Feature Articles:

Arbitral Ruling or Economic Ruse? A Deeper Look at the South China Sea Decision

As the Philippines marks the ninth anniversary of the...

2016 Arbitral Award, kapahamakan hindi tagumpay ng Pilipino

Sa paggunita ng ikasiyam na anibersaryo ng 2016 Arbitral...

Sa Kabila ng Paninira, Naninindigan Pa Rin Kami”: Carlo Batalla, Sumagot sa mga Paratang ni Rep. Villafuerte

Sa isang matapang na pahayag na pinamagatang "Despite Demolition,...

Workers picket Congress, call for a stop to Cha-cha

 

In time for a committee meeting on the proposed changes in the 1987 Constitution, workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno held a picket in front of the House of Representatives today to call for a stop to the Cha-cha, condemning the premise and process of the latter.

“We oppose the Cha-cha being pushed by the Aquino government. Its premise and process are both incorrect. We oppose it vehemently,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general. 

“The Cha-cha’s basic premise is that attracting more foreign investors will bring about the country’s development. We have been trying to do that for the longest time and we are not anywhere near being a developed country,” he added. 

 
“Workers, for one, have not been benefitting from the government’s drive to attract foreign investors. This drive has meant pressing down our wages, promoting contractualization, imposing inhumane workloads and repressing our rights,” Soluta said. 

Carrying placards that read “The Philippines is not for sale” and “Stop Cha-cha,” workers staged a play where Uncle Sam and Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III are dancing cha-cha over the country’s Constitution.

The HOR Committee on Constitutional Amendments is set to meet today to deliberate on House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 which seeks to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution. 

On the agenda are the following amendments: (1) removal of the 60%-40% equity limitations on foreign investors, (2) removal of the exclusive control and management by Filipinos in companies with foreign equities, (3) expansion of foreign investors’ role in exploring, developing and utilizing the country’s natural resources, (4) allowing foreign ownership of industrial lands, (5) allowing foreign investment in the media industry, (6) liberalizing the practice of profession, (7) allowing foreign investments in tertiary education, and (8) expansion of the 25 years plus 25 years land lease agreement. 

“The process being proposed for amending the basic law of the land is the same as the process being followed in passing an ordinary law. This does not strike us as the right thing to do,” Soluta said. 

“These are major amendments to the Constitution and will deeply affect the lives and livelihood of ordinary Filipinos. These should be subjected to public and government deliberations that are more rigorous than those being undergone by ordinary pieces of legislation,” he added. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General

Latest

Arbitral Ruling or Economic Ruse? A Deeper Look at the South China Sea Decision

As the Philippines marks the ninth anniversary of the...

2016 Arbitral Award, kapahamakan hindi tagumpay ng Pilipino

Sa paggunita ng ikasiyam na anibersaryo ng 2016 Arbitral...

Sa Kabila ng Paninira, Naninindigan Pa Rin Kami”: Carlo Batalla, Sumagot sa mga Paratang ni Rep. Villafuerte

Sa isang matapang na pahayag na pinamagatang "Despite Demolition,...

Voices for Peace Silenced: Experts Warn of Rising U.S.-Russia Tensions and Suppression of Dissent

Washington, D.C. – As the global community grapples with...

Newsletter

spot_img
spot_img

Don't miss

Arbitral Ruling or Economic Ruse? A Deeper Look at the South China Sea Decision

As the Philippines marks the ninth anniversary of the...

2016 Arbitral Award, kapahamakan hindi tagumpay ng Pilipino

Sa paggunita ng ikasiyam na anibersaryo ng 2016 Arbitral...

Sa Kabila ng Paninira, Naninindigan Pa Rin Kami”: Carlo Batalla, Sumagot sa mga Paratang ni Rep. Villafuerte

Sa isang matapang na pahayag na pinamagatang "Despite Demolition,...

Voices for Peace Silenced: Experts Warn of Rising U.S.-Russia Tensions and Suppression of Dissent

Washington, D.C. – As the global community grapples with...

Empowering Farmers and Promoting Herbal Medicine for a Healthier Philippines

In the latest episode of the KaNego Podcast, businessman...
spot_imgspot_img

Arbitral Ruling or Economic Ruse? A Deeper Look at the South China Sea Decision

As the Philippines marks the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the South China Sea dispute, a fiery new exposé by...

2016 Arbitral Award, kapahamakan hindi tagumpay ng Pilipino

Sa paggunita ng ikasiyam na anibersaryo ng 2016 Arbitral Award hinggil sa South China Sea (SCS) o West Philippines (WPS), nagpahayag ng mariing pagtutol...

Sa Kabila ng Paninira, Naninindigan Pa Rin Kami”: Carlo Batalla, Sumagot sa mga Paratang ni Rep. Villafuerte

Sa isang matapang na pahayag na pinamagatang "Despite Demolition, We Remain Resolute and Steadfast!", tumindig si Carlo Batalla, Chairman at Pangulo ng Crime and...