An Summary on Constitutional Revision: 2024 Charter

Change
Loraine Jane Sanchez

The "Cha-Cha" or Charter Change means to rectify the errors of the current
constitution and make it adaptable to an ever-changing world, Philippine Senate is
currently discussing the charter change or change in the piece of the Philippine
Constitution proposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his purpose while the
issue exists between him and his predecessor, Former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he’s in favor of amending the
Southeast Asian nation’s nearly 40-year-old Constitution, expressing concern over its
restrictive economic provisions and keeping the door open to changes in politicians’
term limits.“The 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world and that’s
where we are now. We have to adjust so we can increase economic activity in the
Philippines,” Marcos said in an interview with local broadcaster GMA News aired on
Tuesday. In a speech to the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) during the
celebration of Constitution Day in Makati City, Marcos said that while the Charter
offered “no dynamism or flexibility” regarding the national territory, it is open to
economic reforms. “Allow me to make it clear. This administration’s position in
introducing reforms for the Constitution extends to economic matters alone, for those
strategically aimed at boosting our economy. Nothing more,” Marcos said. In the other
hand, senate unanimously rejects House push for charter change via people’s initiative.
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri shared concerns that once constitutional
amendments would go beyond the economic provisions of the Constitution, and will
include lifting term limits that would allow politicians to stay longer in power.

Hence, the purpose of President Marcos regarding his proposed "charter change"
is only about growing and changing the trend of the economy while Senator Migz Zubiri
is against because of the people's initiative that involves the removal of political
limitations.