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Yesterday, in an article in The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Dr. Jose V. Abueva, former UP Presidnet, UP professor of political science and public administration expressed his disappointment with regards to The Supreme Court of the Philippine’s decision to deny amendment of The Constitution.

According to the Article Abueva said that “It’s stupid… to require everybody to have read the proposed changes before signing.”

He says “It doesn’t matter that the 6 million individuals didn’t read the entire document” all that matters apparently is just the signature. It’s quite a tragedy really, for someone so bright, so smart, with such a distinguished curriculum vitae, to turn his head on what really counts..

That’s right! Filipinos do not have to know exactly what they’re signing, just as long as they sign it. Apparently a Filipino’s point of view doesn’t even matter, what matters is the signature.

Why even draft an entire document? Just draft a one page yes or no. By Abueva’s argument, this is a dream scenario.

And his complaint that “Sovereignty resides in the people but there seems to be many requirements,” is truly misguided. I mean, why shouldn’t there be more requirements? If there weren’t these requirements, then anybody could just change the constitution at their own will, which is exactly what the present administration is trying to do.

What is this? A government of the Signature, by the Signature, and for the Signature? As far as I know, the great quote of Abaraham Lincoln is that Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.

I understand Abueva’s frustration. I understand, that he desires a better nation, a better Philippines. But you just can’t throw out the views, opinions, and thoughts of over 6 million filipinos. You can’t just say that their opinion doesn’t matter. You can’t just say that their signatures are equivalent to their voice. The Voice of the Filipino lies within their heart, their mind, and their opinion, NOT THEIR SIGNATURE alone.

I am a big fan, of Dr. Abueva, in fact I share a lot of his views, but in this instance, I have to put my foot down and disagree.

[tags]Jose Abueva, Supreme Court Decision, Charter Change, Philippine Supreme Court, Amendment, Philippine Constitution, Supreme Court of the Philippines[/tags]

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