SENATE TO REVIEW ECONOMIC PROVISIONS OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION

THE Senate is set to review the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

This is in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to lead the discussion of amending the economic provisions of the Constitution.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed Senate Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which proposes amendments to Articles XII, XIV and XVI of the charter.

According to Zubiri, the President suggested during their meeting last week with House Speaker Martin Romualdez for the Senate to pass the measure, which would then be adopted by the House of Representatives.

“Sabi niya, why doesn’t the Senate take the lead in the discussions of the economic provisions, and then you approve your version which the House can adopt. So, that was the position of the President,” Zubiri told reporters.

The Senate leader also recalled that the President said the people’s initiative was “too divisive” after having heard reports about bribery, threats, and disinformation while asking people for their signatures.

“He even said na eh dati akong senador. Bilang dating senador, hindi rin ako papayag na ma-undermine o ma-diminish ang kapangyarihan ng Senado pagdating sa usapin ng bicameralism,” Zubiri said quoting the President.

The resolution filed by Zubiri mentioned the proposed amendments to Section 11 of Article XII or the National Patrimony and Economy; Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV or the Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports; and Paragraph 2, Section 11 of Article XVI or the General Provisions.

Zubiri said Senate Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 will also “constitutionalize” the Public Services Act, which is currently being questioned in the Supreme Court.

“Sayang naman po ‘yung mga foreign investment pledges na binanggit ng ating Pangulo at ng Department of Trade and Industry sa ating bansa,” Zubiri said.

He said the Senate leadership is set to create a subcommittee that will discuss the proposed amendments to be chaired by Senator Sonny Angara.

The discussions on the amendments will start this month and will conclude by March this year, according to the Senate president.

Zubiri expressed confidence that he will get three-fourths or 18 votes out of the 24-member legislative body to approve the measure.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said he supports the Senate’s initiative to file a resolution that will be adopted by Congress to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.