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MANILA, Philippines — Despite a recent survey showing the majority of Filipinos reject amending the 1987 Constitution, proponents of economic Charter change (Cha-cha) at the House of Representatives remain firm that a constitutional reform is needed to “address societal needs” in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, three House lawmakers reiterated the necessity of easing some economic restrictions in the country’s principal Charter, amid a Pulse Asia survey which showed that 74 percent of Filipinos believe that the Constitution should not be amended at this time.
READ: House disputes survey on anti-Cha-cha majority
“While we acknowledge the survey results, we cannot ignore the pressing issues that require legislative action,” House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe of Zamboanga City said.
He stressed that the proposed economic Charter change (Cha-cha) is not aimed at consolidating power nor extending terms, but rather at stimulating economic growth, addressing concerns raised by critics of constitutional reform.
“We need to focus on the economic provisions of the Constitution, which have long been identified as barriers to our progress,” Dalipe said.
For his part, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga noted that amendments to the Constitution are vital for addressing economic challenges and “ensuring the welfare of all Filipinos.”
The Pampanga representative noted that these amendments will attract more investments, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for Filipinos.
Gonzales said anew that the 1987 Constitution was created in a different era and that the Philippines needs a “Constitution that reflects the realities of today.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon said that Cha-cha can “create a conducive environment for investment and innovation, driving economic growth and prosperity for the nation.”
He likewise stressed the importance of public awareness on constitutional reform to “ensure that the proposed amendments align with the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.”
A different survey
The Pulse Asia survey contrasted the results of a previous survey from the research firm, Tangere, which earlier claimed that 52 percent of its respondents agreed that the Philippines needs to amend its Constitution.
Following the release of Pulse Asia survey’s results, some members of the House of Representatives, including Dalipe and Suarez, questioned the data for its alleged “biased and leading” questions.
READ: Lawmakers welcome positive Cha-cha survey results
It should be noted, however, that it was also Dalipe and Suarez who welcomed the results of Tangere’s survey favoring their drive for Cha-cha.
The House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, which seeks to amend the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution.
RBH No. 7 and the Senate’s RBH No. 6, from which the House resolution was derived, aim to modify three sections of the 1987 Constitution, proposing to add the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to provisions on foreign ownership in public utilities, educational institutions, and advertising.