MANILA, Philippines—Two senators Sunday backed calls for peaceful and nonviolent demonstrations against a resurgent move by the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution.

Senators Loren Legarda and Francis Pangilinan underscored the need for people to express their “indignation” against the passage of House Resolution No. 1109 seeking to convene a constituent assembly.

In a statement, Legarda commended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for “blessing the move of civil organizations to organize peaceful protests.”

She said the passage of the resolution was “part of a dark plot to prolong the power of the present administration illegally.”

“If our people do not protest this evil conspiracy to undermine their supreme right to choose their leaders according to the Constitution, the evil plotters against our democratic right will prevail,” said Legarda, who is widely believed to be aspiring for the presidency.

Legarda also backed a Church proposal for an elected constitutional convention as the best way to amend the Constitution.

She said in a phone interview that she was willing to participate in peaceful demonstrations “as long as I am available.”'

Pangilinan urged “all peace- and democracy-loving Filipinos to participate” in the demonstrations against Charter change (Cha-cha).

“Unfortunately, a number of those close to the President who have been in power too long have become arrogant and have no second thoughts about abusing these powers by pushing for an illegal Cha-cha,” he said in a text message.

“The only language understood by the arrogance and recklessness of those in power is the massive outpouring of protests by the people,” Pangilinan added.