Why people’s initiative to amend Philippine Constitution reeks of ‘Marcosian tactics’
“Corruption & poverty are the main reasons why we lag behind economically and politically. These problems are not created by the 1987 Constitution, but by greedy politicians who control power and money for their self-interests." The post Why people’s initiative to amend Philippine Constitution reeks of ‘Marcosian tactics’ appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
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......»»
PMPI Issues Urgent Warning against Alleged Manipulation of People s Initiative for Constitutional Amendments
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) expresses alarm over reports that a campaign to amend our Constitution through the people's initiative has begun.Various accounts have alleged that payment or aid is being used to lure people to sign documents to push for the so-called charter change through a people's initiative. Worse, there are reports that local government officials have facilitated these alleged c.....»»
PMPI Issues Urgent Warning against Alleged Manipulation of People s Initiative for Constitutional Amendments
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) expresses alarm over reports that a campaign to amend our Constitution through the people's initiative has begun.Various accounts have alleged that payment or aid is being used to lure people to sign documents to push for the so-called charter change through a people's initiative. Worse, there are reports that local government officials have facilitated these alleged c.....»»
Vice President Sara bucks Cha-cha moves: Guard the Constitution
Rejecting the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution is “to guard the Constitution,” Vice President Sara Duterte said yesterday, as she joined the pushback against the move seen as “tainted” by reports of bribery by its proponents......»»
People in Davao ‘deceived’ into signing people’s initiative forms – barangay officials
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 03 February) – Voters in the city were deceived into signing documents purportedly in exchange for money and other benefits but were actually meant to gather signatures for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, barangay officials from Davao City claimed during a Senate hearing on Friday. The witnesses alleged […].....»»
Comelec suspends proceedings for people’s initiative to amend Charter
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it will halt all proceedings related to the signature drive for amending the 1987 Constitution via people’s initiative (PI). This includes the Comelec’s acceptance of signatures in their local offices. In a press conference in Manila, Comelec Chair George Garcia said that the commission.....»»
DSWD refutes allegations on people’s initiative utilizing AICS program
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) denied claims on Friday that its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program was used to incentivize those who signed the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution. According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, the AICS had rules and regulations in place to.....»»
53.5k signatures for people’s initiative submitted to COMELEC in Butuan
BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 24 January)—The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here has received forms bearing 53,495 signatures as part of a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. Lawyer Tristan Niog, city election officer, confirmed to MindaNews in a phone interview on Tuesday that they received a total of 5,767 forms with signatures from 86 […].....»»
Senate says ‘people’s initiative’ exploits democratic process
The Senate issued a manifesto condemning the “people’s initiative” to amend provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which they said will undermine the power of the Senate. .....»»
Romualdez sidesteps allegation he ordered People s Initiative signature drive
House Speaker Martin Romualdez has shrugged off a senator’s allegation that he ordered lawmakers to gather signatures for the campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution via People’s Initiative. .....»»
Ex-Pres Duterte: “Absolutely nothing wrong with 1987 Constitution”
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 10 January) – Former President Rodrigo Duterte sees no reason why the 1987 Constitution should be changed because “we have a good Constitution. I find it in perfect condition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it,” he said. He told reporters on Saturday night that he is not for amending the Constitution […].....»»
Senators praise Comelec for suspending people’s initiative proceedings
MANILA, Philippines — Senators rejoiced at the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to suspend all proceedings related to a people’s initiative aimed at amending the 1987 Constitution, saying that it is nothing but a victory for the Filipino people. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, in a statement, said the Philippine government has finally.....»»
Settle Cha-cha mode at LEDAC
Two veteran lawmakers who figured prominently in past attempts to amend the country’s 1987 Constitution took me down memory lane amid the latest revival of Charter change (Cha-cha) moves. Specifically, they are erstwhile Senate president Franklin Drilon and former Negros Occidental congressman Margarito Teves, who both tried to help amend the Constitution in the past but their efforts ended in vain......»»
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......»»
Caritas Philippines hits Charter change initiative; says Constitution ‘not a political football’
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 January) – The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has expressed its opposition to moves to amend the 1987 Constitution and urged instead the government to “focus on strengthening basic social services, combating corruption, and implementing programs that address the plight of the poor.” In […].....»»
Shift in news coverage of West Philippine Sea needed
THERE ARE no signs to indicate that China will put a halt to its bullying tactics in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). They will keep up the gray zone tactics-tailing and shadowing Filipino vessels, using blinding lasers, and firing water cannons at vessels on supply missions to troops based on the carrying supplies to the grounded Philippine BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippines maintains as its outpost in Ayungin Shoa.....»»
PH Development NGOs Deeply Concerned over Alleged Signature Buying for Cha-Cha Push
The Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) is deeply concerned with the reports of alleged bribery by some officials in their effort to launch a people's initiative and mobilize support for charter change.Earlier this week, several lawmakers sounded the alarm that some local officials were allegedly offering money to secure signatures for a people's initiative seeking to amend the.....»»
PH Development NGOs Deeply Concerned over Alleged Signature Buying for Cha-Cha Push
The Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) is deeply concerned with the reports of alleged bribery by some officials in their effort to launch a people's initiative and mobilize support for charter change.Earlier this week, several lawmakers sounded the alarm that some local officials were allegedly offering money to secure signatures for a people's initiative seeking to amend the.....»»
Isinusulong na Cha-cha, Peso initiative not peoples initiative — Senador
NANINIWALA si Senador Sherwin Gatchalian na hindi maaring tawagin pang Peoples Initiative kundi Pera initiative na ito ay dahil kapalit ng paglagda ng taong bayan ay may kapalit na halaga. Ayon kay Gatchalian batay sa impormasyong kanyang nakalap sa bawat pirma ng isang tao ay mayroong kapalit na isang daan o dalawang daang piso. Kung ….....»»
PNP won’t intervene in people’s initiative
The Philippine National Police will not intervene in the signature campaign seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution as long as it does not lead to violations of the law, according to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., after former president Rodrigo Duterte called on security forces to “protect” the Charter......»»