The Unravelling
Anti-People’s Initiative Campaign: Diversity in Action
- El Shaddai is opposed to Charter change.
- The CBCP is against a government-sponsored People’s Initiative. The biggest Catholic educational institutions are also against it. The Businessmen-Bishops Conference is also against Charter change.
- 21 out of 23 senators signed a resolution declaring the People’s Initiative of Sigaw ng Bayan as illegal.
- A Regional Trial Court in Roxas City issued a temporary restraining order against the verification of signatures by the Comelec. Petitions are also pending in RTCs in different provinces.
- Various legal groups have embarked on their own court battles to fight SnB’s PI.
- Former senators are also preparing to launch their own anti-Charter change campaign.
- A broad coalition composed of groups identified with the Right, Left, and Center agreed to put up a united front against the SnB/ULAP/DILG-sponsored People’s Initiative.
SnB’s People’s Initiative: Allies of the Administration
- Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by Special Envoy Donald Dee
- Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry led by Francis Chua
- Trade Union Congress of the Philippines led by Atty. Democrito Mendoza
- Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches led by Bishop Efraim Tendero
- Union of Local Authorites of the Philippines led by Governor Enrico Aumentado
- League of Cities led by City Mayor Jerry Trenas
League of Municipalities led by Mayor Ramon Guico
League of Vice Mayors
League of Councilors
League of Barangay Councils
Critical factors: (in any order)
1) Supreme Court decision
2) Avalanche of TROs
3) Survey ratings of PGMA/Charter Change
4) Onset of Election Fever (-ber Months)
5) Heightened interest in impeachment trial (i.e. credible witnesses, concrete evidence, new information, etc.)
The stakes?
Anti-Charter change : constitutional stability; PGMA until 2010 wih same powers; momentum for 2007 polls (for those with political ambitions) and presidential elections in 2010; Bill of Rights to remain as is, ditto with other provisions; impeachment still possible; opposition has the chance to work closely with middle forces.
Pro-People’s Initiative : recognition as authors of Interim Parliament; PGMA’s term becomes open to extension or abbreviation; lifting of term limits for LGUs, congressmen/women; abolition of the Senate; open slot for Prime Minister; no impeachment this year; SnB stalwarts assured of political appointments; a clean slate (hopefully) for the administration.
So which side will unravel first? And which side will win the hearts and minds of our people?
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