Zubiri on passage of RBH 6: Senate will not succumb to deadline pressure

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will not succumb to the pressure of a deadline, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri maintained on Monday, adding that the upper chamber will carefully consider proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

The Senate chief made the clarification following calls from the House of Representatives, specifically urging Zubiri to pass Resolution of both Houses No. 6 by March.

“We’d just like to put on record that the Senate is working hard to listen to the clamor of certain sectors to look at and revisit the 1987 Constitution, but we will not be falling into a trap on any deadline, because to discuss such an important matter needs time,” said Zubiri during the Senate’s hearing on economic Charter change.

“It needs study. It cannot be rushed like any regular bill that can be approved without thinking,” he emphasized.

Zubiri then noted that they will deliberate on the proposed amendments as much as possible and come up with “the best outcome possible for people.”

The Senate head earlier disclosed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself instructed the Senate to pass the final version of RBH No. 6 and the House of Representatives will only adopt the measure’s Senate version.

The resolution seeks to amend limited economic provisions of the Constitution, specifically public services, education, and advertising.