Task Force 2010’s Open Letter to the Members of the House of Representatives
We stand firm in our conviction that changing the charter involving changes in the economic provisions and major shifts in the form of government requires widespread participation, total transparency, and rationality that allows for objective discussion and debate.
STOP Con-Ass! We want to have May 2010 Elections as scheduled!
We would like to raise our concern about the moves in the House of Representatives to mend the constitution through a constituent assembly. We all believe that the current situation necessitates change and we appreciate the effort of your institution to find solutions to address these problems, albeit we do not agree with the manner in which he House seeks to correct the ills of our society–through a constituent assembly. What worries us further is that the process you are currently undertaking excludes the Senate. Besides, the undue haste by which this issue of charter change is being pursued, at this moment, is very suspect.
We firmly believe that finding solutions to our problems compels an inclusive and widespread dialogue and a well discerned action respectful of the different democratic institutions and constitutionally mandated processes. It is in this light that we stand firm in our conviction that changing the charter involving changes in the economic provisions and major shifts in the form of government requires widespread participation, total transparency, and rationality that allows for objective discussion and debate.
As elected representatives of the people, we believe that your position regarding the charter change issue must represent the genuine voice of the Filipino. The latest surveys resonate with the voice of the people about charter change. They do not want charter change right now. At the moment, there are more pressing issues to address. The 2010 presidential elections is one. And of course, there are the constant malaises rooted in poverty and corruption.
Heed the people’s call. Do not dash our hopes for enlightened politics. Please decide according to your conscience for the common good of the Filipino people. Be with us in defending democracy. Protect our right and desire to vote and dictate the destiny of our much beloved country. STOP Con-Ass!
Signed by Task Force 2010 Members:
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), Teachers & Employees for Change, Education Reform and Solidarity (TEACHERS, INC). First Time Voters Project (FTV), National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA), Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP), Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Confederation of Independent Unions in the Public Sector (CIU), Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Christian Convergence for Good Governance, INC, (CCGG), Philippines Society of NSTP Educators, INC, (PSNEI), Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER), Vote-Net, Philippines, La Sallian Justice and Peace Commission (LSJPC), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Citizens’ Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reform (C-CARE) , Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO)