More meaningful discussions on Charter change, the legalization of medical cannabis and divorce, and a civilized approach to addressing the tension in the West Philippine Sea.
These were among the New Year wishes of Senator Robin Padilla, who also vowed to block potential efforts to push self-serving agendas in amending the Charter.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, noted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself indicated the need to revisit economic provisions in the Charter.
“Ang direksyon ng ating pangulo, ay ang maalis ang economic restrictions sa ating Constitution. Sana sa pagbabalik natin sa plenaryo sa 2024, maharap na natin ang usaping ito,” the legislator said in a Facebook Live session recently.
The lawmaker said that should they take up amendments to economic provisions in the Charter, he will not allow anyone to sneak amendments to political provisions.
The senator said he had separately filed proposed measures for economic and political amendments because of this.
“Ako mismo nangangako ako sa inyo, hindi ako papayag na masingitan ‘yan.”
“Ako mismo nangangako ako sa inyo, hindi ako papayag na masingitan ‘yan,” he stressed.
Also, Padilla reiterated his wish for Filipinos to be more discerning in time for the 2025 elections, and select candidates who are open to amending the Constitution. He said this is the only way to effect true change.
“Magumpisa kayong maghalal ng hindi sikat o hindi kilala pero naniniwala sa Charter change.”
“Ang pagbabago, magumpisa sa inyo. Magumpisa kayong maghalal ng hindi sikat o hindi kilala pero naniniwala sa Charter change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Padilla sought as well a civilized approach to the Philippines’ West Philippine Sea row with China – which he said is a major trading partner of the Philippines.
“We have to feed our people (but) if China will really invade us, dying for the country is the most beautiful thing in this entire life,” he said.
“So kailangan natin to be business-minded … pero ‘pag in-invade nyo kami we are willing to die for our country,” Padilla added.
Meanwhile, he also expressed hopes that there would be meaningful discussions as well on his other advocacies, including the legalization of medical marijuana, and the legalization of divorce to protect the family.
Padilla is hopeful as well for the swift passage of the Eddie Garcia Act in the Senate, which he said may need at least one more consultation in 2024 to take up the rights of the producers.
