Charter change still on House agenda

The House of Representatives will focus on strengthening national security amid China’s growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea and lobbying again for economic Charter change when Congress resumes sessions on April 29.

During a forum led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Speaker Martin Romualdez said their legislative focus would be on the “dual imperatives of national security and robust development.” He also hinted that they would be pursuing Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, which seeks to relax foreign ownership of the country’s public utilities, educational institutions and advertising.

The House passed its version of RBH 7 on the third and final reading in March and is waiting for the Senate to approve its own version. “By enabling these adjustments, we can significantly enhance the Philippines’ stature as an attractive destination for investments. More investments mean more resources, which support sustained economic growth,” Romualdez said. —KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING