This is not the time to push for Charter Change, Catholic prelates said, urging the government to focus on uplifting the lives of the people amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
In an interview Tuesday, Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos told gov't leaders, "Prioritise bills that will uplift their living and working conditions. Set aside amendments of the Constitution."
"Give emphasis on jobs creation, improvements of internet connectivity especially with modular and online learning," he added.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, echoed the statement adding politicians should be sensitive to the needs of the people.
"It is not Cha-cha that the people need but food, jobs, health, education," he said.
Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes described the push for cha-cha "self-serving."
"Very bad move. There is no need for a charter change now. This is self-serving," he said.
The bishops issued the statement after the League of Municipalities of the Philippines passed a resolution proposing several amendments to the 1987 Constitution.