NMYL has no official stand on Cha-Cha
Apparently, the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) were not convinced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Commissioners Romela Bengzon and Raul Lambino's insights to change the Philippine Constitution.
Ermita was the guest speaker in the recent 15th NMYL national congress held in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan while Bengzon and Lambino acted as speakers in the Cha-cha forum. The flowery speech of Ermita and the singing prowess of Bengzon and Lambino did not change the hearts and minds of some 900 legislators coming from different parts of the country.
Some legislators who asked for anonymity said the group is divided on their stand regarding the discussions on the administration's plan for a charter change. The same reason why they have yet to come up with an official stand on whether to support the charter change.
The source however said, some of the movement's officials have already signified their support. Most of those who opposed the Charter Change are those legislators with ages 25 to 35.
On the first day of the national congress, the differences on the stand among the young legislators are evident even before Ermita spoke and awarded the awards for the 2006 Kampeon ng Kabataan.
Ermita, in his speech told the legislators that they have an equal stake in the attainment of the country's vision. "I ask you then to stay in course with the implementing reforms we need so we may leave a legacy of a bright future."
He said 2006 is a year for urgent change in the Philippines. The country is now in full recovery mode with all its vital signs. Economic growth, political unity and social equity are declared stable.
He added that the country must make the leap towards a better political system. "We can no longer afford to be divided, our gains frittered away by destructive politics every time a new administration takes place.
He said the country will not move forward if "we are held back by a system that concentrates power in the center and in the hands of a few." "Our politics should promote not hinder growth. This is the main reason why we are pushing to amend the Constitution."
The executive secretary said a modern Philippines deserves a modern Constitution that optimizes access to opportunities for advancement. "We must create a new Constitution that provides for less gridlock, more local control, greater accountability by the politicians, better service delivery, stronger police protection, less opportunity for official corruption and more jobs and economic development at the local level."