Why 4 lawmakers voted against RBH7, the economic charter change proposal
House lawmakers, convening as a committee of the whole, adopts the proposal on economic charter change just two weeks after deliberations started at the committee level.....»»
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......»»
Labor groups rally against Charter change, call for wage hike instead
MANILA, Philippines — Labor groups are joining the opposition against Charter change (Cha-cha), with one group urging lawmakers to prioritize passing a law for a P150 wage hike for private sector workers. The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) vice president Jun Mendoza Ramirez in a statement on Sunday emphasized the need to concentrate on the immediate.....»»
Charter change: Only the economic provisions should be included
So much controversy is being unnecessarily generated with this Charter change issue but in reality, changes to the overly protectionist economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution should be debated upon because it hinders the country from realizing its full economic potential......»»
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......»»
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......»»
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......»»
House passes RBH No. 7 on economic Charter change
House passes RBH No. 7 on economic Charter change.....»»
Marcos: Charter change only about economic reforms, ‘nothing more’
Fears of amending political provisions of the 1987 Constitution come against the backdrop of an important historical detail – that charter change under his father's regime decades was a key factor in being in power for 21 years.....»»
Senate hearings on economic Cha-cha to start next week
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that the Senate will begin deliberating its proposal to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution next week amid heightened political tensions that seemed to have sprung from differing views on how to change the Charter......»»
Why mounting a 2024 plebiscite on charter change will be a daunting task for Comelec
Charter change advocates are eyeing a plebiscite this year to ratify their proposed amendment to the 1987 Constitution, but the Comelec says it doesn't have enough time, manpower, and resources to mount a nationwide vote, as the 2025 elections inch closer.....»»
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......»»
53 Mindanaoan lawmakers reject Duterte’s calls for Mindanao secession
Fifty-three House lawmakers from Mindanao signed a manifesto on Wednesday that expressed opposition to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to secede Mindanao, saying that the challenges that have beset the region can be solved through a “united and sovereign Philippines.".....»»
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......»»
Lawmakers seek to amend ownership regulations on Constitution s economic provisions
Lawmakers are calling for the revision of some economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, covered by the Public Service Act, which stipulate that public services should exclusively be owned by Filipinos......»»
Deliberating on Charter change
As the Philippine Senate continues its deliberation on economic Charter change, it was nice to see and hear Dr. Bernie Villegas as resource person, not to mention a notable framer, as described by Senator Sonny Angara, of our Constitution......»»
House committee of the whole approves RBH7
The House of Representatives – acting as a committee of the whole – approved overwhelmingly yesterday Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, containing three proposed amendments to perceived restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution......»»
Change: 5 reasons why we should not fear it, embrace the shift
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Change is the only constant thing in the world. Change can sometimes be a menace or it can sometimes be a blessing. Just a mere mention of this word sends shivers down our spine with the thought of uncertainty or the chaos that comes from our doubting thoughts. Change isn’t scary like.....»»
Cha-Cha: Cebu coalition says no to Charter Change
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cha-Cha or Charter Change is not what the Filipinos need at a time when necessities like rice are becoming too expensive and many are unemployed. This was the message of the newly-launched coalition called the “Cebu Citizens’ Agenda Against Cha-Cha” in reaction to the initiative on political revision. A buzz has.....»»
A race against the clock for charter change proponents as 2025 midterms loom
One lawmaker says the window for reform will close after the 2025 midterm polls. Can advocates rush charter change this 2024?.....»»
Landlessness looms if charter change happens
“More than the yearly ceremonial commemorations, we strive to continue Edsa's legacy of defense of democracy and struggle against fascist dictatorship and tyranny." The post Landlessness looms if charter change happens appeared first on Bulatlat......»»