Concom to tackle Philippine territory

MANILA, Philippines —  The Consultative Committee (Concom) tasked by President Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution is set to deliberate on national territory next week.

Retired Superme Court associate justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, chair of the Concom subcommittee on a federal structure, said the members have to discuss the national territory to determine the extent of the country’s jurisdiction as stated under Article 1 of the Constitution. 

Nachura also said national territory is one of the items that the Concom will deliberate on in a closed-door meeting as it has national security implications.  

“I am sure that all that is happening now will be taken into consideration when we discuss the matter of territory dispute,” he said, referring to the South China Sea dispute.

The Philippines, China and other countries in Southeast Asia have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

A few months after Duterte was elected, the Arbitral Tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines’ claim. But China still continued its construction activities in the disputed islands.

Asked to comment on Duterte’s apparent inclination to China, Nachura said the Concom will defend whatever it recommends as far as the territorial dispute with China is concerned.

Nachura also expressed optimism that Duterte will not try to influence the committee. 

Concom members met on Thursday at the Philippine International Convention Center. They deliberated on national and international security situation.  

Nachura refused to discuss details of the deliberation as it requires utmost confidentiality.