Lagman: ‘Independent-minded’ solons back business orgs vs con-con

MANILA, Philippines —  Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman said on Saturday that “independent-minded” members of the House of Representatives supported the call of six large business groups that the Senate should reconsider a constitutional convention (con-con).

This comes after the business groups, namely the Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Inc., and Women Business Council Philippines, released a statement detailing their concerns regarding con-con.

“The opposition of six big business groups led by the Makati Business Club to charter change echoes the position of independent-minded members of the House of Representatives against a Constitutional Convention to amend the 1987 Constitution,” said Lagman in a statement.

According to Lagman, a common ground between the business groups and lawmakers is the position that charter change (cha-cha) by con-con was not timely. It could also be a hindrance to economic growth.

“A political debate on amending the Constitution will be disruptive of the country’s economic recovery momentum and divisive at a time when national unity must be forged,” added Lagman.

The business groups had also cited the Ease of Paying Taxes bill, which would be a valuable tax reform proposal.

“We believe these can greatly enhance government revenue and job creation at this critical time,” said the business groups in their statement.

On top of this, the billions of pesos that would be needed to fund the con-con could instead go to other projects, such as pro-people agenda and reforms, Lagman said.

READ: Charter change cost to hit P15 billion

“The recent statutes liberalizing the entry of foreign investments into the country should first be fully implemented without trifling with the Constitution,” said the congressman.

Sen. Robin Padilla serves as one of the main proponents of Cha-cha in the Upper Chamber. However, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has previously stated that there are not enough votes among senators to pass cha-cha.

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