Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 17) — Sen. Robin Padilla said lawmakers pushing for economic amendments to the 1987 Constitution are “obligated to do so” as elected officials, citing the need for change despite criticism from some sectors.
“Bilang inyo pong inihalal ng taong bayan, kami po ay obligado na gawin ito kahit na marami po ang kumukutya sa amin, marami po ang gustong pumigil sa amin. Kailangan naming gawin ito para sa inyo,” Padilla said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes in Cebu City on Thursday.
[Translation: As elected officials, we are obligated to do this even though many are criticizing us and are trying to stop us. We need to do this for you.]
Padilla also maintained that a Charter change is a must as current economic provisions in the Constitution are restrictive for foreign investors.
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Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Cynthia Villar already expressed doubt about other senators supporting the move for a Charter change.
Meanwhile, Padilla also stressed that he will not allow the sneaking in of “other agenda” in amending the Constitution.
“Tatayo kami at maging bukal kaming magsasalita na lokohan ito. Gusto natin talaga magdulot ng ginhawa, pag-unlad at pagbabago,” he said.
[Translation: We will stand and be sincere in pointing out lies. What we really want is provide relief, progress, and change.]
The Senate is set to conduct a hearing on Monday next week on the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which calls for a Constitutional convention in pursuit of Charter change.
