Thursday, June 18, 2009

HR 1109 Denounced

On the night of June 2, the administration and its allies railroaded the passage of HR 1109 with their usual impunity. As is characteristic of this administration, democratic processes and respect for the common good were sacrificed when they insisted on the realization of their
self-serving agenda.

Clearly, from the point of view of the nation's interest, there is no urgency in pushing for Charter Change in this dubious mode. Nothing can justify the trampling of deliberative processes. It is clear that the administration solely wants to ensure that it stays in power.

Such arrogant disregard for the will and the interests of the people is ingrained in the governance style of this government. From the countless appointments of unqualified allies to key positions in government to the various corruption scandals, the President and her allies continuously violate the principles of good governance because they can.

Everyone who is supposed to be able to check these violations of our national interest, but does nothing, is complicit to this evil. But, this has got to stop. This government has to be shown that it can no longer insist on its agenda for power. We are calling the key institutions in this country to say no. The Senate has to move and protect its right to decide on constitutional issues as a co-equal branch. The Supreme Court has to continue to show the nation that it
can stand against the attacks of tyrannical forces on our democracy. Civil society must continue its efforts at blocking the rise of this dark tide. And we hope the citizens of this country will be moved by the swell of the passions of opposition that say never again to GMA and the politics based on greed and abuse of power.

May the spirit of the murdered Sumilao leader, Rene PeƱas, inspire us to persevere in our non-violent struggle for a humane, just, and peaceful society.

Signed,

Individual Faculty Members of the Philosophy Department,
Ateneo de Manila University

Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez
Michael G. Aurelio
Remmon E. Barbaza
Oscar Bulaong, Jr.
Mark Joseph Calano
Manuel B. Dy, Jr.
Geoffrey Guevara
Jacqueline Marie D. Jacinto
Michael Ner Mariano
Pamela Joy Mariano
Marc Oliver Pasco
John Carlo Uy