SURIGAO del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s ongoing public consultations on economic constitutional reforms, emphasizing their role in sustaining momentum for much-needed Charter reforms.
In a press conference, Barbers highlighted the significance of these consultations in shaping opinions and decisions regarding efforts to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“Napakaimportante ho na mapaliwanag sa ating mga kababayan na ang ating intensyon ay para ho palawakin iyong pag-iimbita ng mga investor dito sa ating bansa ng sa ganoon ay makapagbigay po ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan,” Barbers said.
“Iyon lamang po ang objective at layunin nitong economic Cha-cha na ito and I am sure the Senators have already probably had their own decision on this when it comes to a point that they will decide whether to vote for
this or vote against this,” he added.
He underscored the necessity of clarifying this objective to the public, ensuring transparency and understanding among citizens.
Addressing concerns about potential changes to political provisions, Barbers reassured the public that the discussions are solely focused on economic reforms.
He emphasized that the objective is to create a conducive environment for investment and economic growth, without altering the fundamental structure of the government.
“Ang pinag-uusapan po natin ay economic Cha-cha, wala hong pinag-uusapan dito na ia-abolish ang Senado o iyong ating mga political provisions ng ating Saligang Batas,” Barbers pointed out.
The Senate Sub-committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes began regional consultations on economic Cha-cha in Baguio City last May 17.
This initiative aims to gather public feedback on proposed amendments to the economic constitutional provisions, particularly Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6.
RBH No. 6, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Sen. Sonny Angara, seeks to relax foreign ownership restrictions in three key sectors – public utilities, higher education, and advertising.
Earlier in March, the House approved a similar measure—RBH No. 7—to unleash the country’s full economic potential. RBH No. 7 aims to adapt to global economic changes while protecting national interests, calling for a more open and robust economy to create more jobs and ensure a prosperous future for all Filipinos.
