Rep. Garbin files measure to amend Constitution

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. has refiled Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 (RBH 1) to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The proposed amendments focus on Articles I, XII, XIV, and XVI, particularly on national territory and economic provisions.

The amendment to Article I aims to align the constitutional definition of national territory with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

Specifically, it seeks to include explicit references to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Continental Shelf, and the West Philippine Sea, clarifying the Philippines' sovereign rights over these maritime zones.

Garbin noted that the current definition is silent on the EEZ and continental shelf, which were won in an arbitral tribunal.

RBH 1 also proposes to insert the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law" into restrictive economic provisions.

This change would allow Congress more flexibility in legislating economic measures, bypassing the need for constitutional amendments.

The economic provisions targeted include the 60-percent Filipino citizenship requirement for the exploration of natural resources, transfer of private lands, operation of public utilities, and ownership of educational institutions.