Group to mobilize prayer vigils vs Cha-cha during SONA

MANILA, Philippines — The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO) yesterday urged the faithful to organize prayer vigils on July 23, coinciding with the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte, as a sign of protest against efforts to amend the Constitution and shift to federalism.

LAIKO is an association of the faithful formed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

 “We call on the people to organize prayer vigils in dioceses, parishes and communities during the President’s SONA,” LAIKO president Ma. Julieta Wasan said.

Wasan noted that there has been a growing opposition to federalism.

Based on the latest Pulse Asia survey, the number of Filipinos opposed to Charter change (Cha-cha) increased from 44 percent in July 2016 to 64 percent last March.

The number of Filipinos opposed to federalism also grew from 33 percent to 66 percent.

“We call on our legislators in Congress to stop Cha-cha,” Wasan said.

The group also asked the faithful to be vigilant and reject attempts of legislators to delete provisions that guarantee the constitutional rights of the people.

“We should oppose any attempt to bring back dictatorship, term extension of elected officials and postponement of the 2019 elections,” Wasan said.