Speaker Prospero Nograles Wednesday conceded that two Charter change proposals enjoying the backing of majority members of the House of Representatives may not get the required ¾ votes for approval.

However, Nograles stressed that proponents of House Resolution No. 737 and House Resolution 1109 are confident these two Charter change proposal would trigger a “justiciable” controversy that would require the Supreme Court to resolve legal and constitutional issues that have held up amendment efforts via constituent assembly.

At the Ayes and Nays News Forum, Nograles disclosed that the two resolutions will be given up for good by August 30 in order that legislative efforts will be concentrated in pushing for a Constitutional Convention and election of delegates by May, 2010, coinciding with the national elections.

At least 10 bills and resolutions calling for the holding of a constitutional convention have been placed in the legislative backburner to allow lawmakers to concentrate on HR 737 and HR 1109.

Now pending for second reading deliberations in the House plenary, HR 737 seeks to lift constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership of land and business in the country. Nograles, president of Lakas-CMD and at least 170 solons co-authored the measure.

At least 172 solons led by Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino president and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte authored HR 1109 proposing Congress to convene to consider proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Nograles admitted that the number of backers of the two resolutions might not reach the required ¾ vote or at least 202 congressmen, thus, making it almost impossible for the Lower House to approve any of the measure.

He made the admission in parrying accusations that HR 737 and HR 1109 are motivated at extending the term of office of President Arroyo and all other elective officials.

“We just want to settle a legal jurisprudence. We want a clear ruling from the Supreme Court,” said Nograles.

However, the House leader said that despite the odds stacked against HR 737, he will continue to push for its approval.

“When all else fails, plan B tayo. If you ask politicians and leaders of this country, everybody seems to agree that there is a need to amend the Constitution,” he said.

By Plan B, Nograles meant constitutional convention which will be considered by August. He explained that HR 737 and HR 1109 propose amendments through more economical means as compared to constitutional convention.

Previous estimates for the holding of constitutional convention have been placed at P8 billion annually which will cover salaries of delegates and staff, rental of offices and building and purchase of furnishings and office equipment.

The Concon proposals were authored by Reps. Felix R. Alfelor Jr. (Kampi, Camarines Sur); Roilo Golez (Independent, Paranaque City); Rozzano Rufino Biazon (LP, Muntinlupa City); Antonio Cuenco (Lakas, Cebu); Manuel Mamba (LP, Cagayan); Fredenil Castro (LP, Capiz); Hermilando Mandanas (Kampi, Batangas); Abraham Kahlil MItra (NPC, Palawan); Carmelo Lazatin (Lakas, Pampanga); Rene Velarde (Buhay Partylist); Del de Guzman (Lakas, Marikina City); and Didagen P. Dilangalen (PMP, Maguindanao).