Organized campaign vs con-ass launched

PROGRESSIVE groups yesterday launched in Davao City what is dubbed as an organized campaign against House Resolution 1109 or the proposal to change the charter through  constituent assembly (con-ass).

The Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) will travel around the city to gather signatures against con-ass, according to the group’s president, Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Satur Ocampo.
Yesterday, they distributed several petition letters in Bankerohan, Barangay 5-A asking voters to sign.

“This is a nationwide campaign to call people to urge their congressmen to withdraw support from con-ass or else they will not vote for them in the upcoming 2010 election,” said Ocampo.
According to Ocampo, con-ass is President Gloria Arroyo’s plot to extend her term beyond 2010. “If the Supreme Court would approve the ruling, this would be an open sesame to self-serving principles. This would extend her term, making her stay in power,” he added.

Gabriela Partylist Representative Liza Maza, executive vice president of Makabayan, emphasized the importance of people’s participation to prevent lawmakers from meddling with the Constitution.“If we continue massive mobilizations, mapapaatras natin ang (we can stop) con-ass,” she said.

Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela Women’s Party called for public support  to any moves  against con-ass.
“We should show that we are not happy. We are calling all other groups and sectors to express our plea to continue the 2010 elections,” she said, adding that the people “are already looking forward to change the people in the seat.”

Meanwhile, Teddy Casiño, national executive council member of the group, said the strategy to gather signatures will have a great impact on the psyche of the representatives in the Lower House.
“It’s not normal they receive a letter pertaining to a national issue,” Casiño said.