Letter to the Editor — Should we have a charter change?

The issue of charter change (Cha-Cha) is one of the burning issues confronting our nation nowadays.

To recall, the constitution is the fundamental law of our land. In our history, we have the Malolos constitution of 1899; Commonwealth constitution of 1935; Puppet constitution of 1943; Marcos constitution of 1973; Cory's Freedom constitution of 1986 and the prevailing 1987 constitution.

Now, there is a clamor by some sectors of our society to change once again our constitution so as to make it more suited to the needs and temperament of our times.

But the question is: Should we have a charter change or cha-cha? The reply is yes, in the sense that we must not be too conservative for no one in this world stays the same. Life is a constant change.

In this context, let us support the charter change or cha-cha. Why? Because there are many provisions in the 1987 constitution that ought to be changed or amended.

First, let us put into the firing squad the convicted rapists and killers in order to strike fear and terror into the hearts and minds of the criminals. Let us discard GMA's pronouncements of abolishing death penalty.

Second, let us return the two party system in our country. Multi-party system is so chaotic and confusing to the sensibilities of the masses of our people.

Third, let us shift to parliamentary system thereby abolishing the Senate for savings purposes in the coffers of our nation. If done, our President must still be elected directly by the masses of our people.

Fourth, let us embark in a massive industrialization of our country for it is the key to our progress and prosperity. A country is rich if its people produce goods or services for business.

Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore are prosperous countries although they have no huge natural resources.

Fifth, the educational qualifications for top-ranking officials in our government must be specified in the new constitution in sharp contrast to the present one where it only provides that a candidate must know how to read and write.

It is my firm conviction that it is not enough for one to occupy Malacañang Palace dubbed as the seat of power and influence in our country, a president who does not even hold a degree or finished college, like former President Erap Estrada.

Therefore, we must dance to the tune of "cha-cha".

Jenner S. Lobedica

San Remegio, Cebu