Robin respects ‘opposition’ to constitutional amendments
SENATOR Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla assured those groups staging protest actions against the revision of the Constitution that he respects their “views” and their “right to protest” as he chaired the hearing the Senate Committee hearing on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes in Davao City.
Padilla made the assurance Thursday, saying: “I respect the views and rights of those who are against and protesting against this constitutional process,” he said.
Padilla allayed fears that allowing foreign investments may pave the way for Filipinos to be “enslaved” by foreigners again.
“Kapag sinabi nating papayagan natin ng foreigners dito, ‘di ibig sabihin magpapaalipin tayo uli,” Padilla said as he assured that his aim is to allow the entry of foreign capital to to build industry and create jobs, which most countries are now doing.
“When we say we will allow foreign investments, it does not mean we will allow ourselves to be enslaved. That will not happen. My fellow lawmakers and I will not allow it,” Padilla said.
But Padilla also maintained the constitutional process deserves the people’s support, especially since it is for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos.
He added the Constitution cannot be “stagnant” and must instead be continuously updated “to meet the needs of changing times.”
Also, he said that regardless of the mode used to amend the Charter – constituent assembly or constitutional convention – what is important now is to convince the public that the Constitution needs updating.
Padilla said that if the country fails to open the economy to foreign capital, the only alternative is to depend on foreign borrowings, which will be a greater burden on the people.
“Mga kababayan, gumising na po kayo. Hindi na kayo dapat nagmamakaawa at nabubuhay sa utang sapagka’t ang Pilipinas ay mayaman at kailanman ‘di tayo dapat mabuhay sa pagtitiis. Hindi tayo pinanganak, ‘di tayo nilikha ng Diyos para magtiis, tayo ay nilikha ng Diyos para sumaya,” he said.
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