At no better time than now
The commemoration of the Constitution Day this year comes at such a — with such propitious timing.
“Certainly, it is known to everyone here that constitutional issues have recently been brought to the fore, which bear tremendous impact on our national consciousness.
“I will not stand idly by, but rather, will proactively confront these issues head on. For it is my sworn duty as elected President to preserve and defend the Constitution, and also to ensure that laws, especially the fundamental law of the land, are faithfully executed.”
Strong words, no doubt, from no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) in his speech delivered during the commemoration of Constitution Day 2024 at the Makati Shangri-La hotel.
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.
Last year, the commemoration of Philippine Constitution Day was held at Malacañang Palace.
Then, as now, the commemoration had been spearheaded by the Philippine Constitution Association or PHILCONSA; but this time, the event was jointly hosted by PHILCONSA and the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC), led by its chairman, Tony Lopez.
Back then, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the important role of the PHILCONSA in defending and promoting the Constitution.
PHILCONSA, headed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as its president and CEO, and former Chief Justice Reynato Puno as its chairman, is the oldest and most respectable association of legal luminaries in the country that was founded back in September 1961.
Further in his speech, the President said that “these heavy responsibilities” (to preserve and defend the Constitution, etc.) are not his alone.
“The other Great Branches derive their authority and mandate from the Constitution, of which the Judiciary stands as the final bulwark. Our Armed Forces and Police are equally under oath to defend our Republic and our constitutional order,” the President said.
“As citizens, we all have sworn to defend our country and its most cherished ideals. Lahat tayo ay nanumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, at sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag. Nanunumpa rin tayo na ating tutuparin ang mga tungkulin ng mamamayang makabayan.”
The President then said that “As members of PHILCONSA, you have distinctly sworn to defend, protect, and preserve the Constitution. You also vowed to propagate and promote obedience to the Constitution as an integral part of the people’s adherence to law and order.”
“My predecessor has once declared before this august body that the Constitution is our ‘unifying factor.’ Painstakingly, our progenitors have made this pact for us to be one and united. Once we ‘start to destroy the Constitution, there will be a breakage in our society.’”
“So it must be,” the President exclaimed. “So, we must also honor our word.”
In closing, the President said that “over the decades, PHILCONSA has stood witness to two constitutional changes and countless constitutional issues.
Dutifully, you have proven yourselves to be a proactive witness and defender of our Constitutions, past and present. It is once again being called upon for its role as the Constitution’s vanguard.”
“So, I call to you, join me, your President and your legitimate civilian government, at the forefront in defending the sanctity of the Constitution, the territorial integrity of our country, and the sovereign will of the Filipino people.
“Rest assured, as President of our great Republic, I will continue to live up to the recognition that you have bestowed upon me almost a decade ago, as a ‘Great Protector of the Constitution.’”
All I can say, not only as a PHILCONSA governor and MOPC member, but also as a citizen of the Republic, is, “Count me in, Mr. President! I join you at the forefront!”
Mabuhay!
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