Press Release - Meaningful Discussions on Charter Change, Civilized Approach to WPS Row Among Robin's Wishes for 2024

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 Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. 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 "Bongbong" 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 direction our President wants to take is to revisit economic restrictions in the Constitution. I hope that when we lawmakers return to the plenary in 2024, we can face this issue)," Padilla said in a Facebook Live session late Friday.

He said that should they take up amendments to economic provisions in the Charter, he will not allow anyone to sneak amendments to political provisions.

Padilla 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 (I promise you I will not allow anyone to sneak political agenda into efforts to lift economic restrictions)," he said.

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.

"Ang pagbabago, magumpisa sa inyo. Magumpisa kayong maghalal ng hindi sikat o hindi kilala pero naniniwala sa Charter change (Change will begin with the people, who must start by electing candidates who may not be famous but believe in 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