CBCP urges faithful to discern ‘moral dimensions’ of Cha-cha

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines expressed reservations over plans to amend the 1987 Constitution, citing fears of a creeping dictatorship and a lack of transparency.

In a pastoral statement, the prelates cautioned that “when the move for Charter change becomes self-serving” such as calls for “no elections” and term extensions, “it is to be expected that citizens would 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,” the CBCP said.

The pastoral statement was issued on Monday after the bishops met for their biannual plenary assembly in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Entitled “CBCP pastoral guidelines for discerning the moral dimension of the present-day moves for Charter change,” it was signed by CBCP president and Davao archbishop Romulo Valles.

The statement was issued amid moves to change the 1987 Constitution to pave the way for a federal form of government – a move wholly supported by President Duterte.

The pastoral guidelines were issued to urge the Catholic faithful to discern for themselves the issue of Charter change, and to actively participate, discuss and debate on the process.

The CBCP pointed out its earlier position on Charter change that the “provisions of the draft 1987 Constitution were consistent with the Gospel.”

They cautioned that fundamental, moral values on human dignity, human rights and religious freedom may be endangered with “a rash move for a new Constitution.”

“The common good would include defense and promotion by the State of fundamental moral values regarding human dignity, human rights, and religious freedom – necessary paths to full human life. A rash move for a new Constitution places these moral values in extreme peril,” the CBCP said.

In particular, the bishops cited human rights corresponding on Christian values such as pro-life principles which were enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

The CBCP expressed concern that present developments in legislation that has led to the undermining of such pro-life principles.

“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,” they added.

The prelates noted that although the intention of some lawmakers in revising the 1987 Constitution may be for the common good, a “lack of participation, lack of transparency, as well as perceived promotion of self-interests contravene this intention.”

Stressing that participation is the heart of democracy, the CBCP warned that transforming Congress into a Constituent Assembly “is bound to be deficient of widespread peoples’ participation, discussion, and consultation.”

“It would be totally rash for members of Congress to presume the reasoned approval of their constituents on so grave an issue as the move to overhaul the nation’s Charter,” they pointed out.

As to the objective of enabling a shift to federalism, the CBCP wondered if changing the 1987 Constitution is necessary in order to devolve power.

The bishops noted that constitutional and legal experts do not seem to think so, and what is needed to devolve power is to fully implement the Charter and the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, revise the Local Government Code, and craft other enabling laws.

“Moreover, a major objection to a federal system that devolves power to the federal states on an equal basis will not satisfactorily address the aspirations of the Muslims and lumads in Mindanao for self-determination and respect for ancestral rights,” they added.

The CBCP stressed that Charter change should “lead to a greater defense and promotion of human dignity and human rights, integrity and truth, participation and solidarity, and the common good.”

“It is hopefully with these aspirations in mind that the members of the consultative committee recently appointed by the President to review the 1987 Constitution carry out the task expected of them,” the prelates said.

An alternative solution, they said, is a transformation of political culture and the eradication of a political mindset of personalities, pay-offs, and patronage.

“Without conversion of mindsets, the new political wine of Charter change will remain in old political wine-skins, and merely end up bursting the hope for a new political culture,” the CBCP said. /je