Filipino Youth Against Cha Cha
On March 20, 2024, the Philippine House of Representatives, led by Marcos Jr.’s crony-cousin Martin Romualdez approved the RBH7 (Resolution of Both Houses 7), or the “Economic Charter Change.” Anakbayan USA vehemently condemns this development in the Philippine legislature as an all-out attack against Philippine sovereignty and the Filipino people’s just demands for jobs and livelihood. Though the ruling clique may attempt to disguise its intentions, the effects of the RBH7 would essentially surrender control of the Philippines’ public utilities, education, and advertising sectors over to foreign investors, which will only deepen the country’s already massive debt.
Throughout the deliberations, the Marcos ruling clique has made it a point to label the proposed changes to the 1987 Charter of the Philippine Constitution as an “economic” Cha-Cha, in an attempt to mask Marcos Jr.’s self-centered political motives. In truth, the changes passed by the House to open the Philippines to more foreign direct investments (FDI) contrast starkly with the true economic and political aspirations of the toiling masses. Rather than invite more wealth and jobs as the ruling clique would claim, the Cha-Cha will undeniably expose the already-precarious Philippine economy to control by foreign monopolies. The lifting of amendments from the Philippine constitution which were set in place after the masses ejected Marcos Sr. from presidency during the EDSA-People Power Uprising will inevitably sell the land, resources, and wealth which rightfully belong to the FIlipino people off to Marcos Jr.’s business partners, principally U.S. imperialism. Without a doubt, Marcos Jr.’s motive in railroading Charter Change is nothing else but to further enrich his political dynasty and family of thieves.
Filipino youth and students will be especially impacted should the Charter Change move forward to allow for the foreign administration of education. The legacy of institutionalized colonial education which dates back to the era of direct colonial rule by the United States in the 20th century would only continue and worsen should the Filipino youth be molded–even within the classroom–by the thinking and values of foreign monopoly capitalists. The Marcos regime would rather resort to selfishly reaping the benefits of foreign investments at the expense of long-term improvements for the people. Meanwhile, the Filipino youth and their families as well as the teachers are made to carry the burden of insufficient funding towards education and are facing constant threats to their academic freedom.
The Filipino masses are tirelessly clamoring for higher wages and lower prices as inflation continues to rise, and while the likes of Romualdez may claim that the Cha-Cha will “sustain our economic growth, create more job and income opportunities,” we know that true change in the economy for the benefit of the Filipino people cannot be achieved by relying on foreign investments; but the building of national industry and genuine agrarian reform in the Philippines.
No to Charter Change!
Sahod itaas, presyo ibaba!
The Philippines is Not for Sale!
Fight for national industrialization and genuine agrarian reform!
Oppose foreign direct investments!
Take back our education!
#NoToChaCha #NoToMarcosChaCha #MigrantsAgainstChaCha #PinoysOverseasAgainstChaCha
