The protectionist provisions in the 1987 Constitution pushed millions of Filipinos to seek employment abroad due to lack of opportunities at home, said overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and charter reform advocate Orion Pérez Dumdum at Pandesal Forum in Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.
At the Pandesal Forum, Dumdum expressed his disappointment over the Senate’s recent manifesto rejecting the people’s initiative to change the Constitution.
“The Senators’ stance perpetuates the existing hurdles hindering our country’s economic progress. Rejecting the people’s initiative is a missed opportunity to address the longstanding economic challenges faced by Filipinos, particularly in terms of job creation and economic competitiveness,” said the IT professional who co-founded the Constitutional Reform and Rectification for Economic Competitiveness and Transformation (CORRECT).
“The Senate must listen to the voices of the people and consider alternative perspectives in the pursuit of meaningful reform. I urge our senators to reevaluate their position, and allow Constitutional amendments, including allowing 100% foreign ownership of businesses. I know that this will cause transformative growth and lead to a brighter future for the Philippines,” he added.
Dumdum said the restrictive economic policies enshrined in the 1987 Constitution have perpetuated massive underemployment and unemployment in the Philippines.
He said the dearth of both local and foreign investment, coupled with limited economic opportunities, forced Filipinos to pursue livelihood abroad, often accepting positions beneath their educational qualifications.
“We should follow the example of Singapore, Malaysia, and even China, all of which have no restrictions against foreign ownership of businesses in their respective constitutions. Changing the restrictive provisions in the 1987 Constitution will lead to substantial economic growth and job creation. This means that Filipinos won’t need to leave their families to work abroad,” he stressed.
Quoting the late Singapore President Lee Kuan Yew, he pointed out the anomaly of highly skilled Filipino professionals being compelled to seek employment overseas and leave a void of necessary skills within the country.
Moderator Wilson Lee Flores said Pandesal Forum is non-partisan and welcomes all views on the Charter Change Controversy.
