Cha-cha still no-no for Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Charter change (Cha-cha), even if only to amend economic provisions, remains a no-no for Malacañang.

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino remains firm in his position against amending the Constitution and believes that economic restrictions therein are “not detrimental in attracting foreign investments.”

“We remain focused on implementing the priority programs under the Philippine Development Plan that have been instrumental in the country’s attainment of consistently high growth rates for the past seven quarters,” Coloma said during a press briefing.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said he would push for the passage of a resolution seeking to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution early next year whether the President endorses it or not.

Belmonte said it is Congress’ obligation to push for Charter change to attract investors, improve the economy and ensure inclusive growth.

He said he hopes to secure a three-fourths vote of the House membership.

The Speaker earlier filed the resolution that appended the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to the constitutional provision limiting foreign investors’ participation in economic activities in the country.

Under Belmonte’s proposal, foreign ownership of businesses, land and utilities would not be automatic and would require congressional approval.

Coloma said they would respect the legislative process.

Open to discussions

Senate President Franklin Drilon said he is open to discussions on Charter change, but noted that its fate would depend on how the debates play out among political leaders.

“We will see how this debate develops and we will take a position in the appropriate time. There must be consensus among the political leaders because this kind of political exercise must have the support of a unified political leadership,” he said.

A number of senators have expressed support for Charter change but not limited to the economic provisions.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said he also wants to remove the provision subjecting military officers to the confirmation process of the Commission on Appointments.

“Only the service commanders should be subjected to the confirmation process to insulate junior officers from transactional politics,” he said.

Sen. JV Ejercito said the economic provisions of the Constitution should be more attuned to the changing times. He noted that the Constitution was written when there was still no globalization and the Internet.

“The world has become so much smaller and so different. We need to keep abreast with technology and globalization,” he said.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III earlier said both the economic and political provisions should be amended. He is pushing for a federal form of government.

Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he is not yet convinced that Charter change is necessary and that only the economic provisions would be amended.

Multi-partisan support

Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas is optimistic of multi-partisan support in the House of Representatives for Charter change.

He said there has long been a clamor in the chamber for Charter change, particularly to lift limits on foreign ownership of certain industries.

“I think that many of us in the House of Representatives are really for Charter change. Others are not just that vocal but now that no less than our Speaker has spoken, I think that more congressmen will voice their support for his position on the charter change issue,” he said.

Treñas also agreed with Belmonte’s position that there is no harm if the House would reopen discussions on Charter change.

“After all, it is Congress that is vested with the power to craft national policies,” he said.

“While the President is rejecting the concept of Charter change, I am convinced that he would see its wisdom once we start discussing the merits of correcting certain flaws in our fundamental law, particularly its restrictive and inward-looking economic provisions,” he added. – With Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero