Marcos Allies Set to Approve Charter Change in Philippine Congress
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Loading... - Cabrera Andrea
- 29 Mar 2023
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At least 11 bills and resolutions relating to charter change were filed since July of last year, the same month when Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency. These measures were consolidated and a consensus was reached among the proponents that the mode of changing the constitution will be through a constitutional convention.
If passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by Marcos, district delegates of the convention will be elected on October 30 this year, the same date as the barangay (village) and youth council elections. The Senate president and House speaker will also appoint sectoral delegates. The convention will run for seven months until June 30, 2024.
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, principal author of the measure, noted that the so-called hybrid constitutional convention option is “highly favored being the most democratic, transparent, and inclusive of all modes.”
“The election of delegates and the appointment of experts and sectoral representatives, along with constitutionalists and experts will ensure the balance of views and the quality of the proposals of the convention,” he added.
He also clarified that only economic provisions of the constitution will be discussed during the convention. Specifically, legislators are aiming to amend the provisions which impose restrictions on foreigners from owning land, properties, public utilities, and businesses in the country. Read More…
