Dormant for a few weeks, the bid to amend certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution was revived Wednesday, May 19, with its principal proponents disclosing that plebiscite for the amendments has been targeted to coincide with the 2022 national elections.

The House of Representatives re-launched the plenary debates, which stopped last March.

Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin, chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Revision, said they are eyeing public approval of the proposed amendments in May, 2022.

Garbin made this disclosure during the plenary deliberation for Resolution of Both Houses No. 2, saying that they expect Senate approval of the measure before the end of the year.

Interpellating Garbin, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said there remains no cogent reason on why the Lower House leadership is rushing adoption of RBH No. 2.

“Ano po ba ang basis bakit ninyo minamadali? Meron ba kayo maibibigay na patunay na ito ang kagyat kinakailangan ng ating bansa? (What is your basis for rushing it? Do you have proof that this is urgently needed by our country?”, Brosas asked Garbin.

In response, Garbin said the basis lies in the fact that Philippines is in the bottom of list of countries with capital accumulation. He said the unemployment problem is expected to be addressed once restrictions on foreign investments are lifted.

According to Garbin out of the 74.3 million total labor force in the country, only 30.7 million are employed as of October, 2020.

Brosas said the bid to amend the 1987 Constitution should not be considered a priority in view of the deaths and sickness triggered by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic.

She pointed out that based on the results of surveys on the views of Filipinos about charter amendments, there is no urgent basis to pursue adoption of RBH No. 02.

She said a recent survey conducted by Radio Veritas indicated that only 21 percent respondents agreed that amending the Charter is urgent and necessary.

Under the proposal, the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” will be inserted on certain economic provisions of the Constitution that restrict foreign ownership of public utilities, educational institutions, media and advertising.

Brosas said this would make Congress more powerful in changing provisions of the Constitution. She said this could open up corruption initiated by well-financed investors.