“We must plant the seeds of change and nurture them daily through our actions and choices.” – Kari Martinez
Since the promulgation of the 1987 Philippine constitution, attempts at changing it just never die down. During every dispensation of power there are always efforts to amend the constitution.
ATTEMPTS NEVER CEASE
In 1995, FVR’s proposed changing the form of government to parliamentary via people’s initiative was junked by the Supreme because it lacked merit, and the method only allows minor amendments but not restructuring the government. Former President Estrada himself pushed for constitutional correction through constituent assembly, but opposition was even louder because the purpose was to extend term limits, it did not succeed. Former President Gloria Arroyo only wanted one amendment – from bicameral to unicameral parliament. Again, this went unsuccessful. Former President Aquino III was the only exception to the charter change push but not long after, ex-President Duterte wanted a federal form of government requiring a government restructuring that is basically a revision of the constitution.
Now under BBM CHA-CHA is being relived, this time through a people’s initiative. The initiative focuses on “Economic Charter Change.” Promoters and government leaders collectively echo that the fundamental law is not attuned to the present day realities, and it is too “restrictive and prohibitive”.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR AGRICULTURE?
Not by mere curiosity, but with paramount importance that the current charter change attempt has implications on Philippine agriculture. Its impacts will be felt by all stakeholders, especially the Filipino farmers. These impacts however vary depending on the proposed changes more importantly under the current state of Philippine agriculture.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS
Land ownership, land use and food security. Private ownership of land impacts the farmers who till their own and produce food for consumption and livelihood. Foreign ownership of agricultural lands would be one of the most sought-after investments when constitutional change is pursued. Land in general is a very profitable base for investment and change of ownership proceeds with land conversion and investment with exclusivity.
Losing the spirit of the land reform program, as well as land productivity for food security will be eminent and modernization of agriculture will be a thing of the past. Food security as a major thrust of the government towards food sovereignty will now be unattainable. Food sufficiency is now a matter of affordability – a privilege. Government efforts at producing healthy food and control over their produce of farmers are clipped.
Re-investment and infrastructure development. The government budget is reduced if not shifted because liberalization of ownership of agricultural lands comes with direct investment in their vastness. The government’s strategic framework for agricultural development shall be dislodged and decision making now lies to the owner and government’s re-investment is minimal should there be any.
Market Access. The key to domestic and global markets are the policies the promoters of charter change pursue. Existing trade agreements from the 70’s to this day have put the country in a very disadvantaged position and the safety nets of these policies were never fully implemented and export and import patterns of agricultural products are not favorable.
The looming charter change could be worse if protections are not put in place but can only mitigate the ill-effects of trade liberalization we have succumbed to. Another major gap in the global market arena is our farmers’ competitiveness. Philippine agriculture is in dire need of technological advancement, modern farm machinery and skills enhancement of farmers.
Climate Change. There is the worsening climate change impact. Environmental rehabilitation and regeneration with the extent of climate threats have on us , our environment has come to an irreparable stage, especially in agriculture. Land, water, forest and forest covers versus mining, land conversion and infrastructure development pose one of the biggest challenges.
Agricultural research and development. Charter change may impair research for crops development, technology enhancement, and practical applications, including pest control because budget cuts take place. This will be taken over by private and foreign investors whose benefits will now be limited and exclusive.
SUFFER OR, SUFFER MORE
Philippine agriculture is in a critical stage. Our farmers need capital, skills, equipment and technology that are long overdue. Agricultural laws our lawmakers crafted after years of implementation have been proven to lodge us at disadvantaged realities and competitiveness is no match at the regional level much less to the global arena.
Agriculture must be an urgent and major concern as an integral factor in the economy – charter change or no charter change.*
