Naked runners from the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity will once again take part in the annual Oblation Run at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City tomorrow, February 16.
This year, the Oblation Run will express the fraternity’s opposition to ongoing efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, especially through People’s Initiative.
“Proposals for constitutional amendments have been on every president’s agenda since the Ramos presidency. The start of the year saw the emergence of a People’s Initiative campaign ostensibly aimed at amending the 1987 Constitution,” APO explained in a statement.
“However, the alarming revelation that individuals were shamefully offered a paltry sum of P100 in exchange for their signatures on the petition not only tarnishes the credibility of the campaign but also exposes its inherent illegitimacy,” they said.
“This tactic not only undermines the democratic process but also reveals an odious disinterest towards the proposed amendments among the Filipino public. It is indicative of a process driven more by hidden agenda than by a genuine desire to address the nation’s constitutional needs.”
The fraternity called for skepticism and critical scrutiny of the entire constitutional reform endeavor, urging stakeholders to remain vigilant against dubious methods that undermine the foundations of a democratic decision-making process.
Drawing from historical lessons, particularly during the Marcos dictatorship, the fraternity emphasized the risks associated with unchecked constitutional revisions. They also called on government to focus on more important issues instead.
“Efforts must urgently be placed on addressing the pervasive and deeply entrenched corruption, the highly problematic public utility vehicle modernization program, and the distressing surge in prices of vital commodities such as rice and gasoline,” they said.
“Rather than diverting attention towards self-serving initiatives like Charter Change, the government’s primary responsibility is to confront and rectify the critical challenges that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of its citizens, ensuring a just and thriving future for the nation.”
In the past, the Oblation Run was usually held in December. In 2020, APO called for the scrapping of the Kaliwa Dam project and encouraged the Filipino youth to push for stronger climate action on the part of the government.
Last year, after a two-year hiatus, the fraternity protested against the return of the Marcoses to Malacañan.