CBCP favors full implementation of 1987 Constitution

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the solution to some of the country's problems is the full implementation of the provisions of the Constitution, including the provisions on political dynasties and press freedom.

In the statement, "Pastoral guidelines for discerning the moral dimension of the present-day moves for  Charter change," which is posted on its official website, the bishops also called for a revision of the Local Government Code "originally designed to devolve power from central authority, following the moral principle of subsidiarity."

The statement was crafted by the CBCP in its first biennial plenary assembly in Mandaue City, Cebu province.

The CBCP said constitutional and legal experts, who were consulted, agree that it is not that necessary to revise the 1987 Constitution.

"What is truly needed for a genuine devolution of power according to them, is a full implementation of the Constitution, the creation of enabling laws, and some revisions on the Local Government Code, and a more decisive effecting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act," the CBCP said.

"Only these, they believe, can ensure that self-determination and decentralization of powers, both political and financial, are in fact realized," it added.

The Duterte administration has been pushing for a federal form of government as a means to address certain issues particularly in strife-torn Mindanao.

But, according to the bishops,  to devolve sections of the country to form Federal States "will not satisfactorily address the aspirations of the Muslims and Lumads in Mindanao for self-determination and respect for ancestral rights."

"What is truly needed for a genuine devolution of power according to them, is a full implementation of the Constitution, the creation of enabling laws, and some revisions on the Local Government Code, and a more decisive effecting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act," the bishops said.

"Only these, they believe, can ensure that self-determination and decentralization of powers, both political and financial, are in fact realized," they added.

The prelates underscored that in introducing changes to the Constitution, the people should be active participants in the process.

"Amending the fundamental law of the land, so carefully crafted for the common good after years of dictatorship, requires widespread peoples’ participation and consultation, unity of vision, transparency, and relative serenity that allows for rational discussion and debate," they said.

Moral judgment towards Charter Change

The CBCP also emphasized four principles that should be the anchor for moral judgment on the move toward amending the 1987 Constitution: the principle of human dignity and human rights, the principle of integrity and truth, the principle of participation and solidarity and the principle of the common good.

The CBCP expressed concerns over the possibility that certain pro-life principles would be overturned once the current Constitution is amended.

"Given present developments and trends in legislation where pro-life principles are even now being undermined, we are deeply concerned that such principles, which are consistent with the fundamental nature of marriage and the family, and which are now enshrined in the 1987 Constitution are most likely to be overturned," the CBCP said.

It emphasized that participation is the "heart of democracy." If people would not be allowed to participate in the discussions about Charter Change, the intention of some legislators to revise the 1987 Constitution for the common good will be contravened.

The bishops said when the proposal to revise the 1987 Constitution becomes "self-serving" for lawmakers, the public must "react with suspicion, astonishment and exasperation."

"In addition the feeling of a creeping dictatorship is conjured by past experience. Moreover, political dynasties are really and factually becoming a dominant factor in our country’s political life," they added.

They encouraged the public to use their freedom as God's children to "discern, participate, discuss, and debate."

"Do what is necessary. Persuade our legislators to do only what is genuinely for the good of all on this issue of Charter change," the CBCP said.

As part of the government's push for Cha-cha, President Rodrigo Duterte named 19 members of the 25-member consultative committee that will review the 1987 Constitution. He appointed former Supreme Court chief justice Reynato Puno as the chair of the committee. — BAP, GMA News