GMA’s Cha-Cha an Affront to Spirit of Independence

“While we celebrate the struggle of Filipino patriots against colonial rule today, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues to push her Charter Change which is nothing but a sell-out of whatever shred of sovereignty and civil liberty remains,” said Omar Bantayan, Secretary General of Kilusang Mayo Uno – Southern Mindanao Region. KMU-SMR joined numerous organizations under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Southern Mindanao Region in an Independence Day rally in Davao City today.

Bantayan cited the provisions of the proposed Cha-Cha which allow 100% foreign ownership of enterprises and media outlets and the re-entry of foreign military bases. “These provisions of GMA’s proposed charter change effectively wipe out whatever nationalist protections exist in the 1987 Constitution. It is a blatant sell-out of our national patrimony and sovereignty.”

The militant labor center also condemned proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution that eliminate restrictions on the President’s martial law power. “Whatever legal grounds currently exist to restrain Gloria’s grave abuses of power and tyranny will be wiped out with her new constitution,” Bantayan said. Bantayan was referring to the deletion of provisions in Section 18, Article VII and Section 24, Article XVIII of the 1987 Constitution protecting the right to Habeas Corpus, due process under the law, and prohibition of private armies and paramilitary groups.

“Political activists, trade unionists, journalists, and church people are already being killed, abducted, and illegally arrested with impunity under Arroyo’s regime. Although minimal, the courts and government agencies offer some recourse for the families and comrades to seek justice for the victims. If Gloria’s Cha-Cha passes, the Philippines will descend to the free and legal reign of fascism,” Bantayan warned.

Nearly 700 activists have been killed since the start of Arroyo’s presidency in 2001 according to the human rights group Karapatan. No cases have been resolved.