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.....»»
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......»»
87th Charter Day: Commemorating Cebu City’s founding anniversary
CEBU CITY, Philippines — This coming February 24, 2024 marks the 87th Charter Day of the City of Cebu. It was in 1937 that the city received its charter after Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s grandfather and legislator, Vicente Rama, authored a bill that led to its cityhood. Cebu City Charter Day overview To trace.....»»
Mikel Rama, mayor’s eldest son to run for councilor in 2025
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The eldest son of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Lawyer Mikel Rama, will be running as a councilor in the 2025 midterm elections. This was confirmed by the mayor himself during his “Ingna’ng Mayor” program via the Sugboanon Channel on Thursday, February 15. According to Rama, his eldest son, Mikel Rama,.....»»
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......»»
Teachers, academics join growing movement vs Charter change
A newly formed alliance of teachers and academics has branded the government’s Charter change campaign as a form of historical distortion, warning that efforts to tweak the fundamental law also aim to erase the memory of the years-long anti-Marcos struggle that birthed the country’s democratic cornerstone......»»
Cebu City’s 87th Charter Day: A celebration of hope and optimism
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama led the city’s 87th Charter Day celebration on Saturday with the “hope and optimism” of a brighter future ahead. In his Charter Day message, Rama said that as the city continues to grow and evolve, the celebration should serve as a reminder of the its journey.....»»
Rama: No need to rush RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said revising the Real Property Tax (RPT) wasn’t yet necessary, showing a sudden change in his position. At first, Rama said the RPT revision had to be done this month. Later, he told the council that imposing the RPT suddenly wasn’t necessary, showing a change in.....»»
CPDO s approach to climate change and disaster reduction
CPDO s approach to climate change and disaster reduction.....»»
Cebu Daily Newscast: Rama threatens legal action against Gwen, CBRT opponents
Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu. Rama threatens legal action against Gwen, CBRT opponents Mayor Michael Rama announced on Thursday that he will take legal action against anyone who attempts to obstruct the Cebu bus rapid transit project. In his weekly radio program, Rama said that he is.....»»
Rama on Garcia as tandem in 2025, CBRT dispute: ‘I’m an independent mayor’
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama “is an independent mayor.” This was Rama’s answer when questioned about his political relationship with Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT). In an interview on Friday, March 1, Rama mentioned that he was still assessing their.....»»
Rama promises to transform Cebu City into a ‘Super City’ by 2031
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Mayor Michael Rama has made another promise to the Cebuanos, and that is to transform Cebu City into a ‘Super City’ by 2031. At the same time, Rama also made a commitment to transform all of the 80 barangays into “city-like barangays” by then. Rama’s ‘Super City’ vision was the highlight.....»»
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......»»
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......»»
Charter Day, Prayer Rally: Cebu City police on full alert
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is now on full alert status for the Charter Day celebration and Anti-Charter Change Prayer Rally this weekend, February 24-25, 2024. Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, CCPO spokesperson, relayed that the full alert status has been enforced starting Friday morning, February 23. According to Rafter,.....»»
TV5 contextualizes push for Charter change via people s initiative
CHEERS TO TV5 for its explainer on the controversial push for Charter change (also called Cha-cha) through the mechanism of a people's initiative. The five-minute report provided the necessary background on the issue and broke down the underlying strategy that sets this current attempt apart from previous undertakings......»»
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.....»»
Rama reconsiders, unites with councilors for 2025 midterm elections
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Despite previously expressing doubts about his confidence in some incumbent councilors due to their cooperation with his vision, City Mayor Michael Rama appears to have reconsidered his stance. He recently announced that these councilors would still be part of his alliance for the 2025 midterm elections. READ: Rama: 2025 election candidates.....»»
Rama calls for removal of CBRT manager Imbong amid ‘crisis’
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants the project manager of the Cebu Rapid Bus Transit to be removed from his position, citing mismanagement as the reason for the replacement. “I have enough of Imbong,” said Rama, who was referring to CBRT Project Manager Norvin Imbong and that he was recommending to.....»»