“For the nth time, the 2016 Economic Intelligence Report categorized our country as a `failing democracy`. Our continuing failure to merit the mark of `FULL Democracy` should remove our blindfold that misleads us to believing that a unitary form of government will eventually lead the country to the pathway of real democracy.
“It is high time to take a no non-sense look at how our unitary government has inefficiently addressed our recurring problems of improper allocation of power between the national government and the local government units, the capture of government powers by the political dynastic and economic elite, the corruption that is has bred, the impoverishment of the masses it had caused, the breakdown of the rule of law, the threat of narco-politics, and the rebellion if has formented from our Muslim brothers in the south and the NPA`s in our country sides. “(Chief Justice Reynatos Puno (ret.),” Is the Philippines a Failing Democracy,” 2017).
Due to the urgent need to amend/revise our flawed, unresponsive and inadequate 1987 Constitution in the most democratic way and economize in doing so, let’s synchronize the election of members of the Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) with our local election in 2025. This will further discard the usual accusation of trying to extend the politicians terms.
Hence, we humbly suggest to our new President to seriously consider this laudable recommendation so that we can upgrade our problematic Charter to suit the needs of the times. We are now in the 21st Century with a rapidly globalizing world, forthcoming 4th Industrial Revolution, Pandemic era, and worsening global warming. It is therefore insane to continue doing the same things using obsolete systems/structures and expecting different results!
Our new President must be able to inspire our people to pursue in 2025 an honest-to-goodness Constitutional Reform guided by the “Principles of Social Doctrine” of our Catholic Church and adopt a national “Common or Shared Vision” for the Philippines. Of course a truly inclusive political and economic system must be installed to ensure authentic growth with equity in our nation.
Our people, particularly leaders of our various institutions, better wake up to the imperatives of renewing our people and nation by working for God, country and family. People Reform coupled with Systems/Structural Reform are the two vital elements of Real Social Transformation to heal our very sick society and truly liberate our people and nation.
In my 2021 book titled “Heal Our Sick Society”, I`ve extensively discussed the true inclusive political and economic systems. This can guide our elected “Con-Con” members in tackling these particular reforms. In my long studies of these reforms, I`ve come to the conclusion that a Philippine-Style Federal System with three Federal Regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (including Sulu and Palawan) is most fitted to our archipelagic country. And that the Modified Social Market Economy patterned after the German model will really promote inclusive economic growth with equity in the Philippines.
We leave it to the elected members of the “Con-Con” to properly study, wisely debate and carefully adopt other vital reforms needed by our people and nation. May the light of God enlighten and give them wisdom in undertaking this crucial and challenging task of Constitutional Reform (CORE).
This “Con-Con,” undoubtedly will be a fruitful, meaningful and memorable legacy that our new President in 2022 can leave to our succeeding generations. This legacy could contribute to the greatness of our new President in 2022. The litmus test of a person’s greatness is “What did he/she leave to grow?” for the nation. Our new President must bear this in mind. Of course, a “Whole-of-Institution Approach” in supporting and monitoring) the work of the “Con-Con ” delegates is, I think, a vital ingredient for the success of this historic endeavor. With God’s grace, we could all be “rising together with a successful Con-Con” Fully aware that our country is predominantly Christian, the guidance of our Christian churches` hierarchy in this noble undertaking cannot be overemphasized by our leaders and people.
For once, we appeal for the solidarity of the Filipino people in our pursuit of an honest-to-goodness Constitutional Reform. Let’s set aside our animosity and join hands in the spirit of “bayanihan” to successfully formulate a “New Constitution” for the Philippines that will truly pave the way in the rebuilding of our nation and, with God’s help, win our future. “Nasa atin ang tamang gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa!”
Let’s pray the “Prayer to the Holy Spirit”:
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
“Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew our people, our nation and face of the earth.
“O God who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation Amen.”
