Romualdez upbeat as Senate takes pro-cha-cha move

Upbeat. That aptly describes how Speaker Martin Romualdez feels after Senate leaders filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.6, which calls for a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) for the purpose of amending the 1987 Constitution.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I would like to express my unwavering support for the Senate’s initiative to file a Resolution of Both Houses of Congress,” Romualdez said in a statement Monday afternoon, Jan. 15. “This resolution using the mode of [Con-ass] is a decisive step toward amending the 1987 Constitution, particularly in terms of relaxing the economic provisions that currently restrict the entry of foreign direct investments into the Philippines.”

RBH No. 6—filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Senator Sonny Angara—was the chamber’s most significant move toward Charter change (Cha-cha) in the current 19th Congress.

In contrast, the House of Representatives—the other legislative chamber—has been gung-ho on the constitutional revision since January 2023.

“The move to amend the Constitution through a [Con-ass] underscores our commitment to a democratic and participatory process. It reflects our collective resolve to address the long-standing barriers that have, to some extent, hindered our nation’s progress,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House.

“Moreover, the synergy between the Senate and the House in passing this resolution will send a strong signal of unity and purpose. It aligns with the aspirations of the proponents of the ongoing People’s Initiative (PI), who have tirelessly advocated for constitutional reform,” he added.

In March 2023, the House overwhelmingly approved its own pro-cha-cha measure, coincidentally designated also as RBH No. 6, “Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) calling for a Constitutional Convention (Con-con) to propose amendments to, or revision of, the 1987 Constitution, appropriating funds therefor.”

Although the House’s RBH No. 6 ended up gathering dust at the 24-member Senate, the newly filed resolution hints at some progress.

Reports said there are ongoing signature campaigns for a PI in various provinces in the Philippines. Unlike the Con-ass and Con-con, the PI does not emanate from the bicameral Congress.

A Con-ass, Con-con, and PI are the three legal methods by which the existing Charter may be amended.

“We recognize that amending the Constitution is a significant and sensitive endeavor. It requires not only the collective will of Congress but also the support and understanding of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said. “We are committed to ensuring that this process is transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the aspirations of our citizens.”

As speaker, I assure the Filipino people that their voices will be heard and their interests safeguarded as we embark on this journey toward a brighter and more prosperous future for the Philippines.” the House chief further said.