Framers of the 1987 Constitution are backing the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo in the May 2022 elections.
They also endorsed the vice-presidential bid of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, citing the Leni-Kiko tandem’s adherence to the basic tenets of the Constitution such as respect for human rights.
The framers include Felicitas Arroyo, Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Florangel Braid, Hilario Davide Jr., Edmundo Garcia, Christian Monsod, Rene Sarmiento, Jaime Tadeo, and Wilfrido Villacorta.
They said Adolfo Azcuna, as a current member of the Philippine Judicial Academy, had inhibited.
The Catholic group Couples for Christ (CFC) International Council also said Robredo met their 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.
“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 constitutional group said.
“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.”
“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.
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.”
They believe the ideals articulated by Robredo and Pangilinan strongly conform to the imperatives expressed in the Basic Charter that they worked on and presented to the people during the education campaign and the Constitution.
“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 said.
They 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.