Philippines: Bishops’ conference advises ‘careful discernment’ against Charter Change petition

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) advises the faithful to observe “careful discernment, discussion, and prayer” amid the circulating signature campaign aiming to amend the country’s Constitution.

In a statement released on January 31, CBCP President Pablo Virgilio David pointed out that the so-called People’s Initiative on Charter Change did not undergo a careful study and discussion.

“It seems that this People’s Initiative was initiated by a few public servants and not truly from the initiative of ordinary citizens,” he said. “If that is the case, it involves deception and disregard for our true and free participation in the democratic process of our country. Is that good?”

Bishop David also stated that many experts have already explained that addressing economic concerns is possible even without amending the Constitution, which was ratified and enforced in 1987.

Therefore, the prelate reminded Filipinos not to sign or agree to any petition hastily.

“Let us not allow such deceptive systems to continue, encouraging those who continuously exploit our nation. Truly, this is not good!” said Bishop David.

This is the sixth time the CBCP has released a statement against Charter Change, colloquially known in the Philippines as Cha-Cha.

The signature campaign being circulated seeks to give power to the House of Representatives to jointly vote on the proposed constitutional amendments with the Senate.

This puts the House of Representatives, composed of more than 300 lawmakers, at an advantage against the Senate, which only has 24 members.

Furthermore, the People’s Initiative has been riddled with vote-buying allegations, putting its legitimacy into question. 

Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged that the People’s Initiative is “being used politically.”

“I’ve asked the leaders of both Houses and, again, some of the best constitutional minds that we have in the Philippines, to come up with a simpler solution that does not cause so much controversy,” he said.

Nevertheless, the president reaffirmed his position that economic provisions in the Philippine Constitution must be amended.