ASoG Senior Economist Dr Ronald U Mendoza shares insights on economic Cha-Cha during Senate Hearing

On 20 February 2024, Dr Ronald U Mendoza, Senior Economist with the Ateneo Policy Center and former Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) Dean, shared his expert opinion as a resource person during the 3rd Public Hearing on the Subcommittee on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 led by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes in the Senate of the Philippines. 

In the said subcommittee hearing, the pros and cons of amending the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution, particularly the consideration of the different issues concerning foreign ownership of educational institutions in the country were discussed. Dr Mendoza then elaborated on how loosening restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution can enhance the Philippines’ global competitiveness. However, he noted that pursuing the reform agenda must include reforms to boost independent regulatory agencies and strengthen social protection for those that may be affected by this openness.

“The biggest challenge in advancing economic charter change is the deep distrust in our political system and our ability to conduct industrial policy fairly, transparently and successfully”, said Dr Mendoza. He then emphasized that these are the conditionalities that must be addressed in order to strengthen the nation’s chances to compete in the market successfully.