Members of the House of Representatives are in the midst of discussion on the call by two senators to convene Congress as a constituent assembly (Con-ass), Rep. Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) said today, January 7.
Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed Senate Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 calling for the convening Congress as a constituent assembly (Con-ass) to introduce “limited amendments” to the 1987 Constitution.
Benitez said he has no idea if it will push through, he is waiting to see what the committee tackling the resolution has to say.
He is also waiting to see what the specific proposed amendments to the Constitution are, Benitez said.
Some say it is not the proper time to do it amid the COVID-19 crisis in the last year of the Duterte administration, while others believe the pandemic has given us time to rethink how we might wish to reset the economy, he said.
It remains to be seen, he would rather wait and see what the committee and the rest of Congress have to say, Benitez said.
“I am pretty certain it will be a lively debate,” he added.
The two senators said reforms need to be introduced to the Constitution “in order to aid the country in achieving economic growth, especially during this time of rising global uncertainty.”
“Against the backdrop of mounting economic and health concerns brought about by the pandemic, it is important to ensure that the subsequent national policies and strategies for the rehabilitation of our nation be responsive to the needs of our people in order to bring about genuine economic growth and sustainable development,” they said.
They said the proposed amendments will be “limited to the provisions on democratic representation and the economic provisions of the Constitution.”*