There is already a draft of a committee report on a proposal to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
The report recommends that the Senate and the House of Representatives approve a resolution stating that both legislative chambers shall meet in a constituent assembly (con-ass) to carry out Charter change (Cha-cha).
It was drafted by Senator Robinhood C. Padilla, chairman of the Senate Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes committee.
Padilla said the draft committee report is now being routed for signature by committee members.
The draft report recommends that the con-ass proposal shall add the phrase ‘’unless otherwise provided by law".
The Constitution mandates a 60 percent investment share of Filipinos in joint undertaking with foreign partners.
It clearly states that the foreign partner shall hold a 40 percent investment share.
What this means is that Congress can now amend or delete the ‘’40 percent’’ investment share or ownership of foreigners on exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, purchase of private lands and setting up of corporations.
Congress can also pass measures allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of educational institutions or schools, media company and public utility enterprises such as transmission of electric power.
The committee noted that Philippine economic development is hampered by the strict entry of foreign investors as mandated by the Constitution.
The draft report did not include an amendment or revision of the political provisions of the Charter.
Padilla said he is sure that senators belonging to the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) would sign the report. He is a PDP-Laban party member.
The other senator-members are Francis Tolentino, Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go and Ronald dela Rosa.
As author of a resolution calling for a con-ass, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is also expected to sign the draft report.