THE economic Charter change (Cha-cha) resolution will be put to a vote on third and final reading in the House of Representatives on June 10.
House Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II said he is confident that Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 1 will get the enough three-fourths votes, equivalent to 217 of the 291 lawmakers, before Congress adjourns its second regular session this week.
"It's just a matter of time [before we approve it]. This Cha-cha does not have an ill-motivated provision," said Gonzales.
Gonzales said that it would be easy to get the numbers when they go on nominal voting.
"At least 220 could attend there," Gonzales said.
He said that even if the measure is approve in the Senate and later in the plebiscite, it will not automatically lift the 40 percent restriction on foreign ownership of public utilities and land since it would still need an enabling law to be passed by the Congress later.
Meanwhile, Gonzales downplayed the warning of former Chief Justice Reynato Puno that Congress is courting a Constitutional violation in amending the Constitution under the regular legislative mill.
"If we are courting a Constitutional issue, then his proposed Con-Con (Constitutional Convention) won't be able to court anyone for support," Gonzales said.
He said that "Con-con won't fly" because it will "open the Charter to everything, including political amendments (term limits)," which the lawmakers have been avoiding.
The RBH No. 1 will include the phrase "unless provided by law" in the foreign-ownership provision of the Constitution, particularly land ownership, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries.
Under Article XII of the Constitution, which ratified during the term of the President's mother, then-President Corazon Aquino, foreign investors are prohibited to own more than 40 percent of real properties and businesses, while they are totally restricted to exploit natural resources and own any company in the media industry. (Sunnex)