If it were up to House Committee on Constitutional Amendments Chair Rufus Rodriguez, the House and the Senate may convene a constituent assembly in May to consider amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
Rodriguez planned to recall a proposal previously approved by his committee and deliberate the proposals submitted by the Interagency Task Force on Constitutional Reform and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
The task force briefed congressional staff Tuesday morning.
“By March, we should be able to approve it so that when we resume in May; it will already be the plenary constituent assembly,” Rodriguez said.
The task force’s proposal did not include a push for a federal and parliamentary form of government.
“Federalism is really a very contentious issue now apparently the agency has not recommended that so we can say back burner federal system,” Rodriguez said.
The proposed amendments include regulations on political dynasties, the switching of political parties, strengthening and funding political parties, tandem voting for the president and vice president, two five- year terms for local executives and congressmen and the election of senators by region.
There is also the proposal to empower Congress to relax limits on foreign investments, the establishment of regional development authorities, and the clarification of the Supreme Court on the share of local governments in national taxes.
“It’s a bargain where there will be more benefits to the LGU’s but they will be more accountable to their governance,” National Chairman of the Core Movement Vicente Homer Revil said.
Rodriguez called on the Senate to keep an open mind. Senate President Vicente Sotto II remains mum on the matter – -for now. (Jasper Camilo)