‘Cha-cha’ is not the answer

By Herbert Vego

THIS writer stayed away from the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) while a few members of the House of Representatives and incumbent local politicians were holding public consultation on the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha). They were obviously replaying a monotonous “lumang tugtugin”.

Assuming they were not lying about their alleged main motive to open foreign investment a hundred (100%) to foreigners – instead of the 40% allowed by the present Constitution – then with all the more reasons that we should nip the proposal in the bud.

For one, it creates the impression that our own business magnates are not good enough to push the economy to the max.

This impression is already enmeshed in the amended Public Service Act (RA No. 11659), which allows up to 100 percent foreign ownership in telecommunications, railways, expressways, airports, and shipping industries.

Charter change could allow China to further intrude into the country’s maritime territory and sovereignty at the West Philippine Sea. Otherwise, China could not ink an agreement with the Marcos government for joint exploration of oil and gas at the Reed or Recto Bank, which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone northwest of Palawan.

Dancing the “cha-cha” would be like jumping from the frying pan to the fire, considering the already pervasive dominance of China in running important sectors of the economy. I personally know a couple who stopped manufacturing ready-to-wear (RTW) clothes because they were losing to Chinese exporters.

There is nothing in the present Constitution to prove that it blocks industrialization that has been the key to the growth of our neighboring countries.

I am more inclined to believe former Congressman Neri Colmenares, who said, “Our problems on poverty, corruption, lack of development, all these problems, did not come from the Constitution.”

In a radio interview, Colmenares agreed with the published statement of President Marcos that charter change “is not a priority for me because maraming ibang kailangang gawin eh. There are so many other things that we need to do first.”

The prevailing graft and corruption in government, Colmenares believes, is the root cause of poverty in the country; it has stifled the growth of small entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen and the struggling poor.

Distrust in elective government officials is believed to be the reason why the public has frowned down on all “cha-cha” attempts starting from the era of the late President Fidel Ramos. The still prevailing notion is that the main motive of its proponents in Congress is to extend terms or eliminate term limits, plus more that would suit their personal interest.

Let us recall: There is one provision in the 1987 Constitution that they have glossed over. It’s Article II, Section 26 that states, “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

Instead of clothing that provision with “implementing rules and regulations,” Congress has voted down all bills aimed at enforcing the anti-dynasty law.

One of the junked anti-dynasty bills, authored by then Rep. Edgar Erice in 2013, partly said, “No spouse, or person related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half-blood, to an incumbent elective official seeking re-election shall be allowed to hold or run for any local or national elective office in the same election.”

The bill earned the ire of then Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., whose daughter Joy was the vice mayor of Quezon City; and his nephew Christopher Belmonte, a congressman.

It goes without saying that the Constitutional Commission that framed the 1987 Constitution erred in entrusting to the House and the Senate the responsibility of substantiating the Constitution’s intent.

-oOo-

MORE POWER GOES ‘BLOODY’

YESTERDAY was a bloody Tuesday, literally, for MORE Electric and Power Corporation, which marked its 4th anniversary and Valentine’s Day, with a blood-letting activity for its employees and those of its third-party contractors.

Surely, the total of 46 blood units they had gathered would flow into the veins of Ilonggo patients who need them most.

With this activity, MORE Power aims to inspire others to do as well in making a positive impact on the community.

To quote a post in its Facebook page, “Our dedication to empowering the lives of the Ilonggos goes beyond providing electricity. We believe in giving back and making a difference in the lives of others, and we are proud to continue this tradition for the years to come.”

One recalls that the law awarding MORE Power to operate as the distribution utility in Iloilo City was signed by Pres. Duterte on February 14, 2019.  It has since then fulfilled its mission of providing reliable and efficient energy that every Ilonggo deserves.

To commemorate yesterday’s milestone, MORE Power sponsored a Thanksgiving Mass aimed at expressing gratitude for all God’s blessings and the trust and support of the Ilonggo community, stakeholders, and partners.

Under the leadership of President Roel Z. Castro, MORE Power has declared the policy of ensuring quality, reliability, security, and affordability of electricity to the power consumers of Iloilo City.