The looming propaganda for charter change has begun again. Many fear that it is just a ploy to extend Gloria Arroyo’s term beyond 2010. Her allies in congress have confirmed that possibility. The clamor of congressmen for Chacha was silenced amidst the public outcries last year, but this year there is a hint of its comeback.

Why do we need a new constitution?

There are many reasons for a new constitution. The Spratlys and Sabah issues can be resolved if a new constitution strengthening our claim(via the Law of the Sea) to the said islands. Our economy can also benefit on a new constitution pertaining on better safeguards against a recession and such. Measures and countermeasures against tons of other loopholes on our current constitution would make us less susceptible to an extra constitutional event(wink wink).

So why are we not changing it?

Fears.

Fears of the unreal, unforseen enemies and the more scary reality that there are more politicians seeking personal gains rather than the greater good of our people. Fears that their branch of the government would be obsolete once a form of government has change.

Federalism vs Parliamentary System

There would be a lot of people that would be in favor of a Federal System. A decentralized system would be a welcome change to what we have right now. Then again its the fears that there would always be richer regions that would put the poorer ones in obscurity. A Parliament is also being considered but the idea of all the same congressmen being a part of a new parliament is not that tasty. The only good side of this is that a parliament makes it easier to replace a Prime Minister.

In a nutshell

Constitutional reforms are an urgent matter that has been ignored, blocked or thrown away because people feel the fear that it is only a way of extending a politician’s power rather than empowering the people. The senate will always block a move that will make them obsolete. Change will only happen in this nation if there is a willingness to step down and pass the guard to better leaders that has an untainted reputation and an unwaivering commitment to the people.

Related Posts:

• Mayor, You’ve Been A Bad Boy!
• Some Thoughts on the Influential Blog Awards 2009
• GMA Visited Cory’s Wake(with videos)
• Butt Hygiene Can Get You Fired Downunder
• Obama Makes His Inaugural Speech