Ilonggos gird for widespread anti-ChaCha protests
The Ilonggos' Movement Against Arroyo's Cha-Cha (I-March) is preparing for a huge multi-sectoral protest this Wednesday, June 10, against the House of Representatives' approval of the constituent assembly to amend the constitution.
I-March convenor Atty. Joshua Alim said over radio Z-100's “Kape Beynte-Beynte” program last Saturday that the protest rally will be joined by various civil society groups that had also protested the Arroyo administration's attempt to tinker on the charter through the so-called “people's initiative” initiated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in 2006.
Alim said participating groups coming from different parts of the province will converge at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds in the afternoon where a program will be held.
He said no less than Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), will join the anti-cha-cha protest.
Alim urged the participants to wear black shirts and black ribbons to symbolize their mourning for the members of the lower house who railroaded the passage of the house resolution approving the constituent assembly.
Alim said similar protest actions will be held in key cities across the country this coming Wednesday.
The former Iloilo City councilor also clarified that during the program politicians will not be allowed to speak on stage. However, Alim said, they can send their messages in support of their cause which will only be read by the emcees.
Earlier, the CBCP in a statement reminded protesters to do away with violence when holding rallies.
“Express it in a peaceful non-violent way in order that we may not fall into the trap that will necessitate martial law again,” said Lagdameo in a statement posted on the CBCP website.
“Learn the lesson from the past,” he added, pertaining to the declaration of martial law in 1972.
Lagdameo also called on the lower chamber of Congress to drop House Resolution 1109. He noted that the CBCP stands by its position against Charter change before the 2010 national elections.
“If there should be let it be after 2010 and via a Constitutional Convention whose delegates are democratically elected by the people,” said Lagdameo.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) welcomed the CBCP statement.
“The nationwide rallies are expected to be peaceful and organized but the outrage will certainly be there. Rain or shine, we will march against Con-Ass," said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. in a statement.
“There are now efforts in the various provinces and regions to mount protest actions together with the religious and the opposition. We're reaching out and organizing provincial and regional activities to coincide with the June 10 Ayala rally,” he added.
The June 10 rally in Makati City is expected to be attended by leaders and members of the United Opposition, BAYAN, Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (Women), Concerned Citizens Movement, Edsa 3 Coalition, Black and White Movement, Gabriela, and Kabataan.
Former vice president Teofisto Guingona is also set to participate in the rally along with members of the Liberal Party, Change Politics, MyErap, Akbayan, Sanlakas, Artists Revolution, Pagbabago, Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement, Movement for Good Governance, and Bangon Pilipinas.
“There is now a broad consensus among many political, religious, civic and professional organizations that what is happening with Charter change and Con-ass is wrong. The only way to thwart this self-serving scheme is to go out and protest," Reyes added.
Meanwhile, rally organizers are scheduled to meet with the Philippine National Police on Monday. (With reports from ABS-CBN News)