Constitutional framers issue manifesto vs 'staggering corruption'

Delegates of the 1971 Constitutional Convention on Saturday issued a manifesto slamming what they described as "worsening and staggering corruption" in the country. 

"We decry and denounce the deliberate pillage of billions in infrastructure funds; the persistence of bribery; the conspicuous consumption of wealth; and the lavish lifestyles of officials, their families and friends, funded by the taxpayer’s money," said the Constitutional framers in their Manifesto. 

This, as they also called the current situation as "dark days for our nation." 

"There must be zero tolerance for graft and corruption. We must call out these despicable acts with unwavering resolve and strictly enforce laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Anti-Plunder Act," they added. 

The manifesto comes a day before the "Trillion Peso March"  in EDSA and anti-corruption protest rallies to be held in parts of the country.

The protest comes as the Senate and Department of Justice are investigating alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects, a controversy President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flagged in his State of the Nation Address last July.

30,000 people are expected to take part in the protest in EDSA which will include church leaders, student groups, and civic organizations.

Organizers said the choice of September 21— the anniversary of martial law declaration under the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—was deliberate, intended to underscore the connection between past abuses of power and present-day corruption.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional framers called on the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, the Judiciary, and the Civil Service Commission to "maintain their independence from political interference and to uphold the rule of law at all costs."

They also had a message to Filipinos:

"The Constitution is yours and belongs to you. Its words are your hopes, dreams, and rights, and its promises are your protection," they said. 

"We urge you to remain relentless in holding our leaders accountable and to continue defending democratic principles with vigilance and resolve. Do not stand in passivity when our brethren are in the field, taking back what is theirs."

The Constitutional framers also reminded public officials they are "servants of the people" and they should serve with "utmost responsibility, honor, integrity, humility, and transparency."

Among those who signed the manifesto are former Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Sec. Margarito B. Teves, Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Dr. Jose P. Leviste, Jr., Ambassador Rodolfo D. Robles, Sr. Sonia Aldeguer, Rscj, Ambassador Amado S. Tolentino, Jr., Atty. Lilia B. De Lima, Congressman Ricardo V. Quintos, Gov. Victor F. Ortega, Hon. Elizabeth S. Chiongbian-johnston. —VAL, GMA Integrated News