First lady, 2 others inducted into Philconsa

MANILA, Philippines —  First Lady Liza Marcos and two other prominent members of the legal profession have been inducted as members of the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA), a non-stock, non-partisan organization that seeks to defend and preserve the fundamental law of the land.

PHILCONSA chair and retired chief justice Reynato Puno yesterday administered the oaths of Liza, former chief justice Teresita de Castro and PHILCONSA secretary general Michelle Lazaro at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang.

The event was witnessed by President Marcos, Executive Secretary and retired chief justice Lucas Bersamin, Speaker and PHILCONSA president Martin Romualdez, PHILCONSA governor Mike Toledo and other members of the group.

In a speech delivered after the oath taking, Marcos said the role of PHILCONSA as “people’s conscience” was vital in propagating and preserving a then fragile democracy from “insidious interests.”

“In the past 63 years, the PHILCONSA has remained the steadfast, vigilant, and uncompromising guardians of our democracy and of our nation,” he said.

Despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the Philippines has remained a bastion of resilience, peace, and stability, Marcos said.

“Our response has been neither passive nor reactionary but forward-looking,” he added.

The President said rising maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea have raised fears of greater conflict which has not deterred the Philippines from asserting its sovereignty, and jurisdiction over its national territory.

“We continue to engage in regular consultations and dialogue with all parties to manage that situation in the West Philippine Sea, while developing more avenues for communication and cooperation,” the Chief Executive said.

According to Marcos, Congress is working on the passage of several pieces of legislation, including the Maritime Zones Bill to clarify the geographical extent of the country’s maritime domain. He also cited the Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill, which aims to establish archipelagic sea lanes in the country’s archipelagic waters and in the adjacent territorial sea.

“We also continue to commit to our core mission of providing adequate social services, ensuring employment opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all as we achieve prosperity as a nation,” Marcos said.

He also cited the importance of upholding the principle of separation of powers, saying it is the key to guarantee that the system of checks and balances remains strong and stable.

“It prevents abuse of power, promotes citizen’s rights, and ensures accountability amongst the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. However, there is much left to be done,” he said.