President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has secured “100 percent support” from former president Rodrigo Duterte in Charter change proposals aimed at easing the economic restrictions in the Constitution.

During a late-night press briefing Tuesday, Duterte said Filipinos should support amending the 1987 Constitution if it ultimately redounds to the benefit of the country and improve the lives of the people.

However, the former president made it clear that any proposal for Constitutional amendment must be limited to economic provisions and should only be held simultaneously with the 2025 midterm elections.

This way, he said, the government could save public funds and the process would appear more trustworthy in the eyes of the public.

“If there is any provision (at all), that would need a change or correction in the charter, let us all cooperate. Maybe I suggest to whoever is in control that the changes could be done would benefit the people. I hope it will remain that way,” Duterte said.

Asked to rate from 1 percent to 100 percent his support for the limited and specific changes in the Constitution, the former chief executive responded: “100 percent.”

Earlier, Marcos expressed support for efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution but emphasized that any changes be confined to “economic matters alone.”

Duterte said Constitutional changes may be made periodically, “but they must be solely driven by the desire to enhance the welfare of the government and the nation.”

“Up to now, I’m still wondering what’s there on the economic provisions that have not yet been corrected. As long as we stick to the economic provision, (it’s okay),” he said.

Duterte also reiterated his apprehension over any attempt to revise the Constitution solely to extend the terms of office of public officials.

“Any changes… should be progressive and the people in power should not benefit from it,” he said. “Not even to the next president.” (PNA)

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