Solons urged to withdraw Cha-cha support as survey shows Filipinos against it
MANILA, Philippines — After a recent survey pointed out that more Filipinos still oppose charter change (Cha-cha), a former lawmaker has appealed to House of Representatives members to withdraw their support for proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares cited a recent Pulse Asia survey where 45 percent of the 1,200 respondents stated that charter change remains unfavorable for them, with 41 percent agreeing with the proposal.
Colmenares, however, highlighted that the same survey results showed that more than three-fourths of Filipinos do not want amendments on foreign corporations to use the country’s natural resources.
“The recent Pulse Asia survey showed that an overwhelming 76% of the people do not want foreign corporations to exploit our natural resources, one of the main reasons for the move to amend the Constitution. The people recognize the threat of corporations ravaging our forests for minerals and other countries exploiting our waters in the West Philippine Sea if Cha-cha is allowed,” he said.
“Bayan Muna’s hard-earned Supreme Court victory that voided the joint exploration between the Philippines and China will be overturned if we constitutionally allow 100% foreign-owned corporations to exploit our fishing, oil, and mineral resources in the WPS,” Colmenares, a lawyer by profession, added.
The Bayan Muna chair also noted that 72 percent of the respondents do not want to give foreigners the power to buy land, while more than half oppose term extensions for elected officials.
According to the Pulse Asia report released Tuesday, a huge percentage of respondents disapprove of the following possible changes to the 1987 Constitution:
- Allowing foreign individuals and companies to utilize Philippine national resources (76 percent)
- Allowing foreign individuals and companies to own residential and industrial lands (72 percent)
- Removing limits on shares of stocks in Philippine corporations that may be owned by foreign individuals and companies (67 percent)
- Allowing foreign individuals and companies equal ownership in mass media and advertising (57 percent)
- Extending terms of office of national and local elective officials (56 percent)
- Lifting the prohibition on foreign ownership of communication companies (53 percent)
- Lifting the prohibition on foreign ownership of utilities like electricity (44 percent)
READ: More Filipinos still oppose Charter change, but support for it grew – Pulse Asia
“Seventy- two percent (72%) of Filipinos do not want to also delete the constitutional provision prohibiting foreigners from buying our lands. This will not only further destroy our agriculture and food security, but also increase the price of land beyond the reach of ordinary Filipinos. Talagang mangyayari na kung gayon ang matagal nang sinasabing magiging ‘squatter’ tayo sa sariling bayan,” Colmenares said.
(What we’ve been saying about becoming squatters in our own country would happen if foreigners are allowed to own land.)
“In fact, the move to allow foreigners 100% control of Philippine corporations, including our media and schools are opposed by 57-67 % of the Filipino people. After all, once foreigners own our schools and mass media, they can influence national discourse and even support candidates like Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who will serve the interest of countries salivating to further exploit our natural resources, including the West Philippine Sea,” he claimed.
As of now, the House of Representatives approved on third reading two proposals concerning charter change: Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which calls for the creation of a constitutional convention to amend the 1987 Constitution, and House Bill (HB) No. 7352 which if enacted will be the enabling law to RBH No. 6.
RBH No. 6 was adopted last March 6, while HB No. 7352 was passed on the third reading last March 14. Both measures got overwhelming support in the House, with RBH No. 6 getting 301 affirmative votes, six negative votes, and one abstention, and HB No. 7352 with 301 affirmative votes and seven negative votes.
READ: House opposition finds ally: Paolo Duterte votes vs charter change
While critics have chastised the House for allegedly rushing charter change discussions, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez clarified that they are working quickly as they believe amending the constitution is the final piece of the puzzle for economic growth.
