Nation

Solons still support Cha-cha bid despite Aquino's opposition

Louis Bacani - The Philippine Star

June 17, 2013 | 11:43am

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the disapproval of President Benigno Aquino III to charter change, members of the House of Representatives still want to amend the Constitution's "restrictive" economic provisions to invite more investors to the country.

Re-elected Congressmen Magtanggol Gunigundo (2nd District, Valenzuela City) and Romero Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City) both expressed support for the charter change initiative of House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. "to attract investments and capital that will create more employment and reduce the incidence of poverty in the country."

But Gunigundo said there should be a guarantee for the smooth implementation of these changes in the Constitution by local government units (LGUs) to fully encourage investors.

"Changes in the economic provisions of the Constitution have good intentions. But it will be handicapped by LGUs that fail to streamline procedures. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) should focus on this and not limit itself on police and peace and order functions," Gunigundo said in a statement on Monday.

He said inflow of foreign investments would not reach forecast levels without the necessary LGU reforms even if lawmakers succeed at changing economic constitutional provisions.

"Following the Doing Business in Philippines Indicators, there should be a streamlining procedure in the issuance of business permits, building permits, transfer of real property and payment of real property taxes," said Gunigundo.

Quimbo also expressed support in amending the economic provisions of the highest law in the land.

"We need to review these provisions. I will follow what the Speaker wants," said Quimbo.

Aquino had said he does not support the lifting of the foreign ownership restrictions of the Constitution. He cited the case of China, whose economy prospered despite a prohibition on foreign ownership of land.

"My stand has been public for the longest time... I don't think they (economic provisions) are...detriments to getting foreign investments in this country," Aquino said in Cavite City last month.

Senator Franklin Drilon, a close ally of Aquino and the man touted to be the next Senate President, had argued that any charter change proposal from now until 2016 will be futile.

He explained that there is always doubt that a President wants to extend his term when he touches Cha-cha during his last three years in power.

"The President, I tell you, has always indicated that he keeps on counting the number of days remaining in his term. I can believe him that he does not want any term extension, but you know, politicians, people and mediaâ€™s mind are very fertile,â€ Drilon said in a television interview.