Dynamic & flexible
As we honor the Supreme Law of the land and perpetuate this milestone, it is important to remember that it is through the lessons of the past that we are able to establish a government that embodies our goals and creates a vision for a just and humane society.”
Thus said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) in his speech delivered at Malacañang Palace in commemoration of Philippine Constitution Day.
Philippine Constitution Day is celebrated every second day of February, the same day the 1987 Constitution, during the time of President Corazon C. Aquino, was officially ratified by the Filipino people in a plebiscite held for such a purpose.
Prior to the 1987 Constitution, Philippine Constitution Day was held on the eighth day of February since this was the day when the 1935 Constitution was finished.
According to PBBM, “It is indeed noteworthy that our Supreme Law remains a dynamic and flexible expression of our collective will, capable of adapting to the changing times and circumstances of our nation.” He likewise said that amendments to the Constitution would help the country “survive challenges in both the local and international scenes.”
“The 1987 Constitution continues to protect and uphold the ‘fundamental rights and freedom of every Filipino,’” President Marcos emphasized. “Apart from being an allocation of power, we must also take to heart that the Constitution is also a social contract where the people have bestowed their sovereign powers to the State for the common good.
“As we make sure that the spirit of the Constitution prevails over its letter, we take pride that it reflects the unique history and cultural heritage of the Philippines, includes provisions that protect the rights of indigenous peoples, promote social justice and ensure the protection of the environment.”
PBBM also said that it was vital to encourage every Filipino to recognize the significance of the country’s laws and the Constitution.
Creating a “truly just and equitable society is an ongoing process,” PBBM said.
President Marcos acknowledged the important role of the Philippine Constitution Association or PHILCONSA in defending and promoting the Constitution.
PHILCONSA, currently headed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, is the oldest and most respectable association of legal luminaries in the country.
To recall, PHILCONSA held a virtual concert last year dubbed “A Time for Love, A Time for Hope” that sought to raise funds for PHILCONSA’s various projects “aimed at educating and instilling in the Filipino, primarily the youth, the importance of protecting, promoting, and observing the Constitution, as well as securing and conserving the patrimony as a Filipino nation.”
The commemoration of Philippine Constitution Day at the Palace was also an occasion to pay tribute to former PHILCONSA chairman and former presiding justice of the Court of Appeals, Justice Manuel “Lolong” Lazaro, who passed away in 2022.
At the time of his death, Justice Lazaro was the chairman of Okada Manila. He once served as the first Presidential Legal Adviser to then President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.
“Your tireless work is an inspiration to us all, and I encourage you to continue your efforts,” PBBM told the PHILCONSA members who gathered at Malacañang for the occasion.
PBBM also urged PHILCONSA to continue supporting the government in its efforts to ensure that its plans and programs “remain compliant with the tenets of the Constitution and laws of the land.”
PBBM said that “PHILCONSA’s role in safeguarding the Constitution is vital, and I am confident that you will continue to carry out your duties with the same dedication and commitment that you have shown throughout the years.”
Words that rang true and inspiring to all of us gathered there that day. And, as a maroon-blooded member of PHILCONSA, all I can say is “We will carry on with our duty to safeguard the Constitution, Mr. President — a Constitution that truly reflects the ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people.”
This March, as we celebrate National Women’s Month, and International Women’s Day on March 8, we also remember what our 1987 Constitution provides for women.
Section 14 of Article II, as a matter of state policy, says, “The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”
Likewise, Section 14 of Article XIII, as a matter of social justice and human rights, says, “The State shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the nation.”
The theme for International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.” We should honor and uphold women throughout the year, but for this month, especially, let us celebrate women and girls, in the Philippines and around the world, who champion transformative technology and digital education to push for women’s rights and gender equality.
Happy International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month!