For now, changing the 1987 Constitution is off the table for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Malacañang made this clear on Saturday, saying the President’s full attention is on one thing—and one thing only: the economy.
“That is not being discussed at the moment,”
said Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.
According to Castro, constitutional amendments were not even mentioned during the President’s most recent meeting with his economic team on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Why?
Because the country is facing serious economic challenges—and Marcos wants solutions, not distractions.
“The President is focused on strengthening the country’s economy,” Castro said.
The statement comes amid renewed political noise after Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed openness to amending the Constitution.
His remarks followed a major ruling from the Supreme Court, which upheld—with finality and unanimous vote—its decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.
With that door firmly shut, Sotto said the only path forward he sees is constitutional change. He added that Senate and House leaders should meet in the coming weeks to discuss possible next steps.
Still, Malacañang struck a careful tone.
If Congress has already taken steps toward charter change, Castro said, the President will study them.
But for now, there is no push from the Palace.
The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirmed that the impeachment complaint sent to the Senate on February 5, 2025, violated the Constitution’s one-year ban rule under Article XI, Section 3.
Meanwhile, the economy tells its own story.
In 2025, the Philippines’ gross domestic product grew by 4.4%—below the government’s target for the third straight year.
Climate-related disruptions, shaken investor confidence, and the lingering impact of the flood control corruption scandal all weighed heavily on growth.
And that, Malacañang says, is exactly why the President’s focus remains where it is.
Not on changing the Constitution.
But on fixing the economy—first.
