Caritas Philippines Opposes Charter Change, Calls for Prioritization of Social Services and Anti-Corruption Measures

Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on Friday stated charter change (Cha-cha) initiatives, urging the government to instead focus on strengthening basic social services, combating corruption, and implementing programs that address the plight of the poor.

 "Any attempt to alter the Constitution, especially when shrouded in secrecy and lacking genuine public participation, raises serious concerns about its true motives," said Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

There had been a circulating petition to amend the 1987 Constitution.  “Tell people not to sign! This is not an initiative of the people but of some politicians,” said Bishop Broderick Pabillo,  the Vicar Apostolic of Taytay of Palawan province, in a Thursday statement shared by the CBCP.

Pabillo alleged there are offers for money in exchange for signing the petition. 

Charter change proponents claimed that the amendments would only focus on the economic provisions of the Constitution, which limit the flow of foreign capital into the country, denying better economic conditions for the people.

But Bagaforo said, "Poverty will always be a problem if corruption is allowed to fester within our government. Instead of wasting time and resources on amending the Constitution, the government should prioritize measures to eradicate corruption and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic social services to our people." 

 “If the Constitution is to be revised at all, the process should lead to a greater defense and promotion of the moral values of human dignity and human rights, integrity and truth, participation and solidarity, and the common good," he added.

Fr. Antonio Labiao, Jr., Caritas Philippines Executive Director, urged the government to focus on passing legislation that addresses pressing concerns, namely, environmental protection, anti-dynasty measures and electoral reforms.

He said there is a need for a comprehensive mining reform law that protects the environment and the rights of local communities, and Congress has failed to act on this issue for too long.

"A genuine anti-dynasty law is crucial to breaking the stranglehold of political dynasties in our democracy. The Filipino people deserve leaders who are chosen based on merit, not family connections," said Labiao.

"We need reforms that ensure the quality of our elections and the integrity of the vote. Only then can we have a truly representative democracy free from manipulation and vote-buying."

Caritas Philippines reminded the government of its sacred duty to fulfill the promises of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. "The Filipino people deserve a government that prioritizes their needs and aspirations, not personal agendas. Let's focus on building a just and equitable society, not on rewriting the Constitution for personal gain," said Labiao.

Pabillo said the petition is after establishing a constitutional assembly, wherein both houses of Congress would vote jointly, putting aside the senators because there are 315 representatives compared to only 24 senators.

Under Philippine law, there are three ways to revise it.  provided for doing that: through Congress sitting as a constituent assembly; a constitutional convention of elected delegates; or a people’s initiative through a direct petition of at least 12 percent of registered voters with at least 3 percent from every legislative district. (MTV)