By Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA
MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 15, or the proposed federal charter.
The lower chamber passed through voice voting RBH 15, which seeks to propose revisions to the 1987 Constitution. It was principally authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and over two dozen lawmakers.
The resolution was put to a vote on second reading following three session days of plenary debates.
RBH 15 proposes a presidential-bicameral-federal system of government and empowers Congress to establish federal states.
It seeks to adopt and develop a two-party system as a mechanism of representation and democratic governance.
It also lifts the term limits for members of Congress. Lawmakers shall be required to have a college degree.
The first election under the proposed Constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May 2022.
The term of the President and Vice President, which shall end in 2022, shall not be extended. The incumbent president is prohibited from running in the 2022 elections.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio proposed a provision to prohibit political dynasty, but the plenary rejected the proposal with a vote of ayes and nays.
Arroyo earlier said the House will work on Charter change as best as they could within the time left under the 17th Congress, while hoping that the next Congress will continue their work.
“We know that there will still be many steps. But the thing is, we will bring it as far as we can bring it, in the hope that the next Congress can continue the work,” she said.
