Rodriguez to file Cha-cha resolution in 16th Congress

MANILA, Philippines - Reelected Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said yesterday he would file a resolution with the incoming 16th Congress calling for Charter change (Cha-cha).

“I support the Cha-cha initiative of Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte. My resolution will start the ball rolling on Cha-cha in the House of Representatives,” he told The STAR.

Belmonte earlier said he believes that the economic provisions of the Constitution should be rewritten to attract more foreign investments, which in turn would mean more jobs and sustained economic growth.

Like the Speaker, Rodriguez said he is for amending the Charter’s economic provisions “to open all sectors of the economy to foreign investors.”

“We should not be afraid of foreign investments, which are the only ingredient lacking in our economic growth. Foreign investments will keep us on the high growth path. Sustained growth will eventually reduce poverty among our people,” he said.

He won reelection under the Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines, which he heads. CDP is the youngest political group accredited by the Commission on Elections.

“Our party will lead the Cha-cha charge in the 16th Congress. We will ask our colleagues to support our effort for sustained economic development,” Rodriguez said.

He said his resolution would call for Cha-cha via a constitutional convention, instead of the House and the Senate convening as a constituent assembly (con-ass) and proposing amendments.

“Our motive will be suspect if it is us lawmakers who will do it,” he said.

Though he prefers the constitutional convention mode, he said his colleagues would have the final say on the Cha-cha track.

Belmonte is for con-ass, since it is less expensive and faster than a convention. The House and the Senate could limit their Cha-cha agenda, unlike a convention, which will have plenary power to rewrite the Constitution.

Though his administration wants to attract more foreign investments, President Aquino does not support Cha-cha.

Like Belmonte and Rodriguez, some administration allies in the Senate are for Charter amendments.

“I prefer constitutional amendments. (Amending) the Foreign Investment Act is the next best option,” Sen. Ralph Recto said.