Villar: Biz groups just want ease of doing business

Instead of amending the 1987 Constitution, business groups want the government to focus on the effective implementation of the ease of doing business law and addressing the problem of corruption, Sen. Cynthia Villar said yesterday.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Villar, whose husband Manuel Villar is dubbed the "brown taipan" and is said to be the country's richest man, maintained that the ongoing proposal to amend s certain economic provisions of the Constitution would not really make an impact on the economy.

She noted that efforts to improve the country's economy could be addressed through legislation.

"I have talked to other businessmen. Actually what they want is the ease of doing business and less corruption," Villar told reporters during the Hog Festival 2024 in Quezon City.

Villar refused to reveal her position on the controversial proposal for Charter change as the Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments, led by

Sen. Sonny Angara, is still conducting hearings on the Resolution of Both House 6 to get the "pros and cons" on the proposed amendment.

She, however, pointed out that the efforts of the People's Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action (PIRMA) to amend the Constitution and push for a parliamentary form of government would not get the support of the Senate.

PIRMA is pushing for a people's initiative, where Congress will vote as one or jointly, diminishing the power of 24 senators over 315 congressmen.

And even if RBH6 focused on the amendment of three economic provisions, Villar said she does not think opening up to foreign direct investors the public services, education sector and advertising industry would improve the economy.