Move to amend Constitution opposed

There is no need to amend the Constitution to allow foreign investors to have full access to Philippine resources.

“Countries who do not allow foreign ownership of the land have growing economies like China, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil, and Taiwan. In reverse, countries, like Nepal Cambodia, Bhutan, and Mongolia, which allow foreign use of their lands are not rich,” said Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares (Bayan Muna party-list) during last Thursday’s public consultation and information campaign organized by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the House of Representatives.

Colmenares said instead of trying to amend the Constitution, the government should prioritize “nationalist industrialization,” which grants capital to local businessmen.

He said the government should also address problems such as corruption, lack of infrastructure, incorrect economic policies, and an unpredictable and slow judicial process.

He cited the overpriced NBN-ZTE broadband deal.

“Had the NBN-ZTE deal not been uncovered, each of us should have been paying the debt,” Colmenares said.

He said foreigners should not be allowed to totally control the country’s resources.

“There are many Flipinos who don’t have any land (where they can dwell) yet we sell it to foreigners,” he said.

He said allowing foreign corporations to own land in the country would increase the price of land beyond the reach of an ordinary Filipino.

Colmenares also opposed the proposal to foreign ownership of educational system, media, public utilities, communications, and transport.

“Bayan muna bago foreigners (The country first before foreigners),” he said.

Around 200 people took part in the proceedings held at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall.

Most of those who attended the consultation—college students and members of militant groups—opposed the proposal to expand the role of foreign investors to develop our resources.

Rep. Loreto Ocampos, chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, presented the committee proposals to improve state policies that limit foreign participation in industries and businesses.

These include the removal of the 60 percent and 40 percent equity limitations on foreign investments; removal of exclusive control and management by Filipinos in companies with foreign equities; expansion of the role of foreign investments in the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources; and allowing foreign ownership of industrial lands.