Comelec ready for Cha-cha plebiscite if House approves Resolution 7

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair George Garcia stated Monday that Comelec is prepared to conduct a plebiscite if the House of Representatives approves its economic Charter change (Cha-cha) Resolution 7.

Resolution 7 aims to amend the 1987 Constitution by lifting the 40% limit on foreign ownership in public utilities, education, and advertising sectors.

Garcia indicated that a Supreme Court decision might be necessary before proceeding with the plebiscite but acknowledged that Comelec would have no choice but to study the resolution if lawmakers submit it directly after approval.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe proposed bringing Resolution 7 to Comelec after the Lower House approves it on third and final reading, suggesting either a separate or joint vote in both chambers.

The Senate counterpart, Resolution 6, has not yet been approved at the committee level, complicating matters until a Supreme Court decision is made.

Garcia emphasized that this situation presents both challenges for Comelec and an opportunity to settle the issue of voting procedures on charter amendments once and for all through the Supreme Court.