The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) passed a resolution that strongly opposes the passage of the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) no. 15 proposing the revision of the 1987 Philippine Constitution during its 27th General Assembly held last December 7, 2018. The network is deeply alarmed with the contentious proposals of the RBH no. 15 that appears to undermine the supremacy of the fundamental law of the land. 

CODE-NGO 27th GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Resolution  No. 27-09 FY 2017 – 2018: WE STRONGLY OPPOSE THE PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF BOTH HOUSES NO. 15 AND ANY MOVE TO CHANGE THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION.

WHEREAS, the current administration is putting on a fast track and railroading efforts towards prioritizing the move to change the existing 1987 Constitution into a federal form of government;

WHEREAS, the House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s version of federal system (Resolution of Both Houses no. 15) which was approved on second reading appears to undermine the rule of law and supremacy of the fundamental law by lifting the term limits of the legislators; removing anti-political dynasty ruling, the Filipino first policy of the Constitution and the right of the citizen to participate in policy and decision-making processes; and deleting provisions guaranteeing full respect for human rights and social justice.

WHEREAS, the RBH 15 proposes contentious and dubious changes in our fundamental law of the land that greatly affect the grassroots which requires inclusive and comprehensive consultations among all sectors, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized sectors;

WHEREAS, CSOs have been alarmed with the hasty and railroaded legislation process in passing the RBH 15 into a law in Congress. The need to ensure that the interests of all sectors should be integrated inbuilding an informed and empowered decision in the process of changing thefundamental law is deeming necessary; 

WHEREAS, CODE NGO and its members adhere to the principle of good governance wherein it empowers the local communities by making them involve in the decision-making processes in the government;

RESOLVED, that CODE NGO and its members strongly oppose the passage of RBH 15 and any initiatives to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution;

RESOLVED FURTHER, that CODE NGO and its members must be the frontliners in facilitating the conduct ofseries of public consultations, in partnership with other stakeholders, in ensuring a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent consultation processes with the end of view of generating an informed decision by the general public.