Swift Senate action sought on economic charter change

By Rowena Cruz House Deputy Speaker David Suarez, during a recent meeting with President Bongbong Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Se...

By Rowena Cruz

House Deputy Speaker David Suarez, during a recent meeting with President Bongbong Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senate President Migz Zubiri, and various cabinet members at the 4th Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, urged the Senate to approve its version of economic charter change resolutions. (Photo from David Jay jay C. Suarez/FB)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - House Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Quezon, 2nd District, has recently urged the Senate to approve its version of economic charter change resolutions, paving the way for a national plebiscite on proposed amendments to the Philippine Constitution. The goal of the amendments is to attract greater foreign investment and bolster the economy.

Suarez expressed hope for Senate approval, aligning with the House's anticipated passage of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 this week. "A plebiscite is essential to give the Filipino people the final say on matters that will significantly shape our economic future," said Suarez.



Suarez anticipates legal challenges to the resolutions, but underscores the importance of close cooperation between the House and Senate to overcome such obstacles. He suggests the Senate utilize the upcoming March 23–April 28 break to carefully review the proposals.

The proposed amendments to the Constitution would ease restrictions on foreign ownership in key sectors. Changes include revising regulations regarding legislative franchises for public utilities, ownership of educational institutions, and ownership in advertising firms.

"We can pray for enlightenment. We can hope for discernment so that we can meet. This is very crucial for the country,” said Suarez, a vocal supporter of the changes.

However, the proposals have drawn criticism. Suarez anticipates legal challenges: "There are certain sectors that are ready to file a case before the Supreme Court. It's good to file a case and ask legal questions to provide clarity. It would be beneficial for both Houses to meet and address this moving forward.”