House eyes plenary debates on economic cha-cha in early February

The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments hopes to begin plenary deliberations on the amendment of “restrictive” economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution in the first week of February, its chairman said Wednesday.

Ako Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the constitutional amendments committee hopes to craft a report on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 2, which seeks to liberalize economic provisions of the Constitution, after one or two more hearings.

“We want to send the signal to the business community that we are now open and that the restrictive policy will be lifted,” he said.

“We want to better our position or business climate, we want to be proactive in promoting our investment. Para hindi tayo mapag-iwanan, dahil napag-iiwanan na tayo.”

Several lawmakers, including members of the Makabayan bloc and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, earlier said the economic cha-cha was a “sin” that will not address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the country’s economy. 

Backed by House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, RBH No. 2 seeks to insert the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in certain economic provisions in the Constitution. 

“Tingnan mo ang Pilipinas, geographically isolated compared to our neighboring countries. Pagdating sa economic policy, isolated pa rin kasi masyadong restrictive,” Garbin claimed.

The next hearing on the matter, scheduled for January 26, will be attended by Dr. Bernardo Villegas, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, international trade lawyer Anthony Abad, and representatives from the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines.—LDF, GMA News