1,489 mayors nationwide back ‘surgical’ tweaks to Constitution — DILG

By: Katrina Hallare - 4 years ago

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said that 1,489 mayors nationwide had expressed support for “surgical” amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

During the House committee’s hearing on constitutional amendments tackling Resolution of Both Houses No. 2, DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that the members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) prepared a resolution in support of the amendments.

“The 1,489 members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines prepared a resolution in support of the surgical amendments including the lifting of restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution,” Malaya told House members.

Malaya also said that the DILG gathered 555,610 signatures from its roadshows done in 72 out of 81 provinces.

“We conducted provincial roadshows in 72 out of the 81 started, and we asked them who supports the surgical amendments to the Constitution, and if they wish to, they can sign a form,” he said.

In a separate statement, Malaya said that the signatories were from “offline and online signature campaigns spearheaded by the DILG, Core (Constitutional Reform) Movement, along with various civil society groups, private groups, and individuals.”

Debates on Charter change resumed Wednesday, as it tackled RHB No. 2 filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco as early as July 2019.

RHB No. 2 seeks to amend provisions that prevent foreign ownership of land and businesses in the country and ease restrictions on ownership and management of mass media, public utilities, educational institutions, investments and foreign capital.

House constitutional amendments panel chair and Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. earlier said the committee would only tackle “restrictive” economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. He added that amendments to political provisions of the Constitution would not be entertained as this does not have the support of the majority.