Set the people free

Tomorrow, members of the consultative commission fan out in teams across Visayas and Mindanao to tackle the most important aspect of its mandate: consultations with the people. Since it was organized, the Consultative Commission discussed among themselves the three major areas for constitutional amendments: form of government, structure of the republic and economic provisions.

Curiously, not everyone in the group agrees with the meaning of consultations. There are those who think that we should approach the consultations ‘tabula rasa’– without any position until after the consultations. That, they say, would be more democratic. Yes, it is democratic to bring the message of charter change to the people before making final recommendations to the President. But these have to be principled consultations. Otherwise what did we discuss and debate the issues for if we will end up bringing nothing to the people except the vague message that we are being ‘democratic.’

The Filipino public will decide whether we amend the 1987 Constitution or not. That is a given, not something to hope for or dispensed by us or Congress. The Constitution is clear: any amendments or revision proposed by a constituent assembly or a convention need to be ratified by the people before they can be enforced.

President GMA created the Constitutional Commission to overcome criticisms that amendment proposals should only come from Congress. That, I believe is our task. Instead of leaving the matter to Congress as the Constitution mandates, the commission becomes a half-way house between the President, Congress and the people.

If that is our role then our duty is to inform and educate the people. That is the sine qua non of the consultations. It may sound noble to say we will just listen to what the audiences in our sorties have to say. We will have to do more than just listen. We will need to raise political awareness but in the language they understand to prepare them for the sovereign act of ratification. If we do not, we will have failed in our duty. The people seek the means to be freed from the bondage of ignorance and poverty. Charter change is such a way. How can we lead if we do not have convictions of our own?

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It was good to meet up with former President FVR at a dinner tendered by President GMA for members of the Consultative Commission. These days, he has become one of the most effective advocates of charter change. As he has explained, he was against charter change during PIRMA days because he was against removing term limits. It was necessary for him to be in position before we could ask him to lead any initiative for the more substantive issues for charter change. A people’s initiative allows only one provision for amendment.

Today, it is different. He is no longer in power and as he has often said, do not wish any more hassles but to be a beloved statesman who only wishes to serve his country. The task of leading the country for charter change has fallen on the lap of President GMA. Lucky girl. It is she who has been gifted with the extraordinary opportunity to carve a worthy niche in the country’s history.

I have a picture of the big Luneta rally which dashed all our hopes in PIRMA then: the late Cardinal Sin flanked by Cory Aquino, Erap, Jinggoy and GMA. This was the rally in which the late cardinal called advocates of charter change ‘devils’. Thousands came when it was announced that masses will be held to make sure that as many came, under pain of mortal sin.

FVR must remember those days with sadness. But like Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim he is given a second chance to serve his people as a primary advocate of charter change. He tells all who would listen what he most wants are amendments which would "transform our presidential form of government to a parliamentary system.’ He is not averse to a federal system and says we can continue with a unitary framework until we are ready for the transition. This is also the emerging consensus in the commission – for phased federalism.

FVR argues for a greater sharing of political power and a broader base of leaders and stakeholders. Without mincing words he says the ‘root cause of many of our problems is the incestuous link between business and politics. "Throughout our history, wealthy, powerful and politically entrenched families have been able to use public authority for their private benefit. "

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The majority Coalition of the House of Representatives and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) have agreed to a strategic coalition and partnership for charter change. In the 18-point memorandum of agreement, they cited the urgency of the effort and bound themselves to pool their efforts to get it done. On changing the unitary to federal structure they agreed on a transition period. They also cited President GMA for giving the highest political priority for the shift to a parliamentary government and a federal system acceptable to LGUs.

It was signed by Speaker Jose C. de Venecia on behalf of the House of Representatives and Gov. Erico B. Aumentado, president of ULAP. Other signatories were Emilio Espinosa, Constantino Jaraula, Douglas Cagas, Exequiel Javier and Junie Cua for the House of Representatives; James Calisin, Angelito Gatlabayan, Gerardo Calderon, Vincent Piccio, Alan Zulueta, Ramon Hernandez, Carlo Fortuna, Elmer Datuin, Julian Coseteng, Ariel Arcillas, Shirley Aala, Editha Demetria, Ernesto Jalbuena on the side of local authority. Officers of the Consultative Commission witnessed the signing.

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MISCELLANY: The Israeli Embassy in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Cultural Center of the Philippines will hold a concert on Thursday 27th of October at the Ayala Museum to honor and remember Anne Frank who wrote a diary when her family hid from Nazis in a shelter in Holland.

The World Islamic Society has sent an invitation for a one day seminar on "Understanding Muslim-Christian Response to Violence" on Saturday 29 October at Luzon Ballroom at the Westin Hotel followed by the Lftar (breaking of the fast).

From Embassy of Sri Lanka a notice on the EU travel ban on Liberation Tigers of Tamil (LTTF) to stop the use of child soldiers.

Sen. Richard Gordon will tender a testimonial dinner in honor of Saed A Daof, Director General of the Center for Peace and Development in Mindanao at Rizal Light and Sound Museum in Intramuros at 7.30 on 27th October.

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My e-mail is [email protected]