The recent television advertisement titled “EDSA-Pwera” has sparked criticism from the Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines and a coalition of labor organizations. The ad, which calls for charter change (Cha-cha) and berates the 1987 Constitution, has been labeled as divisive, ill-conceived, and a form of historical revisionism.
The LP, through its spokesperson and former senator Leila de Lima, strongly condemned the ad, describing it as “trash” and a demonization of the EDSA People Power Uprising. De Lima accused the creators of the ad of attempting to distort facts and pursue their own selfish interests and political agenda. She questioned the credibility of the arguments presented in the ad, which she believed were based on lies, slander, and deception.
The LP emphasized that the slow development of the agriculture and education sectors cannot be solely attributed to the Constitution, as claimed in the ad. They argued that corruption and abuse of power were the real culprits hindering progress in these areas. The party also pointed out that the 1987 Constitution was put in place to prevent any attempts to cling to power, and those responsible for the ad should be held accountable.
LP President and Representative Edcel Lagman criticized the ad campaign, describing it as “crudely crafted” and part of the Marcos family’s ongoing efforts to demonize the EDSA People Power uprising. Lagman’s comments highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the historical significance of the EDSA Revolution and the need to preserve its accurate representation.
In addition to the LP’s criticism, a coalition of nearly 50 labor organizations known as Nagkaisa expressed strong opposition to the pro-charter change advertisement. They labeled it as divisive and ill-conceived, arguing that it misrepresents the true needs and priorities of the country’s workforce. Nagkaisa emphasized that higher wages, job security, and the freedom to organize for collective bargaining should be the focus, rather than diverting attention and resources to a cause that does not serve the majority.
Amidst the backlash, the group behind the controversial ad, the People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (Pirma), expressed openness to listening to the public’s thoughts on possible changes to the 1987 Constitution. Lawyer Quinnmer Manguera, representing the group, acknowledged the negative feedback received on social media and indicated a willingness to improve the messaging of the ad based on public opinion.
Manguera clarified that the group had been planning its move for two years, predating the House of Representatives’ declaration of Cha-cha as its key legislative priority. He emphasized that the ad was the result of a series of consultations and discussions within the group.
The criticism and opposition surrounding the “EDSA-Pwera” ad reflect the deep-rooted divisions and sensitivities surrounding charter change in the Philippines. As the debate continues, it is crucial to ensure that discussions remain grounded in factual information and respect for historical events.
Source: The Manila Times
