Rep Garbin proposes WPS, foreign ownership constitutional change

Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin has filed a proposal in the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution, aiming to include the West Philippine Sea as part of Philippine territory and lift restrictions on foreign ownership.

Garbin's Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 1 seeks to amend Articles I, XII, XIV, and XVI of the Constitution, adding provisions for the exclusive economic zone, continental shelf, and West Philippine Sea in Article I, while also allowing Congress more flexibility to legislate foreign ownership rules for certain industries.

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co criticized the proposal on Wednesday, warning against using the WPS issue as a means to garner support for charter change and calling it 'clout chasing at its worst.'

Co argued that economic provisions in RBH 1 could undermine national sovereignty by allowing full foreign ownership of certain industries.

Despite opposition, support remains from fellow representatives like Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who expressed willingness to co-author the proposal.