Several stakeholders from the academe and government in northern Luzon have expressed strong reservations about the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution that would allow full foreign ownership of public utilities and educational institutions.

During a subcommittee hearing at the Senate on May 17, Dr. Gudelia Samson, executive director of Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus, emerged as a vocal opponent of the proposed amendments, warning that foreign ownership of schools would result in “commercialized” education.

This, she said, could possibly result in smaller public schools to shut down operations, leading to teacher job losses and student displacement.

Granting complete ownership of any school in the country to a foreign entity “does not and will not resolve the current education crisis,” Samson added. 

She pointed out that the existing crisis stems from “decades of insufficient public funding for education, low salaries for teachers, [and] perennial backlogs.”

The proposed amendments, embodied in Senate Bill No. 6 (Resolution of Both Houses No. 6), have sparked debate throughout the Philippines. Former Senate President Miguel Zubiri emphasized the importance of public consultation in the process.

“Napakahalaga po na dalhin itong usapin ng Constitutional amendments sa publiko — dahil sa huli, hindi naman ito magiging desisyon ng mga mambabatas, kundi ng taumbayan mismo,” Zubiri said, referring to the plebiscite required to ratify economic amendments after they are passed by Congress.

“At very encouraging po itong Baguio hearing dahil majority ng mga opinyon na narinig natin ay in favor sa ating proposed amendments,” Zubiri added. However, he acknowledged a recent Pulse Asia survey showing 88% of Filipinos currently oppose Constitutional amendments.

“Baka hindi pa natin malinaw na naipapaliwanag ang mga benepisyo ng mga proposed amendments natin,” Zubiri said. “This is why we’re bringing these discussions across the country, closer to our stakeholders. Kailangan mas mabuti nating maipaliwanag kung paano makakatulong itong RBH No. 6 sa bayan at sa bawat Pilipino.”

The Senate leader’s comments reveal differing views on the proposed amendments. Some see potential improvements, while others fear negative impacts on education and national control. Public hearings, such as the one in Baguio City, aim to gather feedback before a possible plebiscite