In her statement, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin emphasized the importance of timing when it comes to making amendments to political provisions in the constitution. While she acknowledged the need to address the issue of the short three-year term for local officials, Garin firmly believes that the present moment is not the appropriate time to do so.
Garin’s stance is in direct response to a letter penned by Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon, who urged Congress to consider amending the political provisions in the constitution. Gadon’s proposal specifically suggests extending the term of local officials, excluding barangay and sangguniang kabataan (SK) officials, to six years starting from the 2028 elections.
While Garin agrees that the current three-year term may not provide sufficient time for local officials to fully implement their programs and initiatives, she argues that addressing this issue at present would only contribute to the public’s growing distrust in the government. She believes that the public’s focus should be on more pressing matters such as economic recovery, healthcare, and social welfare.
Garin further elaborated on her concerns, highlighting the potential negative repercussions of amending political provisions amidst the current socio-political climate. She stressed that any changes made to the constitution should be done with utmost caution and after thorough deliberation, considering the long-term implications they may have on the country’s democratic processes and governance.
Moreover, Garin emphasized the importance of ensuring that any amendments made to the political provisions of the constitution are in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and public interest. She called for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue involving various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, political parties, and the general public, to ensure that any changes made are truly representative of the people’s will.
Overall, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin’s opposition to amending political provisions at this time reflects her commitment to prioritizing the pressing needs of the nation. While she acknowledges the concerns surrounding the short three-year term for local officials, Garin believes that addressing this issue should be approached with careful consideration and in a manner that fosters trust and confidence in the government.
Focus on Economic Reforms
Garin emphasized that the focus should be on pushing for economic reforms in the constitution. Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, which calls for amendments to economic constitutional provisions, was recently approved by the House of Representatives. This resolution aims to address the need for updating and modernizing the economic policies and regulations that have been in place for many years. By doing so, it is believed that the country can attract more investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
Gadon’s letter was addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. In his letter, Gadon highlighted that certain political provisions have proven to be costly and redundant, and amending them could lead to improved governance and greater benefits for the people. While political reforms are important, focusing on economic reforms is crucial in addressing the pressing issues faced by the country.
The current economic provisions in the constitution have been criticized for being outdated and restrictive. These provisions limit foreign ownership in certain industries, making it difficult for foreign investors to fully participate in the country’s economic development. By amending these provisions, the government can attract more foreign direct investments, which can bring in new technologies, create more jobs, and boost the overall competitiveness of the economy.
Furthermore, the current constitution also hinders the government’s ability to implement necessary economic policies and reforms. The lengthy and complicated process of amending the constitution has made it difficult for the government to respond quickly to changing economic conditions. This has resulted in missed opportunities for growth and development.
By focusing on economic reforms, the government can address these limitations and create a more conducive environment for economic growth. This includes streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing red tape, and improving the ease of doing business. Additionally, it involves implementing policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of key industries.
Through these reforms, the government aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy that benefits all Filipinos. This means providing equal opportunities for economic participation, reducing poverty and inequality, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all.
In conclusion, while political reforms are important, the focus should be on pushing for economic reforms in the constitution. By updating and modernizing the economic provisions, the government can attract more investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. This will ultimately lead to improved governance and greater benefits for the people.
In addition to these proposed amendments, Gadon also advocated for changes in the judicial system. He proposed the establishment of a separate court for corruption cases to expedite the resolution of such cases. This court would be composed of judges with extensive experience in handling corruption-related offenses, ensuring a more efficient and specialized judicial process.
Furthermore, Gadon suggested the introduction of stricter penalties for corruption offenses to deter individuals from engaging in corrupt practices. He believed that by imposing harsher punishments, the government could send a strong message that corruption would not be tolerated in any form.
Another area that Gadon focused on was education. He proposed reforms in the education system to address the country’s pressing issues, such as the lack of access to quality education in rural areas. He suggested the implementation of programs that would improve the infrastructure of schools in remote regions and provide additional resources to enhance the quality of education.
Gadon also emphasized the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. He proposed the establishment of more business incubators and support programs to encourage the growth of startups and small businesses. By providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and guidance, Gadon believed that the country could foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and generate more employment opportunities.
Furthermore, Gadon recognized the need for environmental conservation and sustainable development. He proposed the implementation of stricter regulations on industries that contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. Additionally, he suggested the promotion of renewable energy sources and the adoption of sustainable practices in various sectors to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Overall, Gadon’s proposed amendments and changes aimed to address various aspects of governance, economy, education, and the environment. He believed that by implementing these reforms, the country could achieve greater efficiency, transparency, and progress in key areas, ultimately leading to a better future for its citizens.
Rodriguez argued that the economic charter amendments should be pursued despite the public’s opposition because he believed that it would ultimately benefit the country’s economy. He acknowledged the results of the Pulse Asia survey, which indicated that 88 percent of Filipinos were against charter change (cha-cha). However, he emphasized that the national leadership, including President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., firmly believed that modifying the restrictive economic provisions of the constitution would attract more foreign investments.
In light of this, Rodriguez urged the president and Congress leaders to remain steadfast in their pursuit of these amendments, even if it meant going against public opinion. He stressed that the right decisions are not always popular and that it was crucial to consider the long-term benefits for the country. He cautioned that a sudden reversal on the proposed amendments could have negative repercussions on the perception of potential investors, portraying the Philippines as indecisive and hesitant when it comes to opening up its economy.
Furthermore, Rodriguez took the opportunity to clarify that the proposed changes were limited to three specific areas and did not include extending the term of any elective official or making any political amendments. This clarification aimed to address concerns that the amendments might be used to consolidate power or extend the terms of those in office. By highlighting the narrow scope of the proposed changes, Rodriguez sought to assure the public that the amendments were solely focused on improving the economic landscape of the country.
Despite the public’s opposition, Rodriguez firmly believed that pursuing these economic charter amendments was necessary for the country’s progress. He recognized that it might be a challenging and unpopular path, but he maintained that it was essential for the Philippines to adapt and attract more foreign investments. By staying the course, he believed that the country could create a more conducive environment for economic growth and development.
Source: The Manila Times
