Puno urges House to repeal, not amend, econ provisions

Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno urged the House of Representatives on Monday to repeal restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution instead of amending them with the phrase 'unless provided by law', but party-list Rep. Migs Nograles argued that this phrase provides necessary flexibility.

Puno suggested repealing three specific provisions, including Article II Section 19 which mandates a national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos, at a hearing on Resolution of Both Houses No. 7.

Opposition lawmaker Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman agreed with Puno's proposal, arguing that the phrase 'unless provided by law' would put economic reforms in 'suspended animation'.

However, Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares warned lawmakers on Tuesday that using this phrase centralizes power in Congress and allows for constitutional amendments without a three-fourths vote or plebiscite.

Colmenares also cautioned that the proposed changes could lead to increased lobbying influence over Congress and create an ocean of contradictory policies, potentially causing more economic problems.