Some Quick Thoughts on the Con Ass

Con As- even the name itself does not sound so good.

I do not like it when someone in any administration, from Ramos to Erap to GMA's, would suggest that there ought to be changes in the constitution. The 1987 Constitution may be misconstrued as a reaction to the excesses of martial law and the former regime, but I do not think it should be the main reason why it should be changed-revised or what ever they want to call it.

Firstly, take note that the Constitution is the outline of the aspirations and the ideals of the people. It is the basic law of the land in that it defines which things can be done and cannot be done. In itself, most of its laws, being the principles and sentiments of the people need enacting laws to make it more specific or more atuned to the times. Because of this, if they claim that the constitution does not match the present needs of the country, I do not think the constitution is much to blame. The constitution is made more specific by laws the congress and senate pass. I realized that it is not the failure of the constitution as they claim but really the failure of those who are supposed to write these specific laws which can easily fit the needs of the times and easily change if need be. I do not see any reason why we should blame the fundamental law when it is not even fully utilized to its potential. I suggest that they try to make sure that each and every law in the Constitution be made specific before they change it. How can they prove that it does not work when they have not really used it well? Why blame the Constitution when they are the ones not doing their jobs?

Secondly, Senate must make a vote. They should show their official stand. At this point, I saw the interview with Fr. Bernas on the news, and the only way that Congress can be considered doing something unconstitutional is when they act apart from the Senate. The Senate must then show through a resolution that the lower house, indeed, acts on their own in this matter. Making the vote, would make it official and would even make House Resolution 1109 clearly unconstitutional. Notice that a ¾ vote is needed in this matter whereas some things in congress or the senate can be resolved by simple majority or the 50% + 1 vote. This is a way to make sure that the Constitution is protected by making it harder to get a majority.

Thirdly, it still is all about the numbers. I was wondering how voting in the senate will turn out. I heard that some are really against Con As but others may have their votes for sale. Why is it that they have not voted? Why haven’t they sealed the deal? Are they waiting for some negotiations in the form of Php or even $ or a slot in the next election? What ever it is, it still boils down to politics with its maneuvers. I hope that the senators would think about their reelection aspirations, at the very least, if not the welfare of the people.

Lastly, if indeed, we need to change or amend the points of the Constitution, I suggest that we try to hear the voice of the people on this. If the constitution is truly not so relevant in our lives, I suggest that we make sure that there is grassroots consultation before any constitutional commission or assembly convenes. What is it that the people need? What do they want? What will make this country move forward? The constitution cannot be changed just out of someone’s whim. The constitution is not to be trifled with so easily. But I am hoping against hope that the senators, pro or against the administration will see the wisdom in blocking this. I hope that they would consider what they know about the Constitution. I hope they show that they are truly learned men who are capable in making good decisions for the country.

In the next few days, I will be able to find out if I did cast my votes right in my choice of senators during the last elections. I also hope that I would not have to feel so bad about going to EDSA 2. The things that will unfold will surely be pivotal to the people’s choice in 2010…should there, indeed, be choices that will be made.

I also salute the men and women who voted against it in Congress and most especially those who trooped to the streets to let their voices be heard.