These are my personal thoughts on Archbishop Lagdameo's statement published on July 18, 2005 in the Inquirer with the title "Charter change won't solve RP woes, says CBCP head"

May I just say that Archbishop Lagdameo is wrong in saying that charter change is nothing but a cosmetic move. Structure begets behavior begets attitude; To change the way the government does business also addresses the core of its problems, hence far from cosmetic. (sidenote: a cosmetic change would be were only the job titles change. this is not so if we move to a federalized nation)

Furthermore, while I agree that our politicians should have a change of heart and strive to be good and moral, suggesting that as the primary solution for our nation's woes is just about as practical as saying we shouldn't make our banks more secure, bankrobbers should just stop robbing them.

My point is this: don't debunk charter change simply because it appears to be a quick fix. The truth is, we need a quick fix right now. If a damn was leaking and someone proposes to patch the leak, would you chastise him for proposing such a short term solution?

On the other hand, I also agree that we need a long term solution. Perhaps this is where the archbishop's suggestion, among other things, comes in.