By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Once again, the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has flexed its muscle on political issues and this time airing its vehement opposition to moves that aim to effect amendments to the 1987 Constitution to achieve further economic development.
On Friday, the CBCP strongly warned that Charter change (Cha-Cha ) is not a panacea or cure-all to everything that ills the country.
In a statement by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, the Catholic bishops emphasized that it is “totally wrong to think that changing the Constitution will reverse the course of our country and right the ship.”
They said those pushing for Cha-Cha are ignoring the best antidotes for the country’s maladies including curbing corruption, ending political patronage, strengthening accountability, promoting social justice and equality, and delivery of basic social services.
“Filipinos need more of those than simply cave into the promotion of personal interests instead of the common good,” the CBCP pointed out.
In December last year, ruling Lakas-CMD president and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced that the House of Representatives in 2024 will “focus its attention” on proposals regarding restrictions in the entry of foreign capital and investments including Cha-Cha.
Lawmakers wanted to rewrite portions of the Constitution in 2024, with amendments focused on economic provisions that restrict foreign ownership.
Diskarteng Pinoy
Meanwhile, the Diskarteng Pinoy in Region 7 has called for a shift to a unicameral parliamentary system, saying it will be more responsive to the “objective needs of the Filipino people.”
Romualdez’s cousin President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has also ordered a review of the 1987 Constitution to determine whether an overhaul is needed to attract foreign investments and help develop the country’s economy.
(el Amigo/MNM)