Visayan bloc pushes for Cha-cha approval

MANILA, Philippines - The 34-member Visayas bloc of congressmen called yesterday for the “immediate approval” of a resolution proposing a simple change in the economic provisions of the Constitution.

In a statement read in a press conference by bloc leader Rep. Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental, the group said it is supporting the economic Charter change (Cha-cha) initiative of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

“We support it. It’s the proper thing to do just in case foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution have to be relaxed in the future,” Benitez said.

He read the statement in the presence of three bloc members – Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City and Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava of Guimaras.

Belmonte is the principal author of Resolution of Both Houses (of Congress) No. 1.

The resolution proposes to insert the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in the Charter’s provisions limiting foreign ownership of land and certain businesses.

Such restrictions would remain, unless Congress eases them by passing a law. The President can veto or reject such a law.

“We support the intention of the resolution to provide flexibilities on our policy on the restrictions on foreign ownership in the Constitution on public utilities, land, mass media, advertising, educational institutions and development of natural resources,” the group said.

“We recognize that the Philippines is currently enjoying a growing confidence from foreign investors, and that minimizing our economic restrictions sends a strong signal to investors that the government is serious in improving the investment climate in the country and in sustaining the positive outlook of our economy,” it said.

It expressed confidence that “liberalizing the economy will increase foreign direct investments and capital accumulation, thereby allowing our country to maximize the benefits of the inclusive growth that is being promoted by the current administration.”

“As the duty of improving the provisions in the Constitution rests solely on Congress, we implore our honorable colleagues from both Houses (of Congress) to support the proposed amendment to the economic provisions in the Constitution and work together for the swift passage of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 1,” the group said.

Evardone said the 34 Visayan bloc members have agreed to vote as one for the resolution and to avoid proposing any other amendment.

“I, for one, am for some political changes. But I have set aside my proposals in deference to the decision of our group,” he said.

Treñas asked the House leadership to set the timetable for the conclusion of plenary debates and voting on RBH No. 1.

“We will soon be busy with the 2015 budget, Bangsamoro Basic Law, economic Cha-cha and the anti-political dynasty bill. The leadership should tell us our priorities,” he said.

Nava said the House would tackle the proposed P2.6-trillion national budget for next year in plenary in the next two weeks.

“We will be preoccupied with the budget in the remaining half of the month. After that, we can resume discussing economic Cha-cha and possibly vote on it,” he said.

The House has held several days of debates on RBH No. 1. Sponsors of the measure, including Reprentatives Mylene Garcia-Albano of Davao City, Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City, have taken turns in defending the resolution.

The Senate has agreed to tackle the measure, though Sen. Ralph Recto has introduced a similar Cha-cha proposal.