Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — While colleagues in the House of Representatives see it as urgent, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Friday said amending the 1987 Constitution is divisive issue and should only be discussed when the economy is already stable.
“With due respect to my dear colleagues in the House of Representatives and even some of my colleagues in the Senate, it’s a very divisive issue because we will not be able to prevent discussions on political amendments,” he told CNN Philippines’ The Source, noting that this was even admitted by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the main proponent and chairman of the House committee on constitutional amendments.
Rodriguez’s committee approved last week a resolution of both houses (RBH) which calls for a constitutional convention to propose charter changes. The focus is supposedly on the Constitution’s economic provisions to attract investments.
However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said this is not a priority of his administration.
“Imagine, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saying that it is not his priority to amend a Cory Constitution and that he can work with a Cory Constitution, how great is that? How great is that to show unity for our countrymen,” Zubiri pointed out, referring to the late former President Corazon Aquino.
The 1987 Constitution was drafted during Cory Aquino administration after the 1986 EDSA revolution. This abolished the 1973 charter that allowed Marcos’ father to rule the country for more than 20 years.
Zubiri reiterated that lawmakers should focus on passing legislation that will help improve the lives of Filipinos, especially now that the country is just recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added it has been proven that the economy can grow without having to amend the Constitution.
While there may be some parts that need improvements, Zubiri said he believes discussions should only take place once the Philippines becomes a middle-income economy.
