House vote on Cha-cha eyed by March 24
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is eyeing to vote on the resolution proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution on or before March 24, Committee on Constitutional Amendments chairperson Rep. Alfredo Garbin said Friday.
“Tatapusin before the break (We will finish it before the break),” Garbin told INQUIRER.net on Friday when asked about the timeline for the adoption of Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 (RBH 2) which seeks to introduce amendments to certain economic provisions of the Constitution.
Asked what he meant by “finish before the break”, Garbin said the lower chamber will vote on third reading by March 24.
RBH 2 is currently in the period of interpellation and debate in the House plenary.
There are, however, concerns as to whether or not it will be adopted on time especially as Congress is scheduled to have its last session on March 24 before the Holy Week break.
“I expect an impassioned debate to those who want to retain the restrictive economic provisions but confident enough to get the support of the super majority coalition who earlier signified their support to RBH 2,” Garbin said.
Under the RBH 2, the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” would be added to the constitutional restrictions that limit the participation of foreign investors in the governing body of entities based on their proportionate share in the capital.
The same phrase would likewise be added to provisions saying only Filipino citizens can control, own, and/or lease public utilities, educational institutions, mass media companies, and advertising companies in the country.
