The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) declares, “NO TO CHA CHA” in a press statement they released to the media on March 17.

In opposing the reported plan to amend the charter, the group cited the alleged bribery scandal that happened at the Constitutional Convention in 1971.

“The last time a Marcos Administration spearheaded a Constitutional Convention in 1971, a bribery scandal erupted. An expose led by Eduardo Quintero, one of the delegates of the Con Con, accused then First Lady Imelda Marcos of leading a campaign that would allow President Ferdinand Marcos to evade the term limits set in the previous 1935 Constitution, and that would enable him to stay in power beyond the 8 years limit previously set by the old Constitution. The 1971 Constitution would eventually lead this country into the dark pits of a Martial Law regime.”

ATOM also said that while the present Constitution is far from perfect, the government should attend to more important issues brought about by the pandemic.

“While our present Constitution may not be perfect, it is not the right time to prioritize this, considering that our country is still battling the after-effects of the Covid crisis.”

“We, the members of the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), remain steadfast to preserve the ideals of Ninoy and committed to stand by Democracy at all costs. As Ninoy said in an undelivered speech during his return to the country in 1983:

“How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith.”

“No to Charter Change. NO TO CHA CHA!” the statement reads.

Members of the August Twenty-One Movement include Bobby M. Aquino, Loowee Andal, Voltaire Bohol, Reli L. German, Mae Lagunday, Titus Manuel, and Nori Santos.