JPE wants economic provisions in Charter amended

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile pitched anew yesterday the need to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to “spur growth in our industries and businesses” and provide more jobs for Filipinos.

“Perhaps, now is the time to explore the possibility of introducing amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. This very important issue must be debated on openly and intelligently as we try to help infuse the economy with sufficient stimuli that will spur growth,” Enrile said in his speech during the opening of the second regular session of the 15th Congress at the Senate yesterday.

“In my humble opinion, congressional action on this proposition may not come soon enough but now is the appropriate time, not later, to lay it down on the table. As elected officials, we should be bold enough… to finally discuss the need to initiate this,” Enrile added.

Senators Loren Legarda, Joker Arroyo and Pia Cayetano and minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano said they are open to debate on the proposals to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.

“Discuss it? Why not? We should talk about it so we would be enlightened… Let’s discuss this (whether on) ownership of the media, or is it ownership of land. There are many provisions so there’s nothing wrong with talking about it and debating openly about it,” Legarda said.

“I’m not saying that I’m in favor of Cha-cha (Charter change), I’m in favor of discussing it, then we will wait and see,” Legarda added.

Presidential ally Sen. Francis Pangilinan said he will still study Enrile’s proposal before giving comment.

Pia Cayetano said she is open to Cha-cha debates. “I believe it is the job of every legislator to have an open mind on not just the laws but also the constitutional provisions; now when we say open mind, we should look into all the provisions and listen to experts,” she said.

Arroyo said the issue of Cha-cha has always been brought up during opening of the past Congresses but this has not materialized. “It’s a recycled proposal. Every year since 1987 that is raised. Bagong luma yun (a new old thing),” said Arroyo, executive secretary during the term of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Arroyo said he is in agreement to start debates on the amendments, particularly on what economic amendments will be introduced.

Majority leader Vicente Sotto III, however, expressed caution on Cha-cha amendments.

“It depends on what they want to do with the Charter on whether they will amend some provisions or the entire Charter,” said Sotto, noting that once the Constitution is opened for amendments, then there are possibilities that some quarters may also seek to amend the entire Charter.

“It’s like you are opening a Pandora’s box,” Sotto said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he is in favor of starting the debates on Cha-cha at the early stage of President Aquino’s term to avoid speculations that he might just be taking the opportunity to prolong his stay in office.

“If we do it towards the end of the term the political agenda of the administration will be questioned. And since he’s still enjoying support from the Filipino people it’s better to start the debates now on Charter change but concentrate on economic provisions.”

Lacson noted that once political amendments are discussed then there might be some problems. –Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star)