CBCP opposes kin of politicians as constitutional convention delegates

MANILA, Philippines - If a constitutional convention (con-con) would be held to amend the Charter, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) suggested that relatives of politicians up to the fourth degree should not be elected as delegates.

CBCP president Tandag, Surigao del Sur Bishop Nereo Odchimar said he made that suggestion since he believed some of the provisions of the Constitution should be amended.

Odchimar said that while he could not give an outright answer on whether he approved of the measure filed by Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo calling for a con-con to amend the Charter, he said there are provisions in the Constitution that should be amended.

And in the event that there would be con-con, Odchimar pointed out that that there might be some debates on the composition of the con-con delegates.

“There might probably be some limitations that the relatives of the politicians, to the third and fourth degree, should not participate in the con-con to guarantee the impartiality of the results of the new Constitution, that it would not be self-serving,” he said.

Odchimar though stressed lawmakers should focus first on urgent issues instead of tinkering with the Constitution.

“We have to put our government in proper order before discussing Charter change and also consider the time, the year,” he said.

CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (Nassa) chairman Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo echoed the same thought.

“It is not yet the time for a con-con. It would only create confusion if they open up the topic,” Pabillo said.

He said the country should be stabilized first to increase the government’s trust rating before entertaining further discussions of Charter change.

“Trust is important,” he said.