A seminar on CHACHA (Charter Change) was held last Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 1:30pm – 4:30pm inside the Albert van Gansewinkel Hall of the University of San Carlos – Main Campus. The organizers of the seminar shared an overview of what CHA-CHA is about, discussed the “SUPAK CHA-CHA” movement, and discussed the issue on the House Bill number 1109: “A resolution calling upon the members of the Congress to convene for the purpose of considering proposals to amend or revise the Constitution, upon a vote of three-fourths of all the members of the Congress”.
Here is a little background of what CHA-CHA is about (based on the speakers’ discussion). Charter Change refers to the political and other related processes involved in amending or revising the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines_charter_change). There are three modes of which it could be amended: through people’s initiative, constituent assembly, or constitutional convention.
Furthermore, the speakers discussed the problems arising from CHA-CHA in the present times. First, it will lead to the extension of terms of different government officials since the nation will undergo a transitory government. Second, the people fear that CHA-CHA will not go smoothly because it is believed that the GMA Administration lacks credibility and has high distrust rating.
SUPAK CHA-CHA (which stands for “Sugbuanong Adlaw sa Pagpakabana Kontra CHA-CHA ni Gloria”) aims to inform the community of the deceptive issue of CHA-CHA. The advocates of SUPAK in believe that this action taken by the government may cause political, social, and economic chaos not only in Cebu but also in every part of Philippines. Attorney Democrito Barcenas, former IBP Cebu City Chapter president, and Fr. Max Abalos, SVD, a SUPAK CHA-CHA advocate, discussed the possible events that may happen in the near future, and its corresponding effects on the society.
According to the speakers, “changing the Constitution is not bad at all. However, it must be done in a timely manner, not this time when the national elections draw near. This may sound too political in nature, but the movement believes that this issue concerns everyone. If the Constitutional Assembly will take effect in these present times, there will be chaos. With this, we will probably lose our democracy.” The seminar became an eye-opener to everyone who knows little of the current issue.
(A rally will be held this Monday, July 27, 2009, at three in the afternoon at the Fuente Osmeña Circle to show the oneness of the Cebuanos in their stand against House Bill 1109. For those who are interested, you may come and join to join and participate in this event and be one with other Filipinos in fighting against CHA-CHA!)
For evil to triumph, it is for good men (and women) to do nothing.
-Sir Edmund Burke
