President Marcos said the government is carefully studying conducting a plebiscite on constitutional amendments at the same time as the midterm elections in May 2025 to save public funds.

Marcos said this after proponents of Charter Change (Cha-cha) in the House of Representatives wanted to hold the plebiscite by July this year.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the President said they want to synchronize the plebiscite with the upcoming polls to save money.

"Pinag-aaralan talaga namin yun dahil kung ihihiwalay natin yung eleksyon at tsaka yung plebiscite— parang dalawang eleksyon yun, eh— napakamahal (We're studying it because if the election and the plebiscite would be held separately— because it's like two elections— it's too expensive)," he said.

"So, baka maaari, kung isabay natin yung plebesito sa local elections na gagawin sa Mayo next year, malaking bagay yun. Malaking savings para sa atin (So, if possible, perhaps we can hold them at the same time in May next year. That would help us save a lot of funds)," he added.

President Marcos said the plebiscite could wait until next year even if Congress would approve it soon.

"Hindi ibig sabihin na pagka natapos ng House or ng Senado kailangan na mag-plebisito. Maaari naman tayong maghintay, eh, para mag-plebisito sabay na ng local elections (It doesn't mean that if the House and the Senate would finish it that we have to immediately hold a plebiscite. We can wait so we can have it simultaneously with the local elections)," he said.

"If we are able to incorporate the two exercises together, as a practical matter, palagay ko ay makakatulong yun (I think that would be helpful)," he added.

Early this month, Marcos said he would not meddle in talks about amending the 1987 Constitution but urged the public to let the debates on reforms continue as the development of the country is directly involved in the discussion.

The President has been citing the need to introduce reforms in the Constitution, saying some of its provisions inhibit the country's growth.

"Anchored on these restrictive provisions, there are laws that prohibit certain kinds of foreign investment and thus limit our economic potential and our global competitiveness," he said on Feb. 8.

Some sentiments against charter change include concerns about the term limits of elected officials, including the president, being extended alongside the proposed economic reforms.

In his speech on Feb. 8, Marcos reiterated that his administration is only interested in introducing reforms related to economic matters.

"Allow me to make it clear: This administration’s position in introducing reforms for the Constitution extends to economic matters alone, for those strategically aimed at boosting our economy. Nothing more," he said.