By Rowena Bundang, Legislative Media Team
A Mindanao lawmaker is backing Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.’s advocacy for the amendment of restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which is a move long overdue according to the solon.
“Charter change to take up amendments on the economic provisions of the Constitution has long been overdue. We’ve been lagging behind our neighbors in attracting genuine in-depth and inclusive investments,” said reelected Rep. Thelma Almario (2nd District, Davao Oriental).
Almario, a Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations during the 15th Congress, said it was time for the government to wake up to the realities of what is best for the Filipino people.
Last month, the Speaker renewed his pitch for charter change, saying he continues to believe in amending the economic restrictions in the Constitution.
In July last year, the Speaker expressed confidence that charter change will be approved in the House because of its expected far-reaching change. The long-thought amendments to the Constitution, will particularly tackle he restrictions on foreign ownership of land, utilities, media and other services, according to him.
He said one of the reasons why Charter change failed in previous congresses was because of the “partisan” nature of the undertaking.
The Speaker also expressed preference for a constituent assembly, voting separately, because it is speedier.