Opposition to Cha-cha grows

CEBU, Philippines — The opposition to Charter change (Cha-cha) is gaining momentum as approximately 80 student councils united today with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and other youth leaders to oppose changing the country's constitution.

Calling themselves "The Alliance of Youth Against Cha-cha (TAYO Against Cha-cha)," the coalition is spearheaded by various student council leaders, SK federations chairpersons, progressive national youth and student formations such as Akbayan Youth, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), and the Model SK Network.

Francis Aquino Dee, deputy executive director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) and grandson of democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino, stood in solidarity with the youth and student leaders.

Emphasizing the significance of opposing Cha-cha, he highlighted its alignment with the 38th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

“Walang pakinabang ang kabataan at mag-aaral sa cha-cha. This trapo-led charter change will only short-change our future. What we demand is for the government to tackle the escalating crisis in our education system and create decent job opportunities for young people through policy reforms. What we want is policy change, not charter change," stated SCAP spokesperson Matthew Silverio, in a statement.

The student council and SK leaders urged their fellow youth to join the "National Day of Prayer and Protest" against charter change on February 23, commencing at the Edsa Shrine, organized by the #BuhayAngEdsa Campaign Network.

They also announced plans for protest activities across various schools and communities, educational initiatives, and participation in masses led by church leaders nationwide. — (FREEMAN)