Robin Padilla wants con-ass to amend economic provisions of 1987 Constitution

Senator Robinhood Padilla files a resolution aiming to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution through a constituent assembly.

FILE PHOTO: Senator Robinhood Padilla during a hearing on February 6, 2023. – Padilla filed on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, a resolution aiming to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution via a constituent assembly. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla on Wednesday filed a resolution aiming to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution via a constituent assembly (con-ass).

Padilla lodged Resolution of Both Houses No. 3, proposing that changes to the economic provisions of the Charter be made through con-ass where the Senate and House of Representatives will vote separately.

“To accelerate economic growth, and fulfill its international commitment, the Philippines must amend its Constitution by removing these restrictive economic provisions to allow foreign businesses to directly invest in a more conducive landscape,” he said in a statement.

Padilla is the chairperson of the Senate panel on constitutional amendments and revision of codes.

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According to him, the Philippines, with its complicated investment regulations stemming from the Constitution’s prohibitive economic provisions, is now lagging behind its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in terms of foreign direct investment registry “despite its offer of tax holidays, and other fiscal incentives.”

He also said that while the Philippines ratified international trade and investment liberalization treaties to secure foreign investments and foster economic cooperation, the 1987 Constitution’s current economic provisions “restrict certain activities of foreign investors” on the following:

“These economic provisions are perceived to be barriers to trade and investment responsible for the continuous decline of foreign direct investments, and placed the country as one of the most restrictive economies by international standards,” Padilla said.

Under the resolution, the Senate and the House of Representatives – by a vote of three-fourths of all members, with each House voting separately – will tackle amendments to:

The proposed amendments include:

Padilla said political provisions, including the terms of elected officials, are not included in the resolution.

While a plebiscite will be held to ratify the resolution, all existing provisions of the 1987 Constitution shall remain in effect until their enabling laws are enacted, he added.

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