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Friday, March 24, 2006
Groups rally v. Charter change bid
By Danilo V. Adorador III
AN INTERFAITH and multi sectoral prayer assembly Thursday called on Malacañang to shelve Charter change initiatives and for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to settle once and for all the questions hounding her presidency's legitimacy.
The prayer rally was organized by the civil society Engaged Citizens of Cagayan de Oro.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye warned Thursday the standoff between the Senate and House of Representatives on how to tackle the proposed constitutional amendment would hurt public welfare and interest.
The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday proposing that the Senate and the House vote separately on the proposed amendments. President Arroyo's allies in the House of Representative want the voting with the two chambers sitting as one collegial body.
One major point of differences is the senators' preference to amend the Constitution through a constitutional convention while the House wants it done through a constituent assembly.
"It is a pity that the interest and welfare of the nation is being set back by the continuing impasse between the Senate and the House on the issue of Charter change. We hope that both chambers can work out a principled middle ground in settling their differences so we can overhaul our poisoned political system," he said.
Bunye said amending the 1987 Constitution is the main key to an enduring national stability and prosperity.
Engaged lead convener Jose Nebrao disagreed, saying that Charter change should only be initiated if the cloud of doubts hanging on Arroyo's legitimacy as president is removed.
"We're not saying she cheated but we feel that her explanation on the Hello Garci scandal was not enough," Nebrao said, short of saying that the president submits herself in an impeachment process now being prepared by the opposition in the House.
"We have forgiven her but sorry per se is not enough," he said, referring to Arroyo's mea culpa speech months after she was accused of calling a high-ranking election official to ensure her 2004 poll victory.
The two-hour prayer rally, held at the City Kiosk under the watch of about 10 policemen, also reiterated the multi-sectoral opposition to the no-election proposals.
"We should hold elections so that the people will have the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice," Nebrao added.
Religious leaders from the Catholic, protestant Muslim faiths and even the indigenous communities offered ecumenical prayers.
(March 24, 2006 issue)
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