Thursday, December 14, 2006 Oledan: Wayside By Radzini Oledan Slice of Life
AMIDST human suffering and devastation caused by super typhoon Reming, the House of Representatives concentrates public resources on the proposed move to amend the Constitution.
The discussion is only among the legislators and few civil society groups and religious organizations. In the wayside are the common tao who simply do not have enough information on the Charter change to enable them to participate in the decision making of the nation.
The lack of information on the proposal to amend the Charter and its implication to the country effectively disables the public to make informed choices. Even the signature campaign for the amendment of the Constitution was criticized for being manipulative, with promises of favors for those who would sign up.
Even if a survey is undertaken today, very few, if any, in the barangay level would be able to discuss extensively the reason for the amendment of the Constitution and what provisions would be amended.
More likely, one would get a response of disillusionment with national officials or mere helplessness. "Sila na lang magbuot ana kay sila man lang ang makapahimulos anang pagusab sa konstitusyon." (The politicians are the only ones who will decide because they stand to benefit from the amendment of the Constitution).
Other than the anticipated extension of the term of politicians, there are provisions in the proposed constitutional amendment, which deserves to be extensively discussed.
The constitutional amendment was geared towards removing the current protectionist provision of the Constitution, which limits foreign participation in the economy.
Once the Constitution is amended, foreign corporations will be able to fully utilize our natural resources and lease agricultural and reclaimed lands. Once foreign ownership is allowed, this would have implications to farmers, agricultural workers and indigenous peoples whose survival is tied with their reverence towards the land.
The proposed amendment of Constitution will also allow foreigners to own the mass media and public utilities -- two areas, which play a strategic role in the people's day-to-day lives.
With the full control of foreign companies not only in the economy but also in public utilities and the mass media, national consciousness stands to be further altered.
National officials may find the extension of their political terms to be favorable for them to take a stand and even support the move for constitutional amendments. But public interest dictates that they move beyond personal interest and look into these questionable provisions of the amended constitution.
The current provision, which states that the Constitution shall be operational even when there is a declaration of Martial law is declared was deleted along with the power of the legislature and the Supreme Court to review the basis for the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and to revoke such proclamation.
Under the proposed amendment, the President may also appoint his or her relatives up to the fourth civil degree. There is also no need for cabinet officials to pass through the Commission on Appointments.
Rather than soliciting public opinion and including them in the decision-making process, our legislators and other lobby groups chose to debate among themselves.
Where does that leave the people when the proposal stands to only benefit only a few?
