Senate committee to pass new rules for charter change: Villanueva

SENATE Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the Committee on Rules is ready to adopt new rules for charter change proposals that would undergo the same process of passing a bill with both houses voting separately.

But Villanueva declined to discuss the specifics, saying he first has to present these to members and for their signatures though members have agreed to it in principle.

“That’s nothing new. Hindi namin inimbento 'yun, it’s the same provision that the House is following,” he said.

It was also agreed, he said, that senators sitting in a constituent assembly will be made to wear an outfit to distinguish their role as ones who are to introduce amendments to the Constitution.

“If we will go to that hindi na kami as legislators but part na kami ng pag-amend ng Constitution,” he said. “Part of the agreement para ma remind din ang bawat isa na ang aming ginagampanang tungkulin ay hindi mga legislators kundi member ng constituent assembly.”

RBH 7, passes by the House, he said, will be treated similarly to that of a bill and is pending with the subcommittee on constitutional amendments headed by Senator Sonny Angara.

Meanwhile, Villanueva said he is not yet convinced to vote in favor of proposed changes in the economic provisions of the Constitution but said public hearings on Resolution Both Houses No. 6 will continue, citing its educational value for the public.

Villanueva said a survey that showed 88 percent of Filipinos opposed to charter change is a “major concern,” adding that facilitating ease of doing business is more important than lifting foreign equity restrictions to attract foreign investments.

“Right now I’m now convinced. I have to say that. I’m very vocal about it and with all these figures and data we have, it’s a concern. But I’m open. If you want to convince me then tell me, give me some convincing studies that it is the only way to attract foreign investments. Baka kasi hilaw pa sangayon but I’m open to discussions. That’s why I wanted to attend hearings and continue to learn from it,” Villanueva said.