EDITORIAL: Constitutional Controversy

A political television advertisement has sparked controversy among Filipino viewers, as it advocates for a change in the current 1987 Constitution. Aired on major networks like GMA, TV5, and ABS-CBN, the ad claims that the constitution, formed after the EDSA Revolution, has hindered the country’s development in various sectors.

The ad suggests that the 1987 Constitution is responsible for issues in education, agriculture, and the economy, citing the rise of monopoly and the alleged lack of land ownership by foreign investors. It encourages the public to support a change, stating that the current constitution is unfair to Filipinos.

However, many online users have expressed disappointment, with some calling out the ad for its vague claims and historical revisionism. Critics argue that blaming the 1987 Constitution and events like the EDSA Revolution for the country’s current challenges oversimplifies complex issues.

One online user pointed out that the ad fails to provide concrete facts or numbers, highlighting the significant progress the Philippines has made since 1987. Another emphasized the danger of historical revisionism, stating that the ad wrongly implies that the EDSA Revolution caused the nation’s hardships, contrasting the reality of the Martial Law era.

Moreover, a screen-grab revealed that the ad was allegedly paid for by the Gana Atienza Avisado Law Offices, raising questions about the motivation behind the campaign. The public is rightfully concerned about potential hidden agendas and who stands to benefit from advocating constitutional change.

Former finance undersecretary Cielo Magno debunked the ad’s claims about foreign investment, stating that land ownership is not the primary factor and highlighting other obstacles such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency.

As discussions around constitutional reform, colloquially known as “Cha-cha,” resurface, it is crucial to scrutinize the motivations behind such campaigns. The 1987 Constitution was crafted after the EDSA Revolution to usher in a fresh start from the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. It aimed to establish a democratic, representative, and presidential system with checks and balances.

While there have been proposals for constitutional reform over the years, the current controversy raises concerns about the transparency and accuracy of information being presented to the public. Filipinos must remain vigilant in distinguishing between genuine calls for progress and potentially misleading narratives.

As discussions on constitutional changes continue, it is imperative that lawmakers and the public engage in informed, open dialogue to ensure that any reforms are in the best interest of the Filipino people and the nation’s democratic principles.

The controversial advertisement calling for a change in the 1987 Constitution has ignited a crucial conversation about the nation’s history, progress, and future. While the ad’s claims have faced criticism for their lack of specificity and potential historical revisionism, it underscores the importance of a well-informed public discourse on constitutional matters.

As the Philippines considers the possibility of constitutional reform or “Cha-cha,” it is imperative that discussions remain grounded in facts, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the democratic principles embedded in the 1987 Constitution.

Citizens must be wary of narratives that oversimplify complex issues and instead actively seek accurate information to make informed decisions about the country’s future. Ultimately, the debate surrounding constitutional change should serve as an opportunity for constructive dialogue, fostering unity rather than division.

Filipinos must collectively ensure that any proposed reforms align with the nation’s democratic values and contribute to sustained progress, steering clear of potential pitfalls that may arise from misleading narratives.

The responsibility lies not only with lawmakers but also with an engaged and vigilant public committed to safeguarding the principles that define the Philippines’ democratic journey.