Statement on the Move to
Amend the Philippine Constitution

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW-BATU-WCL) opposes amending the Constitution at this time. It joins all groups and forces similarly inclined.

The FFW sees no compelling reason in the argument for economic reforms—to allow for foreign ownership of land, opening up some industries to full foreign ownership especially of utilities, advertising and media or areas exclusively reserved for Filipinos, and to marginally correct the powers of the Supreme Court—to change the Constitution at this time.

FFW thinks that economic reforms needed to adjust to a globalizing economy or to survive global competition are still possible through legislation, executive orders and multilaterally negotiated global regulations. It can also be achieved through monitored framework agreements or binding social contracts by concerned sectors, or by direct local and global action by trade unions, people's organizations and civil society in defense of their rights and interest, to improve their social and economic status and to build bridges of local and global solidarity.

Specially in the light of the rounds of WTO negotiations in 1999 and 2000, amending the Constitution at this time would remove the government's negotiating leverage, to the detriment of promoting our national interest, in these global negotiations.

Amending the Constitution before these global and multilateral trade negotiations take place is therefore untimely.

FFW is squarely opposed to term extensions of elected officials, whether incumbent or incoming. It is strongly against convening the Congress into a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution.

While the FFW sees the growing need for political and economic reforms in the light of advancing global economic integration, at some later time the FFW favors amending the Constitution through a Constitutional Convention.

A Constitutional Convention affords the people the opportunity to select the delegates who will be entrusted with amending the Constitution and only for this purpose. It allows for broader and deeper consultation and dialogue towards establishing a national consensus. FFW thinks that constitutional reforms through a Constitutional Convention is the more democratic means and the better way for establishing social cohesion and solidarity in face of globalization.

Ramon J. Jabar
National President
Federation of Free Workers
August 16, 1999.

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