Press Statement
Constitutional Convention: Proper Mode for Constitutional Change

26 August 2008 -- At long last, the administration’s game plan has become transparent. Through whatever means, the people must be seduced into thinking that the Constitution must be amended now. Now, before the incumbent president’s term ends in 2010. Now, when the only viable way is through a Constituent Assembly. Now, when those who will propose are members of the current Senate and the pro-administration House of Representatives.

In a Constituent Assembly, as in a Constitutional Convention, the sovereign people themselves are considered assembled. Thus, every provision in the Constitution will be at risk of being changed. It is inaccurate, therefore, to say that the Senate Resolution convening the Constituent Assembly can limit the subject matter to be considered. It is anybody’s guess as to the exact provisions the president’s people at the Assembly will move to change.

The latest seduction—after the initial attempt to use peace in Mindanao as a Trojan horse was stalled by the Supreme Court—is by riding on the back of the advocacy of a member of the opposition to convert our country into a federated state.

If our people, contrary to the trend in other nations to unite in greater and bigger alliances, decide to consider a federation, then the people’s decision, in order to be free and informed, needs to be made after the expiry of the presidential term in 2010. Moreover, considering the far-reaching effects of such changes in the Constitution, we submit it should be done by a Constitutional Convention.

Makati Business Club
Management Association of the Philippines