TACLOBAN CITY — Citing the need to prepare the Philippines for a more competitive and fast-changing global economy, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez has renewed his call to amend the 1987 Constitution, stressing that the push for Charter change should be viewed as a long-term reform agenda rather than a reaction to recent political controversies.
In a statement posted on his social media account on Saturday, January 31, Gomez said discussions on constitutional amendments must return to long-standing structural and economic concerns, and not be linked to the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld its earlier decision on the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“This is not about what the Supreme Court decided. Kalimutan muna natin iyon,” Gomez said, emphasizing that his position on Charter change stands independently of the high-profile political developments that recently reignited the debate.
“Our Constitution needs an upgrade to meet the challenges of 2026 and the coming years,” Gomez said, adding that reforms should focus on modernizing both governance and the economy. “Let’s commit to this reform and finish what we have been waiting for. Sana wala nang atrasan sa Senado.”
The lawmaker cited economic liberalization as a key driver of his push, pointing out that restrictive provisions in the Constitution continue to limit foreign participation in critical sectors. He said revisiting the 40-percent cap on foreign ownership in industries such as public utilities and education could help attract more foreign direct investment, generate employment, and reduce costs through increased competition.
Gomez also said loosening investment rules would boost the country’s global competitiveness, noting that neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand have adopted more flexible economic policies that have helped draw investors.
Beyond economic reforms, Gomez underscored the need to update the country’s system of governance, arguing that the 1987 Constitution was drafted long before the rise of the digital economy.
“Our current framework did not anticipate online commerce, remote work, or digital currencies,” he said, adding that these developments now require updated legal and regulatory structures.
The lawmaker also echoed calls for greater decentralization, saying more powers should be devolved from what critics refer to as “Imperial Manila” to local governments to promote more balanced national development.
However, Gomez acknowledged that previous attempts to amend the Constitution have repeatedly stalled, particularly over proposals affecting term limits, especially in the Senate.
“This is always the part where Charter change stops and dies,” he said, referring to resistance to any changes that could affect the six-year terms of senators.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
