Framers of 1987 Constitution back Leni-Kiko tandem in May polls

Framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution on Thursday endorsed the 2022 presidential and vice presidential bids of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan for the tandem's adherence to the basic tenets of the Constitution such as respect for human rights and co-equal branches of government.

The framers, which include Felicitas Arroyo, Teodoro Bacani, Florangel Braid, Hilario Davide Jr., Edmundo Garcia, Christian Monsod, Rene Sarmiento, Jaime Tadeo and Wilfrido Villacorta, issued the statement on the eve of the 36th anniversary of the bloodless People Power Revolution that ousted dictator President Ferdinand Marcos and his family from Malacañang.

Adolfo Azcuna, in his capacity as member of the Philippine Judicial Academy, had to inhibit, according to the group.

"We recall the events of the 1986 People’s Power Revolt this time some 36 years ago, which led to the drafting of a new Fundamental Law for our country.  The heart of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines is the Article on Social Justice and Human Rights which responds to the aspirations of the most vulnerable sectors of our society, particularly, the farmers and workers, the rural and urban poor, persons with disabilities, women and members of people’s organizations," they said.

"As framers of the 1987 Constitution, we wish to state with all conviction that, among the candidates for president, Vice-President Leni Robredo best embodies the principles and values found in the Basic Charter of the land," they added.

1987 Philippine Constitution framers endorse VP and presidential bet Leni Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, for the 2022 polls for their compliance w/Bill of Rights, respect for coequal branches of govt, among others @gmanews pic.twitter.com/4EozkeuSNT

— Llanesca T. Panti (@llanescajourno) February 24, 2022

The Philippine Constitution, the framers pointed out, specifically demands compliance with the Bill of Rights, respect for the coequal branches of government (the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Departments) including the Constitutional Commissions, more power to Local Government and Autonomous Regions, the Accountability of Public Officers, and, compliance with the provisions on the National Economy and Patrimony, as well Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports.

"We believe that the ideals articulated by the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Pangilinan indeed strongly conform to the imperatives expressed in the Basic Charter that we worked on and presented to the people during the education campaign we conducted across the country; subsequently, our people resoundingly ratified the Constitution on February 2, 1987," they said.

"Vice President Robredo’s record of public service, as well as that of Senator Pangilinan, demonstrate their competence, capabilities and the qualities of servant leaders who can inspire generations of our people to bring our country to its greatness," they added.

Likewise, the writers of the 1987 Charter cited Robredo's lifelong advocacies as a lawyer serving the poor and as an economist focusing on inclusive efforts to uplift the lives of those on “the fringes” of society is  a testament to her dedication to address poverty and inequality in the country.

"She embodies the constitutional vision of leaders who live modest lives and are transparent in the use of the powers of office," they said.

CFC

As this developed, Robredo also got the endorsement of Catholic group Couples For Christ's (CFC) International Council.

CFC said Robredo met the following criteria: honorable, honest, competent and a God-fearing public servant.

"We began our discussion of the criteria on the premise and realization that there is no perfect candidate. At the end of our prayerful immersion and meaningful discussion, the members of the International Council [of CFC] reached the decision to support the presidential candidacy of Leni Robredo," it said in a statement.

"We arrived at our  individual decision to support Leni Robredo after much prayer, discernment , and dialogue. We expect you to do the same and go through the same process of discernment we went through. Should your decision differ from ours, we will respect your choice in the spirit of love and brotherhood that has characterized, and will continue to characterize , our being CFC," it added.

The CFC, however, clarified that they are not mandating their flock to follow their take but are merely encouraging them to remain faithful to their Christian calling and be actively involved in principled politics as the Church teaches.

"We are one with our Church in our desire to see only God-fearing men and women in leadership positions who will lead us and the next generations into a free, progressive and united Philippines," it added. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News