Lawmakers push for charter change despite late-term concerns

Two lawmakers believe there is sufficient time to discuss charter change proposals despite being in the latter half of the current administration's term.

Rep. Alfredo Garbin and Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., separately stated their support for revising certain articles of the 1987 Constitution, particularly those related to economic and territorial provisions.

Garbin filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 1 on Tuesday, seeking amendments to Articles I, XII, XIV, and XVI of the Constitution, focusing on incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) into Article I.

Abante emphasized that discussions must be held during the first regular session of the 20th Congress to ensure there is sufficient time for deliberation.

Garbin clarified in an interview that while his RBH No. 1 does not propose political amendments such as term extension, other lawmakers can file separate resolutions addressing these issues.

The lawmakers' efforts aim to ease restrictive economic provisions and grant Congress more authority over foreign ownership in specific sectors.