THERE was a positive reception to the proposed amendments to certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly regarding economic charter change.
This was the sentiment of representatives from the private and public sectors, various government agencies, and local government officials who attended the first round of regional consultations in Baguio City on May 17.
Among those present were the local chief executives of Benguet and Baguio City.
Meanwhile, although he agrees that the economic provisions of the Constitution should be amended, Governor James Edduba of Kalinga has a request regarding the plan to open the economy to foreigners.
“If foreign industries participate here to increase the resources that can be invested, please also consider where these resources are coming from,” according to Gov. James Edduba, Province of Kalinga.
“For example, in the payment of taxes, instead of paying them to the Cordillera LGU where the mining takes place, the taxes are paid at their offices, and sometimes we don’t benefit even though our mountains are being disturbed and our resources are being taken,” Edduba added.
The Senate panel, led by Senator Sonny Angara, along with other senators, listened to these concerns. They emphasized that Filipinos would still be the priority.
“Our fellow citizens might be afraid that we’re opening the economy. It does not mean we won’t protect or support our Filipino businesses. By all means, we want to build up our industries because that’s where jobs for our fellow Filipinos will come from,” Sen. Sonny Angara, Chairperson, Subcommittee on RBH No.6 stated.
“The Filipino people should benefit from this. Our poor fellow citizens. As public servants, whatever we do should align with the will of the Filipino people,” Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said.
Meanwhile, regarding the proposed amendment to the education provision, Gov. Edduba expressed reservations.
“For the education sector, I’d rather say, let it remain here in the Philippines because it’s where we build our moral standards as Filipinos. So, I think it should remain with us and shouldn’t be changed,” Edduba stated.
However, for Don Mariano Memorial State University-La Union, changes in higher education are timely but should be accompanied by:
“Ensure there will be a strict regulatory body and procedures for the accreditation and recognition of foreign universities who would like to branch out in the country,” Atty. Allan Hil Pajimola, Campus Legal Officer, DMMMSU-La Union expressed.
Senator Bato Dela Rosa assured that whatever the outcome of the hearings, sectors potentially affected by the proposed changes will be protected.
“To the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras, whatever the outcome of this political exercise may be, I’ll see to it that the environment and the cultural identity of everyone is protected and at all times respected,” Sen. Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa said.
The goal of RBH-6 is to amend the economic, education, and advertising provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Baguio Mayor criticizes People’s Initiative at Senate regional consultation
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong criticized those pushing for the People’s Initiative to amend the Constitution:
“I would like also decry some efforts of some legislators to pursue the People’s Initiative. I believe it is purely unethical,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City stressed.
“I also firmly believe that the process for moving these kinds of legislations forward should be aligned with what is provided in our constitution and that the core foundations of nationalism and national interest are still primarily protected and if not strengthened,” Magalong said.
Associated with this is the alleged term extension of those currently in the Marcos Administration, a move that the majority of Filipinos, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, oppose.
