MANILA (UCAN/CBCP News): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] has strongly opposed a planned amendment to the nation’s Constitution [charter change —“cha-cha”] and warned people not to fall for the “deceptive” signature campaign in support of it.
Known as the “people’s initiative” for charter change, the campaign was clearly “not the result of a careful study and discussion” that shows “self-interested” politicians were out to exploit the nation, the CBCP said in a statement on January 31.
“This is not a simple signature. By signing, you are giving our lawmakers the power to change our Constitution. The discussion may focus on economic aspects, but even senators acknowledge the possibility of broader changes if this People’s Initiative succeeds,” said the statement, signed by conference head, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan.
The statement was issued two days after the bishops concluded a bi-annual plenary assembly in Manila, where they tackled a wide range of Church and socio-political issues, CBCP News reported.
The statement said that any discussion about the Constitution is crucial and should not be taken lightly.
Quoting former chief justice, Hilario Davide Jr., the bishops observed that it is the only “pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-People, pro-Poor, pro-Life, pro-Law, pro-Family, pro-Marriage, pro-Human Rights, pro-Women, and pro-Environment” constitution.
This is not a simple signature. By signing, you are giving our lawmakers the power to change our Constitution. The discussion may focus on economic aspects, but even senators acknowledge the possibility of broader changes if this People’s Initiative succeeds
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
The 1987 Philippine Constitution was crafted “after our peaceful liberation from a dark period in our history” and was “created to ensure the well-being of every Filipino citizen,” the bishops said, referring to the martial law rule of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Marcos Sr. ruled the country with an iron fist for 21 years first by declaring martial law then by making various changes to the then-Constitution. His dictatorship ended with the People Power Revolution in 1986, forcing him and his family to flee to Hawaii in the US where he died three years later.
Citing economists and sociologists, the CBCP said the constitution is “not the real hindrance to our progress.”
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The bishops quoted the International Trade Administration as saying on January 23: “The Philippines continues to lag behind Asia-Pacific peers due to poor infrastructure and a decline in government and business efficiency…”
The CBCP said, “It seems clear what is not good!” adding that the National Election Commission recently decided to temporarily dismiss petitions for the People’s Initiative.
…show us that there is really sincerity and goodwill in these moves. Why do they insist the amending the Constitution is the solution? What is the problem anyway? Shouldn’t we first talk about what exactly is the problem being solved? Why do they think this is the solution?
Bishop David
“However, we should not be complacent, as there may be other attempts for this charter change. We will strive to initiate discussions about the constitution and the issues facing our nation. Our hope is to reflect and decide for the genuine good of all,” the CBCP said.
“Our prayer is that we will not sign or agree to any petition without careful discernment, discussion, and prayer,” the bishops added.
In January, at least 10 bishops warned people against trading their signatures for money or other inducements offered by politicians seeking to amend the charter, CBCP News reported.
In a news conference on February 2, Bishop David, accompanied by other CBCP officials, described the “people’s initiative” charter change move as being in “bad taste”, casting doubts on the motives of those behind it and called for deeper and wider discussions and discernment on the proposed charter revisions, CBCP News reported.
“… this move towards amending the Constitution through the “people’s initiative”, it was not really good before… bad taste really bad taste,” the bishop told reporters.
However, we should not be complacent, as there may be other attempts for this charter change
CBCP
“…show us that there is really sincerity and goodwill in these moves. Why do they insist the amending the Constitution is the solution? What is the problem anyway? Shouldn’t we first talk about what exactly is the problem being solved? Why do they think this is the solution?”
Bishop pointed to the historical context that produced the 1987 charter—the tragic experiences of Filipinos during the Martial Law regime of Marcos Sr.
“Our Constitution is truly the result of the blood, sweat and tears of the Filipino people. We don’t want to fall again into the slippery slope towards authoritarianism,” he stressed.
Since returning to democracy, successive governments have attempted to make changes to the charter but failed due to a lack of popular support.
The debate over charter change was reignited after the Marcos administration recently claimed it was necessary to revive a failing economy. Marcos claimed that the Constitution needed to be rewritten for a “globalised world.” But his critics suspect the change aims to help the Marcos family continue in power.
Lawmakers have already filed Resolution No. 6, asking the House of Representatives and the Senate to revise Article 12 of the Constitution, which currently stipulates that public services should exclusively be owned by Filipinos.
Supporters claim that amending “economic provisions” will attract foreign direct investment.
Critics say it will increase the exploitation of natural resources and indigenous lands and add that these economic provisions ensure that Filipinos can shape their own “national destiny” without external influence.
