House passes bill to implement RBH No. 6 for creation of con-con to amend charter

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MANILA, Philippines — A bill that seeks to implement Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, calling for the establishment of a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the 1987 Constitution, has been approved by the House of Representatives.

House Bill (HB) No. 7352 was approved during Tuesday’s session with 301 lawmakers voting in favor of the measure while seven voted against it. No abstention was registered.

If HB No. 7352 is enacted, it will be the enabling law to RBH No. 6, which was approved last March 6. RBH No. 6 proposes a con-con where delegates would be elected by the people.

READ: House panel OKs substitute bill to implement con-con resolution 

A con-con is one of three ways to facilitate the amendment of the 1987 Constitution. The two other means could be through constituent assembly (con-ass) where sitting members of Congress would be considered delegates, and people’s initiative.

HB No. 7352 outlines the regulations that would be followed in implementing RBH No. 6. The House proposal is using former chief justice Reynato Puno’s suggestions that include Congress’ adoption of a hybrid con-con which will consist of several delegates appointed by the Speaker and the Senate President.

READ: Ex-Chief Justice Puno suggests ‘hybrid constitutional convention’ 

Puno said this scheme would ensure that the con-con will not be dominated by political families.

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