MANILA (UCAN): “Any attempt to alter the Constitution, especially when shrouded in secrecy and lacking genuine public participation, raises serious concerns about its true motives,” Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, said on January 12. A petition has circulating to amend the 1987 Constitution [cha-cha or charter change].
Charter change proponents claimed that the amendments would only focus on the economic provisions which limit the flow of foreign capital into the country, denying better economic conditions for the people.
But Bishop Bagaforo said, “Poverty will always be a problem if corruption is allowed to fester within our government. Instead of wasting time and resources on amending the Constitution, the government should prioritise measures to eradicate corruption and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic social services to our people.”
He urged that the government should instead focus on strengthening basic social services, combating corruption, and implementing programmes that address the plight of the poor.
Poverty will always be a problem if corruption is allowed to fester within our government. Instead of wasting time and resources on amending the Constitution, the government should prioritise measures to eradicate corruption and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic social services to our people
Bishop Bagaforo
“Tell people not to sign! This is not an initiative of the people but of some politicians,” said Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the vicar apostolic of Taytay, Palawan, in January 11 statement shared by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP]. He alleged there are offers for money in exchange for signing the petition.
Bishop Bagaforo stressed, “If the Constitution is to be revised at all, the process should lead to a greater defense and promotion of the moral values of human dignity and human rights, integrity and truth, participation and solidarity, and the common good.”
Father Antonio Labiao, Jr., the executive director of Caritas Philippines, urged the government to focus on passing legislation that addresses pressing concerns, namely, environmental protection, anti- [political] dynasty measures and electoral reforms.
He said there is a need for a comprehensive mining reform law that protects the environment and the rights of local communities, and Congress has failed to act on this issue for too long.
“A genuine anti-dynasty law is crucial to breaking the stranglehold of political dynasties in our democracy. The Filipino people deserve leaders who are chosen based on merit, not family connections,” Father Labiao said.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
A genuine anti-dynasty law is crucial to breaking the stranglehold of political dynasties in our democracy. The Filipino people deserve leaders who are chosen based on merit, not family connections
Father Antonio Labiao, Jr.
“We need reforms that ensure the quality of our elections and the integrity of the vote. Only then can we have a truly representative democracy free from manipulation and vote-buying,” he said.
Caritas Philippines reminded the government of its sacred duty to fulfill the promises of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. “The Filipino people deserve a government that prioritises their needs and aspirations, not personal agendas. Let’s focus on building a just and equitable society, not on rewriting the Constitution for personal gain,” Father Labiao.
Bishop Pabillo said the petition seeking to forcing a situation whereby both houses of Congress would vote jointly, overwhelming the votes of the 24 member Senate with the 315 member House of Representatives.
Under Philippine law, there are three ways to revise the Consitution: through Congress sitting as a constituent assembly, a constitutional convention of elected delegates, or a people’s initiative through a direct petition of at least 12 per cent of registered voters with at least three per cent from every legislative district.
