“The deepening economic crisis and government neglect is also a significant factor creating conditions for an upheaval,” Africa added.
Ibon Foundation, a socio-economic think tank, ran a survey on Charter change on April 17-26 among 1,496 respondents from across different sectors. The results showed, among other things, that 69.5 percent of the respondents oppose the shift to a parliamentary form of government.
Colmenares said the minority bloc in Congress has the option of going to the Supreme Court to question the legality of Charter change through constituent assembly as provided for by HR 1109.
“The bigger fight, however, is in the public sphere,” Colmenares said.
On Wednesday, progressive groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) held a protest march toward House of Representatives despite the heavy rain.
“How much money did Arroyo’s minions gain from this?” asked Elmer Labog, the chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, referring to reports of a 20-million peso payoff to legislators.
“You should serve the people, not Arroyo,” Rommel Linatoc of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines said during the picket at the south gate of the Batasan complex.
Joms Salvador of Gabriela said the move to amend the charter is one way for Arroyo to evade accountability for the many crimes her regime allegedly committed. “Bawat araw na nariyan si Gloria ay pambababoy sa karapatan ng mamamayan,” she said.
Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod said those who voted “aye” to the resolution “must explain to their constituents the reasons why HR 1109 was pushed without regard to the people’s vehement opposition to Cha-cha.” (With reports from GLAIZA MAY G. MUZONES and RONALYN V. OLEA / Bulatlat.com)
Pages: 1 2
RELATED CONTENTNews in Pictures: Tattoo painted for political prisoners
Actress Jodi Sta. Maria joins Migrante in demanding justice for OFW killed in Mongolia (Photo courtesy of Migrante International / Bulatlat.com)
Subscribe (RSS or Email) About Us Donate Contact Us Archive Advertise with Bulatlat
Video: Workers slam Aquino’s empty speech on Labor Day
Slideshow: Women slam Aquino’s inaction on price hikes
June 9th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
My goodness! Special interests are trying to block what could be a start of progress in this country!
Can’t these people see that political institutions are coterminous with the Constitution, and that the only way to overhaul a political system is by revising a country’s constitution!
Ang kikitid ng utak ng mga tao na ito.
Philippine Charter Change: It’s NOW or NEVER!
June 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Pag parliamentary na bibilhin lang ni Gloria boto ng mga congressman para sya maging Prime minister for life, ang utak talaga. Gising na taong bayan.