Pangilinan warns of economic, political consequences in House federal charter

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives might have swiftly approved its draft federal charter but for Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the Senate must not rush its approval as it may create economic and political consequences.

“Offhand though there is a consensus amongst senators, whether in the majority or the minority, Charter change and the proposed shift to federalism has far-reaching and serious economic and political consequences, and therefore cannot be rushed,” Pangilinan said in a statement on Friday.

Pangilinan was referring to the Resolution of Both Houses No. 15 which was approved on third and final reading last Tuesday.

READ: House approves charter change

If transmitted to the Senate,  he said, the proposed federal charter might be referred to the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, which he chairs.

“That reso is an approved House resolution. If transmitted to the Senate, it will most likely be referred to the Constitutional Amendments Committee,” he said.  /muf