“Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.” – Friedrich Nietzsche.
*******
Pragmatism – thinking of or dealing with problems in a practical way, rather than using theory or abstract principles – is always a sensible approach to solving problems at face value.
In philosphical terms, the dictionary says it is an approach that assesses the truth of the meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.
When the former actor who swooped into the halls of the Senate as surprise topnotcher in the 2022 polls, he appeared – to some political analysts – to be unlikely to fare a high average of appreciation from the public.
As chair of the Upper Chamber’s committee on constitutional amendments, he prefers a Constituent Assembly to a Constitutional Convention in the crafting of a new charter because of his assessment that too much of the people’s money may have to be appropriated and spent.
“Mas magastos ang Con-con; Con-Ass na lang,” said Padilla who added that funding the delegates’ individual staff and office could be a drain on the country’s coffers.
He is set to meet with HoR counterpart Rep. Rufus Rodriguez to stream line the proposed House resolution that will be agreeable with the Senate’s perspective.
Although a tyro, Sen. Padilla is impressive in his senate job and is educating himself tirelessly so that the chairmamship of the committee that should ideally belong to somewone with a profound legal background, will not be prejudiced.
But Sen. Robin may overlook the fact that in a Con-Con, the choices to elect qualified people is extensive as this will afford the electorate to install academicians, retired judges and justices who have extensive legal experience and successful businessmen and economists in the forging of a new fundamental law.
In a Con-Ass, the elected members of the HoR and the Senate are of a singular caste, all coming from the ranks of politicians and but a few who possess the required expertise.
Let’s face it. Many HoR legislators are heirs of their political families whose prominence and supremacy in their respective districts and territories dates back many decades ago.
In short, Sen. Robin should perhaps be reminded that quality, not quantity, should be the yardstick and the cornerstone in choosing the crafters of the new constitution.
This is the main rationale that may get the appreciation of the public because in this critical period of our lives, Filipinos cannot afford to commit another “fatal” mistake.
Ex-CJ Reynato Puno has suggested that the best minds from the academe, business and judicial sectors should be included – by appoinment – to the body that will tackle amendments to the economic and political provisions should a Con-Ass prevail.
What price freedom? What price progress?
Can we put a cap and a ceiling in our desire to achieve what we Pinoys deserve?
See how we have regressed since the EDSA 1 People Power came into our lives.
Instead of moving forward, the government has had to deal primarily with restrictive constitutional provisions that prevent the smooth inflow of FDIs (foreign direct investment) that create income, employment and opportunities for advancement.
We envy the city-state of Singapore but they are of a different breed and outlook. They do not have the polarizing effect of “butterfly” politics, grandstanders and corrupt, me-first political leaders.
Yes, as Sen. Robin says, it is much easier for a Con-Ass to tackle constitutional reforms because the crafters are already members of the assembly itself. No need to pass a laborious election law and manage the contentious process.
But that is putting the cart before the horse.
Sen. Padilla wants to do away with party-list politicians. But with a Con-Ass, he would be unwittingly allowing them to participate.
So, which is which?
We get what we pay for, don’t we?
Purchasing personal and household materials from Divisoria is cheap but does not satisfy the sophisticated taste of what is genuinely desired.
With my due respect to Sen. Robin, will a Divisoria type of constitutional crafters be better
than a Con-Con? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
