Senate to tackle Cha-cha after House, says Drilon

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon has given assurance that the Senate would immediately tackle proposed amendments to the Constitution once the House of Representatives completes its own initiative.

Drilon yesterday said he has not yet bothered to find out the stance of his colleagues about Charter change at this time.

“The position of the Senate leadership, based on our discussions with Speaker Sonny Belmonte, is to let them finish this in the House first,” he said.

Belmonte is leading the initiatives to amend the Constitution by filing a resolution seeking to amend the economic provisions.

Drilon said he and senators who recently met with Belmonte and House leaders promised to place the House-initiated measure to amend the Constitution in the Senate’s agenda as soon as it is transmitted.

He clarified though that Belmonte is pushing for a change in the processes or policies that are contained in the Constitution.

Drilon cited as an example the prohibition against foreign ownership of some sectors in the country, which is seen as an obstacle to some foreign investors.

Drilon said the idea of the House leaders is to provide a line in the Constitution that would state “unless otherwise provided by law” to the economic provisions considered restrictive.

“This would allow us to debate such policies in the Constitution. We are not talking about substance but merely the process,” he said.

Last week, Drilon and other senators met with local business leaders and foreign chambers to discuss proposed legislation to enhance the business climate in the country.

Among the issues raised during the meeting was the possible amendment of the economic provisions of the Constitution.

A similar meeting was held between the same business leaders and the House leadership.

Drilon gave assurance the political provisions of the Constitution would not be touched if ever the Senate starts its debates on Charter change.

“We are very careful with this. We all know the sentiments of the people when it comes to lifting of term limits or the extension of office. We will not deal with this,” he said.