Poe open to charter change, bares economic advisers

11/26/2015 1:30 AM | Aaron Lozada, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA – Senator and presidential aspirant Grace Poe on Wednesday said she supports amending the Constitution’s economic provisions.

During the “Meet Your Candidates” forum on Wednesday night, Poe said that she will advocate, among others, changes in the constitutional provisions concerning foreign ownership of business.

At present, the Constitution limits foreign ownership on certain businesses and industries.

Poe said that a pressing task for the government is the transition from the promises of economic prosperity to a framework of more inclusive growth.

The presidential aspirant revealed that she is working with several experts in crafting an economic reform package with the goal of democratizing economic opportunities, stimulating investments and making growth more inclusive.

“With the help of experts, I am working on an economic reform package that aims to reduce barriers to investments across a broad spectrum of industries,” Poe said.

ECONOMIC ADVISERS

According to Poe, she has established a council of economic advisers who come from business circles and the academe.

Among Poe’s economic advisers are Dean Antonio La Viña, Cielito Habito, Romeo Bernardo and Raul Fabella

La Viña, a lawyer, is a former undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). He currently sits as the dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

Habito served as the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and socio-economic planning secretary during the Ramos administration.

Bernardo is a business leader who serves on the board of various companies, such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Aboitiz Power and Globe telecom, while Fabella is a national scientist.

POTENTIAL CABINET MEMBERS

Aside from her current economic advisers, Poe also hinted on possible appointments to her Cabinet.

Poe, who described herself as a “newcomer” and “a relative outsider in government and politics,” said that she will use her inexperience in appointing people in government.

Poe stressed that her being a “political outsider” will allow her to appoint the best people from outside the usual circles in politics without worrying whose toes will be stepped on.

While Poe is open to retaining current members of the cabinet who are top performing, Poe maintained that she will choose her cabinet based on merit.

“I will choose my cabinet wisely and according on merit alone. Friendship will not be a criterion. Neither will be gratitude for favors done,” Poe said.

“Meet Your Candidates” is a special forum, produced by ANC in partnership with the Harvard Club of the Philippines, Kellogg School of Management and Wharton-Penn Alumni Associations.

Source: http://mobile.abs-cbnnews.com/business