introduced in the Senate earlier. Both resolutions target adjustments in Article XII (Section 11), Article XIV (paragraph 2 of Section 4), and Article XVI (paragraph 2 of Section 11) of the Constitution.
The proposed changes entail inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” into the specified provisions and adding the term “basic” before “educational institutions” in the first sentence of paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV.
However, RBH 7 excludes the inclusion of the phrase “each House voting separately.”
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