Senate eyeing Cha-cha plenary debates before third Sona

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate plans to take up Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 for plenary debates before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July, Senator Sonny Angara said.

RBH 6 contains proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions, specifically education, advertising, and public services. 

Angara said there is enough time to iron out the proposed amendments to the Constitution if the plan is to end Charter change (Cha-cha) discussions in October to give way for the proposed Cha-cha plebiscite alongside the 2025 polls.

“Palagay ko may oras. It’s only March. Marami pang buwan bago mag-October, so, maraming oportunidad para plantsahin ‘yung mga detalye,” said Angara, chairperson of the Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes. 

(I think there is time. It’s only March. There are still many months before October, so there’s time to iron out the details.)

Angara also noted he is glad that the idea that he initially floated, which is to hold a Cha-cha plebiscite and election simultaneously, was favored by the President. 

Marcos earlier confirmed that he wants both exercises done simultaneously, pointing out that not doing so would be expensive. 

The Senate is currently leading talks on economic Cha-cha. This  was made pursuant to Marcos’ directive for the upper chamber to review the proposals to amend certain provisions of the Constitution.

Marcos said he saw the need to ease restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution in order to allow more foreign direct investment in the country.