Current Issues on Constitutional Reform

The Coalition for a Citizens’ Constitution (C4CC) held its National Forum on Current Issues on Constitutional Reform in Quezon City last January 20, 2012. The forum brought together 86 leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and promoted public awareness on issues related to the proposed amendments to the Constitution. Arguments for and against the proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution, as well on federalism, were discussed in the forum.

	Steering Committee Member Soc Banzuela presents C4CC’s stand against the proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution, purportedly meant to open up the economy and increase foreign direct investments in the country.	Leaders of basic sector organizations (youth, women, labor, urban poor, etc.) participate in the debates on the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

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The Coalition for a Citizens’ Constitution (C4CC) held its National Forum on Current Issues on Constitutional Reform at Regalia Tower Suites, Cubao, Quezon City last January 20, 2012. The forum brought together 86 leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and promoted public awareness on issues related to the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

In the morning session, Rep. Loreto Ocampos, Chairperson of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, presented his proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution. He said that the main objectives of the proposed amendments are to open up the economy and attract more foreign direct investments (FDI). Among his proposals include removing the 60–40% foreign equity limitations; removing control and management exclusively by Filipinos in companies with foreign equity; expanding the role of foreign investors in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources; allowing foreign ownership of industrial lands; liberalizing media, the practice of professions and investments in educational institutions in tertiary education; and extending the 25+25 years land lease agreement.

On the other hand, Mr. Raul Socrates Banzuela, C4CC Steering Committee Member, shared that C4CC is not in favor of the said proposed amendments. He said, “while we are not totally against the entry of foreign investors, timing is very important. We should first invest in the full implementation of the comprehensive agrarian reform, Indigenous People’s Rights Act, Urban Development and Housing Act and the Fisheries Code to fulfill the social justice provisions of the Constitution.” He added that the best economic reform would have to be genuine citizen’s political and social reform.  

The afternoon session started with Mr. Philip Camara, Co-convenor of Subsidiarity Movement International, presenting the Subsidiarity Principle of bringing decision-making powers and resources back to the regions. Two other speakers provided concrete examples of the subsidiarity principle.  Mr. Mohajirin Ali, Secretariat of MILF Panel, talked about the Bangsamoro Sub-state proposal while Mr. Rene Gumba, Co-convenor of Bicol Autonomy Movement, presented the salient provisions of the Bicol Autonomous Region Charter.

Two reactors from the government and CSO sectors provided their feedback on the series of presentations. In terms of readiness for federalism, Assistant Secretary Rolando Acosta of the Department of Interior Local Government said that we must consider the state of development in our provinces, citing that 57% of 79 provinces and 35% of 117 cities are considered poor. On the other hand, Paul Paraguya, Executive Director of Balay Mindanao Foundation, clearly expressed his support for charter change to give way for federalism.

At the end of the forum, Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet, C4CC Steering Committee Member said that “the current situation is not sufficient so change is indeed needed. Let us continue the discussions on constitutional reform”. While prospects for amendments in the constitution is glum because of the lack of support from President Benigno S. Aquino, Mr. Macasaet challenged everyone to keep working for change, through education and information campaigns for constitutional reform and by involving the marginalized sectors in these discussions and in the processes of designing and implementing programs to fight poverty. – by Mariefe del Mundo, C4CC Youth Organizer.