Gadon proposes political amendments to 1987 Constitution

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon has urged Congress to pursue political amendments in its Charter change (Cha-cha) push, claiming that frequent elections hinder progress and consume a lot of public funds.

In a letter he delivered to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Gadon asked that lawmakers use this opportunity to amend the 1987 Constitution to also reform political provisions.

“As discussions on amending the economic provisions of the Constitution unfold, it presents a significant opportunity to consider including changes to the political provisions as well. Certain political provisions have proven to be costly and redundant, and amending them could lead to improved governance and greater benefits for the people,” Gadon told heads of the House and the Senate.

“Extend the term of local officials, including Members of the House of Representatives, Governors, Vice Governors, Board Members, Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Councilors, to six years. Triennial elections incur substantial costs, draining billions in public funds and imposing financial burdens on candidates,” he added.

Larry Gadon in a press conference at Oriental Palace Seafood Restaurant, June 28, 2023. (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)

Currently, Cha-cha proposals focus on economic amendments only: both Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 of the House and RBH No. 6 of the Senate seek to open restrictions and allow foreign ownership of public utilities, basic education, and advertising.

Last March 20, the House passed on third reading RBH No. 7.  If no changes are made by both chambers and if it is ratified in a plebiscite, the three provisions would be amended by adding the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law”:

• Section 11 of Article XII (National Patrimony and Economy), where the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” is inserted in the provision that bars foreign ownership of a public utility shall except in a case where 60 percent of the total capital belongs to Filipino citizens
• Section 4 of Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports) where the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” is inserted in the provision that bars foreign ownership of basic educational institutions except in a case where 60 percent of the total capital belongs to Filipino citizens.
• Section 11 of Article XVI (General Provisions) where the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” is inserted in two portions: first, the provision that bars foreign ownership in the advertising industry except in a case where 70 percent of the total capital belongs to Filipino citizens; and in the provision that limits foreign investors participation in entities to how much their capital share is

READ: House approves RBH 7 on third reading

According to Gadon, tinkering with political provisions would also ensure the continuity of projects.

“For local executives, the initial year involves familiarizing themselves with office functions and departments, with subsequent years dedicated to project planning, budgeting, and campaigning. Synchronizing local and national elections, except for barangay and SK elections, would enhance governance continuity,” he said.

“To dispel perceptions of extending incumbent officials’ terms, maintain the term limit for the President, Vice President, and Senators, with no possibility of reelection, and retain existing provisions on succession. The extended term should take effect in the 2028 national elections, ensuring that local officials who have served the present three consecutive terms cannot run in 2028 but may do so in subsequent national elections,” he added.

Reporters have asked House lawmakers about Gadon’s proposal, but the solons have not replied as of posting time.