By Nimfa Estrellado Senator Imee Marcos (Photo from Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso) TAYABAS CITY - Any changes to the Philippine Constitu...
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| Senator Imee Marcos (Photo from Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso) |
TAYABAS CITY - Any changes to the Philippine Constitution, which rules the nation, could have significant effects. There have been proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution in order to address some of the nation's crises, but the topic of a constitutional convention (con-con) remains a point of disagreement.
Senator Imee Marcos has been vocal about her opposition to a con-con. She believes that it is untimely given the current economic woes facing the country.
In a media conference after her guesting at the “Buntis Day" Celebration on Friday held at the St. Jude Multi-Purpose Cooperative Hotel in Barangay Isabang here, she said that a con-con would be a "dangerous distraction" from the country's economic recovery efforts.
Senator Marcos also believes that a con-con can be a divisive issue that can further polarize the country. She believes that the country needs to focus on addressing the immediate needs of its citizens, such as providing aid to those affected by the pandemic and creating more job opportunities.
“There are more pressing matters now like unemployment, inflation, high price of commodities, and food shortage which I think, needs urgent attention,” She said.
Furthermore, the senator believes that the government should focus on providing aid to those affected by the pandemic and creating more job opportunities. She believes that these measures can have a more significant impact on the country's economic recovery than a con-con.
The lawmaker from Ilocos Norte was also concerned that the issue could be used as a legislative diversion.
"But I think there will also be an opportunity to talk about it as soon as possible, and first resolve the serious problem that is being faced now, the food shortage is really very urgent, issues like peace and order, the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, and other killings involving politicians,” said Senator Marcos.
“We need to focus on that first, although in fact there are many people who want to change the constitution,” she said.
Senator Imee Marcos said that there are alternative solutions to address the economic challenges facing the country. She has proposed several measures such as the creation of a Department of Water to address the country's inadequate water supply, the establishment of a Department of OFWs to address the needs of overseas Filipino workers, and the implementation of sustainable tourism programs.
Marcos acknowledged that the 1987 Constitution has a number of provisions that need to be changed, but not right away.
There are two ways to amend the constitution: through a constituent assembly (con-ass) or through a constitutional convention (con-con). A constitutional convention involves the members of Congress proposing and voting on amendments to the constitution. On the other hand, a con-con involves the election of delegates who will propose and vote on amendments to the constitution.
Proponents of a con-con argue that it is a more democratic and inclusive way of amending the constitution. They believe that a con-con can provide a platform for various sectors to voice their opinions and concerns.
However, critics of a con-con argue that it is an expensive and time-consuming process. They believe that a con-con can be prone to abuse and manipulation by certain groups with vested interests. Furthermore, they argue that a con-ass is a more practical and efficient way of amending the constitution.
Earlier, at the Buntis Day Celebration, which was a part of the International Women's Month celebration, Marcos and the Southern Tagalog Chapter of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) were the featured speakers.
Over 300 expectant mothers received free prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, and lectures on effective breastfeeding from the event's organizers and Marcos, who gave pregnant women maternity starter kits containing vitamins and other pregnancy supplies.
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