Enough of no-el, says con-com member

A member of the presidential consultative commission (con-com) asked the people yesterday to look at their other proposed amendments to the Constitution instead of focusing on their controversial proposal to suspend elections next year.

Bishop Efraim Tendero, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches national director, said the "no elections" proposal contained in their recommendation has overshadowed other equally important provisions in the draft they submitted to President Arroyo.

"The provisions on judicial reforms, and strengthening of local government units and autonomy should also be given similar attention," he said.

"These just can’t be simply overshadowed by no-el."

Tendero stressed that the people should be informed of other proposed amendments since they will ultimately be affected by the changes.

"People should look at the merits of the proposal and not just on the appeals," he said.

Tendero said while the issue on no-el is still hanging, it is best to take a look at other proposed changes in the Charter since Mrs. Arroyo’s allies are among those still divided over the issue.

Former President Fidel Ramos, a member of an Evangelical Church, would keep his stand against the no-el provision favored by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., he added.

Tendero, who was among the 19 con-com members who voted against the no-el provision, believes the people should be given a chance to assess their leaders through elections.

"You must not take away the voice of the people," he said. "It is necessary, especially at this point to test the mandate of the people holding power."

Tendero said Mrs. Arroyo, Vice President Noli de Castro and the 12 senators, whose terms end in 2010, would not be affected by the proposal since only congressmen and the 12 other senators will take part in next year’s elections.

"We want people to recognize that hope is found in Jesus as the Prince of Peace," he said. "Jesus is the one who can give us that inward transformation that is necessary for our desired changes in society."

The PCEC is working to help unite Filipinos by hosting a four-day festival for Franklin Graham, who followed his father Billy in preaching to millions of people in 33 American states and 17 other countries, he added.

The festival, which aims "to gather Filipinos to hear the Gospel and be invited to respond, be disciplined and integrated in the local Church to worship and serve the Lord," will be held at Rizal Park in Manila on Feb. 2 to 5. — Edu Punay