Rep Neptali Gonzales II dismisses centralizing powers concern as baseless scare tactic

Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II dismissed Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares' concerns about centralizing powers in Congress as a scare tactic, saying it would subject lawmakers to lobbying and emphasizing that such fears are unfounded.

Gonzales, the floor leader of the House committee discussing Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, argued that amending economic provisions with 'unless otherwise provided by law' simplifies changes without significant risks.

He noted that amending the Constitution is extremely difficult and has faced challenges over three decades, questioning whether there's a need to make these provisions more flexible for foreign investment.

Several lawmakers, including Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Peter Miguel, agreed with Gonzales' position that the proposed changes offer flexibility in addressing specific needs of foreign investors and adapting to global shifts.

'Unless otherwise provided by law' allows Congress to tailor-fit laws for economic adaptability and competitiveness, they said.