President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Malacañang)

Echoing the call of their fellow members of the House of Representatives, two party-list solons have put more pressure on the Senate to respond to President Marcos’ endorsement of the proposed economic amendments to the Constitution.

In separate statements, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon and AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Lex Anthony Cris Colada gave their nod to the remarks of the President who recently assured the public that his administration only favored economic Charter change (Cha-cha) amid fears of political amendments.

Both lawmakers stressed the need for the Senate to abide by this recommendation in an effort to improve the country’s economy.

“Naiwanan na tayo ng mga kalapit na bansa (Neighboring countries have left us behind), in terms attracting foreign investments and economic development. Kapag nagpa-petik-petik pa tayo, sa kangkungan uli tayo pupulutin (If we keep being complacent, we will be back at square one),” said Colada.

Instead of continuing the ongoing war of words with members of the House, Colada said Senators must “respond positively” given the supposed urgency to kickstart Cha-cha.

“Kailangan natin ang mga pagbabagong ito ngayon, hindi sa susunod na Kongreso o administration (We need these changes now, not in the next Congress or administration),” he added. “Ngayon, dahil sa full support ng Pangulong Marcos, buhay ang adbokasyang ito (Now, due to the full support of President Marcos, this advocacy is alive)”.

Bongalon, for his part, highlighted the Philippines’ pressing need for more foreign investments.

"We urge the esteemed members of the Senate to take into account the statement of our President, who emphasized the need to facilitate the entry of significant foreign investments. This will pave the way for faster and more inclusive economic growth, which can ultimately lead to a better quality of life for all Filipinos,” he said.

Bongalon, a member of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, notes that there are provisions in the 1987 Constitution that “pose limitations to economic growth, foreign investment, and governance efficiency”.

High-ranking House members Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker Rep. David Suarez, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers have espoused the same sentiments.

The Senate has recently started its deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend certain economic provisions in the Constitution.

Despite insistence from the lower chamber, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said that the upper chamber will not rush passage of the bill