“NO to political Charter Change.”

This was stressed by House Majority Leader Zamboanga City Representative.m Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe as he doused cold water on a proposal to amend the Constitution to “extend” the term of office of congressmen from three years to five years with a limit of two consecutive terms.

The proposal is contained in Resolution of Both Houses No. 8 filed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Barba.

The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, had pushed for amending the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions to encourage more foreign investments.

“We are sticking with that advocacy, because that is what we think will be good for the country and that is what we believe the people will accept,” he said.

Dalipe said proposed economic constitutional changes are by and large supported by the business community and the public.

He cited a recent survey by big data research firm Tangere showing six in 10 Filipinos support the proposed economic reforms, believing these would result in more job and income opportunities and faster economic growth.

“While there is broad acceptance for these reform proposals, a proposed constitutional amendment that is political in nature, on the other hand, will surely divide our people. They will suspect self interest as the motivation behind such proposal,” he said.

He was referring to Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, authored principally by Speaker Romualdez.

The House approved it on third and final reading in March and transmitted it promptly to the Senate.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas