Dateline Metro Manila, Philippines, Nov. 13, 2007 (As Updated to incorporate proposals submitted by the BalikLaban Movement of the USA)

Despite notable fiscal reforms and economic growth, continuing problems of governance, executive-legislative relations, political corruption, inefficiency, lack of accountability, and the persistence of poverty, unemployment, social inequality and political instability underscore the need for structural and institutional reforms. Unfortunately, efforts at changing the constitution in 2005-2006 failed because of flaws in the process and distrust of their initiators, particularly the president.

Realizing the glaring and continuing urgency of constitutional reforms, Dr. Jose V. Abueva has submitted to Congress the Kalayaan College Scenario for Charter Change. He proposes that Congress initiate the change in two stages: (1) as a constituent assembly in 2008; then (2) by calling a constitutional convention whose delegates will be elected in the 2010 elections.

Stage One involves Congress proposing specific amendments to the Constitution in 2008 or early in 2009.

These amendments have to do with the election of senators by autonomous regions, the establishment of these autonomous regions, the creation of regional assemblies, the establishment of a Federal Republic by 2013, and preventing former presidents from becoming the head of government again.

The proposed amendments shall be submitted to a plebiscite for the people's ratification not later than May 2009. If ratified the amendments shall begin to take effect in May 2010 with the election of national and local officials.

Stage Two involves Congress calling for a constitutional convention whose delegates shall be elected during the national and local elections in May 2010.

The constitutional convention shall deal with the issues of retaining the presidential form of government with modifications or shifting to a parliamentary form of government; a bicameral versus a unicameral Congress or Parliament; proportional representation of the political parties in Congress or Parliament; the adoption of a Bill of Duties as a complement to the Bill of Rights, the disqualification of former presidents from becoming prime minister, and other issues of Charter change.

The proposed amendments or revision of the Constitution shall be submitted to a plebiscite for the people's ratification in October 2011, and upon their ratification these shall begin to take effect in June 2012 and in the election of national and local officials in May 2013.

Editor's Note: Dr. Jose V. Abueva is the president of the Kalayaan College at Riverbanks, 1803 Marikina, Philippines. To contact Dr. Abueva: Telefax (632) 934 4865 or you can visit its Website: www.kalayaan.edu.ph and his e-mail address is: joseabueva@yahoo.com.

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The BalikLaban Movement in the United States sent this e-mail to Dr. Abueva:

Editor's Note: Please read the positive reply of Dr. Abueva, as published in the Users' Comments Section.

Dear Dr. Abueva:

Our mutual friend, Dr. Manuel Faelnar, forwarded to me your press release. We will publicize it in the Filipino-American and Filipino-Canadian newspapers and online publications.

Would it be possible to include in your Kalayaan College scenario or proposal our idea of giving Overseas Filipinos their voices in the House of Representatives and the Senate under your proposed Stage One -- on the argument that 9-million of them constitute more than the population of some of the regions of the Philippines:

1.0 The Overseas-Filipino communities will be given two (2) members of the Philippine Senate as their representatives, if the voting is done on a regional basis.

2.0 The Overseas-Filipino communities will be given elected positions in the House of Representatives (or Parliament) at the rate of one representative per 250,000 residents or voters.

       2.1 This proposal would mean that four Representatives will be elected by the Filipino contract workers in Saudi Arabia alone.

       2.2 This would mean also that the other Filipino contract workers in the Middle East may be entitled to eight more Representatives.

       2.3 This would mean likewise that Filipino Americans may be able to elect at least 12 more Representatives.

       2.4 The Filipino maids and other contract workers in Hong Kong, Macao and Southern China may be entitled to one member in the House of Representatives (or Parliament).

As you have probably heard, we are now negotiating with our fellow community leaders in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, Canada, Australia, Europe and Asia about forming an strategic alliance for an OFW-led Political Party that will field complete slates in the presidential, national and local elections in 2010. We may also be in a position to field candidates to any election called to elect members of a constitutional convention.

Please let us know if we can help each other push your KC Scenario and our proposals.

Mabuhay,

Bobby M. Reyes
Ad-Hoc Executive Director.
BalikLaban Movement