Bohol bishops warn public of deception in charter change signature drive
CEBU CITY, Philippines- Two bishops from Bohol have issued a Pastoral Letter urging the public against being misled in the signature collection for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. The pastoral letter, dated January 24, 2024, was signed by Talibon Bishop Patrick Daniel Parcon and Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy. In the letter, the.....»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
Brgy officials tag PBA party-list staff of “deception” in Cha-cha initiative
Barangay officials in Davao City testified in a Senate inquiry here on Friday, February 2, that workers of the Davao-based Puwersa ng Bayaning Arleta (PBA) conducted the signature campaign for charter change through deceptive means such as promising cash-aid......»»
Signature campaign for Charter change: ‘Rife with anomalies’
IBON Foundation notes that the logic behind the push for economic Cha-cha is “fundamentally flawed.” “More foreign investment does not mean development,” IBON states, adding that despite the increase in annual foreign investment inflows since the 1980s, this did not translate to growth and development for the Philippine economy. The post Signature campaign for Charter change: ‘Rife with anomalies’ appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Mindanao bishops Odchimar and Pacana die on same day, 2 hours apart
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 1 February)—Two Mindanao bishops passed on on Thursday, February 1—Tandag Bishop Emeritus Nereo Odchimar at 10:27 a.m. and Malaybalay Bishop Emeritus Honesto Pacana at 12:33 p.m. Last month, two Mindanao bishops also passed away, the 57-year old Pagadian Bishop Ronald Lunas on January 2 and the 89-year old Davao Archbishop Emeritus […].....»»
Romualdez denies House behind charter change signature drive
House Speaker Martin Romualdez says lawmakers' role is 'to facilitate and encourage democratic participation without direct involvement in signature collection'.....»»
Signature drive for people’s initiative to continue – PIRMA
The signature drive for a people’s initiative will continue despite the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Senate, according to the lead convenor of the People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action......»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact
By DOMINIC GUTOMAN AND ZYSA MEI ELLORAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – For environmental defenders, the government’s push for charter change (cha-cha) could worsen the already dire impacts of destructive mining corporations on vulnerable communities. The Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu) and Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) held a protest in front of… The post Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Bohol encounter: Police on full alert following clash with ‘NPA fighters’
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Bohol encounter on Friday between government forces and NPA rebels has put the province’s entire police force on full alert status. Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Norman Nuez said the Bohol encounter occurred in Bilar town. Nuez also relayed the agency’s official statement in a video posted.....»»
Comelec: Signature drive can continue
The gathering of signatures as part of the push for a people’s initiative goes on even with the Commission on Elections suspension of all its proceedings related to the latest Charter change move......»»
Who outfoxed who?
Accusations have been literally flying thick and fast between and amongst the protagonists and antagonists in the Charter change controversy. Senators vowed to block the snowballing signature drive to carry out Cha-cha allegedly through the House-led people’s initiative......»»
World paid little attention to Sudan s war for a year. Now aid groups warn of mass death from hunger
World paid little attention to Sudan s war for a year. Now aid groups warn of mass death from hunger.....»»
Converting ponds to salt farms threatens mangrove restoration, conservationists warn
As the government seeks to revitalize the country's struggling salt industry, conservationists warn that allowing abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized (AUU) fishponds to be converted into salt farms risks exacerbating the degradation of mangroves......»»
DOH, DOLE deny any hand in Cha-cha signature drive
MANILA, Philippines — Representatives of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) denied that their agencies are involved in the controversial signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution. The clarification came after Senator Imee Marcos brought up, during the Senate’s Tuesday hearing, that DOH’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients.....»»
Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAOBulatlat.com NEW YORK — Filipino-American activists here denounced ongoing attempts to change the Philippine Constitution as this may result in increased US military presence in the Philippines and worsen the geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with Bulatlat, Michelle Thiele of Gabriela-New York stressed that for US… The post Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Chocolate Hills furor prompts Bohol bishop’s call to preserve national treasures
MANILA, Philippines — The public has been urged by the Catholic bishop of Bohol to preserve national treasures amid an outcry over the construction and operation of a resort in the middle of the picturesque Chocolate Hills’ protected area. The need to “recognize and cherish” Bohol’s natural wonders, specifically its Chocolate Hills and beaches was.....»»
CBCP President elected VP of Federation of Bishops in Asia
According to a report by CBCP News, David was elected to the post at the bishops’ central committee meeting in Bangkok on Thursday......»»
6 Catholic bishops demand protection for Filipino fishers from Chinese aggression
Six Catholic bishops in dioceses with fisher communities have issued a rare appeal for the government to bring the full might of the law against Chinese vessels harassing Filipino fisherfolk, backing international action to stem China’s “forcible occupation” of Philippine maritime zones......»»
Rama pushes for open, democratic approach to charter change
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is pushing for open and democratic discussions about charter change, including holding a referendum during the 2025 elections to gauge public opinion on potential constitutional amendments. Through his program, Ingna’ng Mayor, aired on Sugboanon Channel on Tuesday, February 13, he called for a “referendum” process to.....»»