THIS is a reaction to the news article titled ?Rewriting constitution may tip over economy.? (Inquirer, 06/05/09)

The news item made mention of a warning: ?A legislator?s initiative to rewrite the Philippine constitution may push the stalling economy into reverse, a senior aide to President Arroyo warned Friday.?

On the contrary, the plan of the administration and its allies to conduct the holding of a constitutional assembly (con-ass) ? which critics say is being pursued to perpetuate the stay of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang and to allow foreign investors to own land ? may not be a bad thing, that is, if they have a change of heart and have the following objectives:

1. To create an atmosphere conducive to sustained economic momentum that may be considered the result of the per capita GDP of $3,300 in 2008; and at least a 10-percent growth rate sustained for 10 years more or less that will equal Thailand?s 2008 per capita GDP of $8,500 in 2008 -- although by then, Thailand is expected to have gained much higher ground.

2. To promote participatory governance (in contravention to elite governance) that will reduce poverty and attain social equity by increasing the productivity of the people, particularly the marginalized sectors, such as the farmers, fisherfolk, and urban poor, thereby placing them in a comfortable position to participate effectively in natural resource and environmental protection. To achieve this and lift the nation from a state of inertia, the country needs a new breed of leaders (both in government and civil society) who are competent and service-oriented.

If these are not objectives of Ms Arroyo and her allies? in pushing for a con-ass and Charter change, then the Filipino people have the right to expose and oppose, by all means.
?EDMUNDO ENDEREZ,
edenderez@yahoo.com