Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez House Speaker, 19th Congress Congressman, 1st District of Leyt | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Martin Romualdez
MANILA, Philippines—Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday (March 8) said he remained hopeful that there would be enough votes in the Senate to push economic amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
Romualdez said this in response to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s earlier statement that passing Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH6) may face a challenge in the chamber.
READ: Zubiri: Economic Cha-cha may face ‘problem,’ ‘challenge’ in Senate
“I believe in the leadership of the Senate, especially Senate President Zubiri. I trust that he can handle everything and persuade his colleagues in the Senate,” said Romualdez in Filipino in an ambush interview with reporters.
“We understand the challenge, but the Senate has always risen to the occasion. Our senators are capable, and I am confident that they are aware of what is best for the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
But it should be noted that while Zubiri said the Charter change bid in the Senate remains a challenge, he also stated that it was still possible to gather 18 votes to pass RBH6.
Romualdez said amending the Constitution would further boost employment. His remarks followed the release of data by the Philippine Statistics Authority showing an increase in unemployment to 4.5 percent in January from 3.1 percent in December.
READ: PH January unemployment rate jumps to 4.5%
Romualdez, however, said the employment rate is a “dynamic figure” which “fluctuates.”
“That’s dynamic; it really moves,” said the Speaker.
He said the ongoing effort to implement programs, manage the budget and amend the Constitution “will contribute” to stabilizing employment.
“Opening up and liberalizing our economy will attract more foreign investments, providing more job opportunities for our citizens,” he said.
Romualdez added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s trip to Australia was successful in drawing interest in the Philippines from Australian businessmen especially after they learned of the campaign to amend the Constitution.
“Australia, especially its business community, sees the great potential of investing in the Philippines, especially when we open up our Constitution,” he said.
RBH6, which seeks to amend certain economic provisions of the Constitution, is currently being discussed by the Senate.
The House has moved on to another measure, Resolution of Both Houses 7, which is closer to the Senate version of economic amendments.