Members of progressive and religious groups held a protest on Thursday, February 22, to oppose the Charter change (Cha-cha) or the amendment of the Philippine 1987 Constitution.
According to RH Boy Gonzales' report, protestors rallied from Delpan Bridge to Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila, where a mini program was held.
Protestors reportedly urged the government to prioritize more pressing issues and not Cha-cha. They also called on the Commission on Elections to invalidate the collected signatures for the People's Initiative and join the people in rejecting this campaign.
Anti-Chacha rally, ikinasa sa tanggapan ng Comelec | RH 29 @boy_gonzales#MBCNetworkNews#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 22, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/54wWZj1j5q pic.twitter.com/BwnAcoQHgR
Senate Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Kidapawan Bishop Colin Bagaforo reportedly joined the protest.
In his speech, Bagaforo said that Cha-cha only attempts to wipe off "democratic principles, moral integrity, patriotism, [and] nationalism" enshrined in the Constitution.
He urged Filipinos to be vigilant and safeguard the country's democracy.
"Kailangan tayo ay maging mapanuri at protektahan ang ating demokrasya at mga kalayaan na pinaghirapan natin nang husto at mga bayani na nagbuhos ng kanilang dugo at buhay," the Kidapawan Bishop said.
LOOK: Nagsasagawa ng rally kontra sa charter change ang iba't ibang grupo sa tapat ng tanggapan ng COMELEC sa Maynila ngayong Huwebes nang umaga, February 22. | via @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/gEzbCH8Sau
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 22, 2024
Bagaforo then cited former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.'s remark that the "1987 Consitution is the only constitution that is pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-Poor, pro-Life, pro-Law, pro-Family, pro-Marriage, pro-Human Rights, pro-Women, and pro-Environment."
