Makati Manila Anti Cha-Cha Protest Rallies

Manila protests against the Government? Is this a headline from the Marcos era of the 80s where millions lined the street of EDSA to stop military movement? Or are we talking about EDSA 2 (EDSA Dos) when the Second People Power Revolution stepped up to insist on the removal of Estrada resulting in Gloria Arroyo taking power? Unfortunately the title line doesn't speak of Manila protests in either of those time lines. Memories must not have any lasting power any more. What happened to the adage of history doesn't repeat itself or lightning not striking twice in the same place? If leadership doesn't learn and apply the lesson taught, the mistakes tend to repeat themselves. Manila protests are back in the front of the headlines again with this round scheduled to start on Jun 10, 2009 in Makati City.

If you read the news in the Philippines, Cha Cha is not a dance and you probably know what Con-Ass stands for. Mixed in with the Hayden Kho sex video scandal, the House of Representatives found time to pass House resolution 1109 to convene a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass).Con-Ass allows the house make amendments to the Constitution, otherwise known as Charter Change(the Cha-Cha) without the Senate being in session. In essence the House voted to eliminate the need for the other legislative branch to even be called upon to vote on making a change to the constitution. Con-Ass equals step one towards Manila Protests.

A curious person might ask why one body of a Government would believe they have such power, and why they would have enough support in the members of the House to pass what seems to many people to be an absurd idea that the constitution could be changed this way. The reason behind Con-Ass is believed by many to be Cha-Cha-ing the Presidential term or creating a mechanism to allow Arroyo to become the first Prime Minister of the Philippines. The Con-Ass could be a means allow the same person who took over power from a corrupt President Estrada to influence those she controls to vote to allow her to stay in power. What about those she doesn't control? Con-Ass eliminates the need to have them present for the vote.

Marcos tried to corruptly stay in power leading to EDSA People Power Revolution. Estrada tried to remain in power in spite of an Impeachment hearing leading to EDSA 2. Millions of people were willing to line the streets, standing for four or five days to make their point on two different occasions specifically related to a person in power trying to remain in power. Why would anyone think changing the constitution, so a leader who 46% of the people do not trust, to stay in office would result in anything less than another Peoples Power Revolution?

Makati City Anti-Cha-Cha rallies are scheduled for Jun 10 at 5 PM. Rallying groups have met with police in advance. Philippine National Police are preparing the area. Six hundred cops from South Luzon area are on stand by. Road closures and bus rerouting has already been released. Philippine Military members have been told they risk disciplinary action if they participate even if their off duty hours. Religious leaders are calling for the youth to take a stand and participate. It's likely Anti-Cha-Cha rallies, Manila protests, and protests throughout the country will continue for months to come and possibly through the 2010 elections, assuming elections do take place.

SOURCES
Business Weekly on Con-Ass

PNP readying for anti-Cha-cha rallies

600 cops on Stand by from South Luzon

Arroyo Most Distrusted Top Govt Official