Solons dared: Sign pledge to erase doubts on Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines - Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza is asking his fellow members a to sign a pledge that they will only amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution.

Atienza said he initiated a signature move through House Resolution No. 864 to erase doubts befalling the House's insistent move for Charter change.

The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments for proper disposition.

"There are concerns that the amendments will not only change the economic provisions, but also touch on the political provisions," Atienza said in a press statement on Wednesday.

The former Manila mayor said the political provisions being most cited are the extension of the terms of government officials and the lifting of term limits.

Atienza said the pledge to be signed by House members will assure that there are no underhanded tactics resulting in political amendments in the charter.

The Cha-cha train in the lower chamber was initiated by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. himself through House Resolution No. 1.

Belmonte wants to add the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law" in the economic provisions of the Constitution that restrict foreign ownership of land and businesses.

This would allow Congress to lift the economic restrictions when needed, according to Belmonte.

He said lifting the economic restrictions would help the Aquino administration in achieving inclusive growth.

The Cha-cha proposal, which has been opposed by President Aquino, has been passed by the House committee on constitutional amendments.