Source: https://www.rappler.com/nation/207250-professors-scholars-oppose-constituent-assembly-no-elections-2019
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Professors and scholars from different academic institutions in the Philippines have started a signature campaign against plans to hold a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) to amend the 1987 Constitution.
While convening Congress into a Constituent Assembly is one of the 3 ways to revise the charter, the academicians called for a more inclusive and participatory process in constitutional reform. (READ: The problem with Con-Ass? Distrust of Congress)
“Almost 80% of Congress is comprised of political dynasties, and the empirical evidence suggests that a majority of them may face deep conflict of interest if a new constitution aims for reforms that level the political playing field. The risk of capture by vested interests affecting our present politics is too great,” the professors said in a statement.
Citing recent surveys, the professors said now is not the right time to reform the Constitution.
According to the March 2018 Pulse Asia survey, a big majority of Filipinos or 64% oppose charter change. (READ: What you need to know about charter change)
Changing the Constitution also ranked last in the "most urgent national concerns" in Pulse Asia Research, Incorporated's survey, with only 3% of the Filipinos saying that it should be acted upon immediately.
A poll by the Social Weather Stations in March showed that only 37% of Filipinos support the shift to a federal system of government while only one in 4 Filipinos are even aware of what it is.
The professors who signed the manifesto so far include:
Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
Fr. Roberto E. N. Rivera, SJ, President, Ateneo de Naga University
Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Fr. Joel E. Tabora SJ, President, Ateneo de Davao University
Fr. Primitivo E. Viray Jr, SJ, Provincial Superior, Jesuits in the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus
Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, President, De La Salle Philippines
Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, President, University of San Carlos
Edilberto de Jesus, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Asian Institute of Management
Cielito Habito, PhD, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
Jaime G. Hofileña, Vice President for Social Development, Ateneo de Manila University
Antonette Palma-Angeles, PhD, Vice President for the Professional Schools, Ateneo de Manila University
Ronald U. Mendoza, PhD, Dean, Ateneo School of Government
Maria Fe Villamejor-Mendoza, DPA, Dean, UP National College of Public Administration and Governance
Melencio Sta Maria, LLM, Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of Law
Jose Ramon Albert, PhD, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association
Hadji Balajadia, MSc, Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Davao University
Nicole Curato, PhD, Research Fellow, University of Canberra
Lisandro E. Claudio, PhD, Associate Professor, De La Salle University
Jay Batongbacal, JSD, University of the Philippines College of Law
Victor Andres Manhit, MPA, DLSU Associate Professor (Retired) and President of ADR Institute
Aries A. Arugay, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Maria Ela L. Atienza, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Amado Mendoza Jr, PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Francisco A. Magno, PhD, Director, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance
Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, LLM, Non-Resident Research Fellow, Ateneo School of Government
Tomas P. Africa, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association
Jose V. Camacho Jr, PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
Luisito G. Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
Marcial Orlando A. Balgos Jr, PhD, Chair, Department of Leadership, Ethics, & HR Management, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
Antonio G. M. La Viña, JSD, Professorial Lecturer of Constitutional Law, University of the Philippines College of Law
Emilyn Q. Espiritu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University
Jan Robert R. Go, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Gerardo T. Los Baños, Department of Communications and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines-Diliman & Deputy Director, UP Press
Arjan P. Aguirre, MA, Instructor, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University
Eirene Jhone E. Aguila, Professor, Far Eastern University Institute of Law
Imelda Deinla, PhD, Australian National University
Rene D. Ledesma, Dean, Faculty and Academic Affairs, PHINMA University of Iloilo
Adonis Elumbre, Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of History and Philosophy, University of the Philippines-Baguio
Ian Jayson R. Hecita, Program Manager, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance
Socorro L. Reyes, PhD, Former Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University
Adelfo V. Briones, Adjuct Professor, Ateneo School of Government, Ateneo de Manila University
Luisito C Abueg, Graduate Fellow, UP School of Economics
Emmanuel S. de Guzman, PhD, Professor, Maryhill School of Theology & Loyola School of Theolog
Rejene Tan Lakibul, MPMD, Faculty Member, Department of Political Science, School of Law and Governance, University of San Carlos
Lloyd C. Bautista, DPA, Vice President, Academics, STI Education Services Group
Ranilo B. Hermida, PhD, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Jose Maria G. Hofileña, Dean, Ateneo Law School
Gillian Joyce G. Virata, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Roosevelt College, Inc.
Agnes M. Brazal, PhD, Associate Professor and Research Fellow, De la Salle University
Jose Mari O. Daclan, Ateneo School of Government
Bonn Juego, PhD, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Loreta Castro, Ed.D, Miriam College
Ronald D. Holmes, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University
Keith Einstein R. Pon, Instructor I, Mindanao State University- Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
Ivyrose Baysic, Head, Ateneo Policy Center
Ruth Lusterio-Rico, Phd, Professor, Department of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman
Kristine C. Meneses, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Santo Tomas
Margarita Holmes, Pamatasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila
Dennis Quilala, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, UP-Diliman
Ma. Araceli Habaradas, Ateneo Law School
Mary Racelis, PhD, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Fr. Ramon D. Echica (SThD), Dean of Studies, Faculty of Theology, San Carlos Major Seminary
Erwin A. Alampay, PhD, Associate Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines
JC Punongbayan, PhD candidate, UP School of Economics
Reinabelle Reyes, PhD, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Remmon E. Barbaza, PhD, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
Fanny A. Garcia, PhD, Filipino Department, De La Salle University-Manila
Segundo Joaquin Eclar Romero Jr, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
Michelle Estor, LLM, University of the Philippines College of Law
Nico B. Valderrama, CPA, MPM, ESQ, Instructor, Arellano University School of Law
Yvan Ysmael Yonaha, Instructor, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
Cheryll Soriano, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, De La Salle University-Manila
Celia M. Austria, University of the Philippines-Baguio
Czarina Medina-Guce, Faculty, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
Rowena Soriano, Member, Faculty of Law, Ateneo de Manila University and FEU Law; Assistant Professor, Political Science Program, Department of Social Sciences, UP Manila
Jose Victor Patalinghug, Academic, College of Arts and Sciences, Cebu Institute of Technology- University
Manuel Victor J. Sapitula, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of the Philippines Diliman
Ed Garcia, Framer, 1987 Constitution
Julian Concepcion Jr, Finance & Economics Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver Campus
No to ‘no-el’ 2019
The scholars also strongly condemned talks of cancelling the 2019 elections, saying “there are more pressing and immediate policy challenges that our leaders must address,” including the spate of killings in the country and rising prices of goods.
“A constitution is supposed to bind our nation in common values and a shared vision. It is the very glue that should unite us all in common purpose. If we are to amend the constitution, we must invest not just in the outcome, but in the very process,” they said.
“This is a broad discussion that must bring together our citizens from all walks of life, professions and political leanings. It is a national discourse that must allay fears, clarify concerns and bring us all towards common ground,” they added.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez first floated the idea of a no-election scenario in January. He raised it again on Wednesday, July 11, saying it would expedite the shift to federalism.
The Speaker explained he prefers not to have the elections in 2019 because Congress would be pressed for time to amend the charter. Con-Com chairman Reynato Puno recommends the ratification of the new constitution by May 2019, the same month the midterm polls is scheduled.
The House already approved a joint resolution calling both chambers of Congress to form a Constituent Assembly to amend the charter. The Senate, however, has not acted on it. Senators wanted to ensure that there would be separate voting between chambers should a Con-Ass be formed.
Some senators are also pushing for Constitutional Convention, but Duterte had announced he wanted the faster and cheaper mode of Con-Ass. In the latter, Congress is convened to change the Constitution while in Con-Con the delegates will be elected by the people. – Rappler.com
Statement of Academics and Professionals on Charter Change:
We, the undersigned academics and professionals, are expressing our deep concern as regards the process of reviewing and possibly amending our Constitution.
We acknowledge the importance of discussing ways to improve governance in the country, particularly when it comes to a possible shift to a new, federal form of government. Some of us actually support federalism, while others oppose it. We have nevertheless united in this common statement to acknowledge the importance of evidence-based debate and discussion to root out the main benefits and costs of such a reform.
Given the far-reaching implications of this reform, we believe the process must be much more participatory—including not just those who are for this reform, but also those who oppose it. International policy experience and evidence suggests that constitutional reforms are more effective if deliberations are front-loaded at the crafting stage, rather than belatedly appended once these reforms are already ratified.
The present environment is not conducive to reforming the constitution. The most recent nationwide surveys of SWS and Pulse Asia last March 2018 show that only 25% of our citizens sufficiently understand our existing constitution, while only 37% support the shift to federalism. 64% are against charter change.. ‘Changing the Constitution’ also ranked last in the ‘most urgent national concerns’ with only 3% of the Filipinos saying that it should be acted upon immediately.
We do not support calls to channel this reform through a Constituent Assembly.
Almost 80% of Congress is comprised of political dynasties, and the empirical evidence suggests that a majority of them may face deep conflict of interest if a new constitution aims for reforms that level the political playing field. The risk of capture by vested interests affecting our present politics is too great.
We do not support calls to postpone or cancel elections in 2019.
Finally, we believe that there are more pressing and immediate policy challenges that our leaders must address. The rising death toll linked to the anti-drugs campaign, which now includes many children and young people. The killings of political leaders and priests also further raise the spectre of injustice. Rising prices of basic commodities, transportation and other needs are also hitting the poor, our workers, and millions of low income households. If these are unresolved, then how can we credibly unite around “rule of law” and “human rights” under an amended constitution?
A constitution is supposed to bind our nation in common values and a shared vision. It is the very glue that should unite us all in common purpose.. If we are to amend the constitution, we must invest not just in the outcome, but in the very process.
This is a broad discussion that must bring together our citizens from all walks of life, professions and political leanings. It is a national discourse that must allay fears, clarify concerns and bring us all towards common ground.
Signed:
Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Fr. Roberto E. N.. Rivera, SJ, President, Ateneo de Naga University Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President, Ateneo de Zamboanga University Fr. Primitivo E. Viray, Jr., SJ, Provincial Superior, Jesuits in the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, President, De La Salle Philippines Fr.. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, President, University of San Carlos Edilberto de Jesus, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Asian Institute of Management Cielito Habito, PhD, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University Jaime G. Hofileña, Vice President for Social Development, Ateneo de Manila University Antonette Palma-Angeles, PhD, Vice President for the Professional Schools, Ateneo de Manila University Ronald U. Mendoza, PhD, Dean, Ateneo School of Government Maria Fe Villamejor-Mendoza, DPA, Dean, UP National College of Public Administration and Governance Melencio Sta Maria, LLM, Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of Law Jose Ramon Albert, PhD, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association Hadji Balajadia, MSc, Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Davao University Nicole Curato, PhD, Research Fellow, University of Canberra Lisandro E. Claudio, PhD, Associate Professor, De La Salle University Jay Batongbacal, JSD, University of the Philippines College of Law Victor Andres Manhit, MPA, DLSU Associate Professor (Retired) and President of ADR Institute Aries A. Arugay, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman Maria Ela L. Atienza, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman Amado Mendoza, Jr., PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman Francisco A. Magno, PhD, Director, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, LLM, Non-Resident Research Fellow, Ateneo School of Government Tomas P. Africa, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association Jose V. Camacho, Jr., PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines-Los Baños Luisito G. Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
Marcial Orlando A. Balgos Jr.., PhD, Chair, Department of Leadership, Ethics, & HR Management, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
Antonio G. M. La Viña, JSD, Professorial Lecturer of Constitutional Law, University of the Philippines College of Law Emilyn Q. Espiritu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University Jan Robert R. Go, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman Gerardo T.. Los Baños, Department of Communications and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines-Diliman & Deputy Director, UP Press Arjan P. Aguirre, MA, Instructor, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University Eirene Jhone E. Aguila, Professor, Far Eastern University Institute of Law Imelda Deinla, PhD, Australian National University Rene D. Ledesma, Dean, Faculty and Academic Affairs, PHINMA University of Iloilo Adonis Elumbre, Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of History and Philosophy, University of the Philippines-Baguio
Ian Jayson R. Hecita, Program Manager, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance
Socorro L. Reyes, PhD, Former Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University Adelfo V. Briones, Adjuct Professor, Ateneo School of Government, Ateneo de Manila University Luisito C Abueg, Graduate Fellow, UP School of Economics Emmanuel S. de Guzman, PhD, Professor, Maryhill School of Theology & Loyola School of Theolog Rejene Tan Lakibul, MPMD, Faculty Member, Department of Political Science, School of Law and Governance, University of San Carlos Lloyd C. Bautista, DPA, Vice President, Academics, STI Education Services Group Ranilo B. Hermida, PhD, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Ateneo de Manila University Jose Maria G. Hofileña, Dean, Ateneo Law School Gillian Joyce G. Virata, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Roosevelt College, Inc. Agnes M. Brazal, PhD, Associate Professor and Research Fellow, De la Salle University Jose Mari O. Daclan, Ateneo School of Government Bonn Juego, PhD, University of Jyväskylä, Finland Loreta Castro, Ed.D, Miriam College Ronald D. Holmes, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University Keith Einstein R. Pon, Instructor I, Mindanao State University- Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
The views and opinions expressed by the signatories do not necessary reflect those of the institutions they are affiliated with. They have all signed this statement in their individual capacity as citizens engaged in the education, research, and policy fields.
For those who are interested in joining this effort, please send an email to: