The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Council of the Laity of the Philippines) has rejected moves to change the constitution.
In a statement dated January 18, the group said "now is not the time for charter change as millions are suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic."
"We cry out in a loud and categorical manner that we oppose these moves," Laiko said.
"This is not the opportune time to deal with Cha-Cha. We are in the midst of a pandemic with millions of our countrymen suffering from lack of food, shelter, job, education and a decent and comprehensive health care system," the group said.
"We call on our lawmakers: address the needs of the people now. They need your attention," it added.
For Laiko, the resolutions advocating for charter change are a "sheer waste of our precious time, energy, effort, and money."
The group also underscored the proximity of the next national and local elections as well as the end of the terms of the present leadership.
"With the 2022 elections just about a year and a half away, who will not suspect other underlying political motivations?" asked Laiko.
The group urged the public to be "vigilant, pray, discern, and speak out."
The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments convened on January 13 to continue the discussions on the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 2 filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
It seeks to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution to attract foreign investments and help the country recover from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.