House OKs implementing bill on con-con on 2nd reading

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 7) — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading the implementing bill on the constitutional convention eyed by the chamber to propose changes to the Constitution.

House Bill 7352 or the proposed Constitutional Convention Act was approved via voice vote, with the “ayes” drowning out the “nayes” in plenary.

Its approval on second reading happened a day after the House approved on third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 calling for a constitutional convention.

The bill proposes a hybrid convention with delegates chosen through a mix of appointments and election.

If passed into law, the election for convention delegates would be held on Oct. 30, 2023, at the same time as the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The bill sees over 300 members participating in the convention, including delegates from each of the existing legislative districts, retired members of the judiciary, and economists.

The convention would include representatives of the following sectors: academe, legal profession, 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.

They would receive a daily attendance allowance of P10,000. Separate funds would be allocated for their transportation and lodging expenses.