Bacolod Church to stage rally vs Chacha Dec. 10

MANILA, Philippines - While their counterparts in Metro Manila gear up for a grand rally against Charter change (Chacha) on Dec. 12, Church officials in Bacolod City will stage a protest action on Dec. 10. Online news site Visayan Daily Star reported that the Bacolod diocese will hold a prayer rally against Chacha and for human rights. "I am against Chacha now as concocted by pro-administration congressmen," Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said, adding the Catholic Church should get involved in giving guidance to the faithful in making their common stand against "issues that jeopardize the common good of society and pervert the moral conscience of the people." For his part, Bacolod diocese social action center director Fr. Anecito Buenafe said the rally will also touch on development as a human right. Buenafe said the Dec. 10 rally will also tackle opposition to the Energy Development Corp.'s entry into the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone, and concerns over growing poverty. Still he reiterated that the Church will do all it can to stop the Arroyo administration from pushing for Charter change. For his part, Bacolod priest Alfonsito Arrojo said that if those in government push Cha-cha for their own interest to stay in power and promote the interests of a few, they are not acting according to the teachings of Christ. He said the Church believes that those pushing for Cha-Cha are not doing it for the common good but to perpetuate their own interests and power. Buenafe added the public does not trust the word of the present administration. He said the people want any change to the Constitution to take place after the 2010 elections. "The elections are fast approaching why can't Arroyo's allies wait?" Buenafe said. - GMANews.TV