KABAYAN Party-list Rep. Ron P. Salo has called for a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) to introduce economic amendments of the 1987 Constitution as some of its provisions have become “less responsive to our people’s needs.”

“It has been 36 years since the adoption of our Constitution, and crucial developments in our society and in the global arena over the years and the present social and economic realities have rendered some parts of it less responsive to our people’s needs,” Salo remarked as he filed House Bill (HB) No. 6920.

In the explanatory note of the bill, the veteran lawmaker noted that the current Constitution contains numerous restrictions impeding the flow of foreign capital in specific areas of the country’s economic activity.

“These restrictions have been found to hamper economic growth, dilute the competitiveness among the country’s industries, and ultimately stunt national development over the years,” Salo explained.

Salo also noted that the restrictions on foreign ownership are designed to prioritize Filipino citizens, but it limits the country’s capability to generate the requisite capital to boost our economy and
develop our natural resources.

“It is high time to liberalize such restrictions to encourage the free flow of capital into the country and enhance its global competitiveness,” Salo said.

He added that this will greatly aid the country’s economy as it navigates its way out of the devastating effects of the pandemic.

“While our vigilance to protect and prioritize the Filipino citizens remain, our policies must evolve in order for the country to continually progress and remain competitive globally,” Salo added.

In the bill, Salo reiterated that the 1987 Constitution provides for three (3) modes for it to be reformed, specifically through: Constitutional Assembly, Con-Con, or People’s Initiative.

He said that while “People’s Initiative is the most democratic process, this mode is only limited to amendments, and not to revisions of the Constitution.”

On the other hand, “a Constitutional Assembly authorizes all incumbent members of Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution, which has been unpopular because of possible conflict of interest of the members,” he clarified.

Salo, now on his third term, expressed confidence that the Con-Con is the most appropriate mode of reforming the Constitution despite the expensive cost.

He assured that a ConCon addresses both of the concerns associated with People’s Initiative and the Constitutional Assembly as its members will be specifically elected for the sole purpose of reforming the present Constitution.

Salo also clarified that members of the body shall not hold any other office to ensure that national interest will prevail over personal interests.

“We have provided for high standards and certain disqualifications in this proposed measure so we can be sure that those who wish to be elected as a delegate in the Constitutional Convention are the most qualified; this will safeguard the integrity and sanctity of the entire process,” Salo said.

The bill provides for the election of the delegates for the ConCon on the third Monday of January 2024.

It also specifies that the Convention shall be composed of not more than 310 members that will come from all legislative districts, with the remaining seats to be allocated to the party-list system.

The body shall have 24 months from the time it is convened to submit to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) its proposed amendments for the ratification of the Filipino electorate.

“The last two times that our Constitution was reformed were also made through a Constitutional Convention in 1971 and 1986, “Salo opined.

“The Constitution is the most fundamental and supreme law of the land, it is essential that it is periodically updated and dynamic so it can keep abreast with the needs of both the present and future generations,” he concluded.