The debate on whether or not amendments should be made in the constitution has been similar to an endless dance of Cha-cha; wherein government officials keep dancing to and fro without really going anywhere.
This time, however, the lawmakers seemed to be getting pretty tired from all the dancing.
A majority of the members of the Senate and the Congress have recently expressed confidence that now is the perfect time to proceed with the controversial Charter change, otherwise known as the Cha-cha.
These lawmakers believe that the commendable trust ratings of President Aquino and his open intentions on not running again for president after his term presented a perfect opportunity to set up a bicameral constituent assembly and modify some elements in the 1987 Constitution, particularly the National Patrimony Law that comprises of the current economic provisions. The mentioned law limits the ownership of companies to foreign investors to only 40 percent.
Those currently restricted to full foreign ownership in the country include the land, media (except recording), education, marine resource utilization in archipelagic waters, territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, services and practice of professions in the Philippines, among others.
For Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, amending the economic provisions of the Constitution could benefit many businesses in the country particularly the shipping industry. In a report, Trillanes said that the revised “economic provisions in the Constitution should open domestic shipping and open the Philippine Sea lanes for trade and investments.”
Senator Ping Lacson, on the other hand, mentioned in the same report that in order for the Philippines to keep up with its thriving Asian neighbors, economic reforms should be reconsidered. He also confirmed that the bicameral chambers have agreed that the Charter change should focus mainly on the economic provisions, particularly those that concern the foreign investment.
Meanwhile, President Aquino believes that the lawmakers should see the glass half-full rather than half-empty. In his speech during the oath-taking rites of newly-appointed officials last October 4, President Aquino said that amending the constitution is not necessary for economic growth.
“I don’t agree that it’s the way to grow the economy.”
Presidential Spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said over the radio station dzRB last October 2, that the focus of the President remains on the fight against corruption and creating a good environment for investors.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile countered President Aquino’s remark in an ambush interview saying that the amendment of the Constitution is not up to the President, but the Congress.
Acknowledging the democratic state of the country, President Aquino clarified that while he does not personally approve of the proposed alteration of the economic provisions in the Constitution, he is open to the possibility that the proposed amendments be “explored.”
House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales also made clear that the members of the Congress and the Senate are not defying the President but are merely doing their job lawmakers in implementing well-probed constitutional reforms. The bicameral house needs ¾ of votes in order for the Cha-cha to be passed.
“At the end of the day, it is the House of Representatives and the Senate that are empowered to do any constitutional change,” he said.
While it is true that the country still has a long way to go in achieving a stable economy, the important thing is that Filipinos are starting to believe again that a bright future is still possible upon seeing a government that is working for them and not vice versa. There may be inevitable clash of ideas every now and then among the members of the House and Malacanang; but what truly matters most is that all is done with the good and honest intentions.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ Oct 7-13, 2011 Sec A pg. 6)