THE term “suspension” has become commonplace under the Marcos Jr. administration, often affecting local government officials who oppose current government policies.
Examples include Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib.
Both have allowed Maisug Peace Rallies to take place in their jurisdictions.
Therefore, the newly formed ‘Pilipino Tayo Movement’ criticizes current government actions.
“Now, if you oppose the government, you will be targeted. Why? We are a democratic nation, right? We are a free nation, right? We’re supposed to have the freedom to speak our mind,” said Greco Belgica, Lead Convenor, Pilipino Tayo Movement.
The group also criticized the excessive use of force by the police in the religious compounds of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Davao City.
The operation caused trauma, leaving church workers fearful and anxious to this day.
“The abuses done in our country. Our freedom of speech, freedom to live, property rights. In Davao, we saw it! Why can’t we stop it?” said Belgica.
The group also did not overlook the suppression of freedom of expression.
An example is the indefinite suspension of SMNI by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The network airs a TV program by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte criticizing the wrong policies of the Marcos Jr. government.
“They will remove your social media account, they will remove you from the media, scare the media, use money on everything. They will shut you down, take away your franchises,” stated Belgica.
The group explained that all these problems stem from the excessive power of the government granted by the 1987 Constitution.
“In our constitution it is written that the government has the power to intrude into all aspects of life,” he added.
To prevent this, the ‘Pilipino Tayo Movement’ is now advocating for Constitutional Change. The group wants to convene a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). They claim that the constitution was drafted by pro-Americans and pro-Spaniards. Con-Con is one of the three ways to amend the Constitution.
In Con-Ass, sitting lawmakers dissect and amend the Constitution, while in Con-Con, the people vote for delegates who will study and revise the Constitution.
People’s Initiative (PI) is the final method for Charter Change (Cha-Cha), gathering signatures from the public to make amendments.
Constitutional Convention proposed to address government overreach
“It’s time for a change. Call for a Con-Con so we can participate. Because Con-Con is really the only way, the only option that Filipinos will accept as credible, that they will accept as for Filipinos,” he also added.
Among the group’s proposed changes in the new Constitution is strengthening government powers against corruption. The ‘Pilipino Tayo Movement’ will also tour the country to explain what Con-Con entails.
The group includes former Senator Gringo Honasan, former Congressman Mike Defensor, Senator Robin Padilla, and others.
