Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday welcomed the majority support of the people for economic constitutional reforms.
Other leaders of the House of Representatives also welcomed the latest survey results indicating widespread support for Charter change, describing it as a significant endorsement of the need for constitutional reforms.
Meanwhile, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales said the support of most Filipinos for proposed amendments to the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions should prompt the Senate to pass Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6.
“I am encouraged by the recent Tangere survey results showing that a majority, specifically 52 percent, of our fellow Filipinos now support amending the 1987 Constitution. This indicates a pivotal shift in public sentiment, revealing a growing acceptance and willingness amongour citizens to consider the merits of constitutional reform,” Romualdez said.
Approval for amending the Constitution, while slight, is nonethelesssignificant, the Speaker said.
“It represents an evolving perspective among Filipinos, recognizing the potential benefits and the necessity of updating our nation’s charter to meet current and future challenges,” he added.
“In the House of Representatives, particularly through the Committee of the Whole, we have engaged in thorough discussions where expertsand resource persons have presented compelling arguments in favor of these amendments. These efforts affirm that our legislative process is aligned with the people’s evolving views and needs,” he said.
According to him, the issue has not only deepened parliamentarydebates, but also ensured that the push for constitutional reform is rooted in well-informed and comprehensive public discourse.
“As Speaker, the positive feedback and growing support from our constituents fortify my conviction in the vital mission to refine and enhance our constitutional framework. It propels us to advance our legislative responsibilities with increased dedication and resolve,” Romualdez said.
“However, we acknowledge the concerns and reservations expressed bysome, sectors regarding the amendment process. It is imperative that we address these concerns through transparent, inclusive, andresponsible deliberations, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered in shaping the future of our nation’s Charter,” he emphasized.
“Under my leadership, the House of Representatives remains committed to fostering an environment where all stakeholders can contribute to meaningful and productive discussions on potential changes to our Constitution. We are determined to sustain this momentum and collaborate with all parties involved to realize the constitutional amendments that will pave the way for a more prosperous, just, and equitable future for the Philippines,” Romualdez said.
“The survey results underscore the widespread recognition among Filipinos of the need for change and reform,” Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, the House Majority Leader, said.
Quezon Rep. David Suarez, Deputy Speaker, lauded the survey results as indicative of the increasing recognition of the need to amend the 1987 Constitution, particularly its restrictive economic provisions.
Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said the survey findings provided a clear mandate for action, prompting House members to renew their commitment to further advancing Cha-cha initiatives in Congress.
“We in the House stand ready to translate the will of the Filipino people into tangible legislative reforms that will benefit our nation for generations to come,” she said.
On March 22, the survey results indicated that 14 percent of Filipinos “strongly agree,” while 38 percent “somewhat agree” with proposed constitutional amendments.
Meanwhile, 13 percent “somewhat disagree,” and 10 percent “strongly disagree” with the Cha-cha initiatives.
The remaining 25 percent were undecided on whether to support or oppose the Cha-cha proposal.
The survey’s margin of error is +/-2.53 percent, with a 95 percent confidence level.
The proportion of respondents was distributed across the Philippines, with 12 percent from Metro Manila, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.
On Wednesday before Congress went on its Lenten break, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved RBH No. 7, its version of the economic constitutional amendment proposals.
“Our good Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez delivered on his promise to approve the proposals before Holy Week. That’s leadership,” Gonzales said.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri made a similar commitment but failed to do it, he said.
The Senate leader could redeem himself by having the Senate approve RBH No. 6 upon the resumption of session later next month so the proposed amendments can be submitted to the people in a plebiscite as early as possible, he noted.