Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, March 7 urged the government to effectively implement existing economic reform laws, particularly those enacted during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Go said he believes the government can implement these existing policies with or without resorting to economic constitutional amendments. 

“With or without amendments to the Constitution, we have so many laws, economic reform laws, that need to be implemented thoroughly so the country can be attractive to foreign investors,” Go said in a recent interview in Lucena City.

Republic Act No. 11659, or the Public Services Act, for one, enables 100 percent foreign ownership already in key sectors such as airports, railways, expressways and telecommunications, the senator pointed out. 

Go also cited Foreign Investments Act of 1991 through RA 11647 which liberalized the economy by lifting restrictions on foreign enterprise ownership, and allows 100 percent foreign ownershp outside the sectors listed in the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL). 

The lawmaker also pointed to RA 11595 or the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 which reduced the minimum required paid-up capital for foreign retailers, and paved the way for more global brands to enter the Philippine market. 

He also cited RA 11032 or the East of Doing Business Act of 2018 which streamlined the delivery of government services, implemented a “zero contact” policy and mandated automatic approval for applications not procesed within the prescribed timelines.   This bill, he pointed out, improved the business environment for both local and foreign entities. 

Go said it is imperative to ensure that any proposed changes in the Constitution should directly benefit the underprivileged sector and not politicians who have hidden agendas and are keen on extending their term limits. 

“We are talking about the Constitution, and my consistent stand is, no politician should benefit from it,” Go said in Filipino.

“In any possible amendment to Constitution, the ordinary Filipino, especially the poor, should benefit from it,” he said. 

The lawmaker also thumbed down any moves to rush deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, citing the need to allow the resolution to undergo intense scrutiny given the foundational nature of the Constitution. 

RBH No. 6,  seeks amendments to the three vital economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, namely public services, education and adveritising industries, and opening these to 100 percent foreign ownership.

“Let’s not rush it. Let’s study this carefully. It also depends on the Senate leadership. We are a collegial body, we are 24 senators. I am just one vote,” said Go.

“And as I said, this is not an ordinary legislation. This is the Constitution, the fundamental law of the land is at stake here. I don’t wish to put a timeline on it. Let’s study this, and debate this in plenary,” the senator appealed.