Cha-cha roadshow starts rolling

MANILA, Philippines - The nationwide Charter change roadshow launched by the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) is now in high gear, with its proponents optimistic of Filipinos’ growing support for fundamental political and economic reforms.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, president of the CDP, said the party is pushing for the holding of a constitutional convention later this year to amend the 1987 Constitution and implement a federal system of government with two legislative chambers, and to lift restrictive economic provisions of the charter.

“Now is the best time when there is no doubt in the sincerity of President Aquino to implement lasting reforms. We are asking the President to lend an ear to heed the growing clamor of the people for charter reforms so that we can sustain our economic growth,” Rodriguez said.

“We do not have enough investment capital to dramatically boost economic growth because of limitations set by some provisions,” he said.

Rodriguez said the CDP is supporting efforts of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to amend the restrictive provisions in the Constitution hampering the entry of foreign investments.

On Monday, CDP officials led by Rodriguez and its chairman, Lito Lorenzana, were met by local officials of Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Lorenzana, a former Cabinet official of the late President Corazon Aquino, is a known charter change advocate.

Rodriguez said over a hundred Pangasinan officials and private sector representatives attended the meeting and support the holding of a constitutional convention.