The future with a lousy 1987 Constitution

How to Secure a Future with a Crumbling 1987 Constitution for the Philippines

The birth of the 1987 Constitution directly shows the passion of revolution and democracy emerging from the People Power Revolution. It was something like an infallible promise, the promise of liberty and governance anchored in justice and fairness. However, it has now betrayed cracks that do not allow the country to realize its growth. Understanding how to protect this country's future, yet operating within a constitution many believe is archaic, presents both a challenge and a necessity. 

Photo: Manila Bulletin

Acknowledgment of Constraints

First, it is pertinent to understand what makes the 1987 Constitution "broken" from several perspectives of people. Criticisms are aimed at rigid economic provisions, an overly centralized structure of government, and inability to stand changes surrounding the Philippines in the light of quick technological innovations and global economic shifts. Sometimes, these limitations constrain economic progress, hamper decentralization, and fail to address pressing issues of society.

Strategies to Protect the Future

1. Advocacy for Constitutional Reform

The constitutional revision or amendment process is the most direct mechanism for securing the country's future. Many dread the prospect of opening up the Constitution for revision as they fear this will lead to abuse, but a managed form of reforms geared toward key areas of economic liberalization and political structure may help break open growth potential together with a setting that fosters inclusivity.

2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions

This is done easily enough by strengthening the institutions tasked with ensuring democratic rule, even if it threatens to empower independent bodies such as COMELEC, CHR, and the judiciary to function both as checks against the constitutionally possible evil of abusing constitutionally provided gaps.

3. Civic Education and Participation

An enlightened citizenry is what should secure the future of the nation. Civil education and public awareness about the Constitution and its implications will build a more intense demand upon public authorities for meaningful reforms. If one knows what is at stake, then she or he is far better equipped to compel, or call to account, leaders to make changes that really benefit the common good.

4. Empowering Local Government Units (LGUs)

The 1987 Constitution can centralize much power at the national level, and LGUs can become very important in reaching the lower governance levels closer to community needs. In this scenario, empowerment of LGUs within this constitutional framework can serve as a model for participatory governance and localized solutions against issues that national policy could easily pass over.

5. Building a Culture of Accountability

The weaknesses of the current constitution must be improved. For such, an accountability and transparency culture should be established. This is implemented through the enforcement of extant laws against corruption. The freedom of information must strengthen, as well as protecting whistleblowers. With this step, the imperfect constitution still finds alignment with public interests.

6. Leadership and Vision

Leadership under the current constitutional regimes plays a crucial role in protecting the future. Accountable leaders with vision, operating within the boundaries of the broken system, can advocate for the much-needed change. This will further mean that elections favor the election of nationalists who respect democratic values, dialogue about constitutional amendment, and policies about issues both at the moment and long term ones.

7. Inclusive Dialogue

Engaging in an inclusive national conversation is one of the most pivotal steps toward a protected future. The reflections, probably one will hear are diverse voices that cut across different sectors: the youth, marginalized communities, leaders in business, and policymakers, which are more likely to highlight the diverse implications of constitutional limitations and suggest feasible futures of their review.

There is nothing to fear about reforms. Reforms should be some sign of a healthy democracy.

Conclusion

The 1987 Constitution was also a child of its time, born with the purpose of assuaging the nation's concern over the face of dictatorship. It has kept the country on its feet, but sadly, it is not fit to drive the nation forward to meet the needs of Filipinos in the present and future. Safeguarding the future of the Philippines requires a balance of constitutional literacy, civic engagement, strong democratic institutions, and responsible leadership offering change that matters. By acknowledging the limits and taking proactive measures in that direction, the nation can work towards a resilient, inclusive, and progressive future-even within the constraints of a "broken" Constitution. If the senate doesn't want to pass the RBH 6, the future generations of Filipinos to come will be hopeless and drug addicts, while the county's oligarchs and elites will continue to enjoy the broken system.