Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
For the nth time, our congressmen have again brought up the controversial issue of constitutional change. But is now the “right constitutional moment”?
Our 1987 Constitution is regarded as one of the most enduring constitutions in the world because for almost three decades, it has withstood every attempt to amend it. This, to some, appears unusual, as a constitution is not infallible or flawless.
In a lengthy analytical paper (Rethinking the Federation of the Philippines, 2020), constitutional scholar Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, LL.M, givesa convincing rationale for change. But, it must be done, he says, after going through an “inclusive and participatory process.” And since we are not quite ready for this change, he suggests steps and questions that we must ask: