Chacha petition hoodwinks public support through AICS and TUPAD govt programs

Through a so-called “people’s initiative”, a petition proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution has resurfaced and is being handed out through communities inside and outside of the National Capital Region.

The people’s initiative as stated in the Republic Act 6735 refers to the power of the people to directly suggest, pass, endorse, or oppose constitutional amendments, laws, ordinances, or resolutions enacted by legislative bodies, subject to the outlined and specified conditions.

This recently circulated petition insisted that the country should open its economy to foreign investors for further growth and development.

In Quezon City, recorded footage showed how the petition signing was being discussed while making promises about financial aid, medication maintenance and livelihood support.

Carmelita ‘Ka Mameng’ Collado of Urban Poor Coordinating Council – Quezon City and ALSA-Diliman slammed the petition, noting that it misleads urban poor communities especially those seeking assistance from government programs like TUPAD and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

“Lagpas sa paglabag sa karapatan ng mga maralita ang ganitong pangako para pumirma sa charter change. Huwag namang gawing mangmang ang mga maralita sa interes ng mga ito. Alam natin ang krisis sa ekonomiya, huwag gawing pangligaw ang aics at tupad sa charter change,” Ka Mameng stressed.

[Making such promises to sign for charter change goes beyond violating the rights of the underprivileged. Let’s not underestimate the intelligence of the marginalized in favor of these interests. We are aware of the economic crisis; let’s not use AICS and TUPAD as deceit for charter change.]

Ka Mameng also reported several congressmen would make use of AICS and TUPAD to garner public support for the said petition.

“Bilang mga congressman, ipaliwanag nila nag husto ang charter change, hindi yong ginagamit ang kasadlakan sa kahirapan. Kumita na sila, magpakatotoo sila,” she added.

[As congressmen, they should explain how charter change is done right, not exploiting the plight of the poor. They have earned enough; it’s time for them to be honest]

Kabataan Partlist NCR also slammed the Marcos-Duterte administration instead of addressing people’s concerns regarding employment, wages, education, and rights.

“Effort ito ng admintrasyong Marcos-Duterte na lokohin ang mga tao na pumirma para sa chacha, alarming din ito para sa data privacy at personal information,” said Kabataan Partylist NCR spokesperson Kyle Lura.

[This is an effort by the Marcos-Duterte administration to deceive people into signing for charter change, which is also alarming for data privacy and personal information]

KPL representative Raoul Manuel said this so-called people’s initiative is the third act of the Marcos Jr. administration to push for charter change other than railroading for a constituent assembly (Con-Ass) and a constitutional convention (Con-Con).

December 14 last year, the House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said they intend to use both the Con-Ass and people’s initiative to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

According to him, the House will prioritize cha-cha in 2024 through the help of local government units for the people’s initiative.

“This is in consonance, actually with our President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ dream as well to look at the Constitution and see what portions can be amended or revised,” Romualdez added.

Similarly, last March 2023, the House of Representatives approved, with an overwhelming majority of 301 to 7 abstentions, the third and final reading of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 that called for a Con-Con.

“In the first place, kaninong initiative ba talaga ito? Galing ba ito sa taumbayan? Ito ba ang kagyat na sasagot sa pangunahing mga suliranin ng taumbayan,” Manuel said in his post.

[In the first place, whose initiative is this really? Does it truly come from the people? Is this the immediate response to the primary concerns of the citizens?]