Civil society is on an outrage. The Senate is strongly against it. Congressmen just go on with their normal lives. Malacanang has nothing to say about it. We citizens must take a stand.
Apathy and ignorance is a no-no in times like this.
So there, personally, I am very much in favor of Charter Change. It is for a variety of reasons, for which I believe will tremendously benefit our nation. Basically, the chacha issue is primarily bent on changing the form of government that we have. I think that a shift to a parliamentary form of goverment will be better for an archipelagaic state like the Philippines. Abolishing both houses of Congress and transforming them into just one body will translate to faster and a more efficient delivery of services for the citizens. Members of parliament must be voted upon by each legislative district, and in turn, more people will have a say in running the government, not just those who have the popular vote or those who have influence. Power will be decentralized and will not just be concentrated on specific areas, particularly those urban in nature. People in the far-flung towns and barrios will feel more empowerd and morover, they will feel that they play an active part in the daily affairs of the nation. There will be more accountability since the prime minister is directly responsible to his partymates and more importantly, members of parliament are directly responsible to their constituents who have vested power upon them.
We must also consider that ammending certain provisions of our 22-year old constitution in order for it to more in tune with the present globalized environment is another reason as to why Cha-cha must be prioritized. It includes several economic provisions, which we Economics majors can precisely relate in. Among a string of many other positive factors, I believe that effectiveness, unprecedented continuity and better public accountability will be those taken into consideration if we eventually decide to dance the Cha-Cha.
However, the heart of the matter lies on how this Cha-cha is to be done. We all know that the current constitution provides only three ways in which we can change it. Our congressmen in the House of Representatives, after exhausting all possible legal remedies, are resorting to the method that they voted upon last night. While I am one with the current administration in running this Chacha train, I vehemently deplore the way in which they are doing it, through House Resolution 1109. The abrupt railroading of such a pivotal action must undergo the proper procedures, which includes consultations with the citizens and a smooth coordination with the Senate - both of which are apparently lacking in the present situation. Changing the constitution must be concurred upon by the majority of 90 million Filipinos, not just by 150 or so pro-administration congressmen.
I have to admit that ever since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed office, I am always with her in every good endeavor of her administration. I know that many will disagree with me on this, but I think that Gloria is the best Philippine President in recent memory. You want proof? Then look around you. She may not be perfect due to the corruption scandals hounding her, but let's face it, every politician is blinded by money and greed once he is in office. The idea of the president still sitting in power beyond 2010 is alright with me. There are no better alternatives anyway.
The best time to ammend the constitution may be after the 2010 elections, yet I am not against doing it earlier than that. But again, I reiterate that changing the charter must be done in a manner that will not compromise anyone. Not by hastily passing HR 1109 in order to convene a ConAss. There is a way Congress can do it legally, and that is what they must do. And this is what we Filipinos must do: to prod them to do the right thing they should do.
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By voicing out our opinions, we are not just saying whether we are pro or against it; we are helping ourselves to be better Filipinos. :)
Hi!
12 years ago
