Filipino bishops have expressed concern over the People’s Initiative to amend the Constitution, which is initiated by “a few public servants,” and called the people to discern, discuss, and pray over similar petitions.
“We are concerned about the reports of signatures gathered across the country for a so-called People’s Initiative. Many could sign for various reasons, but it is clear that their signing is not the result of a careful study and discussion,” said the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in a statement signed by CBCP President and Caloocan bishop Pablo Virgilio David issued on Wednesday.
“It seems that this People’s Initiative was initiated by a few public servants and not truly from the initiative of ordinary citizens. 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?,” they added.
The statement that was issued during the first biennial assembly of the bishops held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila starts with a quote from the bible, Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments of God…”
“Indeed, only God is truly good, as our Lord said! And all become truly good when united with the God of goodness. As Filipinos, we are a blessed nation in countless ways, with bountiful natural resources, very skilled citizens and, above all, God-fearing in character, attitude, and behavior. That is good!,” the prelates continued.
1987 Constitution
The bishops noted that the body of laws was created after Martial law was lifted and “created to ensure the well-being of every Filipino citizen.”
The Constitution, the fundamental law of the country, was completed by the Constitutional Commission on October 12, 1986, and ratified by a nationwide plebiscite on February 2, 1987. It contains 18 articles including the definition of National Territory and the Bill of Rights.
They used a quote from former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr. about the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “…It is the only Constitution that is pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-People, pro-Poor, pro-Life, pro-Law, pro-Family, pro-Marriage, pro-Human Rights, pro-Women, and pro-Environment…”
“Therefore, any discussion about it is crucial and should not be taken lightly,” the bishops said.
The bishops warned that affixing one’s signature to the People’s Initiative as a way to amend the Constitution means “you are giving our lawmakers the power to change our Constitution.”
“The discussion may focus on economic aspects, but even senators acknowledge the possibility of broader changes if this People’s Initiative succeeds,” they added.
Economic provisions
Experts said economic issues can be addressed without resorting to Charter change.
“Many economists and sociologists point out that our Constitution is not the real hindrance to our progress. As the International Trade Administration states, “The Philippines continues to lag among Asia-Pacific peers due to poor infrastructure and a decline in government and business efficiency…” It seems clear what is not good!,” said the bishops.
The people should be vigilant even if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the proceedings regarding the People’s Initiative.
The bishops, meanwhile, pledge to initiate discussions about the Constitution and other current issues.
“Our hope is to reflect and decide for the genuine good of all!,” they said.
“Our prayer is that we will not sign or agree to any petition without careful discernment, discussion, and prayer. Let us not allow such deceptive systems to continue, encouraging those who continuously exploit our nation. Truly, this is not good!,” they added.
