Issues on Cha-cha diverting gov’t attention from other social problems–AMRSP

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A religious group dismissed proposals for term extensions as “shameless,” warning that Charter change might divert lawmakers’ attention from more pressing issues at hand.

In a statement, the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) said it is “deeply bothered by the partisanship that has taken over the reins of Charter change and federalism.”

They cited proposals to extend the terms of elected officials, and threats against local officials who do not toe the line as not boding well for a free and informed discussion of issues.

“We are concerned that the push for Charter change and federalism will divert our legislators and peoples’ attention from the more pressing problems of poverty and a humane quality of life,” the AMRSP.

The AMRSP issued the statement on Wednesday, which was signed by its co-chairpersons, vice-cochairpersons, and board members numbering 14.

The declaration came days after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed its own reservations over moves to amend the 1987 Constitution and allow a federal form of government.

The AMRSP said it agreed with the CBCP’s position that “the solution we seek is ultimately the transformation of our political culture” and not another Charter change.

In its statement, the AMRSP urged its congregations to disseminate widely the CBCP’s pastoral statement on Charter change.

They also called for the creation of “circles of conversation” to increase awareness on the current Charter change attempts, as well as issues of human rights, human dignity and justice among Catholics.

The AMRSP also called on its members to prepare its communities should they be called to defend dignity and democracy. /jpv