House, Senate leaders urged to meet over economic Charter change

House Deputy Speaker David Suarez is calling for a meeting between House and Senate leaders to discuss procedural questions regarding economic Charter change during the Holy Week break.

Suarez emphasized the need for inter-chamber coordination to address legal challenges once RBH No. 6, which amends the Constitution by lifting foreign ownership limits in key sectors, is approved by the Senate after its passage in the House on Wednesday.

The Senate has yet to approve RBH No. 6 at the subcommittee level, while the House expects to pass its counterpart measure RBH No. 7 today, March 20.

Suarez urged senators to maximize the break from March 23 to April 28 by reflecting on the proposed amendments and stressed that a united legislative stand is crucial for advancing these measures to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a plebiscite.

Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker Jil Bongalon agreed, emphasizing the importance of addressing constitutional challenges with a unified position from both chambers.