President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that it is not a priority of his administration to amend the 1987 Constitution. But despite this, the chairman of the House constitutional amendments committee announced that they will continue their hearings about the Charger change or cha-cha.
Marcos announced his position on the Charter change to the publishers while on his way home from the Philippines from a five-day official visit to Japan.
“It’s not a priority for me because maraming ibang kailangang gawin eh. Maraming kailangan, there are so many different, there are so many other things that we need to do first,” the President said.
He added his administration can achieve its goals for the country under the current Constitution.
“I think… the reason that it’s being talked about is because of the economic provisions. Gusto nga natin magkaroon ng investment, kung minsan sagabal ‘yun. Alam naman ninyo ‘yung mga issue diyan, ‘yung mga ownership, appropriation, ownership [inaudible] ‘yung mga ganoon,” he explained.
“But for me, lahat itong mga pinag-usapan kaya nating gawin na hindi palitan ang Saligang Batas,” he added.
Cha-cha not a priority of President Marcos
Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the House constitutional amendments committee, said that although they respect Marcos’ decision, they will continue their hearings in the House of Representatives.
“We respect the opinion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on constitutional amendment measures. We will of course consider it. But as an independent branch of government, the House of Representatives and Congress will proceed with its public dialogues on this issue,” said the congressman.
“The House committee on constitutional amendments will continue holding public hearings and consultations on Charter or constitutional change (Cha-cha) proposals,” he continued.
Rodriguez’s committee has already held hearings on the proposed Charter change bills. Some of them discuss the relaxation of foreign ownership in land and industry and even the term extension of elected officials.
“We laud and commend President Marcos Jr. for trying to entice foreign businessmen in his trips abroad to invest their money in the country. He is our best salesman. But certain restrictive provisions of the Charter could be impeding investments,” said Rodriguez.
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