Church coalition urges gov't: Address country's problems, not Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines —  A newly-formed coalition of church leaders, religious and civic organizations on Wednesday urged the government to prioritize the needs of the Filipino people instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), which they deem a "waste of resources."

In a press conference in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday, the “Koalisyon Laban sa ChaCha” called the initiatives to push for the revision of provisions in the 1987 Constitution a “selfish agenda.”

“The 1987 Constitution is not a political plaything, it was crafted after a dark period to serve the Filipino people, upholding human dignity, human rights and the common good,” San Carlos Bishop Gerry Alimanza, one of the convenors of the coalition, said in his speech.

“Instead of amending the Constitution, we urge the government to tackle pressing issues,” he added.

RELATED: CBCP warns of deception in people's initiative on Charter change

Among the members of the coalition are Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop Jonel Milan, Caritas Manila Executive Secretary Fr. Antonio Labiao; Ging Quintos-Deles of the Buhay ang EDSA Campaign Network; Minnie Anne Mata-Calub of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP); Josua Mata of Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and members of Akbayan youth.

Instead of revising the Charter, the coalition said that the government should work to “eradicate corruption, protect the environment, break political dynasties and ensure electoral integrity.”

"A just and equitable society for all Filipinos cannot be achieved through self-serving Charter changes, but through a genuine commitment to the people's welfare. We urge the government to fulfill its duty and prioritize the needs of its citizens," Labiao said in his speech.

The coalition also said that the lobbied Cha-cha may “further foreign exploitation”, which will compromise the country’s sovereignty. 

“It (Cha-cha) will open up the economy to further foreign exploitation and foreign military ‘basing.’ The former will further the mire of the people in poverty while the latter will compromise Filipino sovereignty,” Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses, NCCP’s vice-chairperson said in her speech.

On January