Bong Go stresses any change in Constitution must be intended to help particularly poor Filipinos
Following the approval of a bill in the House of Representatives that operationalizes the constitutional convention that will introduce amendments to the 1987 Constitution, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the need to ensure that any amendment made must be intended to benefit the Filipino people, particularly the poor, and not politicians.
In an interview after aiding fire victims in Taytay, Rizal on Wednesday, March 15, Go reiterated that if the proposal to amend the Constitution would come to a vote, he would make sure that the interests of the Filipino people and the poor are considered, and not the interests of politicians.
“Iisa lang po ang aking boto. Ngunit kung saka-sakali mang umabot sa botohan po ito, sisiguraduhin ko pong interes ng Pilipino, interes ng mahihirap ang makikinabang po,” assured Go.
“Hindi po dapat ang pulitiko ang makikinabang kung saka-sakali mang gagalawin ang Konstitusyon,” he added.
He acknowledged that the 1987 Constitution may need to be revisited to be appropriate for the present times. However, he emphasized that any amendment made should prioritize the welfare of the poor.
“Marahil po ay matagal na ang ating Konstitusyon, since 1987, marahil po ay marami nang probisyon dito ang hindi na akma sa panahon ngayon,” he said.
“Ngunit siguraduhin lang natin na makakatulong po sa mahihirap. Kung sakali mang economic provision, ‘yung talagang makakatulong po sa mahihirap,” he stressed.
While any constitutional amendment will have to be thoroughly studied and deliberated first, Go said that there are other ways to improve the economy that do not require amending the Constitution, such as passing new laws promoting development and supporting the recovery of the country.
“Sa ngayon naman po, pwede naman tayong magpasa ng mga batas, mga bills na makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya na hindi po kailangang buksan, buklatin ang Konstitusyon,” he said.
“Dahil kapag nabuksan na ‘yan, hindi na natin maaaring mapigilan kung ano po ang maaaring baguhin d’yan, kaninong interes ba ang uunahin. Ayaw na ayaw ng taumbayan na uunahin po ang interes ng pulitiko,” added the senator.
Meanwhile, asked about his stance on whether he is in favor of a constitutional convention or constituent assembly to amend the Constitution, Go explained, “If ever ConAss (ang gusto ko). And voting separately (ang two houses of Congress) para naman po ma-exercise din namin bilang mga senador ang aming karapatan, mailabas ko kung ano ang nasa dibdib ko, dahil ang nasa dibdib ko ay para sa mahihirap, kapakanan at interes ng mahihirap nating kababayan.”
House Bill No. 7352 has been passed on its third and final reading on Tuesday with a total of 301 votes in favor, 7 against, and none abstaining. It provides a comprehensive outline of the steps required to reform the Constitution through a hybrid constitutional convention.
