Senate resumes Cha-cha hearings today

MANILA, Philippines — As a Senate panel resumes today its second hearing on moves to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution, Sen. Francis Escudero is hoping everyone calms down, and the process can continue with respect from both chambers.

Escudero said the chamber has started discussion on Resolution of Both Houses 6 (RBH6) as part of the process, thus he hopes the House of Representatives would respect and not rush senators.

Some congressmen are urging the senators to come up with a decision by March. 

“It is not good for these two institutions to continue attacking each other, which has become personal between some members of the Senate and the House. Personally, I hope everyone calms down. Let the process continue with respect, not only for the individual, but also for the institution which includes both sides, whether it be the Senate or the House,” he said in an interview over the weekend on dzBB

Escudero said the impasse between the Senate and the House might also affect the confidence of investors and the business sector in placing more investments into the country.

“All the noise in any country gives fear to any businessman who invests,” the senator noted.

The Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, chaired by Sen. Sonny Angara, is set to hold the second public hearing for RBH6, which seeks to amend certain economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, specifically with the public utilities and education sector, and the advertising industry.

Escudero pointed out the officials of the executive departments have yet to give their insights on the issue. He said he has not heard any reports or meeting called to discuss the matter.

“I don’t know where those three (issues) came from, I know that it was the product of a conversation between Senate President (Migz) Zubiri, Speaker (Martin) Romualdez. I don’t know if there’s a study, if there’s data. Honestly, I have not seen any study that says that if we open up the advertising industry, our economy will grow and foreign investors will flock to our country. If so, we will open those three. As for public utilities, it’s still possible,” Escudero added.

During its first