Constituent Assembly?
No way for all these Filipinos present at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas last June 10, 2009!
Yes, I snapped these pictures of Filipinos who oppose the House of Representatives being set as a constituent assembly. Many see the passage of HR 1109 convening a Constituent Assembly to amend the 1987 Constitution as a step for PGMA to become prime minister, thus extending her stay in Malacanang. All 23 senators signed a resolution expressing their opposition to a Senate-less Con-Ass. They claim it is unconstitutional.
Am sure even Senator Trillanes would have, if allowed, make his presence felt in these street protests. Groups like Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela, Kabataan, Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, Pagbabago! movement and Artists Revolution are making their presence felt. They believe that HR 1109 was intended “to strengthen” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “hold on the reins of power."
A joint statement by the United Opposition, civil society and militant groups says, "We believe the resolution is intended to change the Charter in order to strengthen Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s hold on the reins of power either through term extension, a shift to parliamentary system or any other underhanded device.”
Even the religious made their presence felt in this last rally. “Hindi democratic ang ginagawa nila sapagkat sinosolo nila ang pagpapalit ng ating konstitusyon. Kahibangan na yan," said Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is taking a stand. "What happened last night... it’s like they are betraying the people. When power corrupts, it corrupts absolutely," the CBCP president added.
Many of us, including media, have been through this road before. The parliament of the streets. From the days of EDSA 1, back in February 1986 to these days, when recession and swine flu share headlines in con-ass!
Mabuhay ang malayang Filipino!
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