Lawmaker hopeful Noy will consider Charter amendments

MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker said yesterday he believes President Aquino has not shut the door on the growing clamor to ease restrictions on the economic provisions of the Constitution that proponents emphasize would attract more job-generating investments.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the proponents of what he called “economic Charter reforms” in the House of Representatives, said he is preparing an economic paper that he will submit to Aquino in the coming days.

Aquino on Friday told reporters that the country could be “distracted” by efforts to amend the Constitution and its proponents have yet to show him the need for such a move.

“The President is sincere in his plans and dreams for our country, so this is the best time to implement more fundamental reforms, and he has the vision and the will to implement these,” Rodriguez said.

He said the Philippines needs to strengthen itself in the coming integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year that would pose both threats and opportunities for Filipinos.