Davide: No need to amend Constitution

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.  on Wednesday asserted that there is “absolutely no need” to amend the 1987 Constitution, as it remains to be the “best in the world” despite its “imperfections.”

During the Senate constitutional amendments and revision of code committee hearing into the the proposed revision of the Constitution, Davide, one of the resource speakers, expressed his dissent against any efforts to change the Charter as floated by some leaders of Congress.

“There is absolutely no need to amend or revise our Constitution,” Davide said in his opening speech, citing that it has remained unamended for nearly 31 years.

Davide recalled that he participated during the approval of the draft 1987 Constitution on Oct. 12, 1986.

“When we voted at the final voting of the draft of the Constitution on 12 of October 1986, I embedded my affirmative vote with these words, modesty aside: into this Constitution I have given my blood, tears and sweat. This is the Constitution I’m willing to die for.”

“On several occasions I reiterated this soaring pledge. Now I do so, once more in this public hearing. I will until I breathe my last. I am now 82 years old,” he added.

The former chief justice pointed out that all attempts to amend the Charter has failed, starting from the one during the terms of former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Both of which, he said, attempted to extend terms of officials in government.

“I would not hesitate to assert that our 1987 Constitution even if imperfect, as none is perfect except God, is the best in the world, the best for our country, not just of this generation but of the next generations yet unborn,” he said.

“This is the only Constitution which is pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-people, pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage, pro-poor, pro-human rights, pro-environment, among others,” he added.

Apart from Davide, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and former Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna were at the joint hearing of the Senate committees on constitutional amendments and revision of codes and on electoral reforms and people’s participation.

Also in attendance were Secretary Salvador Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel, and Secretary Adelino Sitoy of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office.

Other invited resource persons were former members of the legislature like former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., and members of the academe and the private sector. /cbb