House leaders on Monday welcomed former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s recent statement expressing support for amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, with one urging the former Chief Executive’s supporters to follow suit, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
Deputy Speaker and 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez said in a press conference that he was pleased that the former president changed his mind but it would be even better if his supporters also adopt the former president’s position.
Suarez reiterated the consistent focus of the House efforts on economic provisions since the passage of its own version of RBH 6 last year.
“Ever since we passed RBH 6 last year it was just purely on economic provisions. We’ve been consistent with the position, the stand, from day one and up until now,” he stressed.
Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora shared Suarez’s assertions. “That’s exactly what we’ve been saying from the beginning that we’re pushing for Charter change just to push for these economic amendments.”
Zamora also highlighted the significance of Duterte’s support for economic Charter amendments, noting that it aligns with the goals pursued by previous Congresses and the current 19th Congress.
Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy hailed Duterte’s statement as a “welcome development,” particularly as it coincides with the commencement of deliberations by the House Committee of the Whole on RBH 7.
“Of course, it is a welcome development of former President Duterte supporting (economic) Charter change,” Dy said. “It’s a very historic day today (Monday) as we’re tackling RBH 7, strictly focusing on the economic provisions.”
Dy emphasized that through the deliberations of the Committee of the Whole, the chamber will have the opportunity to address the concerns of its members and their constituents regarding the constitutional amendments.
Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Labor, also voiced his approval of Duterte’s changed stance on Charter amendments.
During a prayer rally in Cebu Sunday night, Duterte announced his support for economic constitutional reforms or even changes in the presidential term, provided President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. guarantees he won’t seek reelection.
President Marcos has consistently maintained that his administration solely backs an economic Charter amendment and nothing beyond that.
Suarez noted that Duterte’s changed stance on economic constitutional reforms aligns with the ongoing efforts in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Duterte’s endorsement of economic Charter amendments comes at a crucial time as the House initiates deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7) through a Committee of the Whole.
RBH 7 mirrors the content of RBH 6, currently under consideration in the Senate, which primarily focuses on amending specific economic provisions in the Charter related to public services, education, and advertising.*
