|
Friday, September 23, 2005
Ex-guv, ALU boss in Concom
Shifting from presidential to parliamentary form of government and fewer restrictions on foreigners’ control over businesses and land ownerships are among the most important matters that the Charter Change Commission should look into, said former Cebu Gov. Pablo Garcia.
Garcia and lawyer Democrito Mendoza are the two Cebuanos who are among the 33 appointed members of the commission. President Arroyo made the appointments.
For Garcia, shifting to a parliamentary government should be done with the “least disturbance.”
“What we should aim for is self-governing provinces in a parliamentary government,” Garcia said.
In terms of economic provisions, Garcia said foreigners should be allowed to control corporations and businesses in order to attract them to invest in the country.
For his part, Mendoza wants a review of the labor laws, particularly on holding strikes and wage boards.
Garcia served three terms as congressman, followed by three terms as governor of Cebu. Mendoza is one of the founders of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.
Both are allies of President Arroyo, who raised constitutional change to deflect pressure at the height of calls for her ouster or impeachment.
Shifting to a parliamentary and unicameral form of government means simplifying the government because the executive and legislative departments are merged into one.
More representatives
But Pablo prefers that the districts in the provinces will be retained and “reconfigured” based on population.
He believes that Cebu is under-represented, considering that it already has some four million people with only eight representatives.
“Masbate’s population is only 600,000 but they have three representatives. With our population, Cebu should have 12 to 15 representatives,” said Garcia.
Garcia said he will also propose that members of parliament be elected by the whole province to eliminate “warlordism.”
Garcia said that in a parliamentary government, change of leadership is easier and less chaotic, because the members of the parliament can change the prime minister anytime they no longer have confidence in him.
On the economic aspect, Philippine laws allow foreigners to own only up to 40 percent of the total shares in a corporation.
Far behind
“That principle has been overtaken by events. There are several countries competing for investments and the Philippines is far behind,” Garcia said, citing China, which used to be protectionist but has opened up to foreign investments.
He said that in 2002 or 2003, China had a foreign investment of $40 billion, while other Asian countries only had around $6 billion.
“How do you attract them (foreigners) to invest here when they cannot control the business? They will not invest in a business that they cannot do what they want to do because they do not have the majority share,” he said.
As to land ownership, there is a need for an in-depth study in order to lessen restrictions on foreigners.
Garcia will leave for Manila today to attend the fellowship of all the appointed members of the commission. (MBG)
(September 23, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
