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Saturday, April 29, 2006
Speak out: Self-determination
By E. Gabay Agustilo
Mandaue City
There is a need for consensus building on people’s initiative otherwise the lack of political will would cause trouble, apathy, or indifference.
People’s initiative is a sovereign act of political self-determination. Vox populi est suprema lex. Why would there be a need for an enabling law by Congress for the people to exercise the power that already belongs to them?
Congress cannot give what it does not have. There is no law passed by Congress enabling people’s initiative as a mode of changing the charter because it does not have that right.
It is understandable if the government does not have political will but people ought to exercise their right to self-determination.
People’s initiative should be based on the correct path of ethical reality. We can see this in our policies, laws and ordinances, judicial pronouncements or executive actions. The bottom line is it is a collective act that seeks the common good, not personal aggrandizement.
The common good is better served if we sacrifice personal interest over public interest. It is served when the laws are executed because justice is for all, and by upholding the rights of others, not allowing ourselves to be corrupted by fear or favor or unjust enrichment.
Political self-determination is a sacred matter. It is the ability to seek a middle ground, our reason for being Filipino.
The bottom line is the long-term effect. What difference does this make? Will it redound to the common good?
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 29, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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