SENATE President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has recently filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6, which seeks to amend certain economic provisions in the Constitution. This resolution, co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda and Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, proposes amendments to Articles 12, 14, and 16 of the charter.
The senators argue that the nation’s economic policy needs to be reframed to adapt to the demands of an increasingly globalized age. However, they also emphasize the importance of protecting the general policy of Filipino-first that currently guides the economic provisions of the Constitution.
RBH 6 specifically aims to institutionalize the reforms laid down in the Public Service Act, which seeks to liberalize industries, promote efficient service delivery, and foster competition as an enduring policy. The proposed amendments would involve inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in relevant sections.
For instance, one of the amendments would modify Section 11 of the National Patrimony and Economy provision. The revised section would state that “No franchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens unless provided by law. Unless provided by law, the participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or association must be citizens of the Philippines.”
The senators highlight the importance of providing access to quality educational institutions, both Filipino and foreign, to ensure that the younger generation receives the best training to become globally competitive citizens in the modern world.
Furthermore, they argue that liberalizing the advertising industry, which already has foreign players, is a logical and sound policy to attract foreign direct investment in that sector.
Zubiri clarifies that the filing of RBH 6 aims to prevent a constitutional crisis between the House of Representatives and the Senate. He emphasizes that the proposed amendments solely focus on economic matters and are not intended to introduce any other provisions or amendments.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged the Senate to take the lead in the Charter Change (Cha-cha) initiative, but he has made it clear that foreign land ownership should not be included in the amendments.
Zubiri reveals that the President expressed concern over reports of some Cha-cha proponents offering financial incentives to individuals who sign the petition supporting the people’s initiative (PI). Zubiri met with the President to discuss the situation and subsequently met with Speaker Martin Romualdez to engage in a lively debate on the issue.
During a meeting on January 11, which took place after the traditional vin d’honneur in Malacañang, Zubiri defended the Senate’s position that the proposed plan is unconstitutional due to the country’s bicameral system of government.
Zubiri expresses gratitude for the President’s comment that the PI is too divisive. The President suggested that the Senate take the lead in discussing the economic provisions and present their version for the House to adopt.
In conclusion, the proposed amendments to the economic provisions in the Constitution aim to modernize policies in line with the demands of an increasingly globalized age. While protecting the Filipino-first policy, the amendments seek to liberalize industries, promote competition, and attract foreign direct investment. The Senate is taking the lead in these discussions, ensuring that the amendments are constitutional and beneficial for the country’s economic growth.
Source: The Manila Times
