Lawmakers to start debates on economic Cha-cha in May

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers are expected to start in May plenary debates on proposals to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.

Floor discussions on Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 to amend Articles XII (national economy and patrimony), XIV (education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports) and XVI (general provisions) will start when Congress resumes session after the Holy Week break.

The House committee on constitutional amendments approved last Monday the measure filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

It seeks to include the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to certain sections to allow Congress  to ease restrictions on foreign ownership in certain industries to attract investments and generate jobs.

Speaking to reporters, Belmonte said the overwhelming approval of RBH 1 at the committee level “gave an inkling“ of the support the measure will receive in plenary.

“Certainly, we need to get three-fourths vote, but I would not like to venture to say that I’m confident of this, I’m confident of that, because everybody here is free to choose. I believe that it is a very good measure,” he said.

“This is just a simple change. The door (to investments) is still locked, and we have to provide a legal key. I suppose all the countries around us in fact have always been ahead in the area of foreign direct investments, so we really have to start thinking on what we should do,” he said.

The break would allow House members to study the matter before discussing RBH 1 on the floor, Belmonte said.

Once approved in plenary, the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for deliberation.

If approved in both houses, it will be subjected to a nationwide referendum.

Live showing of sessions on TV

Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza wants a live showing on television of the sessions and committee hearings in the Senate and the House of Representatives to promote transparency in Congress.

In filing House Bill 4049, Atienza called for the live coverage of proceedings in both houses “from gavel to gavel on People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI).”

Just like C-Span in the US, the Philippines needs to have unprecedented access to its officials, he added.

Atienza said the bill seeks to amend Section 9 of Republic Act 7306, the PTNI’s charter, to add to its functions the showing of live proceedings of both houses of Congress without editing or commentary.