Binay lauds Mandela’s respect for rule of law

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay is inspired by former South African President Nelson Mandela’s respect for the rule of law during the difficult post-apartheid transition period.

He said he had come across a column by South African journalist Willy Mutunga dwelling on Mandela and his leadership.

“Mandela, wrote the journalist, acknowledged and accepted court decisions and upheld the majesty of the courts as part of the democratic process,” he said.

Binay said Mutunga wrote: “(Mandela) personified respect for the rule law, independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of powers at a delicate moment of political transition... By choosing the path of allegiance to the law, Mandela cast himself on the right side of history. It made him bigger, not smaller.

“This insight on President Mandela further deepened my respect for him. He will always live on as one of the icons of our times.”