MERGED: Charter Change

[mannyamador]

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Sign the petition AGAINST Cha-Cha by the Ang Kapatiran Party!
http://www.angkapatiranparty.org/ind...i1[uid]=12

No to extension of GMA's term!

[mannyamador]

TUCP joins opposition to Cha-cha
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:45:00 12/08/2008
TUCP joins opposition to Cha-cha - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines—A moderate workers’ group on Sunday said it was joining the growing opposition led by civil society and Church-based groups to the renewed drive by allies of President Macapagal-Arroyo to amend the Constitution.

Usually supportive of the administration, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) warned of a popular uprising in the event Congress convenes itself into a constituent assembly (Con-ass) to ram through the changes it wants to make to the Constitution.

One of the fears of the opposing groups is that President Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives will push for term extensions for all elected officials among the changes.

“The people are eagerly looking forward to the 2010 presidential election and to a change in government. Exploiting Charter change (Cha-cha) as an excuse to postpone the polls is totally unacceptable,” said TUCP secretary general Ernesto Herrera in a statement.

Herrera, a former senator, said postponing the elections would frustrate the people’s hopes for change and could drive them to the streets in an instant.

He said the TUCP supported Sen. Mar Roxas’ proposal for a constitutional convention (Con-con) whose delegates would be elected during the 2010 national polls.

Herrera urged Congress to focus instead from now until 2010 on passing new laws to stimulate the economy, save jobs and provide gainful employment to overseas Filipino workers displaced by the global financial crisis.

Citing the history of constitutional change in the country, Herrera said Filipinos “[had been] able to discern self-serving initiatives by politicians.”

He recalled that the 5th Congress convened itself into a constituent assembly from April 1966 to March 1967 to amend the 1935 Constitution.

In the subsequent plebiscite to ratify the amendments proposed by the assembly, Herrera said the voters rejected the first two resolutions that sought to increase the membership of the House and to allow congressmen to run for delegate to the 1971 constitutional convention.

He said the voters ratified only the third resolution which called for a Con-con.

[mannyamador]

Says Enrile: Senate won’t support Charter change
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 08:11pm (Mla time) 12/10/2008
Senate won’t support Charter change - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile sees no reason to stage huge street protests against the Charter change bid, saying it will not get the needed Senate support anyway.

“Let them have the rally but I’d tell them there’s no need for it because we are not (irresponsible) leaders ,” Enrile told reporters Wednesday.

“For me, they’re just wasting their energy unless they want to show they have the numbers to threaten anybody in the country,” he said.

“But there’s no need for them to go the streets and march because what they fear will not happen,” he said.

Enrile said any move to amend the Constitution in the upper chamber at this point was “almost an impossible dream.”

“Because here in the Senate, the numbers are not there to enable us to propose any amendments to the Constitution,” he said.

[mannyamador]

Protesters reject Charter change
By Thea Alberto, Abi Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:36:00 12/12/2008
Protesters reject Charter change - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE Thousands of protesters have converged at the junction of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in the financial district of Makati City for a large rally against moves by administration lawmakers to amend the Constitution.

Early Friday evening, Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said they had achieved their goal of mobilizing 10,000 people from a "broad range of forces" including churches and various political parties and civil society groups, which he said showed how "widely rejected Cha-Cha [Charter change] has become."

But National Capital Region police office (NCRPO) Director Leopoldo Bataoil refused to give a crowd estimate and “argue [with protesters] on figures.”

“As to the crowd estimate, I will not give my own, I will leave that to the organizers, and I will respect their crowd estimate,” he added.

INQUIRER.net reporters on the ground gave an estimate of 6,000.

Bataoil also said the protest was “generally peaceful with no untoward incidents.”

Earlier, the Philippine National Police said 4,700 anti-riot police would be deployed to provide security during the rally.

A contingent from the Liberal Party, led by Senators Manuel Roxas II and Rodolfo Biazon, and Representative Ruffy Biazon, and former senator Franklin Drilon, among others, gathered in front of the Makati Post Office, to march to the rally site.

"I hope we will be able to stop Cha-Cha [Charter change] after this. Charter change now is a manglement [sic], a rape of our constitution," said Roxas in an interview.

Also at the protest are Senators Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Benigno Aquino III and Ma. Ana Consuelo Madrigal, United Opposition president Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Bayan Muna (People First) Representatives Teddy Casiño and Satur Ocampo, Gabriela Representative Liza Maza and Representative Teofisto Guingona III, and lawyer Harry Roque, among others.

But former president Joseph Estrada, who promised to join the rally, will not show up as he rushed to be with his ailing 103-year-old mother.

Margaux Salcedo, Estrada's spokesperson, said the former president rushed to the San Juan Medical Center where Doña Mary Ejercito is in "extreme medical condition."

A contingent led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic Alliance), armed with colorful Christmas lanterns and dancing to native music, marched from Makati Avenue.

Ocampo, Casiño and Maza carried lanterns that read, "Junk Cha-Cha."

Members of church organizations are also expected to join the protest.

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said they will release a crowd estimate around 5 pm.

But Reyes accused police of “harassment” and trying to “delay people from attending the protest,” citing the alleged arrest in Cubao by Highway Patrol Group policemen of activists from the Muslim-Christian Alliance.

Reyes said the activists were hauled off to Camp Crame.

He also said a contingent from Cavite province, who police had reportedly prevented from going to Metro Manila, had decided to commute to the rally on public transport.

Reyes had said a contingent from Bataan province, led by Bishop Socrates Villegas, was also blocked at the North Luzon Expressway by police.

“The Filipino people, even the entire Philippine Senate, are opposed to Charter change,” said Bayan chairperson Carol Araullo.

“It should send a clear message to Mrs. Arroyo and her allies that it is time to quit moves to revise the Charter and extend her term in office,” Araullo said.

A leftist fisherfolk’s group on Friday called on mayors of Metro Manila cities to declare their respective bailiwicks “Charter change free” to show “strong opposition” against plans by administration allies to amend the Constitution.

“The people of the National Capital Region are extremely opposed to Cha-cha and to the alleged plot of Malacañang and the President’s allies to extend the term of the Chief Executive and all incumbent elected officials. It is the duty of all mayors in Metro Manila to carry this collective sentiment and political interest of their constituents,” Fernando Hicap, chairman of the fisher folk group Pamalakaya (Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, National Strength of the Fishers’ Movement in the Philippines), said in a statement.

Meanwhile, thousands of youth brought a giant Christmas card to Friday’s protest in Makati City.

The card read, “Our wish this Christmas: No cha-cha [Charter change] and No [President] Gloria [Macapagal-Arroyo]!" and, “The Filipino people's best gift to the nation is a Cha-Cha-free Christmas and a Gloria-free New Year!”

Students from University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Miriam College, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the East, and other schools in Metro Manila joined the protest.

“We are gathered here today to exercise our freedom of speech and at the same time to deliver a message, a warning. Youth protests will continue for as long as cha-cha is being pushed for Arroyo's benefit. We vow to sustain our protests and guard against any attempts to amend the Constitution,” said Anakbayan chairman Ken Ramos.

[rob123]

[quote=mannyamador;3665007]Protesters reject Charter change
By Thea Alberto, Abi Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:36:00 12/12/2008
Protesters reject Charter change - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE Thousands of protesters have converged at the junction of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in the financial district of Makati City for a large rally against moves by administration lawmakers to amend the Constitution.

Early Friday evening, Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said they had achieved their goal of mobilizing 10,000 people from a "broad range of forces" including churches and various political parties and civil society groups, which he said showed how "widely rejected Cha-Cha [Charter change] has become."

Nag anam na diay lang kagamay ang nadala sa ulog2x sa BAYAN !!!!!

[mannyamador]

Senate junks Con-ass
December 12, 2008 01:02:00
Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Charter Change

MANILA, Philippines—Even if only five senators—all eyeing the presidency in 2010—will join Friday’s multisectoral rally against Charter change (Cha-cha), the entire Senate Thursday unanimously approved a resolution opposing the move of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies in Congress.

Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Manuel Roxas II and Panfilo Lacson—all potential presidential contenders in the 2010 election—are expected to join the rally Friday to be spearheaded by Catholic Church groups in Makati City.

But all 23 senators signed the resolution “expressing the sense of the Senate that any attempt by the House of Representatives to unilaterally propose amendments to, or revision of, the Constitution without the approval by three-fourths of the Senate voting separately is unconstitutional.”

“This sends the strongest message yet that the Senate stands united against attempts by allies of the President in the lower house to subvert the Constitution for dubious ends,” said Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who introduced the measure.

The National Capital Region Police Office said 5,000 policemen would be deployed to ensure a “safe and peaceful” rally in Makati.

‘Let’s stop foolishness’

“Let’s stop all this foolishness,” Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said in a statement released by his office Thursday, voicing the sentiments of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on moves in the House to convene a constituent assembly (Con-ass).

Former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada are expected in the rally.

Also joining the rally are the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Former Senior Government Officials, Concerned Citizens Movement, Bangon Pilipinas, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), United Opposition (UNO), Edsa 3 Coalition, Black and White Movement, Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Be Not Afraid Movement and Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

“We plan to end the year united in a common cause and determined to stop the Cha-cha express dead in its tracks. This is just the first action and hopefully not the last,” said Renato Reyes, secretary general of the leftist group Bayan.

Mikey leads pack

The House action for Con-ass is reportedly spearheaded by the President’s elder son, Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo of Pampanga, in coordination with the ruling party Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

The initiative seeks to collect 198 signatures on a resolution convening the assembly to fulfill a constitutional requirement that empowers Congress to propose amendments to the Charter “upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members.”

Critics say the move is ostensibly meant to bypass the Senate.

Congressional proponents suggest that whether voting should be jointly or separately in the Senate and the House will be for the Supreme Court to decide. Seven of the 15-member tribunal are retiring next year. Their replacements will be appointed by Ms Arroyo.

‘Gigantic fraud’

Pangilinan said the Senate resolution was an “institutional response and binds all signatories to uphold and defend the constitutional process.”

“It sends a strong message to the House that the Senate stands united against any attempt to subvert the Constitution,” Pangilinan said, noting it was the first time in his seven years in the chamber that a resolution carried the signatures of all its members.

“To borrow the words of the Supreme Court, we will not tolerate this gigantic fraud being foisted on the people by desperate individuals in the House,” Pangilinan said.

The anti-Charter change rally could “spark a chain reaction of protests,” warned Sen. Edgardo Angara, who signed the resolution along with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, both staunch Arroyo allies.

“If they are not very careful about it that may become what political scientists call the tipping point,” he said, referring to recent events in Thailand and Greece.

Roxas said he believed Ms Arroyo’s allies had “underestimated the people’s bid to fight a Gloria Forever Constitution.”

“It’s not about politics but it’s the right thing to do,” Legarda said, explaining why she will join the rally.

Not part of lawmaking

House Speaker Prospero Nograles said street protesters were not a part of a legislative process. “Are we going to stop because of street demos and public outcry?” he said in a text message.

Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay denied that the House measure sought to extend the term limits of elected officials.

“We’re creating ghosts and we are all afraid even though nothing has happened,” she said.

Ms Arroyo Thursday stuck to her hectic schedule, keeping a business-as-usual attitude.

Shrugging off reports of huge mobilizations, the President motored to the Marines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, to view the remains of five slain Marines. Sergeants Wilfredo Abugan and Roque Alejo, Cpl. Daniel Dizcaya, Pfc. Rodulfo Budino and Pvt. Julius Deleña were killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan province on Sunday.

Ms Arroyo then proceeded to the inauguration of the Alabang viaduct and later to the opening of the Quezonian Livelihood & Learning Center in Sariaya, Quezon.

“We should talk, dialogue, debate instead of protesting. There are more positive ways to make oneself heard,” said Palace spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo.

Just the first salvo

Opposition officials, leftist and civil society groups and religious organizations will converge on the Ninoy Aquino monument at the heart of the Makati Central Business District Friday afternoon for the rally that has a police permit until 9 p.m.

“This administration has deprived the Filipino masses of their chosen leader not just once, when they ousted me, but twice, when they cheated FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) in the 2004 elections. We will not allow the people to be deprived of having a duly elected president a third time,” Estrada said in a statement.

Parliament with Arroyo as PM

If the Congress effort succeeded, Ms Arroyo would most likely run for a seat in parliament and eventually get herself elected as prime minister, said Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

“If Malacañang is ready to Cha-cha, we are ready to rumble,” said Binay, president of the United Opposition.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said he would grant permits for anti-Charter change demonstrations throughout the city Friday, particularly in Liwasang Bonifacio and Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola) near the Malacañang Palace.

With reports from Tina G. Santos, Leila B. Salaverria, Allison W. Lopez, Kristine L. Alave, Jerome Aning, TJ Burgonio and Dona Z. Pazzibugan

[gabbo712]

We have to change the system. We keep on shouting against corruption and keep on blaming on the politicians we elected.

In manufacturing industry I learned about problem solving techniques. The causes of problems is on the 4m (man,method,machine,material). People keep on blaming on the "man" aspect and failed to check on the "method", or the system.

Remember that prophets and even Jesus have preached men for centuries but still men continue on their ways. Therefore converting man to achieve good governance is beyond our limited capability. I don't believe in bishops saying that we need "character change" and not "charter change". I think they will spend their entire lifetime and get same results.

With the current system we could never achieve the what we called "democracy". How can we achieve real democracy if we always elect a "minority president"? The multiparty system must be abolished and must be changed to a 2 party system.

Our country need great men like Gandhi of India, or Lincoln of the US, but does our system capable of producing such great men?

In the Philippines in order to be president, you have to be at least a billionaire to avoid from being labeled a nuisance candidate. A senator will spend almost the same amount to ensure his win. And where do they get the campaign funds? Of course they will get favor from some entities which would expect a favor in return. This is a natural law "in every action there's an opposite reaction","in every debt there's a corresponding payment", etc.. we can not avoid that.

Therefore our system is only capable of producing a rich,more popular minority president. What a poor system. Our system is designed lat 1986 based on paranoia, the fear of another Marcos.

I think Filipinos must wake up now and support whatever it takes to change this rotten system not minding the current personalities..

[gabbo712]

These are the changes that will benefit our country.

1. Implement a 2 party system - more economical and an assurance to elect a majority president,thus avoiding many sectors which will always be against the incumbent administration.

2. Improve representation in the legislative, could be a parliamentary form of government which is more economical and more efficient. Or if a presidential form will be preferred, elect senators by regional blocks, not nationwide. This will improve representation especially in Mindanao and reduce campaign cost for the candidates.


3. A federal form of government is more suitable in the Philippine situation where we are divided in many islands and ethnic groups. With this system, we can localize corruption in such a way that a corrupt region could not affect the whole nation.

Do not make Gloria the main reason for not adopting to change. Gloria is just temporary and will not rule for the next 100 years.

Whatever decisions you have to make, check what is your reason or the purpose?
Is it for the of love our nation or is just for the hate of Gloria?

Remember that love is positive karma, while hate is negative karma, we make our own karma, we are responsible for own karma.

[Malic]

as of this time i am for charter change.

let me borrow gabbo712's third point posted above..."3. A federal form of government is more suitable in the Philippine situation where we are divided in many islands and ethnic groups. With this system, we can localize corruption in such a way that a corrupt region could not affect the whole nation.


I also believe that the soon federal states will experience better rewards socially and economically.

"Dude saang states ka galing?" im from the state of Cebu. hahaha

[lecreigh]

it's time for a change guys, dont cha think? i would support charter change cos the old system is just not working at all. it would be beneficial to all the provinces in this country pud....
i think a federal government will work....