Despite old fears, suspicions, Charter change move continues

Despite widespread opposition to any move to amend the Constitution at this time when the country is mired in problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the House of Representatives planned to resume debates on the issue this week.

The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments had earlier voted overwhelmingly – 64-3-3 – to adopt Resolution of Both Houses 2 (RHB2) to amend certain provisions of the Constitution to allow Congress to enact laws to allow foreign investments in certain parts of the national economy now closed to foreigners.

One reason for opposition to the move, as expressed by Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Rep. LRay Villafuerte, is that now is not the time to “tinker” with Constitution, when the country is still grappling with the pandemic.