[Quezon City, 20 March 2024] – In response to escalating efforts to push for Charter Change (Cha-Cha), students, youth, and other basic sectors stage protest outside the House of Representatives demanding for the abolishment of Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7) and calls to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people.

The youth-led action came in the wake of contentious political maneuvers surrounding RHB 7, which sought to amend Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the Constitution to allow 100% foreign ownership in sectors such as public utility, advertising, and education.

In their briefer, the group questions the supposed benefits of allowing free entry of foreign capital, pointing out that previous laws aimed at easing foreign business entry such as Ease of Doing Business Law, CREATE Law, Public Service Act, did not improve the lives of workers and the poor. Instead, they claim that such measures only enriched the wealthy while leaving workers with low wages and inadequate public services.

“The true people’s issue lies in controlling the continually rising prices of goods and services, providing living wages, offering decent and humane jobs, agrarian reform, and ensuring food on the table — not Cha-Cha,” emphasized Elijah San Fernando, General Secretary of Kampihan ng mga Maralita at Manggagawa (KAMANGGAGAWA), highlighting the broader implications of Charter Change on social justice and economic equity.

Additionally, San Fernando raised concerns about the motivations behind Congress’ enthusiasm for Cha-Cha. “Why are lawmakers so focused on revising the Constitution when it doesn’t even rank among the top 10 concerns of Filipinos? Why the rush and haste?” he questioned. He stressed that these efforts are geared towards maintaining power and amassing more profits in collusion with big local and foreign corporations.

“Education is a fundamental right and a public good that should be accessible to all,” emphasized Dion Sta. Rosa, Chairperson of Bukluran ng Progresibong Mag-aaral. “Granting ownership of educational institutions to foreigners would exacerbate the commercialization of the education sector, disproportionately impacting marginalized youth who already struggle to access quality education.” Sta. Rosa stressed the urgent need for Congress to allocate a higher budget for education and implement inclusive policies to improve the quality of education nationwide.

Agatha Borras, member of Kabataan Para sa Agrikultura (KPSA), remarked, “We must stop this Charter Change because it will open the doors for foreigners to control 100% of the land in the country, which could lead to further corporatization of agriculture and jeopardy of our food security. If our lawmakers truly desire progress, they should focus on our farmers and implement policies that will aid the agriculture sector and are geared towards the full realization of agrarian reform.”

“Cha-Cha will inevitably open the floodgates to relentless extraction, destruction, and exploitation of our land and natural resources,” emphasized Jake Tabara, Lead Convenor of Aksyon Verde, echoing concerns regarding foreign ownership of land. “We must safeguard our Constitution and enact legislations to responsibly manage our natural resources, taking into account their social, economic, and ecological impacts.”

“At a time when our nation faces pressing socio-economic challenges, channeling billions into Charter Change is both irresponsible and unjustifiable,” stressed Patria Mayi Maluping, President of Alyansa ng Mamamayan ng Bagbag Workers Association, underscoring the financial costs associated with Cha-Cha and its potential diversion of resources from essential public services.

“Let’s prioritize discussing the social justice provisions of the Constitution – not Cha-Cha!” urged Jorene Sahagun, a community youth leader from Novaliches, Quezon City. “There are numerous proposed laws anchored in the Constitution that should take precedence in discussion and enactment, such as the Anti Political Dynasty Law, National Land Use Act, establishment of living wages, and many others. It’s time for Congress to prioritize these pressing issues.”

For questions and clarifications, kindly coordinate with Yves Garcia at 0917 135 9203.