Philippine Lawmaker Proposes Constitutional Amendments for Economic Growth

In a significant legislative move, AKO Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin filed a resolution on July 15, 2025, proposing crucial amendments to the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. The resolution specifically targets the national territory and economic provisions, reflecting the need for legal alignment with international law and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region.

Garbin, a former chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, articulated that the proposed measure represents a "credible and focused reform effort" aimed at facilitating economic growth while preserving national sovereignty. "This is a constitutional refinement, not a rewrite. We are aligning our national territory with our hard-won arbitral victory and opening the door for economic growth, while keeping sovereignty and national interest intact," he stated in a formal announcement.

The resolution underscores the urgency for the Philippines to assert its territorial integrity and sovereign rights in light of ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea. It highlights the deficiencies within Article I of the Constitution, which currently only refers to the "territorial sea" without explicitly mentioning the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf (CS). This omission, according to the resolution, creates ambiguity in the constitutional framework necessary for asserting maritime rights established under international law, particularly following the 2016 arbitral ruling from The Hague.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, a decision that has reinforced the Philippines' position in international maritime law. Garbin emphasized that amending Article I to explicitly incorporate the EEZ and continental shelf would align the Philippine Constitution with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and further solidify the country's claims in the West Philippine Sea.

Another pivotal aspect of Garbin's resolution is the proposal to introduce the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law" within selected economic provisions. This change aims to provide Congress with the flexibility to enact economic measures without necessitating further constitutional amendments. This proposal would affect several articles in the Constitution, including Article XII, which pertains to National Economy and Patrimony, and Article XIV, which covers Education, Science and Technology.

For instance, the resolution seeks to revise provisions that currently restrict ownership in mass media and advertising to Filipino citizens or entities with at least 70 percent Filipino ownership. "We need reforms that work within the system, not around it," Garbin remarked, emphasizing the importance of pragmatic legislative changes.

Under current constitutional guidelines, any amendments or revisions require ratification by a majority of votes in a plebiscite. The proposed amendments have sparked discussions among various stakeholders, including legal experts, economists, and political analysts, regarding their potential impact on the Philippine economy and its legal standing in international disputes.

Dr. Maria Santos, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, noted, "This move has the potential to reshape how we engage with economic partners globally, particularly in sectors that have been restricted by constitutional limitations. However, it must be approached with caution to avoid unintended consequences."

Conversely, some critics argue that any attempt at amending the Constitution could be viewed as a political maneuver to consolidate power under the current administration. Senator Lisa Manalo expressed concerns, stating, "While the intentions may be good, we must ensure that this does not become a gateway for further political abuses."

As discussions surrounding the resolution unfold, the implications for the Philippine economy and its maritime rights are poised to be significant. Experts predict that if passed, these amendments could facilitate increased foreign investment and economic collaboration, which are vital for the country's recovery and growth post-pandemic.

In conclusion, Garbin's resolution represents a pivotal moment in Philippine legislative history, with the potential to address long-standing ambiguities in the Constitution while promoting economic growth and asserting the nation's territorial claims. Stakeholders will closely monitor the legislative process and the forthcoming plebiscite, which will ultimately determine the resolution's fate and its impact on the Philippines’ legal and economic landscape.