Honasan's logic: If you're pro-EDSA People Power, then you shouldn't fear Cha-cha 

Former senator Gringo Honasan (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Former senator Gringo Honasan has evoked the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution in his bid to convince Filipinos to support the Charter change (Cha-cha) movement in Congress. 

Honasan, who was pivotal to the launch of the bloodless revolution nearly 40 years ago, served as a resource person Wednesday, March 6--the last day of the Committee of the Whole's discussions on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.7. 

As if reaching out to the layman, he said during his presentation in plenary: "As productivity increases in the Philippines, more job opportunities will be created, more investments will be spurred, and poverty will be alleviated- fostering a stable and peaceful environment for growth across all sectors of our economy." 

"Ang atin pong Saligang Batas ay nabuo matapos ang makasaysayang EDSA People Power Revolution noong 1986, halos apat na mahabang dekada na ang nakaraan. Sa aking paninindigan, panahon na upang baguhin natin ang ating Konstitusyon," reckoned Honasan. 

(Our Constitution was formed after the historic EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 nearly four decades ago. For me, it's now time to change our Constitution.) 

"Dahil ano ba ang diwa ng EDSA? Hindi ba't pagbabago ang tunay na kahulugan ng ating ipinaglaban noong 1986? Kaya para sa akin, hindi tayo dapat matakot sa pagbabago," Honasan said. 

(What is the spirit of EDSA? Wasn't the desire for change our true driving force in 1986? That's why for me, we shouldn't fear change.) 

Honasan further declared that "It is time to confront the economic challenges posed by evolving geopolitical dynamics, rapid technological advancements, and global trade within digital economies." 

"Again, I extend my full support for the three proposed amendments to the Constitution's economic provisions. These amendments, together with economic policy reforms through legislation, will propel the Philippines to be on par with neighboring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam," he added. 

The ex-lawmaker was referring to the proposed lifting of prohibitions in the Constitution, specifically under Articles XII, XIV, and XVI. 

"Kapag hindi tayo nagbago, maiiwan tayo. At kapag nanatili tayong sarado sa buong mundo, kawawa ang mamamayang Pilpino," Honasan said. 

(If we don't change, we'll get left behind. And Filipinos would be pitiful if we remain closed to the world.)

The Committee of the Whole approved RBH 7 on Wednesday afternoon.