Caritas PH hits Charter change initiative; says Constitution 'not a political football'

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has expressed its opposition to moves to amend the 1987 Constitution and urged instead the government to “focus on strengthening basic social services, combating corruption, and implementing programs that address the plight of the poor.”

In a statement Thursday, Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said any attempt to change the Constitution, “especially when shrouded in secrecy and lacking genuine public participation, raises serious concerns about its true motives.”

Reports of groups going to communities to gather signatures for a people’s initiative to change the Constitution in exchange for a sum of money have been hogging the headlines the past few days.

“The country’s fundamental law is not a political football to be kicked around at the whims of those in power,” Bagaforo said.

He said charter change won’t solve the country’s economic problems and the “pervasive issue of corruption.”

He emphasized that the government should instead prioritize measures to eradicate corruption and improve the delivery of basic social services.

He added that the current push [to change the Constitution] fails to meet the “moral benchmarks” set by the CBCP that the process should lead to a “greater defense and promotion of the moral values of human rights, integrity and truth, participation and solidarity, and the common good.”

For his part, Fr. Antonio Labiao Jr., Caritas Philippines executive director, urged the government to focus on environmental protection, anti-dynasty measures and electoral reforms.

Labiao said the Philippines needs a mining reform law that protects the environment and the rights of local communities, a “genuine anti-dynasty law to break the stranglehold of political dynasties on our democracy, and reforms that ensure the quality of our elections and the integrity of the vote.”

“Let’s focus on building a just and equitable society, not on rewriting the Constitution for personal gain,” the Caritas Philippines statement concluded.

Attempts to change the Constitution happened in 1997, during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, and was initiated by the People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action, which pushed for the removal of the term limit of the President.

In 1999, the administration of President Joseph Estrada, who opposed the charter change initiative under Ramos, formed the Constitutional Correction for Development to push for changes in economic provisions, particularly the restrictions on foreign business ownership.

During the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo some legislators pushed for either a Constituent Assembly or a Constitutional Convention.

During his administration President Rodrigo Duterte proposed changing the system of government to federalism, which would have required overhauling the Constitution.

Under the Constitution proponents of people’s initiative need to secure the support of 12 percent of all registered voters, and three percent of voters for each legislative district.

The undertaking also requires review, verification, and certification by the Commission on Elections and the holding of a plebiscite to approve the proposed amendments.

Since the declaration of independence from

Spanish rule in 1898, the Philippines has had five constitutions, namely: the 1899 Malolos Constitution (1899-1901); the 1935 Constitution (1935-1943, 1945-1973); the 1943 Constitution (1943-1945); the 1973 Constitution (19731986); the 1987 Constitution (1987-present).

The 1973 Constitution was “ratified” through “people’s assemblies” after the imposition of martial law in 1972.

Upon assuming the presidency in February 1986 after the ouster of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. via the Edsa People Power Revolt, President Corazon C. Aquino governed under a “Freedom Constitution” prior to the ratification of the 1987 Charter.