EDITORIAL

The Purification of Reason

Speaker Jose De Venecia, the head of the prime movers of the bid to amend the 1987 Constitution withdrew their plan and now having a "sweet time" in his call for Constitutional Convention. He disclosed his plan to go to the United Nations in New York without giving his purpose.
With encouragement and approval of Malacañang, De Venecia started to convene the administration – dominated House of Representatives into a Constituent Assembly with or without Senate participation.
De Venecia and company’s action sparked protests which forced him and his minion to backtrack from it with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo telling the people "she will grant what they desire."
The House leadership insisted that the collapsed Constituent Assembly was basically a resource saving measure, to accelerate development and progress. But no. It is unbelievable, for the House, Malacañang attempt was a "power grab". When the people remonstrated passionately, it abandoned it.
On Sunday, December 17, former president Corazon C. Aquino will lead in a prayer rally initiated by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The Senators will join her as well as the El Shaddai, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jesus is Lord Movement and Civil Society groups. The church inspired rally will continue across the country even the House and Malacañang has relaxed their position in the overhaul of the Constitution.
The rally will serve as the expression of sentiments of the people even if Cha Cha was shelved. According to Sen. Joker Arroyo, "the rally will serve as a thanksgiving, following the defeat of the administration’s dual – track move to tinker with the 1987 charter."
PURIFICATION
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro CBCP president pointed to the activities as "a call for the purification of reason, for the reawakening of moral forces, for the just ordering of society." "These gatherings will be one great occasion for the lay faithful in the dioceses to express their love and concern for the good of our country," he added.
The senators who fiercely resisted the House move to amend the Charter via Con-ass "felt good" when De Venecia conceded defeat of the administration’s charter change express. According to Sen. Juan Flavier, the Administration Congressmen "have at least come to their senses".
Archbishop Lagdameo urged the senators to put the Constitutional Convention "on hold" until it was purified from the "negative impact" which accompanied the people’s initiative and the Con-ass.
As quickly, the House majority is fast disintegrating. The 100 of the 161 congressmen who voted to delete Article 105 from the House Rule have abandoned ship as a result of citizen’s protests. Rep. Antonio Cuenco has apologized for his "playing along". Congressional leaders like Jose de Venecia, Prospero Nograles and Constantino Jaraula appear similar to Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar are going around promising some goodies all in the spirit of Christmas. Did Rep. Jaraula pass the 4 – Way Test of Rotary on all things he said and did? Jaraula is a current District Governor of Rotary International.
These House and administration leaders must be remembered as leaders who attempted to betray their people through the manipulation of our Constitution. Let no one allow them to stay longer in office immediately after their respective terms expire. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com