SENATOR Bong Go reiterates that constitutional amendments should benefit Filipinos especially the poor; urges careful review of proposed changes to economic provisions.
“Ang aking posisyon po dito ay hindi nagbago — dapat po ang sambayanang Pilipino ang makinabang dito, ‘yung mga mahihirap nating mga kababayan.”
This was the steadfast remark of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go during a public hearing on the proposed changes to some economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, conducted by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes (Subcommittee on Senate Resolution of Both Houses No. 6) in Baguio City on Friday, May 17.
Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, expressed his cautious stance and emphasized the complexity and intricacy of constitutional amendments, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing the Filipino people, especially the underprivileged, in any amendments to be made.
The senator also underscored that any legislative action should align with the genuine will and welfare of the citizens.
“Bilang mga lingkod-bayan, anumang gagawin natin ay dapat nakaayon sa kagustuhan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Gaya ng pagpasa natin ng bawat panukala, isinasa-alang-alang natin dapat ang kabutihan at kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan, lalung-lalo na po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan…Sa pagdinig naman po, iisa lang ang gusto kong maging produkto. Sabi ko kanina, ang makinabang po dito ang mga mamamayang Pilipino, hindi po kaming mga pulitiko,” Go pointed out.
The hearing focused on Senate Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 introduced by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, with co-authors Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Sonny Angara. The resolution aims to amend Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the Constitution.
The committee also concentrated on Article XVI, Section 11, which deals with general provisions. The amendments are part of a broader initiative to ease restrictive economic provisions and potentially open the economy to more foreign investments.
Meanwhile, Go praised the Subcommittee on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6’s efforts, chaired by Senator Angara, for initiating consultations nationwide to gather diverse perspectives on the matter.
“We commend that this body is starting to conduct consultations across the country. Next week po sa Cebu at sa Cagayan (de Oro) naman para mapakinggan din po ang mga nasa Visayas at sa Mindanao,” he noted.
“Kaya nga meron tayong mga committee hearings tulad nito because we need to listen to the different views and expert opinions ng ating legal luminaries, at ang ating mga ekonomista. We must follow the right process. Pakinggan po natin ang lahat,” urged the senator.
Addressing the economic provisions specifically, Go supported a careful review given the Constitution’s age and the changing circumstances of the country.
“Kung economic provisions po ang pag-uusapan, pabor po akong silipin ito dahil mahigit 36 years na po ang ating Konstitusyon. Maaaring iba na po ang ating sitwasyon ngayon,” he stated.
“Pero huwag po nating madaliin. Pag-aralan po natin nang mabuti katulad ng pagsasagawa ng hearing tukad nito. Paglaanan po natin ng higit pa sa sapat na panahon. Ang tanong ko, gaano ba kalaki ang impact ng isinusulong na pagbabago at ilang Pilipino ang makikinabang dito?” he added.
Furthermore, the senator referenced a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, which pointed out that attracting foreign investment involves more than just lifting restrictions—it requires good governance and a robust stance against corruption.
Go emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that any changes made are beneficial for the country’s progress.
“Let us always prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over personal or political interests. Let us work together to uphold the principles of our Constitution and protect the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he affirmed.
“Babantayan po natin ng mabuti kung anuman pong posibleng pagbabago sa ating Saligang Batas. Proteksyonan natin ang Senado bilang isa sa haligi ng ating demokrasya,” Go added.
Concluding his remarks, Go stressed the importance of the voting process on the proposed amendments in accordance with the Constitution.
He emphasized, “Sa usapin po ng manner of voting, I believe that we must ensure that we vote separately on the proposed amendments.”
“Sa ganitong paraan masisiguro natin na ang bawat hakbang na gagawin ay para sa ikauunlad ng ating bansa,” he added.
