A Call To Prayer

Despite what Malacanan says, despite malicious rumors that the event may be scuttled by dark elements and by the participants themselves, the prayer rally set for Sunday, 17 December, at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta is still a go. Treat this event like a roll call - if you believe that the attempts to revise our Constitution are ill-timed, please join us.

We will be posting our final arrangements for our motorcade and march to Luneta by tomorrow at the latest. Your participation will be very much appreciated.

And in case you haven't read these statements by Archbishop Tony Ledesma of the CBCP, the Makati Business Club, and the Bishops-Businessmen's Conference, here they are:

Pastoral Letter

A WRONG MOVE BY THE WRONG PEOPLE AT THE WRONG TIME

The events in the House of Representatives last week that unfolded over TV and other modes of mass media have triggered such a widespread outcry that the proponents for a Constituent Assembly have backtracked from their original position. But the challenge is not yet over.

It is well to ask ourselves why there was such a swelling of righteous indignation in the first place. This was expressed by various sectors ranging from Civil Society groups that characterized the House proceedings as “garapal” (i.e., brazen, callous, desperate) to the CBCP statement that bluntly described the actuations of the House majority as “fraudulently illegitimate and scandalously immoral.”

First, it was the wrong move. The Lower House cannot blithely bypass the Senate in a duly constituted bicameral Congress. It cannot simply change house rules to rush the revision of the basic law of the land. And it should not dispense with the principle of checks and balances in our democracy; otherwise, as has already happened too often in the past, one party may issue all the checks while the people are left with a zero balance.

Secondly, it was the wrong people. Congressmen are elected by districts to represent primarily the interests of their constituents; they cannot be expected to transform themselves overnight to have a broader outlook for the entire nation and to be divested of their localized, much less personalized, interests. The suggestion of postponing the May elections and extending their terms is a blatant manifestation of self-serving interests on the part of the representatives. Even players in a basketball game cannot be their own referee to declare overtime.

We should also be reminded that the present Administration that backed the Con Ass still has to give a full accounting for the “Hello, Garci” tapes, the Bolante fertilizer fund scam, the Mayuga report, extra-judicial killings, etc. Going beyond political partisanship, these are moral issues that continue to prick the Christian conscience. Charter change cannot be made a diversionary tactic to leave unanswered these prior questions on the credibility of the present leadership.

Finally, it was the wrong time. Just when the issue of the People’s Initiative had been resolved by the Supreme Court, the hurried move for a Constituent Assembly raised anew fears of manipulation and railroading (as indeed descriptive of the Cha Cha train). Why the haste in revising the fundamental law of the land? Why not allow the holding first of May elections that are constitutionally mandated and can indeed provide the genuine people’s initiative in retaining or replacing the present leadership?

What then are some lessons we have learned?

First, that we want the rule of law and not of men. Our law-makers should not be seen as law-breakers, or people who bend due process to suit their own interests.

Secondly, that democracy is not only a matter of numbers, but of moral principles. For the thoughtful observer, a well-reasoned objection is more convincing than a hundred “ayes” on the floor.

And thirdly, we can indeed heed the dictum that politicians look to the next elections, whereas statesmen look to the next generation.

It is in this light that as citizens we must maintain our vigilance. On December 17th, there is a call for inter-faith prayer rallies in Manila and other cities, including Cagayan de Oro. This will show our solidarity and social concern over what is happening to our country.

This would also provide an appropriate occasion for us to start forming engaged (and enraged) citizens’ groups in our parishes to prepare for the next elections or referendum. These groups should first enunciate the moral principles they want to be embodied in the leaders that they choose. Moreover, it is perhaps time to look for a new crop of leaders with ideals and Gospel values that can give hope for a brighter future for our country.

Together with other faith communities and people of goodwill we can all join hands and hearts to build the City of Man even as we acknowledge the over-arching moral principles of the City of God.

+ Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J.,D.D.
Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
12 December 2006

MAKATI BUSINESS CLUB

A STATEMENT ON THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MOVE TO PURSUE A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

In utter disrespect for the rule of law, Administration allies in the House of Representatives have voted to conveniently amend their own rules in order to pursue their scheme of a Constitutional Amendment through a Constituent Assembly. The move sets a dangerous precedent and does not augur well for the future of democracy and the prospects of policy formulation, predictability, and stability.

Consider the following –

1. The Administration attempted to push for Charter Change through a "people’s initiative". The initiative was struck down by the Supreme Court which referred to the signature collection campaign as a deception, as it was led by the government itself.

2. Public opinion runs strongly against Charter Change, especially by means of a people’s initiative or Constituent Assembly.

3. A Constituent Assembly is fraught with conflict-of-interest issues because Congressmen themselves may be strongly tempted to propose changes to the Constitution which would benefit their political careers (e.g., changes such as term limits, district representation, and others).

4. In order to railroad the change, the House had to first amend its own rules which stipulate that a Constitutional Amendment through a Constituent Assembly requires a vote of the House and Senate voting separately – the method prescribed to pass ordinary laws. This is an open admission that its own argument that a mere joint vote is constitutionally sufficient was flawed to begin with. It also reflects the penchant for changing rules midstream when the rules suit those in power.

5. In order to create a workable timetable for a Constituent Assembly, proponents have proposed that the 2007 elections be postponed to a later date. Should that happen, elective officials whose terms are supposed to end on June 30, 2007 would all be overstaying and therefore illegitimate holders of public office.

6. The move to railroad Charter Change through Constituent Assembly has obviously been timed to coincide with the retirement of the Chief Justice, a pillar of strength in upholding the rule of law.

Such a brazen and desperate act to amend the Constitution in the face of legal defeat and strong anti-Cha-Cha public opinion indicates that the administration and its allies will stop at nothing to bring about changes which may have questionable benefit on the country. We appeal to the Senate and the Supreme Court to unequivocally reject these undemocratic acts.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference

NOT THIS WAY

With the failure of the people’s initiative, there has been a suspiciously mad scramble to pursue charter change, particularly before the May 2007 elections. Why the rush?

We believe that the changing of the House Rules allowing for a Constituent Assembly without the Senate was a shameless act of manipulation and self-preservation by the charter change proponents, an act which Archbishop Lagdameo accurately described as “fraudulently illegitimate and scandalously immoral.”

We are not against charter change per se. We are against the unduly hasty and underhanded way that the Administration Congressmen are pushing for a constituent assembly. Their desperate and calculating actions are indicative of the considerable vested interests at stake. The haunting possibility of the postponement of May 2007 elections would undoubtedly benefit no one but the congressmen and politicians proposing it. All roads are sure to lead to the extension and expansion of powers for the current administration and its allies.

We echo the CBCP’s call for us all to be vigilant, be involved, and act now. We call on BBC’s members in Metro Manila and in the regional chapters to support activities in their parishes to inform the parishioners about these immoral actions by many of their representatives in Congress, and to condemn those acts. We cannot turn our backs and allow charter change to be railroaded by self -serving politicians. We can not allow charter change by this constituent assembly. Not now. Not by them. Not in this way.

December 9, 2006

THE “CON” IN CON-ASS IS STILL ON

They blinked. After realizing that a great number of our people were angered by their show of arrogance and hubris, the House Majority is literally dancing the “cha-cha”. Like the seasoned grifters (con artists) that they are, the House Majority has once again tried to bamboozle the people into believing that they have abandoned their dreams of a Constituent Assembly without the Senate in exchange for a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). During their press conference, they shocked the nation by issuing a “challenge” to the Senate to reply within 72 hours or the House shall revert to Con-ass as usual.

What gall! Do they think we will meekly accept this “back step” and follow their lead? The Black and White Movement is not at all inclined to dance to this tune. We see right through their deception. They hope to pin the blame for all this trouble on a recalcitrant Senate but the truth is that they alone are truly responsible for the myriad missteps and miscalculations brought on by their greed for power, hope of No-El, and the dream for an end to term limits.

If the House Majority were so sincere in their claims of “accommodating” an irate republic, they would not have imposed conditions and should have abandoned their illegal Con-Ass dreams altogether. It is clear they do not have the people’s interests at heart.

“Rats on a sinking ship have no right to demand which side of the ship should sink first”, declares co-convenor Atty. Edwin Lacierda.

“To restore what’s left of their credibility, these Congressmen should apologize to the Filipino people for the wrongs they have committed against them and the valiant House Minority. They should return the House Rules to status quo and rethink their choice of leadership”, says co-convenor Leah Navarro, “They should explain why they found it so easy to trifle with our Constitution”.

Enteng Romano, Black & White Movement lead convenor says, “We call on our people to be vigilant and not be deceived by a House Majority that seeks to perpetuate itself in power. Together with our people, we will continue with our planned week long activities in the Batasan, and around the country, culminating in the inter-faith prayer rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta on Sunday, 17 December”. -- END

A Gathering Storm

There’s a gathering storm – but not the kind typhoon Reming is made of. It’s one induced by the airheads at the Batasan.

They finally passed House Resolution 1450 which authorizes Congress to transform itself into a constituent assembly (CON-ASS). That it took them up to dawn of Thursday is a vain attempt to project that it passed the requisite process of debate and due deliberation. Nothing can be further from the truth.

I was at the Batasan last night to catch a segment of the moro-moro. I watched with amusement as Teddy Boy Locsin interpellated Villafuerte – the resolution’s sponsor. Locsin asked, “Does this mean we’re doing this alone?” He was, of course, referring to the fact that Congress will push through with changing the charter even without Senate’s concurrence – totally ignoring traditional practice in a bicameral legislature.

Locsin may not even realize that he hit the nail on the head – they are doing this alone. Outside the halls of the Batasan, formerly reticent folks are coming out with indignant voices.

Bro. Mike Velarde, spiritual leader of El Shaddai, proclaims “We have to warn our people of the dangers of this parliament by the House alone. The public has to be warned about [their] hidden agenda.”

Even the CBCP, usually reserved in their statements, came out headstrong. Lagdameo, CBCP president urged the faithful “to be vigilant, [and] to express their opposition to Con-ass.” He describes the current Cha-cha steps of Congress as “fraudulently illegal and scandalously immoral.”

But there’s something even more interesting going on. I have been to many forums, both online and offline, over the past year and I have never seen any conversion. Anti-GMA proponents, no matter how logical and passionate their presentations are, could not convince even a single pro-GMA person to switch side, and vice-versa. But now there seems to be a breakthrough. It is not uncommon to hear some people say, “they have crossed the line”, or “sobra na, bastusan na, garapal na!”

A posting by Bart at the elagda-forum best expresses this change of heart: “I totally agree. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! It is becoming more obvious what GMA has been trying to do and we can no longer doubt her intentions.” He continues, “I thought that we should let GMA finish her term in 2010 and focus on economic recovery by avoiding protests and demonstrations that could further compromise the economy of the country. But I was wrong because GMA is apparently working tooth and nail to continue in power beyond 2010.”

Thank God we have a brief respite. Congress requires a 3-day notice before they can convene Con-Ass. It’s the proverbial calm before the storm.

As the administration lackeys prepare for a blitzkrieg revision of the charter, civil society is gearing up for the biggest show of force since the Garci scandal broke out. This time, it’s the CBCP, Bro. Mike, and other conservative leaders at the forefront.

We better all brace up for the coming storm. It has all the markings of storm signal number 3. It may even be codenamed “EDSA 3”.

God bless and God save our country.

enteng

A Tragicomedy

I have had only two and a half hours of sleep, but spending most of last night in the House of Reps was worth missing a good night's sleep. As the majority chugged at hyper speed to amend the House rules, then slide in, Villar style, a resolution other than the one on the order of business, the House minority ably stepped up to the challenge and gave the House thugs a run for their money at every opportunity.

The blow by blow live blog by Manolo is pretty accurate, so please check it out here.

Haste makes waste, and the minority made sure that the various missteps of the majority were brought out into the open. "Open" was an understatement. The House Tragicomedy was live on ANC, and by virtue of The Filipino Channel, seen all over the world. I couldn't have produced a better show. We were receiving texts from all over, all of them from the irate and incensed. One text wonderfully worded described the proceedings as "rivetting and revolting". Thanks, Toots! Another was one that said we should all bestow the rank of "lance corporal" on all the majority Reps.

Watching the minority Reps adroitly challenge every move the majority made was sweet. Feeding off their commitment to truth and the need to keep the dignity of their elected office intact, they all, to a man and woman, fought with their hearts to defend the rape of our Constitution. They moved as one unit, agreed on every move as one. We couldn't have been prouder of them.

The majority, on the other hand, was made up of buffoons, each one thinking his or her idea was better than the other's. That's why the suspensions took so long, none of the majority members could agree on what to do. It was fun watching each of them posture against their fellows.

It was also very sad. Edsel Lagman of Albay and Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sur were both there, so obviously far and away from the disastrous tragedies wrought by Reming on their provinces. What were they thinking? Why weren't they shoulder to shoulder with their provincemates, digging for the fallen, caring for the survivors? Many of us have donated assistance of all kinds to the poor victims, but these guys should be right there with them offering full support.

What makes the majority so confident and callous to public abhorrence? The sweet, beguiling promise of No-El. The hubris was palpable. Pride goeth before the fall.

Whoever wishes to join us today, proceed to the House Plenary Hall before 4pm. If you're in a marching mood, Akbayan will lead a march from St. Peter's Church on Commonwealth at 1pm. We'll see you there.

Hurricane in the House

Typhoon "Reming" is not the only storm brewing on the horizon. A far more lethal storm is raging in the Batasang Pambansa, one with far more lasting, grievous consequences. Last night, the House majority tried to pull a fast one. They tried to fast track a change in the House Rules without following procedure to allow for a Constituent Assembly without the Senate. Although the House minority was able to delay this blatant disregard of rules, the majority has promised to wreak havoc on us this coming Tuesday.

Once more, the silence of our people has allowed these congressional cretins to hinge our political future on mere numbers. As we batten down the hatches of our homes, tape up our windows, buy necessities we cannot do without in the face of the coming typhoon, we should also think about the damage that will be wrought by a Charter Change that will do us no good. The transitory provisions prove only one thing - that Gloria Arroyo can only find safety from accountability through delay and obfuscation.

Along with the storm comes a stench. The terrible smell of fear reeks from the arses of Gloria and her Congressional cohorts. The fervent wish of Gloria and every one of her Batasan lackeys is not to have elections in May because they know the surveys are right - none of them is assured of a win should she endorse any of them or their family members in the coming elections. The national abhorrence and distrust of Gloria can only grow and insure her becoming a lame duck president, vulnerable to impeachment like never before.

And even if the surveys bear out the latter, no one seems interested enough to outwardly call her bluff. And when shall we do that? It may be too late once a Con-Ass stinks up the Batasan, too late when OFWs realize that the dollars they send home are no longer enough to keep their families happy, too late once those with something to hide use their guns to keep their secrets safe.

The answer to the question of who will replace Gloria is simple - we are the answer. Quit looking for leaders to be bestowed on us. We have been able to suspend our disbelief in the claim that the Filipino is spineless and gutless several times before. Don't fall for the excuse that we have been betrayed by our revolutions. We can begin another peaceful revolution through the elections. Fight for your right to send Gloria a clear message through your power to vote.

KICK Con-ASS! I WANNA VOTE IN MAY!

High Kickin' Against Con-Ass

Yesterday, we got to introduce a new form of protest against the Charter Change of Gloria. On the heels of her minions' declaration of a new push toward changing our Constitution to fit their nefarious agenda, we protested through "KICK Con-ASS! I WANNA VOTE!", on the stretch of Paseo de Roxas between Ayala and Makati Avenues in Makati. Instead of a march or rally of grim and determined faces, we mounted a lighthearted and relaxed street fair, combining forum, bazaar, and musical concert ideas.

What fun! We began with a parade up the street as Bgy. Poblacion's drum and lyre corps played while Chiz Escudero led the way. The PUP Pep Squad performed their acrobatic moves to get us all energized. The fora began soon after, lots of interested folk surrounded our resource persons. Former VP Tito Guingona, Senator Serge Osmena, Representatives Noynoy Aquino, Neric Acosta, Alan Peter Cayetano and Chiz Escudero, Mayor Jojo Binay, RC Constantino, Conrad de Quiros, Pen Medina, Josie Lichauco, Dinky Soliman, and our lead convenor Enteng Romano were more than happy to engage the people. The discussions were intense, the questions direct and to the point, the answers honest and insightful. Many people came away fortified with the knowledge that their distrust and doubt about this version of Charter Change, as well as the rule of GMA, were justified.

The First Time Voters Project did not disappoint. The youth were there in force, giving out information on the power of the vote and how the youth can change their political world through elections. Even the spokesperson of the COMELEC, James Jimenez, was there with his information team, to explain the mechanics of registration to anyone who asked. Thanks to our visitors, they didn't get much "down" time.

Scattered among the tents were vendors that sold food (shawarma, bibingka, squid and fish balls, to name a few), dry goods like handicrafts and tee shirts, and one table was manned by a massage group that gave them for free! Our BnW Katipunan arm presented a street tableau - drop a coin in the basket, and the "mannequins" would move. They came away with a wealth in coins!

Our interactive offering was a "Graffiti Wall" that was actually put on the ground so people could step on it and write whatever they wanted. The comments were decidedly severe. No wonder the Palace pooh poohs the surveys, the truth really hurts.

To cap the affair, we had a mini concert at sundown that featured cool Cookie Chua (Color It Red), Akbayan's Crazy as Pinoy and Reggae Mistress, school band Village Idiots, up and coming rock band Paramita, and the great Dong Abay. Their wonderful music eased our tiredness and gave us all a second wind. We cannot thank these talented musicians enough for gifting us with their music.

In the end, we believe that we kicked Con-Ass good via this unprecedented creative protest. There were no cops to disperse us with truncheons and water cannon despite the deadly serious subject matter - the political future of our country. There was no anger, only joy at being able to enlighten through a different and more acceptable activity. We hope you will find time to join us at the next mounting of "KICK Con-ASS! I WANNA VOTE!".

Here's a link to our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blacknwhitemovement/

KICK Con-ASS! I WANNA VOTE!

Once again, apologies for the inactivity of this blog are necessary. Our involvement in STOP Cha-Cha has most of us swamped, but the hustle and bustle is welcome.

Congratulations all 'round to those who have worked tirelessly to make sure the bogus people's initiative railroad was stopped in its tracks. No matter, at least for now, the worry warts and those who say that the over-inflated Singaw ng Bayad still have a chance to harangue the Supreme Court with yet another MR, we should savor victory and go on to the next challenge. Con-Ass.

To further apprise our people, especially our youth, of the nefarious move that is Con-Ass by a majority in the House that seems to be salivating at the prospect of eternity in office together with their Head Honchess, we are mounting "Kick Con-Ass! I Wanna Vote!" this Saturday, the 25th of November, on one lane of Paseo de Roxas in Makati, between Ayala and Makati Avenues.

This is an event with three components:

• Street Fair - we have invited NGOs and commercial vendors to sell their wares to those of you who are in a Christmas gift buying mood
  
• Kapihan - we will set up a cafe tent wherein you may find a "notable resource person" like Alan Peter Cayetano, Dinky Soliman, or Frank Drilon throughout the afternoon; they will be more than happy to engage you in discussions on Cha-Cha, Con-Ass, or other burning issues
• Mini Concert - we have asked a few bands and performers like Reggae Mistress, Noel Cabangon, Cookie Chua and other great talents to perform while you laze around on your banig as the sun goes down

Another important part of the street fair is the cooperation of the First Time Voters Project. Put together by several student councils, the project hopes to get eligible young voters to register in their districts as well as inform our voters of their rights. They will be joined by Comelec representatives, so do come by and ask all the questions you want answered.

We hope you and your families will find the time to visit us, we need your soles to kick Con-Ass out of the House!