It sounds more like 'Cha-mend' than Cha-cha

What we are hearing from Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is that he would like to see amendments to the Constitution centering mostly on economic provisions that have become somewhat obsolete. The 1987 Constitution places so many restrictions on foreign ownership in media, advertising, public utilities, mining, telecommunications, land ownership and even in investments on tertiary education.

President Noynoy Aquino is known to be stubborn especially when he makes up his mind about something, but perhaps this time he should be a bit more flexible and listen to political elders like the Senate President and Speaker Sonny Belmonte. Both are seasoned politicians who have been around long enough to see what could prove to be good for the country. Both have been there — done that. The president should seriously consider the good points that both JPE and SB are planning to raise especially with respect to the economic provisions.

In a market that has become extremely global, the Philippines must take major steps to attract more foreign investors and catch up with our Asian neighbors who are clearly way ahead of us in their economic growth. These are changing times with all the transformations happening in a dynamic, global marketplace. It’s a well known fact that foreign chambers have been complaining about the restrictive provisions with respect to several portions of the 1987 Constitution, which many of them see as very ambiguous and need to be made more concise.

Both Juan Ponce Enrile and Sonny Belmonte are proposing amendments rather than changing the Charter that could include altering the political system. Even the United States, which has one of the oldest constitutions still in force today, had already made so many amendments over the past 200 years before reaching the current version. Last year, there were already talks in Washington about amending certain articles of the US Constitution, with a study saying the US model is now considered “obsolete” by newly emerging democracies. 

Many Filipinos feel this is the right time to institute constitutional amendments. As Senator Ed Angara clearly pointed out, P-Noy is the perfect person to endorse it considering the fact that it was during his mother’s time that the 1987 Constitution — also known as the Cory Constitution — was enacted and no better person could have the credibility to change it than her son whom people believe has no plans of extending his term. At the very least, President Noy should agree to amendments to certain provisions and make them more responsive to current times and the prevailing situation. There is nothing wrong with amending the Constitution since clearly, there is no hidden agenda and the purpose is simply to make it better. Countries like the US have done it to theirs, so why not us?

The fact is — the only thing that is permanent in this world is change, and the operative word is flexibility. Amending the unclear and outdated provisions in the 1987 Constitution is a legacy that President Noynoy Aquino may want to consider leaving behind. It is an opportunity to institutionalize changes that can augur well for the next generation of leaders — the young people who will come into power in the coming decade. P-Noy should seize the moment before the moment seizes him.

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Our editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan wrote in her column last Friday that the streets in Metro Manila have become unsafe. To add to that, last Sunday, a European diplomat (who does not want to be identified for security reasons) and his wife were walking in Quiapo to check out the marketplace when a couple of hoods suddenly jumped them. The thugs tried to steal his cell phone and other valuables — the diplomat bravely fought back because he could not afford to let go of his cell phone which contained a lot of valuable information and contact numbers.

The diplomat ended up being beaten, hit on the face with a black eye. Luckily for him and his wife, they were not killed. There have been many incidents in this country where pickpockets and thieves have killed for a mere cell phone or less. 

A few days ago, the Italian Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Silvana Fornari fought off a bag slasher who wanted to steal her wallet. The Japanese Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Etsuko Urabe however was not as lucky. While visiting one of the outlet stores at Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong the other day, a pickpocket slashed her bag and got her wallet. Mrs. Urabe was very disappointed with the slow response when she reported it to the authorities. 

A recent disturbing report confirmed a 63 percent spike in crimes occurring in Metro Manila over the last year. What in heaven’s name are the police authorities doing about this? Worse, there are persistent rumors about dismissed policemen turned holduppers or protectors of syndicates preying on tourists.

When diplomats get mugged and robbed — we have a major problem. These are the same people who issue advisories to their citizens about travel to the Philippines. If this continues, you can bet your bottom dollar — they will report negative stuff about this country.

We are still reeling from the tag about the Philippines being the most dangerous place in the world for journalists, but now our country runs the risk of getting branded as the most dangerous place for diplomats and tourists. We could spend millions to promote tourism and even display posters and logos all over the world saying, “It’s more fun in the Philippines” — but if the police cannot keep the streets safe, don’t be surprised if we will soon have the tag line, “It’s more dangerous in the Philippines.”

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