Senate resumes Cha-cha hearings today

MANILA – As a Senate panel reconvenes today for its second hearing regarding proposed changes to the economic clauses of the Constitution, Senator Francis Escudero expresses a desire for a composed atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect between both legislative chambers.

Escudero notes that deliberations have commenced on Resolution of Both Houses 6 (RBH6), underscoring the Senate’s commitment to the process. He urges the House of Representatives to demonstrate patience and refrain from pressuring senators.

Certain members of the House are advocating for a decision from the Senate by March.

“It is not good for these two institutions to continue attacking each other, which has become personal between some members of the Senate and the House. Personally, I hope everyone calms down. Let the process continue with respect, not only for the individual, but also for the institution which includes both sides, whether it be the Senate or the House,” he said in an interview over the weekend on dzBB.

Escudero pointed out that the deadlock between the Senate and the House could potentially undermine the confidence of investors and the business community, thereby impacting the inflow of investments into the country.

“All the noise in any country gives fear to any businessman who invests,” the senator noted.

The Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, led by Sen. Sonny Angara, is scheduled to conduct the second public hearing for RBH6. This resolution aims to amend specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, particularly those related to public utilities, the education sector, and the advertising industry.

Escudero highlighted that officials from the executive departments have not yet provided their perspectives on the issue. He mentioned the absence of any reports or meetings convened to address this matter.

“I don’t know where those three (issues) came from, I know that it was the product of a conversation between Senate President (Migz) Zubiri, Speaker (Martin) Romualdez. I don’t know if there’s a study, if there’s data. Honestly, I have not seen any study that says that if we open up the advertising industry, our economy will grow and foreign investors will flock to our country. If so, we will open those three. As for public utilities, it’s still possible,” Escudero added.

At its initial hearing, the subcommittee extended invitations to resource persons advocating for and against the amendment of the 37-year-old Constitution.

Follow RBH6 hearings

Yesterday, Angara encouraged the public to actively engage with the ongoing hearings on RBH6. He emphasized the importance of understanding the proposed amendments to the Constitution, as these may be subject to a future plebiscite.

More than 20 resource persons, comprising business executives, legal experts, and government officials, have confirmed their participation in the hearing.

“The upside of these hearings and this process is that it is very transparent. The public can watch them in real-time on the Senate’s YouTube channel, or whenever they’re free,” Angara said.

“We can hear the opinions and views of legal and economic experts, and these will help voters form their own views about the need to amend our Constitution,” he added.

“It would help if, this early, voters can familiarize themselves with the pros and cons of amending the economic provisions of the Constitution, as they may have to vote on these changes that could have a direct impact on their lives,” Angara explained.

Angara extended an invitation to the public to contribute to the discussion by emailing their questions, concerns, or comments to angara.sonny@gmail.com, emphasizing the importance of direct input from the people for the Senate’s consideration.

He reiterated his stance that the plebiscite could coincide with the 2025 national and local elections. Angara expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to deliberate on Charter change alongside the selection of their future leaders.

“If we have faith in the ability of our voters to discern who to vote for, then we should be confident in the capacity of our countrymen to determine whether changes in our Constitution will be advantageous for them,” Angara said.

House ‘happy’ with Cha-cha spotlight

Supporters of President Marcos in the House of Representatives express gratitude that the longstanding issue of amending the restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution has garnered national attention, with the Senate anticipated to take action on it.

“At least we’re very happy that the issue of Charter change is now being discussed nationally. There were already moves to amend the Constitution as early as the 10th Congress (1995-1998) during the time of then-president Ramos,” Rep. LRay Villafuerte recalled.

“Right now, at least it (Charter change) is in the forefront of discussion nationally. Whether they are negative or positive, at least we’re having a discourse about constitutional reform,” the Camarines Sur congressman and president of the National Unity Party added. 

The seasoned legislator from Bicol, aligned with the administration, is optimistic that positive outcomes will emerge from the controversy, particularly considering that President Marcos himself has endorsed the relaxation of economic constraints in the Charter.

“What is clear right now is there should be a change in the Constitution for us to be updated globally. I think nobody will disagree with that. Those saying that we don’t need it, they have to justify it,” Villafuerte reiterated.

“Do we wait for another decade and miss the boat? Should we wait for Laos, Cambodia, Burma to overtake us before we act?” the former House deputy speaker asked.

Rep. Lex Anthony Cris Colada of the AAMBIS-OWA party-list lauded President Marcos’ efforts to amend the Constitution’s restrictive economic clauses, stressing the pressing necessity for such reforms.

He emphasized the importance of economic adjustments in attracting foreign direct investments and promoting accelerated, inclusive economic development, underscoring their direct impact on the welfare of Filipinos across all societal strata.