MANILA, Philippines – Several senators seem adamant on catering to the House of Representatives’ (HOR) proposed Charter change.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said such a proposal is not a priority at this time adding that the Senate is not considering accepting it after the HOR approved its version of the bill.
The Lower House proposes the following amendments to the Constitution:
1. Legislative flexibility for foreign Investments
2. Tandem voting for president and vice president
3. Election of senators by region (with proposal dividing PH to 9 regions)
4. 5-year term for local officials and Congressmen
House Committee on Constitutional Amendments Chairman Rufus Rodriguez is asking the senators to take time to study their proposal before deciding to drop it.
“I hope that the senators, instead of saying, it’s doomed, it’s not a priority, should look into every proposal: are they good for the country or not? That is the main issue there,” Rodriguez argued.
The lawmaker also denied allegations that the bill is “self-serving” on the part of the congressmen and that they have personal interests in pushing the proposed amendments.
“If this is approved it will only apply to those elected in 2022. All of us will go to the elections of 2022,” Rodriguez said.
“We are not extending our terms,” he added.
The Surigao Del Sur Representative stressed that the bill underwent public consultation from various sectors across the country.
The Lower House lawmakers are expected to debate on the measure at the plenary come February next year which may run for two months, according to Rodriguez. – MNP (with details from Vincent Arboleda)
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