House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

A vindication of the House of Representatives. 

That's how House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd Mannix Dalipe described the Senate's somewhat surprising move to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. 

“This marks the first time the Senate has agreed to amend the Constitution, vindicating the House's 37-year-long pursuit of constitutional reforms. It also reaffirms our position under Speaker Romualdez that constitutional amendments are essential to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global economy,” Dalipe said in a statement Wednesday morning, Jan. 17. 

Dalipe was referring to the Senate's filing of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6, which calls for the creation of a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) for the purpose of Charter change (Cha-cha). 

No less than Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri led the filing of the measure. 

Dalipe said this move by the Senate leadership validates the stance of the House of Representatives under Speaker Martin Romualdez. He says that it "shows that the House has been correct all along in its push for constitutional amendments".. 

From 1987 to the present, the House of Representatives had advocated for constitutional amendments but was consistently rejected by the Senate. 

As per Speaker Romualdez's instructions, the 300-plus strong House will support the Senate's RBH No.6.

The measure proposes amendments to Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the 1987 Constitution, allowing Congress to legislate laws removing equity restrictions on certain industries. 

It is meant to address the alleged constitutional infirmity of Republic Act (RA) No.11659, amending the Public Services Act to permit 100 percent foreign ownership in certain public services. 

“The Speaker is happy that the Senate has finally recognized the need for constitutional amendments. We've tirelessly worked for economic reforms through charter change but this was consistently opposed by the Senate. Now, it can be told that we were right all along,” Dalipe stated. 

The majority leader further emphasized that Romualdez’s courage and persistence in advocating for amending the 1987 Constitution have paid off with the Senate’s decision to support Cha-cha through RBH No.6.