INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Deliberations on economic Charter change (Cha-cha) have officially begun in the Senate.
On Monday, Senator Angara spearheaded the chamber’s discussion on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6.
The measure seeks to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, covering articles XII, XIV, and XVI, which address pressing issues surrounding foreign ownership restrictions within public utilities, educational institutions, and the advertising industry.
“We will focus on the contents of the resolution so we can have a focused and limited discussion…. no discussion of political amendments,” Angara earlier told reporters in a text message.
Angara likewise noted that the chamber would invite “a wide sector of society and the political spectrum” to ensure healthy discussion and debate on the measure.
A quick look into the sub-panel’s guest list showed that Constitution framers were invited to appear in the public hearing.
Among these include Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and former Commission on Elections chair Rene Sarmiento — who vehemently opposed people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.
Discussions, on the other hand, would focus on the following key points:
- Whether the proposed amendments would guarantee an increase in foreign investments
- Stand of Filipino investors and the local business community on the proposed amendments
- Effects of increasing foreign ownership of basic educational institutions on the cost and quality of basic education in the country
- Preparedness of local players in the advertising industry to compete with their foreign counterparts
- How the proposal can be used as a tool to generate jobs and investments
The Senate, which was once cold in Cha-cha talks, was directed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to take the lead in reviewing specific provisions of the Constitution.
Marcos had admitted that the controversial signature campaign for Cha-cha was too divisive.