No need for Cha-cha to shore up economy, say groups

Amending the 1987 Constitution is not the remedy to spur Philippine economic growth, according to the newly launched "Buhay ang EDSA Network Campaign."

Members of the network from different organizations, sectors, and civic groups gathered on Monday at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani to oppose ongoing attempts to change certain provisions in the Charter, a report on "24 Oras" by Sandra Aguinaldo said.

The groups also reminded the people of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which will have its 38th anniversary on February 25.

"Yung pag attract natin ng foreign investors hindi problema ng Constitution 'yan, problema 'yan ng pagkukulang natin sa batas at kumpiyansa nila sa ating sistema ng hustisya," said lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno, chairperson of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation.

Leaders of Congress pushing for Charter change both said the move was aimed only at the economic provisions.

Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 seeks to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly Articles XII, XIV, and XVI.

The constitutional provisions on public services, education, and advertising industry will be amended by adding the phrase "unless otherwise provided by law."

The groups rallied the Filipinos to protect and uphold the Constitution, which they said has crucial provisions promoting the people's rights to free speech, assembly, and expression.

"Nagtakda ang Konstitusyon ng taning sa panunungkulan ng mga politiko upang hindi sila magtagal sa kapangyarihan at pigilan ang pag-iral ng mga dinastiya. Naghigpit ang Konstitusyon sa mga kondisyon ng pagdedeklara ng batas militar," said Francis Aquino Dee of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

The groups said they would hold various activities during the EDSA People Power anniversary to keep its memory alive.  A mass at the EDSA Shrine will be held on February 23.

Falling on a Sunday this year, February 25 is not on the list of holidays Malacañang earlier released.

The Office of the President maintained its respect for the commemoration of the event in 1986.

"However, such was not included in the list of special non-working days for the year 2024 as February 25 falls on a Sunday,” the statement said.

“There is a minimal socio-economic impact in declaring such a day as a special non-working holiday since it coincides with the rest day for most workers/laborers,” it added. —LDF, GMA Integrated News