The broad coalition composed of several sectors and organizations in Negros Occidental formally launched on Tuesday, March 13, its group called “Paghimud-os Negros” in a press conference at the lobby of the Bishop’s House, Bacolod City.
The group will be coming out with a manifesto on the proposed charter change (cha-cha).
The group’s co-convenor, former governor Rafael Coscolluela, said the coalition is a citizens’ movement that started during the commemoration of Edsa People Power Revolution on February 25 where several groups had asked to call for democracy and to harness people power for good governance.
“As such, we will endeavor to keep all partners actively involved in nation-building through affirmative action, vigilance and responsible citizenship and if needed militant but peaceful action against government abuse or malpractices,” Coscolluela said.
As of this time, 22 groups have joined the coalition.
While the country is hounded with several issues, the coalition agreed to take on the proposed change in the Constitution and Constituent Assembly as a means to amend the Charter, he said.
He said copies of the manifesto, which will be up for signature, will be sent to Malacañang and the Congress so they will know the real sentiments of the public on the issue.
When asked if they are against the administration, Coscolluela clarified that they are not.
"These are the issues that affect the nation and unfortunately, many of these are related to government action. So naturally, the president being the head of state, many of these issues would eventually go up to his level. But this is not specifically anti-Duterte,” he said.
He added: “In fact, during the celebration of Edsa, it was emphasized that this is not a call to depose the president and I believe that such action, at this time, would be too disruptive.”
The initial manifesto presented included their call for Congress to reconsider their move to introduce amendments to the 1987 Constitution through a Constituent Assembly.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for one has long maintained that any initiative must be done by a Constitutional Convention composed of citizens elected by the people on the basis of their credentials and competence.
The coalition also asks for vigilance on everyone's part to ensure that the provisions of the 1987 Constitution on the bill of rights, the sanctity of family, the call for social justice and the need to protect our sovereignty as an independent nation, are all preserved and not diminished by any changes in the Constitution.
The process of Charter Change is accorded adequate time for proposed amendments as well as alternatives to be submitted, studied and discussed openly to ensure that Filipinos are provided enough time to understand the implications and are able to vote on it in an informed and intelligent manner, the manifesto said.
They also called on the public to be vigilant and responsible.
Meanwhile, the group will hold series of public forums on charter change and federalism today and Friday at St. John Vianney Hall at the Bishop's House from 1 to 5 p.m.
Forum speakers will include Negrense political commentator Alex Lacson who will tackle "Charter Change: The Process, Issues and Concerns " today, and former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares who will talk about "Charter Change: For Better or for Worst?" on March 16.
