By Ronilo L. Pamonag and Erly C. Garcia, News TodaySuch words ended the very short message of Msgr. Angel Lagdameo, archbishop of Jaro and president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in yesterday's anti-Charter change rally at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds.
An estimated 2,000 people gathered yesterday afternoon at the Provincial Capitol grounds to protest moves to amend the constitution, particularly House Resolution 1109 which paved way for the creation of a constituent assembly.
The protest was organized by the Ilonggos' Movement Against Arroyo's Charter Change (I-March), a multisectoral group headed by lawyer Joshua Alim.
Before converging at the Capitol grounds protesters gathered at two assembly points -- the St. Clement's Church and Plaza Libertad – then march to the rally venue where a program was held.
In his message, Lagdameo urged politicians and public figures contemplating on running in 2010 not to use the campaign against Charter Change as a platform for their candidacy.
"We might lose our focus, which is to oppose constituent assembly," Lagdameo said, as he reminded politicians that the campaign against constituent assembly "is not the occasional for campaigning."
But, Lagdameo stressed, his reminder does not mean that politicians are not welcome in public protests against House Resolution 1109. We welcome their presence, in fact it is a statement of their solidarity with the people, the Archbishop said.
Lagdameo's five-minute long message made quiet an impact on the protesters mainly because two priests unveiled a streamer on which was written: Con-con Yes!Con-ass no!"
"What need I say? Everything that I need to say is already here, in front of you. You can just simply read it," he said, with Msgr. Meliton Oso and Fr. Mark Senina beside him, holding the streamer.
Likewise, Lagdameo assured the protesters that the church is supporting their cause. "We in the church, the clergy, are together with you. We are marching with you. We heed your sentiments, and therefore we are supporting your cause of protest."
Lagdameo then led the people to pray “Ginoo malooy ka (Lord have mercy)” and “Kristo malooy ka (Christ have mercy).”
Also seen joining the protest were former presidents of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Iloilo Chapter who also issued their position paper calling for the scrapping of HR 1109 or the move to amend the constitution through constituent assembly.
Current IBP president Atty Marven Daquilanea said HR 1109 is unconstitutional and immoral.
Among the prominent personalities who joined the protest were former Agriculture secretary Rene Villa, former city councilor Atty. Benjie Gengos and former Mayor Mansueto Malabor.
Alim said their call for the junking of the Con-Ass does not stop with yesterday's protest action. He said they will remain vigilant against the moves of the administration to tinker with the constitution before 2010.
Atty. Marven Daquilanea (2nd from right), IBP-Iloilo president, shakes the hand of Cenro officer Noel Hechanova after handing the demand letter addressed to Mayor Jerry Treñas. Joining them are Attys. Antonio Oposa (3rd from right), Hector Teodosio (4th from left) and other IBP officers. (FAA)
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