MANILA (UPDATED) — The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday warned Filipinos against "a so-called people's initiative" to amend the constitution that is not truly initiated by ordinary citizens.

CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David in a statement said the country's bishops were alarmed about reports that the signatures gathered seeking to change several provisions in the constitution were not the result of careful study and discussion.

"It seems that this People's Initiative was initiated by a few public servants and not truly from the initiative of ordinary citizens," David said.

"If that is the case, it involves deception and disregard for our true and free participation in the democratic process of our country. Is that good?"

The people's initiative is one of the three ways to revise the constitution along with constitutional convention and constituent assembly.

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While many lawmakers from the House of Representatives are supportive of the people's initiative, members of the Senate made clear of their objections.

Under the initiative, lawmakers from both upper and lower chamber will vote jointly on charter change proposals instead of separately as two houses of Congress. This would dilute the Senate's vote with only 24 members against the over 300 lawmakers from the House.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already received signature forms from hundreds of towns and cities across the country for the people's initiative. However, the move is now facing allegations of signature-buying and questions on legality.

The poll body last January 29 announced that it suspended the proceedings, but David said that "we should not be complacent as there may be other attempts for this charter change."

• Comelec suspends people's initiative proceedings

On Thursday, the Comelec said it welcomes the CPCP's sentiment against the people's initiative and assured the public that all proceedings related to the campaign have been suspended.

“Ginagarantiya ko po sa inyong lahat na mga nagdududa, once na nagsalita kami na suspended, suspended po ‘yan. At namomonitor niyo naman po siguro sa buong bansa, wala pong tinanggap kahit isang pirasong papeles na may lagda ang inyong Commission on Elections,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said.

Meanwhile, David also added that the country's bishops will strive to initiate discussions about the constitutions and other issues facing the nation.

The prelate also warned that any discussion about the amending the charter is crucial and should not be taken lightly.

"Our prayer is that we will not sign or agree to any petition without careful discernment, discussion, and prayer," he said.

The prelate also appealed to Filipinos not to sign or agree to any

"Let us not allow such deceptive systems to continue, encouraging those who continuously exploit our nation. Truly, this is not good."

—With a report from Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News

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