For every chapter of revolution dawns a new page of resolution. The spark of liberation gives birth to a reformed constitution.
Democracy is fickle for the Philippines. The country and its people have suffered from the hands of the Americans, the reign of the Japanese, and the plight of Martial Law for so many years. This is all the more reason why it is significant to commemorate the land’s independence.
The 2nd day of February marks an important day toward the official legal basis of Philippine history. It’s when the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the backbone of every lawful land in our country, paves the way to what we are now.
This day marked the anniversary of the ratification of the Philippine Constitution. Every new constitution in the Philippines necessitated the renaming of Constitution Day and the issuing of a proclamation to commemorate the new date. Generations have trod, and so did its charter.
The Philippine Constitution Day is significant like any other as it reflects the journey of the entire nation and marks a new beginning for Filipinos to hold claim in their land with the rights of freedom and responsibility.
Still, after 35 years, our constitution is still being violated and disrespected by none other than the current administration. They have demonstrated signs of violations against serving and ensuring the safety of the people.
One of these is the alleged claims of forced disappearances by and on behalf of the government and non-state actors, as well as unlawful or arbitrary killings guised under the cloak of terrorism which have remained a big challenge for law enforcement to unravel.
A solid system of check and balance should be enacted to encourage people to respect the Philippine Constitution as a whole and to avoid the upper officials from blaspheming it with their power.
Press Freedom was also tightly debated as journalists were pushed to their limits because libel threats and advertising boycotts are becoming prominent. The cancellation of an independent publication’s license to operate, as well as a proposed modification to the Bill of Rights, come at a time when press freedom is already under assault.
The Constitution has already gone through a series of changes— even tested by waters and grave incidents. But it has still stood tall up to this very day. It took us a millennium to achieve it, but it only took a blink of an eye to diminish its worth.
We will not have the efficient administration we require if we continue to take for granted our freedom to elect individuals who do not deserve to serve the people. Its essence is to instill democratic values and aspirations in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people
The ability to vote, one of the most essential rights and privileges provided by the Constitution, should be appreciated by the majority as well as the younger generation.
There must be an equal action to the most certain reaction that most people are doing. One’s Freedom ends when the freedom of others begins. The ability to vote, one of the most essential rights and privileges provided by the Constitution, should be appreciated by the majority as well as the younger generation as it is our right to choose and to be free.
