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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero says Cha-cha push brings no 'earth-changing' effect to Philippine economy

Escudero says Cha-cha push brings no 'earth-changing' effect to Philippine economy

Published May 27, 2024 12:07 pm

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said on Monday, May 27, that the push for Charter-change (Cha-cha) particularly the economic amendments included in Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) has no "earth-changing" impact on the Philippine economy.

In a television interview on ANC, Escudero who has been outspoken about his stance against Cha-cha expressed his belief that constitutional amendments, particularly the economic amendments to the 1987 Constitution is not a priority by the current administration.

Regarding education, Escudero said that there's already a law allowing foreign educational institutions to set up shop in the country in conjunction with local schools on certain courses and degrees.

"You have international schools here already by virtue of DepEd (Department of Education) circulars allowing foreign schools to operate in the country. So what's this all about? I don't quite understand it," he said.

Regarding advertising, Escudero believes there are no "earth-changing" effects on the economy.

"Isa pa yun (That's another one) on advertising, do you think it will be earth-shaking? Most of the content for advertising is actually shot abroad, it's done in the cloud, it's done digitally. It's not even territorial-sensitive.

Escudero added that he has yet to see the data that if this gets passed, there will be a significant impact on the economy.

With respect to public services, Escudero said that there is already a law, the Public Services Act which is currently pending before the Supreme Court (SC) after a petition was filed questioning its constitutionality.

Escudero said that the President can convene the Judicial Executive Legislative Advisory and Consultative Council (JELAC) to find out and get a list of pending cases that the executive and legislative would like to resolve.

RBH 6 was filed by former the Senate President, Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri which proposes amendments to Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the 1987 Constitution pertaining to public services, education, and advertising.

The Senate before, under Zubiri led the review of the Constitution's economic provisions under a subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes led by Sen. Sonny Angara through RBH 6.

The Senate President also mentioned that during the first hearing on RBH 6, the number one reason cited why foreign investment is not pouring into the country is the cost of power, which is "too expensive".

"Number two it's because of the red tape, number three would be corruption. Opening up restrictive provisions would not even be in the top five. I even doubt if it's in the top 10 of reasons they have," he said.

People doubt Cha-cha intentions

Escudero said that the main reason why Cha-cha has not worked is because people doubt the real intentions of those behind it.

"People always think there's a political reason towards doing it. So quite frankly if that were true I think the best solution to that is to simply come out with what you want and let the people decide on it," he added.

Meanwhile, Escudero said that he will "definitely not" support the People's Initiative (PI) that seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution to pave the way for Congress to vote jointly.

"People’s initiative for Congress to vote as one definitely not," he said.

Related Tags

Charter change 1987 Constitution Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero
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