House OKs implementing bill on con-con on final reading

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 14) — Voting 301 to 7, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading Tuesday the bill that will implement the constitutional convention that will amend the 1987 Constitution.

The lower chamber already approved last week Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 calling for a constitutional convention, which will have over 300 delegates who will draft amendments to the charter.

Under House Bill No. 7352, the convention will include representatives from the academe, legal profession, economy, medical profession, science and technology profession, business, labor, urban poor, farmers and fisherfolk, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, veterans, and senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, 20% of the total number of delegates will be chosen jointly by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri from identified sectors.

Delegates must be at least 25 years old on the day of election or appointment.

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The election of the convention delegates will happen simultaneously with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election on Oct. 30.

The delegates' terms shall be seven months from Dec. 1, 2023 until June 30, 2024.

The bill also proposes an allowance of ₱10,000 for each day a delegate attends the convention. Separate provisions will be given for transportation and lodging.