The approval of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7 by the House of Representatives marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to amend certain economic provisions of the constitution. This resolution, which underwent meticulous scrutiny and debate during its three readings, garnered a substantial majority of 288 lawmakers voting in favor, demonstrating a strong consensus among the members of the House.
The passage of RBH 7 signifies a crucial step towards addressing the pressing economic challenges faced by the nation. By amending the constitution’s economic provisions, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for investment, promote economic growth, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. These amendments are expected to unlock new opportunities for both local and foreign investors, stimulate job creation, and ultimately improve the standard of living for all Filipinos.
One of the key proponents of RBH 7, Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino “Inno” Dy 5th, played a pivotal role in ensuring its successful passage. Representative Dy’s motion for the transmittal of RBH 7 to the Senate, along with House Bill 9710, further underscores the commitment of the House to expedite the legislative process. House Bill 9710, which seeks to revoke the legislative franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), also received overwhelming support from the lawmakers, with 284 voting in favor.
The decision to revoke the franchise of SMNI reflects the House’s dedication to upholding media accountability and ensuring ethical standards in the industry. This move sends a strong message that the government is committed to promoting responsible journalism and safeguarding the public’s right to accurate and unbiased information.
With the successful approval of both RBH 7 and House Bill 9710, the House of Representatives has demonstrated its resolve to address critical economic and media-related issues. The transmittal of these measures to the Senate marks the beginning of a new phase in the legislative process, where further deliberations and consultations will take place to ensure the finalization of these important bills.
As the nation awaits the Senate’s review and deliberation on RBH 7 and House Bill 9710, the House’s approval of these measures serves as a testament to the collective determination of the lawmakers to enact meaningful reforms and propel the country towards a more prosperous future.
House’s Fulfillment of Mandate
House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre expressed during a press conference on Thursday that the House has fulfilled its mandate by passing the resolution and forwarding it to the Senate. Acidre emphasized that the Senate, as a bicameral body, needs to reciprocate the actions of the House. He expressed trust in the Senate, particularly Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Senators Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda and Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who authored the Senate’s own version of RBH 7, known as RBH 6.
Acidre’s statement comes after weeks of intense deliberations and discussions within the House of Representatives. The passing of the resolution, which seeks to address a pressing issue in the country, is seen as a significant accomplishment for the House. The resolution, if enacted into law, has the potential to bring about positive changes and improvements in the lives of the Filipino people.
The House’s fulfillment of its mandate is not just a mere formality. It reflects the commitment and dedication of the lawmakers to their responsibilities as elected officials. The passing of the resolution signifies the House’s determination to address the concerns and issues that affect the nation.
While the House has done its part, Acidre stressed the importance of the Senate’s role in the legislative process. As a bicameral body, both houses of Congress must work together to ensure the passage of meaningful and effective laws. Acidre expressed his trust in Senate President Zubiri and Senators Legarda and Angara, who have been actively involved in crafting the Senate’s version of the resolution.
The Senate’s version of the resolution, known as RBH 6, is expected to undergo its own rounds of deliberations and revisions. The senators will have the opportunity to study the provisions of the resolution and propose amendments or additions that they deem necessary. This collaborative process between the two houses of Congress is crucial in ensuring that the final version of the resolution is comprehensive and addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.
Acidre’s expression of trust in the Senate reflects the spirit of cooperation and unity that should exist among lawmakers. It is through this collaborative effort that the government can effectively address the pressing issues facing the country. The House has fulfilled its mandate, and now it is up to the Senate to continue the legislative process and work towards the passage of a resolution that will bring about positive change for the Filipino people.
In conclusion, the House’s passing of the resolution is a significant milestone in fulfilling its mandate as the legislative body of the country. Acidre’s trust in the Senate and its leaders highlights the importance of cooperation and unity in the legislative process. The resolution, once enacted into law, has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of the Filipino people. The House has done its part, and now it is time for the Senate to continue the work towards the passage of a comprehensive and effective resolution.
Amendments in RBH 7
RBH 7 and RBH 6 both cover amendments to Article XII (Section 11), Article XIV (Paragraph 2 of Section 4), and Article XVI (Paragraph 2 of Section 11) of the constitution. The amendments seek to add the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to the provisions and the word “basic” before “educational institutions” in the first sentence of Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez aims to give the Senate ample time to discuss the proposed amendments. However, he acknowledges that there is a limited timeframe due to the upcoming elections. Romualdez stated that passing the amendments before Congress adjourns sine die in May would be the most favorable timeline.
The inclusion of the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in the provisions of Article XII, Article XIV, and Article XVI aims to provide flexibility in the implementation of certain policies and regulations. By allowing laws to override specific provisions, it ensures that the constitution remains adaptable to changing circumstances and evolving needs of the country.
Moreover, the addition of the word “basic” before “educational institutions” in Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV reflects the government’s commitment to prioritize the fundamental education of its citizens. This amendment emphasizes the importance of providing quality education to all Filipinos, especially at the foundational level.
Speaker Romualdez’s intention to give the Senate sufficient time for deliberation is crucial in ensuring a thorough examination of the proposed amendments. The Senate plays a vital role in the legislative process, and their input and analysis are essential in shaping the final outcome of the amendments. By allowing for extensive discussions, the Speaker aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to constitutional amendments.
However, the upcoming elections pose a challenge in terms of the limited timeframe available for the amendment process. With political campaigns and preparations in full swing, it becomes imperative to strike a balance between thorough deliberation and timely decision-making. Speaker Romualdez’s target of passing the amendments before Congress adjourns sine die in May takes into account the need for expediency without compromising the integrity of the legislative process.
Overall, the proposed amendments in RBH 7 hold significant implications for the constitution and the country as a whole. The inclusion of additional provisions and the modification of existing ones reflect the government’s commitment to adaptability and the prioritization of basic education. With Speaker Romualdez’s leadership and the collaboration of the Senate, it is hoped that the amendment process will result in a constitution that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.
Collaboration between the House and Senate is crucial in order to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the legislative process. The House Deputy Speaker, David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, recognizes the significance of working out a unified position with the Senate regarding RBH 7, a matter of utmost importance for both chambers.
During the break, it is essential for the House and Senate to come together and engage in meaningful discussions to find common ground on RBH 7. This collaboration will not only help in streamlining the legislative process but also ensure that the interests and concerns of both chambers are adequately addressed.
By aligning their efforts with the Senate’s progress on RBH 6, the House aims to create a cohesive approach that reflects the collective will of both chambers. This synchronization of efforts will strengthen the chances of RBH 7 being successfully passed and implemented.
The House Deputy Speaker’s suggestion to take advantage of the break for collaboration showcases the commitment of the House to work in harmony with the Senate. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a cooperative environment where ideas are exchanged, compromises are made, and the best possible outcome is achieved for the benefit of the Filipino people.
In the spirit of collaboration, it is essential for both chambers to engage in open and constructive dialogue. This means actively listening to each other’s perspectives, addressing concerns, and finding common ground. The success of RBH 7 hinges on the ability of the House and Senate to come together, transcend partisan differences, and work towards a shared vision.
Through effective collaboration, the House and Senate can harness their collective expertise and resources to craft legislation that addresses the pressing needs of the nation. By pooling their knowledge and experiences, both chambers can contribute to the development of comprehensive and well-rounded policies that will have a positive impact on the lives of the Filipino people.
Furthermore, collaboration between the House and Senate is not limited to RBH 7 alone. It extends to other legislative matters and initiatives that require the joint efforts of both chambers. By fostering a culture of collaboration and cooperation, the House and Senate can set a precedent for future legislative endeavors, ensuring that the interests of the Filipino people are always at the forefront.
Role of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that if RBH 7 is submitted directly to the poll body, it would undergo a thorough study to ensure compliance with the legal process of amending the constitution. As of now, the COMELEC has not received any official communication from the House regarding RBH 7.
Garcia emphasized that accepting RBH 7 would be a ministerial duty for the COMELEC, but it would require careful examination due to the lack of precedent. This is the first time that a resolution pertaining to constitutional amendment has been submitted to the COMELEC. Garcia also mentioned the need for clarification on whether the submission of RBH 7 to the commission is the correct process, suggesting that a counterpart resolution from the Senate may be necessary to resolve this question.
As the constitutional body tasked with overseeing elections in the Philippines, the COMELEC plays a crucial role in the democratic process. Its primary mandate is to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. The COMELEC is responsible for various aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate accreditation, campaign finance monitoring, and the conduct of the actual voting and counting of ballots.
However, the potential involvement of the COMELEC in the constitutional amendment process raises several important questions. The commission is traditionally focused on electoral matters and may lack the expertise and resources to thoroughly analyze the legal and constitutional implications of proposed amendments. This is particularly true in the case of RBH 7, which seeks to amend several provisions of the constitution.
While the COMELEC has the authority to review and approve proposed amendments to the constitution, its role is typically limited to ensuring that the proposed amendments comply with the procedural requirements set forth in the constitution and existing laws. The commission does not have the power to evaluate the substantive merits of the proposed amendments or to engage in a broader constitutional review.
Given the magnitude of the proposed amendments in RBH 7, it is understandable that Chairman Garcia is calling for a careful examination of the resolution. The COMELEC must ensure that any proposed amendments are in line with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights. This requires a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of the proposed amendments on the overall constitutional framework and the rights and freedoms of the Filipino people.
Furthermore, the lack of precedent in dealing with a resolution of this nature adds another layer of complexity to the COMELEC’s task. The commission must navigate uncharted territory and establish clear guidelines and procedures for evaluating and processing such resolutions in the future. This is essential to maintain transparency, accountability, and public trust in the constitutional amendment process.
In conclusion, the role of the COMELEC in the constitutional amendment process is a critical one. While the commission’s primary focus is on conducting elections, it also has the responsibility to ensure that any proposed amendments to the constitution are in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The COMELEC must carefully examine RBH 7 and establish clear guidelines for future resolutions of this nature to uphold the integrity of the constitutional amendment process and safeguard the rights and freedoms of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
