The Archdiocese of Manila announced its participation in the People’s March and Prayer Against Charter Change, scheduled for May 22, 2024.
This initiative, led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) social arm, Caritas Philippines, aims to oppose proposed amendments to the Philippine Constitution.
In a circular letter, Manila Archdiocesan Chancellor Fr. Isidro Marinay urged the faithful to join the gathering in front of the Senate office in Pasay City from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The priest called for church bells to be rung at 4:00 PM as a special intention for the event. “Our prayers in the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena will be offered for our country and leaders,” said Fr. Marinay.
Caritas Philippines, headed by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, is leading the movement. The organization plans to intensify its information campaign to educate the public about the potential negative impacts of charter change.
“In this light, the Episcopal Commission on Social Action – Justice and Peace/Caritas Philippines and the Social Action Network, which is tasked to address this issue, would like to continue strengthening our anti-charter change campaign to ensure that our lay faithful are correctly informed and educated about the issues surrounding our Constitution,” said Bishop Bagaforo.
An estimated 3,000 participants from various parishes, Catholic institutions, and schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are expected to join the protest.
The bishops also encouraged parishes unable to attend the Senate rally to hold similar activities in their local churches at the same time.
The CBCP remains firm in its opposition to charter change, arguing that the current 1987 Constitution should not be altered. Instead, they urge the government to focus on policies addressing the nation’s pressing issues such as poverty, hunger, and the lack of sufficient opportunities for Filipinos, especially farmers and workers.
“It is not the right time to change the Constitution. The government should instead address the fundamental problems of our country,” the CBCP asserted. – with reports from Veritas 846
