Lawmakers support GMA's Charter change bill

MANILA, Philippines - A number of lawmakers have signified their support for the resolution filed by Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo calling for a constitutional convention (Concon) to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said he would definitely support Arroyo’s proposal.

“I am amenable to change certain provisions in the Constitution because some need to be analyzed, especially on the proposed acquisition of real property in our country by foreign individuals and corporations,” Suarez said.

Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong said he would support the Arroyo proposal since he has been pushing for constitutional changes since 1993 in order to improve the Constitution for the good of the country and to clarify many confusing provisions.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said he is supporting the measure and will also file a similar bill to consolidate with the Arroyo proposal.

“I personally believe that there is really a need to take a look at the 1987 Constitution. During the 14th Congress, the opposition is saying that any Charter change should be made after GMA’s (Mrs. Arroyo) term. I do not see the reason about all this fuss about GMA’s resolution,” Barzaga said.

Arroyo, in one of her first official acts as a member of the House of Representatives, filed House Resolution 8 calling for a Concon to introduce amendments to the Charter.

Arroyo said her proposal is the least divisive and the most transparent, exhaustive and democratic means of implementing constitutional reforms in the three modes of amending the Constitution as provided for under Article XVII Sections 1 & 2 of the 1987 Constitution.

Quezon City Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, widely seen as the next speaker of the House, said the Arroyo proposal is not going to be a priority of the chamber.

He said any calls for Charter change at this point would be divisive and distract the country from more pressing concerns.

“The Cha-cha resolution of former president now Congresswoman Arroyo definitely will not be a priority,” Belmonte said.

“The priority will be whatever are the priorities of the new government.”

Belmonte though admitted that some provisions in the Constitution can stand improvement, especially economic provisions, but making the changes would be “too divisive at this point.”