Senate puts charter change on hold, focuses on legislation for Filipinos

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero announced that Charter change will be put on hold to focus on legislation aimed at easing the burden on Filipinos, particularly amid growing tensions with China.

Escudero emphasized the need for laws addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, joblessness, and poverty, rather than focusing on measures that only benefit big businesses.

The Senate will prioritize bills to boost military defense, improve healthcare access, create jobs, and ease hunger, while also considering amendments to EPIRA and CREATE to address energy shortages and lower corporate taxes.

Escudero highlighted the importance of peaceful measures to defend maritime rights and emphasized the Senate's commitment to probe irregularities and provide relief as part of its mandate to uplift every Filipino.

The House of Representatives plans to fast-track changes to EPIRA and other pending measures, including amendments to the Agrarian Reform law and a bill to extend lease periods for foreign investors.