Former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Greco Belgica maintained that a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) is crucial and a catalyst in addressing corruption in the country.
On Wednesday, Congress, constituting itself as the Committee of the Whole, approved Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, which proposes modifications to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
In a statement, Belgica said tweaking specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution is a positive move, however, maintained that it falls short of what is truly needed.
He said ConCon can ease or resolve corruption, likening it to “termites” that erode the nation’s foundation, and have a detrimental impact on the Philippines.
According to Belgica, ConCon can be instrumental in fighting corruption, when goes along with fresh leadership as the constitutional remedy creates opportunities for new leaders to enter government, potentially breaking the hold on power and resources by
established officials and their networks.
Also, he said ConCon needs stronger representation, as the Filipino people would have a better chance of having their voices heard through a revised constitution, leading to more genuine representation in government.
Further, the former PACC chief stressed that ConCon empowers the Judiciary segment of the government, as ConCon “could strengthen the judiciary and other institutions responsible for upholding transparency and creating better systems to combat corruption and other crimes.”
Moreover, Belgica also sees the ConCon as a chance to address issues related to government powers, economic policy, security, taxation, and land ownership.
With this, he urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to champion the ConCon initiative, highlighting the potential for national unity and a lasting legacy.
Belgica said his organization is making its efforts to unite nationa leaders for a national interfaith event aimed at fostering dialogue on reforms and national concerns.
“The event, led by Presidents Marcos and Duterte, is seen as an opportunity to address critical issues facing the Philippines. We urge Filipinos to work together and support the Con-Con as a path to positive change and progress for the nation,” according to Belgica.
RBH No. 7 imitates RBH No. 6, introduced by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Loren Legarda and Juan Edgardo Angara.
The proposed House and Senate changes are on the grant of legislative franchises to and ownership (60-40) of public utilities in Article Xll, ownership of basic educational facilities (60-40) in Article XlV, and ownership of advertising firms (70-30) in Article XVl.
On the other hand, the suggested principal amendments are the insertion of the phrase, “unless otherwise provided by law,” which would empower Congress to lift or relax present economic restrictions in the nation’s basic law, and the addition of the qualifier “basic” in Article XIV.
The two resolutions also reaffirm the provision of the Constitution that Congress may propose amendments “upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members.”