Charter Change

Crafted over 20 years ago, changing the Philippine Constitution has been a major point of debate. Learn the candidates stand on this major political issue.
Gilbert Teodoro
LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD
Constitutional Amendments

-We recognize that the 1987 Constitution is a reactive constitution, partly with the purpose to remove all vestiges of a dictatorial regime – a transient goal that it has already performed. Nonetheless, it has much room for enhancements to reduce its ambiguities that have hampered the creation of synergies among our government institutions and to remove its restrictive provisions, which have adversely affected the pace of the country’s economic development.

-The Lakas-Kampi-CMD espouses the call for a constitutional convention where various proposals advocacies and issues shall be discussed openly, by delegates freely chosen by the people. This convention shall, among others:

--Tackle the need to evolve whole concept of local autonomy with the end in view of increasing the capacity of the LGUs to serve the people, granting the flexibility for Congress to decide on increasing to regional and local autonomy, such as the creation of a separate Palawan region on its own.

-- Review the present structure of government with the end in view of moving towards a presidential unicameral system, where members of the cabinet can be taken from the assembly or the congress.

-- Amend the overly restrictive economic provisions not merely for foreign investment but also for domestic investment. The proposal to allow foreigners to own land in the country must be tempered by limitations as to the size of the lands they can own for residential as well as industrial purposes and only during the course of their doing business here. Certain types of land ownership should be acceptable such as commercial, industrial, tourist and residential lands above certain values. Agricultural lands and low cost housing should not be adversely affected.

-We all recognize that the 1987 Constitution is not perfect. Charter change should not be assailed before it even begins. That being said, it is also the responsibility of our political leaders to ensure that our people will not cast any doubt about possible personal gains on the part of those conducting the process. If we must go through it, we should: (1) proceed early in the term of the new administration, (2) use the least controversial mode of a constitutional convention, and (3) make sure that each amendment shall be itemized in the ensuing referendum process.

* LAKAS-CMD Platform
4.6 / 5  (23 votes)

Comments

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  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:04

    i agree with charter change as long as the changes are kept transparent. the world is constantly changing along with our ways of living. our laws should also be able to adapt if our country is to continue surviving.

  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:04

    however, i would never agree with foreigners becoming entitled to land ownership. the Philippines is a small country and land is a very precious, dwindling, and unrenewable commodity.

  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:04

    the philippine land belongs to the filipino people. selling land to foreigners will temporarily give an economic boost but at the expense of our future generations becoming squatters in our own land.

  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:04

    as for changing to unicameralism, i promote the gradual change towards it since it eschews the existence of the senate, who typically represents the interests of the rich and has no real use for pork barrel. unlike the lower house which have their own districts to represent and develop.

  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:05

    in my view. the senators are the most corrupt and most unchecked branch of philippine government. they hold too much power without reason and oppose for the sake of opposition. it's existence has become a farce and it's only purpose, as a stage for grandstanding.

  • zugzwang0626
    Mar 30th 2010, 10:06

    besides, fewer politicians also means fewer CORRUPT politicians. it's about time we get rid of the senators and their mostly wasted pork barrel.

  • steve
    Apr 7th 2010, 16:56

    excellent point of view from Mr. Teodoro. i hope that once you are elected on the highest post, you would be able to do your promise of making the Filipino people again be proud of their race and their motherland.

  • rotsen
    Apr 10th 2010, 16:39

    agree, excellent point of view and platform. i hope, when elected, these points will be implemented during his term of office.

  • vibe
    Apr 21st 2010, 21:23

    i would agree with foreigner entitled to land ownership. but those undeveloped land with potential becoming a tourist spot. not agricultural or industrial.

  • sandy
    Apr 23rd 2010, 21:07

    Hey Dong Gibo, you have many supporters in Davao del Norte as you're in the Floreindo clan. But you know what, people there know nothing about Charter Change, could you please provide them with information materials in Bisaya. Pastilan uy, pabutohon ra man ninyog way kalibutan.

  • LYN
    Apr 27th 2010, 10:29

    Yes, I agree with GIBO! Let' s have the Charter Change... so that the nation will be re-image and rebuild a better future to the countrymen.

  • mart
    Apr 29th 2010, 16:50

    i do support in that idea to have a charter change...it's now time to change our Constitution...go gibo...you have our support...

  • Tessie
    May 6th 2010, 10:15

    I like his idea of giving the LGUs a certain autonomy because the central gov't cannot serve the tiniest bit of barangay without sacrificing time and delivery of goods. Let the provinces decide what's good for them and develop their places to generate jobs. There is hope in Gibo Teodoro.

  • Tessie
    May 6th 2010, 10:25

    It's time to change the constitution but must be studied thoroughly. The farmers must be given the chance to own the land they till.

  • Jo
    May 8th 2010, 17:53

    I agree with your all plan,.... I hope you will be the incoming President ....

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