Manila archbishop: Con-ass not a solution to nation’s problems

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales said moves by lawmakers to amend the Constitution at this time would be counterproductive, likening it to "changing horses in midstream."

"Why do we have to have a con-ass (constituent assembly)? We are in a critical moment or a sort of crisis. It is like changing horses in midstream," Rosales told reporters following the launching of the National Week for Christian Unity at his house in Arsobispado in Intramuros, Manila.

Instead of moving to change the Constitution, Rosales said government officials should change their attitudes, values and moral disposition when it comes to handling taxpayer money.

"It is not a change of system (that is needed), but a change of people within the system," Rosales said.

"Renewal of the person and not the institution. Even the Constitution will change if the people are changed," he added.

Rosales said the most important change must take place in the hearts, attitudes and values of the people working in the government.

"Ang hirap sa Pilipinas (The trouble with us in the Philippines), we always want to have quick change. We want change so we had martial law and the EDSA revolutions," he said.

As the country observes a national week of prayer, Rosales urged the faithful as well as all Filipinos to pray for unity.

Supporting the call, Dr. Oscar Suarez, president of the Philippine Christian University, said the people should stop worrying about calamities and political crises in our country and turn to God for all his blessings.

"What matters most is not what we are capable of doing but what God wants to accomplish through us," he said.

Lawmakers remain divided on the issue even after an apparent majority in the House of Representatives voiced its approval of Charter change.

Last Tuesday, the House committee on constitutional amendments approved a proposal for Congress to convene itself into a constituent assembly that could introduce amendments to change the present form of government to a unicameral parliamentary system.

The committee chaired by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula has approved the concurrent resolution which was signed by more than 50 lawmakers calling for a change in the political system.

The Senate was left divided on the issue with even opposition senators supporting the House move to amend the Constitution through a constituent assembly.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said earlier the resolution might be shelved since the Senate is still busy deliberating on revenue measures passed by the House, including the controversial 12-percent value-added tax.

Rosales, for his part, joined critics in expressing opposition to passage of the VAT bill.

He said the imposition of an additional two-percent VAT will cause further economic hardships for the poor.

"Better not (push for the two-percent VAT increase). It will affect the very poor people," he said.

While conceding that government needs to raise more funds to finance the country’s economic and development programs, Rosales said there are other means to do so that would avoid additional levies on the people.

"Tax those producing more is one way of raising (funds) and the second measure to raise funds is by cutting corruption. As studies show, so many taxes are being wasted – at least 40 percent or about P200 billion, which goes to graft and corruption," Rosales said.

"The figure already shows that there is money. Why is it we have to add VAT?" he asked.