Members of the “Koalisyon Laban sa Chacha," on Thursday, Feb, 22 marched to Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila to voice their opposition to Charter change (Chacha).

The coalition, which included various religious groups and people's organizations, urged the government to shift its focus to addressing Filipinos' genuine concerns.

They emphasized the importance of tackling issues such as ending hunger and poverty, generating better employment opportunities with higher wages, ensuring affordable housing, maintaining quality education, preserving the environment, and safeguarding human rights.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chair of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for Social Action, Justice, and Peace participated in the event and offered prayers in support of the coalition's objectives.

“We pray that our leaders will not be led into the temptation of changing the Constitution for power and riches but instead be steadfast in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as servant-leaders of the people,” Bagaforo, who was one of the Koalisyon’s convenors, said.

The mass action by Koalisyon Laban sa Chacha commenced with an ecumenical gathering featuring three parts: “panaghoy” (lamentation), “panalangin” (prayer), and “paninindigan” (conviction).

These elements symbolize the group's united plea for discernment, opposing any attempt to amend the Constitution that could undermine democratic principles and people's rights.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, another convenor of Koalisyon, urged fellow government officials to engage in deep reflection on their roles in society.

She emphasized the importance of heeding the call of Pope Francis to embrace a better kind of politics for the common good.

“We have been selected by the people to serve their interests and not to be served," Honteveros said.

"I hope my fellow lawmakers and other government officials realize this in their reflection and finally shun the present push for Chacha,” she added.

During the panaghoy, sectoral and community leaders brought attention to the real-life struggles of the poor, emphasizing urgent issues such as hunger, unemployment, climate change, and human rights.

Meanwhile, during the panalangin, priests, religious individuals, and pastors took the lead in guiding Koalisyon members through prayers.

They also addressed the ethical and moral considerations associated with Chacha, emphasizing the profound responsibility of every Christian to uphold faith-based values and principles.

"They say the Philippines is the chosen land. May we continue to be blessed and guided by God, especially in crucial decisions that will not only affect us but also the succeeding generations," Fr. Arnel Glodobe said in Filipino.

Moreover, during the paninindigan, the coalition's convenors outlined campaign plans and actions aimed at increasing awareness about Chacha.

They expressed a shared commitment to resist proposals for constitutional changes, emphasizing their determination to raise awareness against the current plans for Charter change.

Furthermore, AKBAYAN Youth’s Justine Balane appealed to the younger generation, encouraging them to set an example as Filipino youth.

He also urged those in positions of power to commit to campaigning against Chacha.

“We are taught that the young should be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. May all Filipino youth fulfill this calling through their advocacy to preserve the soul of the nation,” Balane said.

On Feb. 12, senators expressed the view that the Philippines is already open for business without requiring any constitutional amendments.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/12/senators-ph-is-open-for-business-no-need-for-charter-change