We, the undersigned academics and professionals, are expressing our deep concern as regards the process of reviewing and possibly amending our Constitution.

We acknowledge the importance of discussing ways to improve governance in the country, particularly when it comes to a possible shift to a new, federal form of government. Some of us actually support federalism, while others oppose it. We have nevertheless united in this common statement to acknowledge the importance of evidence-based debate and discussion to root out the main benefits and costs of such a reform.

Given the far-reaching implications of this reform, we believe the process must be much more participatory — including not just those who are for this reform, but also those who oppose it. International policy experience and evidence suggest that constitutional reforms are more effective if deliberations are front-loaded at the crafting stage, rather than belatedly appended once these reforms are already ratified.

The present environment is not conducive to reforming the constitution. The most recent nationwide surveys of SWS and Pulse Asia last March 2018 show that only 25% of our citizens sufficiently understand our existing constitution, while only 37% support the shift to federalism. It also showed that 64% are against charter change. "Changing the Constitution" also ranked last in the "most urgent national concerns" with only 3% of the Filipinos saying that it should be acted upon immediately.

We do not support calls to channel this reform through a Constituent Assembly.

Almost 80% of Congress is comprised of political dynasties, and the empirical evidence suggests that a majority of them may face a deep conflict of interest if a new constitution aims for reforms that level the political playing field. The risk of capture by vested interests affecting our present politics is too great.

We do not support calls to postpone or cancel elections in 2019.

Finally, we believe that there are more pressing and immediate policy challenges that our leaders must address. The rising death toll linked to the anti-drugs campaign, which now includes many children and young people. The killings of political leaders and priests also further raise the spectre of injustice. Rising prices of basic commodities, transportation, and other needs are also hitting the poor, our workers, and millions of low-income households. If these are unresolved, then how can we credibly unite around “rule of law” and “human rights” under an amended constitution?

A constitution is supposed to bind our nation in common values and a shared vision. It is the very glue that should unite us all in common purpose. If we are to amend the constitution, we must invest not just in the outcome, but in the very process.

This is a broad discussion that must bring together our citizens from all walks of life, professions, and political leanings. It is a national discourse that must allay fears, clarify concerns, and bring us all towards common ground.

Signed:

1. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan
2. Roberto E. N. Rivera, SJ, President, Ateneo de Naga University
3. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, President, University of San Carlos
4. Karel San Juan, SJ, President, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
5. Edilberto de Jesus, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Asian Institute of Management
6. Joel E. Tabora SJ, President, Ateneo de Davao University
7. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ, President, Ateneo de Manila University
8. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, President, De La Salle Philippines
9. Primitivo E. Viray, Jr., SJ, Provincial Superior, Jesuits in the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus
10. Juan Antonio Z. Villaluz, RN, MBA, President, Southland College
11. Sittie NB Pasandalan, Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Social Sciences, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
12. Ada D. Abad, Dean, Adamson University College of Law
13. Teresita C. Babaran, SFIC, President, St. Joseph’s College of QC
14. Michael L. Tan, DVM, PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines-Diliman
15. Cielito Habito, PhD, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
16. Lloyd C. Bautista, DPA, Vice President, Academics, STI Education Services Group
17. Gillian Joyce G. Virata, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Roosevelt College, Inc.
18. Edna Aquino, Vice President for Research, Extension and Information Services, Rizal Technological University
19. Ronald U. Mendoza, PhD, Dean, Ateneo School of Government
20. Maria Fe Villamejor-Mendoza, DPA, Dean, University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance
21. Jaime G. Hofileña, Vice President for Social Development, Ateneo de Manila University
22. Antonette Palma-Angeles, PhD, Vice President for the Professional Schools, Ateneo de Manila University
23. Ramon D. Echica (SThD), Dean of Studies, Faculty of Theology, San Carlos Major Seminary
24. Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD, Vice President for the Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University
25. Melencio Sta. Maria, LLM, Dean, Far Eastern University Institute of Law
26. Luisito G. Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
27. Rene D. Ledesma, Dean, Faculty and Academic Affairs, PHINMA University of Iloilo
28. Lourdes M. Portus, PhD, Chair, Philippine Social Science Council and President, Philippines Communication Society
29. Ruby S. Suazo, Department of Philosophy, University of San Carlos and President, Philosophical Association of the Visayas and Mindanao
30. Arman Vicencio Cruz, Founding President, Finance Educators Association
31. Angelina Galang, PhD, Former Vice President for Academic Affairs, Miriam College
32. Jose Maria G. Hofileña, Dean, Ateneo Law School
33. Sylvia Estrada Claudio, Dean, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines
34. Michael Purugganan, Silver for Professor of Biology and Dean for Science, New York University
35. Manuel M. Dayrit MD, MSc, Dean, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
36. Rodolfo P. Ang, Dean, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
37. Victor Andres Manhit, MPA, DLSU Associate Professor (Retired) and President of ADR Institute
38. Danton Remoto, Professorial Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University and Former Dean and President, The Manila Times College
39. Georgina Encanto, Former UP Regent and Dean, College of Mass Communications, University of the Philippines
40. Jose Ramon Albert, PhD, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association
41. Tomas P. Africa, Former President, Philippine Statistical Association
42. Cybele Lara Abad, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, UP College of Medicine
43. Gémino H. Abad, University Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines-Diliman
44. Mercy Abad, AKKAPKa
45. Limuel Anthony B. Abrogena, MD, FPAFP, Assistant Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
46. Luisito C Abueg, Graduate Fellow, UP School of Economics
47. Alberto S. Acenas, Retired Executive, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.
48. Jaime A. Acevedo, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
49. Divina E. Adajar, Paref Woodrose School, Inc.
50. Nathalie Africa-Verceles, DSD, Director, UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies
51. Raymond B. Aguas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
52. Eirene Jhone E. Aguila, Professor, Far Eastern University Institute of Law
53. Victor Aguilan, PhD, Divinity School, Siliman University
54. Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan, LLM, PhD, Professor, UP College of Law
55. Arjan P. Aguirre, MA, Instructor, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University
56. Erwin A. Alampay, PhD, Associate Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines
57. Ramon Benedicto A. Alampay, PhD, Associate Professor, Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines
58. Ruby G. Alcantara, PhD, Professor (Ret.), University of the Philippines-Diliman
59. Alan G. Alegre, Lecturer, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
60. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, Ateneo de Manila University
61. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD, Assistant Professor, University of Santo Tomas
62. Melody Allanigue, Professor, College of Science, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
63. Maria Lourdes Almeda-Benito, MBA, Assistant to the Dean, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
64. Sr. Josephini P. Ambatali, SFIC, St. Joseph’s College of QC
65. Ricardo B. Ang III, Lecturer, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
66. Auria U. Arabit, SdP, Assistant Professor, De La Salle University
67. Jaremilleta M. Arawiran, MM, Academic Chairperson, College of Education, Holy Name University
68. Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui, MD, Professor (Ret.), College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Manila
69. Agustin Arcenas, Associate Prof, UP School of Economics
70. Cleve Arguelles, Assistant Professor & Chair of Political Science Program, UP Manila
71. Patricia B. Arinto, Professor, University of the Philippines – Open University
72. Rex Paul Arjona, Executive Director, Social Action Center – Legazpi, Albay
73. Aries A. Arugay, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
74. Noel G. Asiones, PhD, Professor, University of Santo Tomas
75. Maria Ela L. Atienza, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
76. Celia M. Austria, University of the Philippines-Baguio
77. Concordia C. Bacalso, M. Eng’g, Ch. E., Head, Networking and Linkages Office, Cebu Institute of Technology-University
78. Benjamin C. Bagadion, Jr., PhD, Professor, School of Management, University of the Philippines Mindanao
79. Jason A. Baguia, Assistant Professor and College Secretary, UP Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design
80. Hadji Balajadia, MSc, Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Davao University
81. Nerissa S. Balce, Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Director, Department of Asian & Asian American Studies, State University of New York at Stony Brook
82. Marcial Orlando A. Balgos Jr., PhD, Chair, Department of Leadership, Ethics, & HR Management, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
83. Yason Banal, University of the Philippines Film Institute
84. Jonna Baquillas, Asia Pacific College
85. Raymundo S. Baquiran, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
86. Arlene Barbarona-Loquias, Faculty, College of Education, Holy Name University
87. Remmon E. Barbaza, PhD, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
88. Benjamin Roberto G. Barretto, Part Time Political Science Teacher, Ateneo de Manila University
89. Jay Batongbacal, JSD, University of the Philippines College of Law
90. Cristina M. Bautista, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
91. Minerva S. Baylon, PhD, Associate Professor, UP NCPAG
92. Ivyrose Baysic, Head, Ateneo Policy Center
93. Allan B. I. Bernardo, PhD, Academician, National Academy of Science and Technology (Philippines) and Professor, University of Macau
94. John Paul A. Bolano, Instructor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
95. Marilou C. Borje, MA, RGC, Guidance Counselor, Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling, Ateneo de Manila University
96. Horacio M. Borromeo, PhD, Asian Institute of Management
97. Agnes M. Brazal, PhD, Associate Professor and Research Fellow, De la Salle University
98. Rofel G. Brion, PhD, Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
99. Adelfo V. Briones, Adjuct Professor, Ateneo School of Government, Ateneo de Manila University
100. Oscar Bulaong Jr., PhD, Philosophy Department Lecturer, Executive Director, Gov. Jose B. Fernandez Jr. Ethics Center, Ateneo de Manila University
101. Ace Bryan S. Cabal, MSPH, Assistant Professor III, Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines-Manila
102. Romeo T. Cabarde, Jr., Professor, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Davao University
103. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
104. Patrick F. Campos, UP Film Institute
105. Delfo C. Canceran, OP, Professor, University of Santo Tomas
106. Alexandra May D. Cardoso, Instructor, Department of English and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines-Diliman
107. Mary Caroline N. Castano, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Commerce and Business Administration, The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila
108. Loreta Castro, Ed.D, Miriam College
109. Jefrey B. Cercado, M.A., Assistant Professor, Social Sciences and Humanities Department, Centro Escolar University
110. Arnella Francis D. Clamor, Associate Professor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Davao University
111. Lisandro E. Claudio, PhD, Associate Professor, De La Salle University
112. Cristina Co, Counseling Faculty, Asian Theological Seminary
113. Frumencio Co, De La Salle University
114. Solita Collas-Monsod, Professor Emerita, UP School of Economics
115. Julian Concepcion, Jr Finance & Economics Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver Campus
116. Franz Giuseppe Cortez, Philosophy Department, University of Santo Tomas
117. Cesi Cruz, Assistant Professor, HSBC Chair in Asian Research, Department of Political Science, The University of British Columbia
118. Jan Fredrick Cruz, Lecturer, Economics Department, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University
119. Juan Cruz, PhD, University of Aberdeen, UK
120. Nicole Curato, PhD, Research Fellow, University of Canberra
121. Pamela A. Custodio, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Los Banos
122. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
123. Jose Mari O. Daclan, Ateneo School of Government
124. Clarissa C. David, PhD, Professor, College of Mass Communications, University of the Philippines-Diliman
125. Aurora Javate de Dios, Miriam College and former Philippine Representative to ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Women and Children’s Rights
126. Emmanuel S. de Guzman, PhD, Professor, Maryhill School of Theology & Loyola School of Theology
127. Imelda Deinla, PhD, Australian National University
128. Leland Joseph R. Dela Cruz, PhD, Director, Office for Social Concern and Involvement, Ateneo de Manila University
129. Noel B. Del Castillo, Senior Lecturer, University of the Philippines and Miriam College
130. Ma. Luisa De Leon-Bolinao, PhD, Professor and former Chair, History Department, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman
131. Francisco N. de los Reyes, Assistant Professor, School of Statistics, University of the Philippines
132. Reyzeljan De Los Trinos, Researcher, Ibong Adorno-Institute for Social Research
133. Tesa Casal de Vela, PhD, Associate Professor, Miriam College
134. Fritzie Ian De Vera, Director, COSCA – De La Salle University
135. Michelle Joy De Vera, MD, Associate Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
136. Oscar R. Diamante, Faculty, Philosophy Department, University of Santo Tomas
137. Jeff Ducanes, Research Fellow, UP CIDS
138. Manuel B. Dy, Jr., Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
139. Adonis Elumbre, Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of History and Philosophy, University of the Philippines-Baguio
140. John Mervin Embate, Instructor, University of the Philippines Los Banos
141. Elizabeth Enriquez, PhD, Professor, College of Mass Communication, UP Diliman
142. John Mayo Enriquez, MBA, Assistant to the President for Social Development, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
143. Emilyn Q. Espiritu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University
144. Michelle Estor, LLM, University of the Philippines College of Law
145. Rosa Maria Feliciano, Associate Professor, Department of Broadcast Communication, University of the Philippines-Diliman
146. Carlo C. Flordeliza, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
147. Edna P. Franco, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
148. Melissa R. Garabiles, PhD, RPsy, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
149. Carlo Garcia, PhD, Executive Director, Miriam College Environmental Studies Institute
150. Edmundo G. Garcia, Framer, 1987 Constitution
151. Fanny A. Garcia, PhD, Filipino Department, De La Salle University-Manila
152. Carlito M. Gaspar, CSsR
153. Eleanor Gatapia, MD, Assistant Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
154. Dan Gatmaytan, LLM, College of Law, UP Diliman
155. Jan Robert R. Go, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
156. Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista, PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines School of Economics
157. Athena E. Gorospe, PhD, Associate Professor & Director oh PhD Program, Asian Theological Seminary
158. Grace Gorospe-Jamon, PhD, Professor of Political Science, UPD Extension Program in Pampanga
159. Carlos S. Granados, Jr., Student Affairs Professional, Ateneo de Manila University
160. Ruth R. Guerrero, MST, Peace Advocacy Officer, Ateneo Peace Institute, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
161. Marita Concepcion Castro Guevara, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
162. Roberto O. Guevara, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
163. Eulalio R. Guieb III, PhD, Professor, Department of Broadcast Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman
164. Ibarra ‘Barry’ M. Gutierrez III, LLM, Professorial Lecturer, College of Law, University of the Philippines
165. Araceli Habaradas, Ateneo Law School
166. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, MD, MD (UK)
167. Regina Hechanova, Professor, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
168. Ian Jayson R. Hecita, Program Manager, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance
169. Ranilo B. Hermida, PhD, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department, Ateneo de Manila University
170. Ana Liza S. Hernandez, MEd, St. Scholastica’s College Manila
171. Margarita Holmes, Pamatasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila
172. Ronald D. Holmes, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University
173. Emerald Jay D. Ilac, PhD, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
174. Carl Javier, Lecturer, Fine Arts Department, Ateneo de Manila University
175. Alvin Jimenez, Faculty, Penuel School of Theology
176. Bonn Juego, PhD, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
177. Celeste Aida A. Jugo, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
178. Hansley Juliano, MA, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University
179. Anna Marie A. Karaos, Associate Director, John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues
180. Reynaldo Laguda, Filipino
181. Rejene Tan Lakibul, MPMD, Faculty Member, Department of Political Science, School of Law and Governance, University of San Carlos
182. Miguel B. Lambino, Assistant Professor, Loyola School of Theology
183. Levy Lara Lanaria, PhD, ATh, School of Arts & Sciences, University of San Carlos
184. Christine Lao, LLB, MA, Assistant Professor, Department of English and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines Diliman
185. Maria Angeles Guanzon Lapena, Research Fellow, Social Development Research Center, De La Salle University
186. Tanya Lat, LLM, Adjunct Professor, Ateneo Law School
187. Antonio G. M. La Viña, JSD, Professorial Lecturer of Constitutional Law, University of the Philippines College of Law
188. Michael J. Liberatore, Theology Department, Ateneo de Manila University
189. Zenaida D. Ligan-Ashburn, Assistant Professor, Political Science Program, University of the Philippines-Cebu
190. Auxencia A. Limjap, Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University
191. Gregg S. Lloren, MScR, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Cebu
192. Ariel Lopez, Assistant Professor, Department of History, University of the Philippines-Diliman
193. Gerardo T. Los Baños, Department of Communications and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines-Diliman & Deputy Director, UP Press
194. Lucia Lucas-Chavez, Asst. to the ADSAS, Ateneo de Manila University
195. Ruth Lusterio-Rico, Phd, Professor, Department of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman
196. Juan Miguel Luz, Asian Institute of Management
197. Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, Lecturer, Ateneo School of Government
198. Grace C. Magalzo-Bualat, MPS, LlB, Chair, Department of Political Science University of San Carlos
199. Cielo Magno, PhD, School of Economics, UP Diliman
200. Francisco A. Magno, PhD, Director, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance
201. Annabel M. Manalo, PhD, Asian Theological Seminary
202. Fermin P. Manalo, Jr., Assistant Professor, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines
203. Robert B. Manansala, OFM, Our Lady of the Angels Seminary
204. Gemma Rita R. Marin, Executive Director, John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues
205. Rhochie Matienzo, PhD, Faculty and Research Fellow, University of Santo Tomas
206. Czarina Medina-Guce, Faculty, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
207. Rikki Lee B. Mendiola, Department of Science Communication, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
208. Amado Mendoza, Jr., PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
209. Meynardo P. Mendoza, PhD, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University
210. Ruben C. Mendoza, PhD, STD, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
211. Kristine C. Meneses, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Santo Tomas
212. Eden Delight Miro, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Ateneo de Manila University
213. Alvin Manalo Molito, Faculty, Penuel School of Theology
214. Antonio J. Montalván II, PhD, Professor, School of Graduate Studies, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
215. Louie C. Montemar, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Polytechnic University of the Philippines- Sta. Mesa
216. Michael N. Montero, JD, Professor, Ateneo Law School
217. Cristina Montiel, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
218. Edna Sarah C. Morada, MD, MHPEd, FPPS, Faculty, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
219. Arminda A. Muga, RGC, Counselor, Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling, Ateneo de Manila University
220. Jasmin Nario-Galace, PhD, Miriam College
221. Fidel Nemenzo, DSc, Professor, Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines
222. Jopie M. Nolasco, MA, Instructor, Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University
223. Dina Ocampo, Faculty Member, University of the Philippines College of Education
224. Danielle P. Ochoa, MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of the Philippines-Diliman
225. Benedict Salazar Olgado, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
226. Rowena A. Palacios, MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
227. Aileen B. Pascual, MD, FPAFP, Assistant Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
228. Jose Victor Patalinghug, Academic, College of Arts and Sciences, Cebu Institute of Technology- University
229. Jean Lee C. Patindol, Assistant Professor, Department of Business Economics, University of St. La Salle
230. Abigail Peralta, PhD, Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University
231. Marianne Rachel Perfecto, Associate Professor, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
232. Keith Einstein R. Pon, Instructor I, Mindanao State University- Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
233. Inez Z. Ponce de Leon, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Communications, Ateneo de Manila University
234. Kent Marjun Primor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
235. JC Punongbayan, PhD candidate, UP School of Economics
236. Mary Margaret Que, Management and Organization Department, Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University
237. Ralph Jacinto A. Quiblat, Director – Office of Student Activities/Faculty – Department of Theology
238. Dennis Quilala, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, UP-Diliman
239. Mary Racelis, PhD, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
240. Mariel Vincent A. Rapisura, ME, Lecturer, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
241. Jaerold Marc D. Ramos, Faculty, Mapua University
242. Nestor M. Ravilas, Faculty, Penuel School of Theology
243. Farell M. Relacion, MPS, Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, Misamis University
244. Maria Lulu Reyes, Professor, Saint Louis University
245. Reinabelle Reyes, PhD, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
246. Socorro L. Reyes, PhD, Former Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, De La Salle University
247. Ver Reyes, PhD, RPsy, RPm, Program Head/Associate Professor, Psychology and Social Work Program, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina
248. Miguel Paolo P. Rivera, M.A., Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University
249. Temario C. Rivera, PhD, Former Chair, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines
250. Deborah N Rodrigo, M.E., Faculty, ACE-ME, Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business
251. Sandra Nicole Roldan, Assistant Professor, Department of English and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines Diliman
252. Anna C. Romana, Sucesos Filipinas Inc.
253. Segundo Joaquin Eclar Romero Jr, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University
254. Raoul R. Roncal, Faculty, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
255. Anelle Sabanal, PhD, Research Director, Asian Theological Seminary
256. Ana Maria Margarita S. Salvador, Assistant Professor, UP Diliman College of Education
257. Angelica Joyce U. Samson, Student Affairs Professional, Office for Social Concern and Involvement, Ateneo de Manila University
258. Ramon Miguel Cayco Samson, Adjunct Professor of Law, Ateneo Law School
259. Rene Salvador R. San Andres, Residence Halls Director, Ateneo de Manila University
260. Rachel Joyce Marie O. Sanchez, PhD, Department of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University
261. Rosena D. Sanchez, Ateneo de Davao University
262. Ray Paolo J. Santiago, Executive Director, Ateneo Human Rights Center and Faculty Member, Ateneo Law School and FEU Institute of Law
263. Paz Verdades M. Santos, Professor, De La Salle University
264. Manuel Victor J. Sapitula, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of the Philippines Diliman
265. Victor Segovia, Associate Professor, Philippine Women’s University
266. John Sevilla, Trustee, Philippine Women’s University
267. Annabella A. Simbulan, MBA, Faculty, Ateneo Graduate School of Business
268. Cheryll Soriano, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, De La Salle University-Manila
269. Floy V. Soriano, Student Affairs Professional, Ateneo de Manila University
270. Rowena Soriano, Member, Faculty of Law, Ateneo de Manila University and FEU Law; Assistant Professor, Political Science Program, Department of Social Sciences, UP Manila
271. Samantha Soriano-Castaneda, MD, Assistant Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
272. Cornelia S. Soto, PhD, Department of Education, Ateneo de Manila University
273. Elmer T. Sto. Domingo, Jr., Director, Center for Community Development, Ateneo de Naga University
274. Miguel Syjuco, MFA, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor, New York University Abu Dhabi
275. Chantal Ellis S. Tabo, MA, RPsy, RPm, Psychologist, Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling, Ateneo de Manila University
276. Jalton Garces Taguibao, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
277. Judy M. Taguiwalo, PhD, Professorial Lecturer, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines Diliman
278. Mendiola Teng-Calleja, PhD, Ateneo de Manila University
279. Mary C. Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
280. Jose Maria Edito K. Tirol, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University
281. Rolando B. Tolentino, Professor, Universiy of the Philippines Film Institute
282. Benjamin Gerardo T. Tolosa, PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University
283. Damcelle Torres-Cortes, Assistant Professor, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Banos
284. Amy Tud-Moraña, MAEM, Assistant Professor, Catanduanes State University
285. Wendy Tupaz, Special Education Teacher, Prince George’s County Public Schools, USA
286. Nash Tysmans, Independent Researcher
287. Nico B. Valderrama, CPA, MPM, ESQ, Instructor, Arellano University School of Law
288. Amelia Vasquez, RSCJ, East Asian Pastoral Institute
289. Domingo R. Vicera, Ateneo Residence Halls
290. Jean Abigail Victoria, Student Affairs Professional, Ateneo de Manila University
291. Erik Villanueva, Former Instructor, Physics and Mathematics, Philippine Normal University
292. Aleta R. Villanueva, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Open University
293. Victor A. Villanueva, School Director, The Builders’ School
294. Jane O. Vinculado, Faculty, Department of Broadcast Communication, University of the Philippines- Diliman
295. Catherine P. Vistro-Yu, EdD, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
296. Alyson L. Yap, Instructor, John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo de Manila University
297. Yvan Ysmael Yonaha, Instructor, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
298. Darwin D. Yu, PhD, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
299. Suzanne Yupangco, Senior Manager, Arts and Culture Division, Ayala Foundation
300. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, LLM, Non-Resident Research Fellow, Ateneo School of Government
301. Amparo Adelina C. Umali, III, PhD, Associate Professor, UP Center for International Studies
302. Stella P. Go, Integrated School, De La Salle University
303. Luke Antonie Quijano, Philosophy Department, Consolatrix College of Toledo City
304. Jeconiah Louis Dreisbach, Lecturer, College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, De La Salle Araneta University
305. Raymond R. Tan, PhD, Professor of Chemical Engineering and University Fellow, De La Salle University
306. Luis F. Dumlao, PhD, Dean, School of Management, Ateneo de Manila University
307. Atty. Antonio H. Abad, Jr., Former Dean of Law, Adamson University and Far Eastern University
308. Jean Emily P. Tan, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
309. Mark Joseph T. Calano, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
310. Isabel Pefianco Martin, PhD, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
311. Willy V. Alangui, Professor of Mathematics, College of Science, University of the Philippines-Baguio
312. Jacklyn A. Cleofas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
313. Francis A. Gealogo, PhD, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University
314. Arnel L. Cadeliña, Dean, College of Business, Accountancy and Computer Science, Sacred Heart College-Lucena City
315. Christopher A. Tan, Chief Operating Officer, PHINMA University of Pangasinan
316. Danilo Francisco M. Reyes, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
317. Louie Jon A. Sanchez, PhD (candidate), Instructor, Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University
318. Garry B. Tabugon, Instructor, Caraga State University
319. Fides Abad, Director, Information Management Specialists, Inc.
320. Louis Catalan, SJ, Vice President for Higher Education, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
321. Jean Encinas-Franco, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman
322. Susan Villanueva, University of the Philippines College of Law
323. Eduardo Jose E. Calasanz, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University

The views and opinions expressed by the signatories do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions with which they are affiliated. They have all signed this statement in their individual capacity as citizens engaged in the education, research, and policy fields. For those who are interested in joining this effort, you may send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..