Rallies against Cha-cha resume

CEBU, Philippines – Groups opposing the Charter Change yesterday resumed protest actions the same time Congress resumed session.

The protest rally in Cebu was done in front of the Malacañang sa Subog simultaneous to rallies in Manila, Bacolod, and Davao, said Bayan- Central Visayas Chairman Jaime Paglinawan.

Protesting groups included Bayan, Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas, Gabriela, Amihan and Pamana Sugbo.

The groups claim the move for Charter Change is a means to extend the term of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo although Malacañang has since said otherwise. 

Still, Paglinawan said that if the controversial Cha-Cha sees the light of day, the same would pave for a shift in government from presidential to parliamentary and Arroyo would then have good chances of being prime minister.

Meanwhile, despite the Commission on Elections preparing in full swing for an automated elections next year, the militant groups urged that an automated election must be thoroughly studied first before implementation.

Paglinawan said that if not studied thoroughly, and if voters are not given a chance to get familiar with the new system, a failure of elections can occur by reason of non-familiarity of the new voting process.

This can even be used as basis to question the results of the election, Paglinawan said. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO  (THE FREEMAN)