Refined Rules, New Realities: The Cause and Effect of Charter Change
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
by Quian Ayrand Fuertez, John Arciel Magnaye
Rooted in the nation’s desire for economic stability and improved governance, the push for Charter Change, also known as Cha-Cha, emerges as a proposed solution. By opening the economy to foreign investors, advocates believe it can drive both growth and development. However, this shift may also strengthen political dynasties and reduce accountability within the government, potentially compromising national autonomy. Thus, while Cha-Cha offers economic potential, it demands careful consideration.
Charter Change also known as ChaCha refers to the constitutional reforms and revisions of amendments in the 1987 Constitution. Despite different concerns and clamor raised by investors, stakeholders, oppositions, and critics of the government, the planned Charter Change was already drafted and ready to implement to have a quick response to Presidential authoritarian rule and various political factors in the administration introducing and advocating for changes in the constitution concerning economics, social, political, and structural reforms (Santos, 2024). Charter Change was written in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power movement that ended the Marcos dictatorship. It contained provisions that restricted the Martial Law powers of the executive and imposed term limits for elected officials: the president and vice president can only serve up to a single six-year term (Palatino, 2021). Despite different concerns and clamor raised by investors, stakeholders, oppositions, and critics of the government, the planned Charter Change was already drafted and ready to implement to have a quick response to Presidential authoritarian rule and
various political factors in the administration introducing and advocating for changes in the constitution concerning economics, social, political, and structural reforms (Santos, 2024). The re-implementation of charter change poses many risks, as it may open doors to political self-interest, weaken the government, and worsen social inequalities in the Philippines. Instead of using Charter Change as a way to improve our economic reforms, it could be exploited to extend political dynasties’ power, weaken accountability, and prioritize foreign economic investments over national
sovereignty ultimately harming the people it claims to serve (Mendoza, 2015).
The primary reason that has been given for refining the Constitution is to give way to new economic provisions that are beneficial for businesses in the Philippines particularly foreign investors and their local partners. This means eradicating totally nationalist economic provisions. Although, the majority of the senate insists that even without changing the Constitution, congress under the Duterte Administration was able to pass laws that made it easier for foreign investors to operate such as oil exploration in partnership with the government. What has not been changed is the right of exclusivity of ownership of land by Filipinos. Additionally, Charter Change is not included in the government's long/medium term economic plan under the Marcos administration (Picardal, 2024). As a result, it would compromise the economy in many ways. Removing caps on foreign ownership and liberalizing sectors will be a good thing for foreign corporations and their local investors. However, it will definitely allow foreign plunder of our land and rich natural resources. It will allow foreign control over goods and services that the government should be providing affordably and efficiently to the public. It means foreign influence on the institutions that not only provide us information but also shape our culture as Filipino citizens (Bisenio, 2021).
In its most recent incarnation, the modern Charter-Change was amended to reinforce the constitution with new clauses that would address the outdated economic and diplomatic policies, inefficiencies in governance, and other problems growing within. With this change however came the redistribution of power, wealth, and resources, and an overhaul of individual rights and indulgences of the people. Foreign investors were encouraged to invest in the country and effectively be equal with the people in the name of economic stimulation, sparking outrage among common folk and government alike. Some would have a different perspective of this situation only because Charter-Change is a double-edged sword that can be helpful or detrimental to the people or the country itself. As it may be helpful to others’ perspective, some still believe that ChaCha poses many risks that can be the main reason for slowing the development of the Philippines.
Considering these findings, The re-implementation of Charter Change is not just a legal issue or a political agenda, it is a decision that will shape the future of every Filipino. While it comes from a desire to modernize and improve our country, it carries risks that can weaken democracy, and concentrate power among certain politicians. That’s why Charter Change must not be rushed or used for political gain. Instead, it should be decided rationally, and most importantly, shaped by the voices of every Filipino.
REFERENCE LIST
De Leon, D. (2024). Marcos: Charter change only about economic reforms, nothing more.
Famatigan, F. E. (2023). Political, Economic, and Cultural Control Under Charter Change.
Jimenez, J. (2024). People of the Philippines vs. Charter Change.
https://www-philstar-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.philstar.com/the-freeman/opinion/2024/02/23/2335565/people-philippines-vs-charter-
change/amp/amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17387363808411&referrer=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.philstar.com%2Fthe-freeman%2Fopinion%2F2024%2F02%2F23%2F2335565%2Fpeople-philippines-
vs-charter-change
Lat, T. K. A. (2018). Philippine democracy and its discontents: The Failed Promise of Social Justice Under The 1987 People Power Constitution.
Lopez, T. (2024). Irrelevant Constitution.
https://www-philstar-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/01/30/2329546/irrelevant-constitution/amp/?
amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_ct=1738589678422&_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17385896611226&referrer
=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.philstar.com%2Fopinion%2F2024%2F01%2F30%2F2329546%2Firrelevant-
constitution
Mendoza, R. and Melchor, M. (2015). Economic Charter Change: Examining the Pros and Cons. https://archium.ateneo.edu/asog-pubs/22/
Picardal, A. (2024). Charter Change: For Whose Benefit? https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/charter-change-for-whose-benefit/
Santos, J. M. (2024). Slippery slope road of constitutional change: The Potential Damage to Philippine Democracy.
https://democratic-erosion.org/2024/05/23/slippery-slope-road-of-constitutional-change-the-potential-damage-to-philippine-democracy/
Comments