BAGUIO CITY – Leaders in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on Friday expressed support to the proposed amendments on some economic provisions of the Constitution as long as they will benefit even those from small towns.
During the first out-of-town public hearing in a hotel here to discuss Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend portions of the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, Baguio Rep. Mark Go urged members of the sub-committee of both Houses of Congress “to carefully consider the implications of the proposed amendments to our constitution.”
“By embracing foreign investments in key sectors while ensuring adequate safeguards and regulatory oversight, we have the opportunity to unlock the full economic potential of our nation and chart a course toward prosperity and progress for generations to come,” he said.
The chair of the House Committee on Higher Education, Go said education is evolving rapidly and the country’s constitution must adapt to accommodate the changes.
Under RBH 6 and 7 that lift restrictions on foreign ownership, the proposed changes are on the grant of legislative franchises to and ownership (60-40) of public utilities, ownership of basic educational facilities (60-40) in Article XIV, and ownership of advertising firms (70-30) in Article XVI.
On concerns of the potential dilution of Filipino identity and values if foreign investment is allowed in the country’s education sector, Go, who also owns a private school in this city, said it is essential to recognize that international collaborations can enrich rather than erode cultural diversity.
“By implementing robust regulatory frameworks and promoting cultural exchange programs, we can ensure that foreign-owned institutions uphold Filipino values while embracing a global perspective,” he said.
Kalinga Governor James Edduba said the amendments should likewise look into the plight of local governments on tax-related issues concerning big companies.
“We support more participation in investments,” he said.
Benguet province Mayors Clarita Sal-ongan of Tuba, Armando Lauro of Tublay, and Alfredo Dacumos of Sablan also support the proposed amendments as long as they are for the benefit of the majority of the Filipinos, especially those in small towns like theirs.
Members of the Regional Development Council were also present during the public hearing and expressed the support of their national agencies.
Also in attendance were academic institution heads from La Union, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan provinces.
“We are here to listen to those from the ground. We came here to know your opinion on the proposed RBH and we hope you will be open to tell us,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said during the public hearing. By Dexter A. See
