The House of Representatives and the Senate’s Lead on Constitutional Amendments
The House of Representatives has announced that it will follow the lead of the Senate regarding the proposal to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 constitution. Lawmakers made this statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration between the two chambers of Congress.
On the third and final reading, the House passed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, which proposes the desired amendments. Meanwhile, RBH 6, which suggests the same amendments as RBH 7, is currently pending in the Senate. This indicates that both the House and the Senate are actively working towards the same goal of amending the economic provisions.
However, on Monday, Senator Robinhood Padilla filed RBH 8, which suggests a constitutional change (Cha-cha) through a constitutional convention. This alternative approach adds another layer to the ongoing discussions surrounding the constitutional amendments.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri stated that RBH 6 is not among the Senate’s priority measures before Congress adjourns in May. This decision reflects the Senate’s focus on other pressing matters. The House, on the other hand, has made it clear that they are specifically interested in the economic provisions of the constitution.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Lanao del Norte 1st District Representative Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo emphasized the House’s commitment to respecting the Senate’s priorities. He stated, “The general directive of our leadership here is that we’ll let the Senate take the lead. And if that’s how the Senate feels, then there’s really nothing we can do but respect their priorities.”
Dimaporo further clarified that the House of Representatives is solely focused on the economic provisions. He mentioned that Speaker Martin Romualdez has made this intention clear to both the House members and the nation. Dimaporo also highlighted that there is a counterpart proposal in the House regarding the constitutional convention proposed by Padilla. This suggests that the House is willing to collaborate with the Senate and present their ideas for consideration.
He added, “They [the senators] can decide on what they feel is best for the Filipino people. And then when the time comes, both the House and the Senate will work together hand in hand to deliver what is best for the Filipino people under the presidency of President Bongbong Marcos.” This statement emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation between the two chambers of Congress in order to serve the best interests of the Filipino people.
Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Representative Margarita Nograles expressed that the House has thoroughly examined the economic provisions that can be changed. However, they are still waiting to see what actions the Senate will take. This highlights the House’s readiness to respond and adapt to the decisions made by the Senate.
Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ve done our job, we’ve already done everything that we can, we’ve researched it… and now the ball is in their court.” This emphasizes that the House has fulfilled its responsibilities and is now eagerly awaiting the Senate’s actions.
The Proposed Amendments and their Scope
Both RBH 6 and RBH 7 focus on specific articles of the 1987 constitution. These include Article XII (Section 11), Article XIV (Paragraph 2 of Section 4), and Article XVI (Paragraph 2 of Section 11). The proposed amendments seek to introduce the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to these provisions.
Additionally, both RBHs aim to include the word “basic” before the words “educational institutions” in the first sentence of Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV. These proposed changes aim to provide more flexibility and adaptability to the economic provisions, ensuring that they can be modified as needed in the future.
Contextualizing the Amendments for an International Audience
It is essential to provide context for an international audience regarding the significance of these proposed amendments to the 1987 constitution. The 1987 constitution serves as the fundamental law of the Philippines, outlining the structure of the government, the rights and responsibilities of the citizens, and the principles that guide the nation.
The proposed amendments specifically target the economic provisions of the constitution. These provisions pertain to various aspects of the economy, including the ownership and management of natural resources, the regulation of foreign investments, and the role of educational institutions in national development.
By introducing the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law,” the amendments aim to create a more flexible framework that can adapt to changing economic circumstances. This change would allow the government to enact specific laws to address unique situations and challenges, ensuring that the economic provisions remain relevant and effective.
Furthermore, the addition of the word “basic” before “educational institutions” aims to underscore the importance of providing a strong foundation in education. This change recognizes the vital role of educational institutions in shaping the future of the nation and promoting the overall development of its citizens.
It is important to note that these proposed amendments are part of an ongoing discussion and debate within the Philippine Congress. The House of Representatives and the Senate are working together to determine the best course of action for the Filipino people. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the constitutional amendments serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives is following the Senate’s lead on the proposal to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 constitution. Both chambers of Congress are actively engaged in discussions and deliberations to determine the most appropriate amendments. The proposed changes aim to create a more flexible and adaptable framework that can effectively address the evolving needs of the Philippine economy. It is essential to respect the priorities of both the House and the Senate and work together to deliver what is best for the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
