Church groups renew call vs Cha-cha, GMA resignation

Various Church groups voiced their opposition to amending the Constitution yesterday and called on President Arroyo to immediately step down.

Joining hands in calling for another people power to oust Mrs. Arroyo were leaders of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines, United Methodist Church-Manila Episcopal Area, Task Force on Urban Conscientization and Promotion of Church People’s Response.

"She does not know how to respect and honor the spirit of people power and has no right to rule the people," the Church leaders said in a statement of joint declaration.

"Mrs. Arroyo betrayed the aspirations of people power by committing the highest level of economic oppression, fraud, corruption and human rights violations comparable to the Marcos years."

However, Sharon Duremdes, NCCP secretary general, said they are not calling on their members in 10 Protestant Church groups to lead street protests against Mrs. Arroyo.

"We are just not against another people power," she clarified.

"It is important for people to show their real sentiments about the current situation of our country. Contrary to popular belief, our constituents in the Churches want a change in leadership in government."

The NCCP, which claimed to have a following of 10 million nationwide, believes that the "present system is not working because the present administration is not sensitive to the needs and concerns of the people," she added.

Duremdes said government officials have interpreted the sentiment of Filipinos wanting genuine reform as an excuse to propose Charter changes to extend their stay in power.

"Even if we change the system and keep the same people in government, nothing will happen," she said. "We need a total overhaul among leaders who in the first place should genuinely serve the people."

Duremdes was joined by UMC-MEA representative Bishop Solito Toquero and TFUC officer Fr. Charly Ricafort in the declaration.

Other Catholic organizations support calls for Mrs. Arroyo’s ouster apart from the TFUC, a mission partner of the Catholic group Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, Ricafort said.