The charter change bid in the House of Representatives moved forward following its second reading approval on Wednesday.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., its principal proponent, aired hopes of strong Senate support as he said a referendum on the amendments of economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution may be held simultaneously with the 2016 national elections.
On a viva voce vote, the Lower House approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 on second reading. The bill seeks to amend economic provisions of the Charter to allow greater access by foreign investors.
Considering that the measure proposes constitutional changes, the third and final reading approval will require a two-thirds vote of all 290 members of the Lower House.
Under the measure, the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” will be inserted in economic provisions that restrict foreign access to land, media, natural resources, education and advertising, all of which require full or majority ownership of Filipino citizens.
The House leader said attempts to amend the 1987 Constitution, particularly its allegedly restrictive economic provisions, started in the 8th Congress or nearly 30 years ago.
The speaker stated that all amendments will still require passage of laws to make these effective.
MANILA BULLETIN
