Charter Change

Constitutional reform in the Philippines or the Charter Change refers to the political and legal processes needed to amend the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. This can be proposed by three methods namely; a People’s Initiative, a Constituent Assembly or a Constitutional Convention. From ex-president Fidel Ramos’ Administration up to Pres. Duterte’s Administration, Chacha is a controversial issue the Congress wants to enforce in the Philippines. The charter change proposal envisions adding the phrase “as may be provided by law” to at least 7 sections of the Constitution. Chacha would allow the Congress to pass a law that would enable to relax restrictions on foreign ownership in order to boost foreign investment.

 But, from then up to the present, many people are still against of this charter changer. They are against of con-ass method and the proposal of “Economic Cha-Cha”. They are also against of that limitation in the terms of elected government officials like 1-term limitation as a president and 2-terms limitation to senators. According to the one who advocates this Cha-Cha, there should be a phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” written in the provision of the Constitution that will also help foreign investors to own land, mining and etc. to our country. Is this Charter Change really helpful and beneficial to all Filipinos?

        I am against of the provision of charter change because, first, there will be an increase graft and corruption in the Philippines. Many politicians or other heads of the country will take advantage of this foreign investors and will be the one who’ll benefit a lot if the Cha-Cha will be enforced in the Philippines. Second, it may destroy local competitor and make these small businesses lose their hope to improve the industry of our own country. Also, Philippines belong to the 3rd World Country, FDI or Foreign Direct Investment is not for poor countries because most of the earnings will be with multinational companies instead of local economy. This will make Filipinos suffer more in poverty.

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