A dubious endgame
(PART 1)
AMIDST the vibrant Dinagyang festivities, a sad yet crucial conversation unfolded in a youth convo in a small compound in Lapaz, Iloilo City. Prominent figures like Senator Risa Hontiveros, Dean Chel Diokno, and Senator Bam Aquino convened, echoing a sentiment of unease and resistance. Their focus was the burgeoning propaganda for Charter change (Cha-cha), a dubious people’s initiative perceived more as a power play than a democratic pursuit.
Sen. Hontiveros articulated a glaring concern: this initiative is not about the people but about greed; it can be transformative, but never this time when the personal agenda and interests of the few trigger it. It is seen as an unconstitutional, treacherous, divisive, and unwise path, fraught with the risk of converting the nation into a veritable ‘Banana Republic,’ as warned by Dean Diokno.
Sen. Aquino, for his part, underscored a poignant fear: the loss of democracy’s sacred day when politicians kneel to the people’s voice.
At the heart of this contention is the allegation that Cha-cha, under the guise of people’s reform but bankrolled by few elites, primarily extends the power of those at the top, particularly in Malacañang and the stamping pads of Congress.
Critics argue that this initiative of a small group of people could lead to significant misallocation of resources, political abuse, and a negative impact on national interests. It is a move that might cost the nation a staggering P28 billion, money that could otherwise fortify essential services like education, health, and public transportation.
The timing and prioritization of Cha-cha are equally questioned. The Philippine Constitution, a relatively young document at 36 years, still needs to be fully implemented in parts.
Myriads of pressing social issues call for more urgent attention. A common thread emerges: the citizens’ priorities remain firmly grounded in addressing poverty, inflation, education crisis, low wages, unemployment, health issues, drug abuse, crime, corruption, smuggling, and sovereignty concerns, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, which is also considered an economic issue.
Yet the political machinery seems more inclined towards a revision of the charter. Charter change, at this juncture, appears disconnected from the real needs and aspirations of the people. To be continued
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.