The move to Cha-cha will not cease simply because like any human work, our charter is an imperfect document that can not envision and cover all possible situations cropping up in this dynamic and ever changing world. The immutable truth is that even if our Charter has already undergone the desired changes now being vigorously advocated by some individuals and groups, there will still be subsequent moves to change it further for as long as people spot defects in it.
To be sure, there are really some proposed changes that look desirable and imperative as effective cures for the many ills besetting our country particularly in the field of politics and governance. But a cursory glance at their proponents readily turns off a lot of people. Their past actions and moves on the Cha-cha unfailingly raise skepticism on their real motive of just perpetuating themselves in power. Hence opposition to the Cha-cha move easily gains ground until it is again stalled.
Actually our Charter itself provides a solution to this apparent impasse. It provides a mechanism to officially determine the peoples’ real pulse and to validate the public opinion on whether they like to change the charter or not including the mode of changing it. Article XVII Section 3 says that Congress by a majority vote of all its members may submit to the electorate the question of calling a Constitutional Convention for the amendment to or revision of the Constitution. There is still time for Congress to act so that this issue can be submitted to the people in a referendum to coincide with the 2010 election.
On the other hand, whether our Charter is really defective or not, a lot of Pinoys still think that another kind of change, not Charter change is what we really need. In this connection, let me quote a thought provoking message (edited) I received in the e-mail coming from a certain Paul Alcordo, TheFilipino.com, PO Box 56575 Phoenix AZ 85079:
“It’s not the government that needs to change. It’s the people who need to change. Everything starts with one’s self. Self-discipline is what the people lack. You cannot blame the government for the things they do because people allow it to happen. I may sound crazy to you but hear this out.
How many people do you know or have heard would accept money or any free stuff from a politician during an election? How many people just flat out pay someone at the government office so that their request would be done quicker?
How many buses or jeepneys do not stop at the designated bus stop or jeepney stop? How many people would rush unto the bus in a bus station without regard of the people who were there first? How many times have you seen people rush to get ahead in a line even though they just got there? How many people “answer the call of nature” on walls, posts, or wherever?
How many cars run the red light? Why slowly creep up until it’s free and then cross? Why can’t they wait until it’s green?
You see, these are just some examples of everyday life events that people should be aware of. Until these attitudes (like lack of discipline) are changed, it will never change. It will be like a cycle and it doesn’t matter who sits in that seat, it will still be the same. It could be George Bush, Kennedy, or whoever you think is a good leader sitting in the office and it will still be the same.
If people would just say NO to the money or whatever it is the politician is giving out, then it wouldn’t be an issue. If people would not just shell out money to facilitate government transactions, then corruption would be lessened.
If jeepneys or buses stopped at the designated stops, there wouldn’t be any congestion. If there was a number system at the bus station, people wouldn’t have to rush in and run over kids and old people. If you want to be there first, then go early so you can get a lower number. There would be no pushing because the right number of people would be loaded on the bus. It also lessens confusion. If you’re going to be late, then you are late. Don’t make your fault be an emergency to other people. If you think you were going to run late, then leave early. If people would just wait until they see a restaurant or public CR and urinate, the streets would not smell bad.
Hence, basically it’s not the government that is at fault, it’s the people. People let it happen. People are waiting for something to happen or someone to make it happen. Just look around everyday and look at yourself and what you do.
Imagine if 88 million people said no to the money that politicians give, or refrain from giving grease money to facilitate government action, if they fall in line, if they don’t just have kids because they are hot, and if they don’t wait for someone to do it for them. What do you think would happen? Now that’s power.
If you can’t point the finger at yourself, then the Philippines really has a long way to go. Anyone always has another excuse and lays the blame on someone else. Somehow, it’s just so hard to point that finger at one’s self. Until we stop this finger pointing, then change will never happen”.
Reminder to all UST Alumni: General Homecoming on February 16, 2008 at the Plaza Mayor, UST Campus starting 4 p.m. For further details call Office of Alumni Relations, 0922-9621004, e-mail uste_homecoming2008@yahoo.com
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