JOSE WRIGHT DIOKNO (1922-1987)
demands the depression of wages and the exploitation
LIFE
Personal
• He was born on February 26, 1922 in Manila — to
lawyer and Supreme Court Justice Ramon M. Diokno
and Leonor Wright, an American who became a
Filipino citizen.
• He was married to Carmen “Nena” Reyes Icasiano, and
had ten children — Mench, Popoy, Pat, Maris, Maitet,
Cookie, Mike, Chel, Maia, and Martin. He now has
eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-granchildren.
Education
• 1933 - De La Salle College, Taft Avenue, Manila
Elementary School
• 1937 - De La Salle College, Taft Avenue, Manila
Valedictorian, High School
• 1940 - De La Salle College, Taft Avenue, Manila B.S.
Commerce Summa Cum Laude
• 1940 - Topped the CPA Board Examination, with a
grade of 91.18 percent
• 1940-1941 - University of Santo Tomas, Manila
Second Year, Faculty of Law
• 1944 - Topped the Bar Examinations, with a grade of
95.3 percent tied with Jovito Salonga
Public Servant
• 1962 –Secretary of Justice of Pres. Diosdado
Macapagal
• 1963 – 1972 – Senator
o Oil Industry Commission Bill
o Investments Incentives Act
o Export Incentives Act
o Revised Election Law
o Equal Pay for Equal Work Act
Political Prisoner
• He was arrested on 23 September 1972, at his home at
12 Margarita Street, Magallanes Village, Makati, Metro
Manila
• He was detained at the Maximum Security Compound,
Fort Bonifacio, Makati, upon an Arrest, Search and
Seizure Order (AS SO)
• He was kept under solitary confinement at Laur, Nueva
Ecija from 12 March to 11 April 1973
• He was never charged nor tried
• He was conditionally released on 11 September 1974
o underdeveloped materialistic economic system
1974-1987
• Human Rights Lawyer
• Freedom Fighter
• Nationalist
• Peacemaker
Death
• Ka Pepe died on February 27, 1987 — a day after his
65th birthday — at his home at 55 Third Street, New
Manila, of bronchogenic carcinoma.
CHAMPION OF MANY CAUSES
HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE
FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GROUP or FLAG (1974-1987) - an
association of lawyers from all over the Philippines who render
their services, free of charge, to provide legal aid to political
detainees and victims of martial law.
“Human rights were more than legal concepts:
not only were they the essence of man but they
are what make man human… deny them and
you deny man’s humanity.”
• 3 BASIC PRINCIPLES BEHIND HUMAN
RIGHTS:
1. Each of us has equal right to life and share
in the same intrinsic dignity
2. We are never born without parents, without
a society that has a culture, history, and
resources
3. Society can act through a government
• 2 BROAD KINDS OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN
o economic, social and cultural rights
o civil and political rights
• Some rights are absolute, no limitation on them can
be justified.
• Some rights can be limited on 3 conditions:
o must be provided by law
o must be necessary to preserve society, protect public
health, public morals, etc
o must not exceed what is necessary to achieve their
purpose
• WHY ARE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATED?
of workers
o influence of US mentors and cold war anti-communist
hysteria
• WHO IS THERE TO BLAME?
o The government using martial law to repress human
rights and the rights of society
o The government , through Martial law, allowing foreign
domination of resources and the economy
o The Filipino people for limiting ourselves to privately
criticizing the situation or going along with it
o Before it is too late, WE MUST CHANGE THE
SITUATION
• HOW TO CHANGE THE SITUATION
• Convince the government to change
policies
• Change the government
• HOW TO CONVINCE THE
GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE POLICIES
o As individuals, use of law to
protect rights, joining mass movements, showing
sympathy to the abused, use of literature and music
o As a group, we must work as organization
and work with other organizations for the
cause of human rights
o Violence, to change the government, will always be the
last resort, when all the peaceful means to convince the
government have been exhausted
o To effectively carry this out, a united people is
necessary, however, SUCCESS is not guaranteed
ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
o It is from the basic rights of man and basic
collective rights of people that all other rights
stem from
o It should be man’s struggle to continuously fight
for his rights despite the danger of doing so
o by merely not doing anything to defend these
rights we do not only condemn our rights to death,
but also our hopes, our dreams, our present and
our children’s future
In 1986, when the Committee on Justice of the Constitutional
Commission was looking for the best definition of Social Justice, it
was Pepe Diokno who gave the most comprehensive definition of
it.
Diokno’s definition of Social Justice has 3 main principles:
1. A coherent, intelligible system of laws
2. Enforced fairly and equitably by a courageous, honest,
impartial and competent police force, legal profession
and judiciary
3. Pursue social values which constitute the Filipino
vision of a just society
• ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD “JUSTICE” or
“KATARUNGAN”
o “tarong”- Visayan word for upright,
straight, a term native to us
 suggests that “justice” is
rectitude; a morally rightful act; embraces the
concept of equity
o “dapat”- from which “Karapatan” is
derived; also suggests something fitting,
appropriate
o Thus, justice and right are intimately related
o “batas”- law- meaning order, decree or
command
o Hence, law is disparate from justice and
right recognizing that not every law is just
o In the English language, justice and right
are borrowed terms; ius- right (Latin) and
log- right (Norse)
o Right- derecho (Spanish), diritto (Italian),
droit (French), recht (German); means both
right and law as well
o The concept of law being inseparable from
right is absent from our language
o “Kapangyarihan”- power and authority for
Filipinos
o Power ought not to be divorced from
authority; concept absent from the
continental languages
o “Katarungan”- justice and fairness; justice
and equity
o Thus, suggesting that FAIRNESS is a
fundamental element in our concept of
justice
o “tuwid”- straightness; instead of
“Katuwiran”, “Katarungan” was used for
justice
o “Katuwiran” – used for reason, argument
with self-justification
o Thus, suggesting that not every justification
is just
• DIOKNO’S CONCEPT OF SOCIETY
o Society which is not only independent but
its people, sovereign
o Society which respects the freedom and the
equal dignity of all
o Society which protects workers and tenants,
opposes oppression, exploitation, and abuse and
seeks to eliminate poverty
o Society that is united in brotherhood and
self-reliance
3 Parts of the Filipino Concept of Social Justice:
1. System of law
To make a system of law work:
o The authority of the law-maker must be
recognized as legitimate authority
o Laws must be made known to the people
affected by them
o Laws must not be changed so quickly and so
often that people cannot reasonably base plans on the
o Laws must be understandable not
contradictory and must not prescribe acts beyond the
capacity of the people
2. Enforcement and observance of the law
The judiciary must eliminate its flaws in decision-making which
includes:
o Aleatory decisions- product of a toss coin
or throw of a dice
o Pusillanimous decisions- product of fear and
apprehension displeasing authority
o Venal decisions- products of bribes offered
o Asinine decisions- product of an ass
• Lawyers must act in such a way that uphold the values
of courage, competence and integrity
• Policemen must act in such a way that uphold the
values of competence, industry and respect for the rights of
suspects
3. Laws, policies and institutions that pursue social values
which constitute the Filipino vision of a just society
o Every law, policy and institution must
respect the rights of man and the collective rights of the
people
o Every law, policy and institution must be
scrutinized if it impairs or violates any of man’s or
people’s rights
o Every law, policy and institution must
strive to eradicate poverty, achieve development
through the our resources’ capacities, enjoy a higher
standard of living and to promote equality
2 Principles that Embody the last part of the Filipino Concept
of Social Justice
o Principle of reparation that looks back to
the injustices inflicted by society
o Principle of change that looks forward to
the effect of the internal and external revolution of
which Mabini espoused and in order to attain the
aspiration that Jacinto articulated:
“That a Filipinos worth should not
depend on what he has, but who he is”
• Analysis of the Filipino concept of social justice
o Neither of the principles seek to abolish inequalities
o Neither of the principles seek to do away with the
government or law
o It is through honest government enforcing the just laws
would be translated into actual justice
o Conflicts may arise in the application of the principles,
it would simply call for exercise of wisdom and
statesmanship
SPEECHES ON HUMAN RIGHTS:
Martial Law in the Philippines
(presented during the 6th anniversary of martial law)
• “Martial is self perpetrating…”
o Martial law fortifies only exploitation and further
colonialism
• Main focus of the TALK: HRV towards Political
Prisoners
• Main Points
o suspension of rights
o “wretched” conditions of detention
o separation from families
o Torture
• Diokno questioned the role of the Catholic Church
as the moral safety net
o “critical collaboration” ???
• Diokno pointed out that this is systematic repression
was to instill fear, gather information and repress subversive
activities
• He also pointed out the cry for recognition of the
regime’s HRV in the international community ( Amnesty
Interenational was a guest in the talk)
• He applauded the Task Force Detainees, a volunteer
group consisting of old detainees and families of detainees.
• TFD, is not only a support group but also an advocacy
against the regime’s political prisoners
• TFD, also helps victims by providing support in the
form of goods for the detainees and free legal aid
Our Cultural Minorities And Development
(April 17 1973)
• A call to protect the rights of the IPs of the
Philippines
• Human Rights Violations towards IPS:
o Taking over ancestral domain (a violation of
PD410) in the guise of infrastructure and other
industrial projects. (Chico River Basin development –
Kalinga-Apayao, Sugar Plantation – Bukidnon and
Bontoc) which displaces atleast 5000 families
o Resulting violence towards IPs
• Also pointed out the dichotomy between the
Christian Majority vis IPs throughout the Philippines.
(Multicultural Diversity vis Division)
• Diokono also presented the brave non violent
resistance of the IP women of Bontoc in protecting their land
•
Non-Violent Freedom Fighter
He believed that authoritarian regimes like the Marcos
administration at times succeed not only because of its power over
mass media but also because of ignorance on the part of the
people.
Kilusan sa Kapangyarihan at Kasarinlan ng Bayan or KAAKBAY
(1983) – a social movement which espouses positions on critical
issues of the day and suggested steps for citizens to undertake in
their bid to regain their freedoms. It is a positive movement that
did not merely oppose government policies but also proposed
alternative policies and actions.
Nationalist
“Philippine nationalism is more than patriotism, it is also the belief
that because the Philippines is our country, it is we who must have
the power to direct its affairs, internal and external, for it is we
who bear the responsibility for its future.”
Anti-Bases Coalition or ABC – its aim is to free the country from
foreign military presence. Diokno argues that the continued
presence of these bases justifies foreign interventions in Philippine
affairs.
Peacemaker
During the Aquino Administration, Diokno took the challenge of
becoming a peacemaker. He was designated to head the first
Government Negotiating Panel that would deal with the National
Democratice Front.
Solutions:
1. Legalization of the Communist Party of the Philippines
2. Proposed a formula for peace which emphasized basic
needs as a key to lasting peace
Legalization of the Communist Party
(Dec 26, 1984, Convenors Group)
• Questions the legality and illegality of banning the
communist party.
• History:
o ART188 penal code or ART147 revised penal code
deems PKP(1930) as illegal
o “PKP goals: “incite class struggle to overthrow the
present government by peaceful means or armed
revolution
• 1938 emergence of Socialist Party (from old PKP and
socialists)
• 1945 CP offers assistance for WWII
• Aftermath - HUKBALAHAP is charged with rebellion
• 1957 RA 1700 Anti-sedition Law
• 1968 PD 1835 legalizes PKP but deems CPP as illegal
• Implications: a fear of the government and the present
ruling class against the CP
• Diokno calls for true democratic representation even for
the communist collective
• Criminal case Vs. Subversion
o a communist is stratified vis non-communists in the law
• HRV for communists who stand trial
o the dead or alive capture order grabs a person of his
dignity as he is treated as game bounty
o deaths both in the ranks of the Phil Army and the NPA
as a result of skirmishes
o indiscriminate branding of innocent civilians as
communists
Rule of Law and State Violence
• law can be twisted by those who wield power.
• “Inter leges silenta arma”- among laws arms are silent
• advocacy against US bases and military violence
• A call for respect and tolerance for other beliefs and
ideologies –UNITY
A New Legal Order
(May 1986)
• Philippines’ underdevelopment and worsening
economy after the Marcos Regime.
• Lack of industry for the Philippines
• What must be done?:
o prevent another martial law regime
o provide for social welfare
o give justice for the HRV victims of martial law
o Institute a new legal order ( law that represents the
interests of the rich and poor alike )
o Government communication with the mass
o Progressive taxation
 o Increase productivity through infrastructure
development, urban planning and education
Diokno's Speeches on Filipino Nationalism
A Nation for Our Children
 This speech was delivered at St. Francis Theater,
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, October 12, 1984 during
a KAAKBAY-sponsored forum.
 The speech is about “one dream all Filipinos share: that
our children live a better life than we have had”. He
said that it is a “distinctly Filipino vision to make this
country a country for our children.”
 He envisioned us to be NOBLE (homage is paid to
everyone not just the elite), PROUD (no poverty,
women not prostituted, no child beggars, FREE
(everyone can live happily without fear) JUST (equal
treatment for all, better standards of living, no crime),
INDEPENDENT (no foreign control), HONORABLE
(power is used for good of all not just elites).
 He points out that during his time the economy is in
shambles and that the Marcos government has lost all
credibility.
 He also said that since we have natural resources, a
literate population, an archipelago that has a total of
300,000 square kilometers with minerals and arable
land, an ingenious and competitive people, we should
have no insurmountable barrier to develop in to the
country we want to be. `But he reminds us that though
we are divided in various sectors/groups, we are one by
blood and struggle.
 He states that Filipinos in his time generally want
change either to depose Marcos or Limit h powers.
They are however unsure with what to do whether
should it be reform or revolution.
 He states that during his time, there such exists as a
parliament of the streets which has the goal to depose
the marcos regime and change the system to one that
helps everyone, especially the poor.
 He states that though the opposition might not be united
completely in goals they have the following in
common: change Marcos and system itself, and total
liberation from American Control.
 He says its also the opposition's goal to do the opposite
of what Marcos did for the last 12 years.
 He has also stated that Marcos's regime is identifiable
by his repressive government and economic policies
that reduce the purchasing powers of workers.
Philippine Nationalism
 The speech was delivered in front of the New York
Assembly, First Dinner Session, Westchester Country
Club, New York, March 4, 1968. It is a briliant
exposition on the workings of US imperialism. No one
applauded when he finished. This was his outlet to
dispel distortions on what Filipino Nationalism is.
 He says that Filipino Nationalism is not anti-American
or communist or led by communists.
 He says that Filipino Nationalism is simply pro-Filipino
and is inspired by a common consciousness that
Filipinos are a one people, one blood, one tradition and
one dream. Its is not inspired by Marxism as American
officials would like to imply.
 He states that the Philippines could not be anti-
American since parity rights in the economy that favors
Americans and politicians that favor Americans as well
show not only Philippine's acceptance of the US but
also how in favor of the US it is in general.
 He states that Philippine Nationalism is more than
patriotism but also the capacity to direct its affairs both
internal and external for we bare the responsibility for
our future.
 He also speaks about the need to fiipinize Philippine
trade law.
 He stated that Philippine Nationalism has been
misunderstood, misrepresented and its strength
underestimated and dismissed as the creature of
disaffected individuals or the greedy elite.
 He states that if America does not support the wishes of
the Filipino people, It will be viewed as the major
enemy, and in self-defense aggravated by
disenchantment , will commit itself to an irrevocable
collision course against the united states, You or Us.
 He states that it is the dream of the Philippines to be the
first colony in asia to achieve modernity.
Philippine-American Economic Relations
 This was a lecture delivered to the Junior Executive
Club of the University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Quezon City, September 2, 1980.
 Here he states that there are four cruel paradoxes of the
Filipino condition: we're independent but not sovereign,
state but not nation, democratic yet authoritarian, and
rich land with poor people.
 Our colonial experience did not completely improve
our economy, did not make it self-reliant, and our
experience with america only made us dependent on
foreign trade for economic growth.
 Colonial experience fragmented our economy and
disarticulated our different sectors where there is no
economic integration.
 The products in our primary sector do not enter our
industrial sector for our use and processing but instead
sent to other countries. We do not have a heavy
machinery sector that produces capital goods. Our
technology for secondary industry (our factories, and
mills) use foreign technology. the tertiary sector or the
services sector are exported abroad or are used to cater
to foreign needs locally.
 Therefore the goal is to create a self-integrated, self
directed economy that consciously organizes, uses and
develops Filipino resources, and Filipino creative talent
to meet the needs of all Filipinos and improve their
quality of life.
 He believes that this is possible if not only for the lack
of determination from our ruling class since we already
have the natural and human resources to make it
happen.
 He states that we have the capacity to take soviet style
and capitalist style development and therefore we can
also develop the capacity to develop filipino style
development for our economy.
 He says that our kind of trade with the US is neo-
colonial since we exchange our low cost goods of raw
materials, food, and labor with their machineries.
 The aid US gives only reaches 22 per cent of the poor
during that time meaning each person only gets less
than a penny a day.
 He cited Prof Stauffer as saying that the Marcos regime,
with its regime being strongly influenced by US goals,
as refeudalization , hence he called it the study of
“political economy of refuedalization”.
  All US investment are only for import refining, shaping
our economy to be trade based rather than domestically
self-sufficient.
 He laid out the following goals for the improvement of
the Filipino Economy: a) planning not just for growth
production but also for proper distribution so that all
filipinos can have access to goods and services, b)
establishing heavy industries for iron, steal, coal, and
machine manufacture
c) Centalizing control over heavy industries and
dispersing consumer goods industries to small scale
family or cooperatively owned business which would
maximize employment, income generation, and ease
entry to the market because of low capital requirement,
d) raising real wages of labor, e) land reform to return
to small scale agriculture with provided securities and
aid from the government, f) socializing financial
system, g) plugging revenue leaks in the economy from
corruption, smuggling, tax evasion etc, h) building
small general public hospitals throughout the country
not just large ones in Urban Manila, building medium
and low cost housing not mansions, all-weather barrio
roads instead of expressways, free medical care, free
public education, and family run hostels instead of five
star hotels , i) use of organic rather than fossil fuel
fertilizers, public buses and mass transits than private
cars, wood and coal for heating rather than petroleum.
 Finally, he stated that if we wish to change the Filipino-
American trade relation, we must first change the
nature of our economy.
Economics and Social Consciousness
 This is a Talk delivered before the Inter-School
Business Association at the Tourism Pavilion, PICC,
Manila, September 6, 1980.
 Our economy is a Filipino economy and its goal should
meet the needs of the Filipino People.
 We hunger for an economy run by humans for humans
not by rich people for other rich people.
 He gives us many possible answers to the reasons of
our lack-luster economy. a) economy is only focused on
improving production and not distribution and equal
consumption, b) export oriented economy is also to
blame since this economy is designed to meet foreign
needs and not ours, c)authoritarian government that
purposively lowers wages to be competitive with low
labor prices of nearby countries this is because we are
reliant to foreign investment for more jobs, d) the
economy went awry because of the WB, ADB, and
IMF which primarily wish to bolster world trade, e)
abdication of economic policy to these international
banks, f) arrested growth of the manufacturing sector,
g) presence of economic waste and governmental
corruption, h) shifting from the import substitution
model to export orientation model.
What the Philippines Expects of Foreign Investors
 This is a speech before the Manila Sales Convention of
HONIRON on January 20, 1969 at the Insular Life
Auditorium
 These are the objectives of Philippine Policy on Foreign
Investments: a) Filipinos have the reserved right by law
to use and ownership of land, natural resources, public
utilities, transportation, shipping, banking institutions,
trade, and insurance b) foreigners are allowed only up
to 40 percent of domestic corporations, 25 percent for
shipping, and no percentage in corn and rice trade, c)
The investment Priorities Plan which outline which
Industries should be expanded and and which pioneer
industries should be established, d) pioneer and non-
pioneer industries will be given Tax deductions, and
protection from foreign competition, e) Foreigners may
invest up to 40 percent in registered non-pioneer
industries and 100 percent in registered pioneer
industries yet the should have at least 60 percent
filipino ownership in 20 years, f) Non registered
industries will be allowed only up to 30 percent foreign
investment pending a decision from the Board of
Investments.
 In return for allowing investment and business, We
expect the foreign investments to: a) focusing on
pioneer industries such as capital and finished goods
manufacture, b) open enterprises to filipino investors, c)
to employ 'equal pay, equal work adopted by the United
Nations, d) to adopt a regular program to train Filipino
laborers and employees in technical and managerial
skills, e) to bring in investments adequate to finance
the establishment and maintenance of enterprises, f) to
respect our national dream of modernization and
economic independence.
Rizal For Today
 This is a Lecture delivered at the PEN Conference,
National Press Club, Manila, July 2, 1983
 The lecture shows how relevant Rizal is in their time.
 “We need a Godfather for everything from baptism to
burial, for justice, for passports or to exploit any
industry whatsoever” We need a Godfather unless we're
ready to pay or if we're big people.
 We are still dominated by Kapitan Tiagos that will
endure everything to remain in power, Quirogas who
will do anything for business and Patrocinios who'll do
everything to best all in terms of luxury.
 Torturers and Killers are less visible now as compared
to the Friars long ago but they are now much worse
since methods of torture are more despicable.
 Debate on language continues but now against English
 We still deal with people who are loyal to Imperial
Powers like Ibarra was to Spain.
 We still deal with government officials who favor
foreigners over filipinos like the one rizal wrote about
the official who favored the Chinese.
 We are still faced by greedy and corrupt officials who
allow the needy to go untended
 We are still a colonial society
 the task of the writer is to be great writers to voice out
what the people want and need despite the many
dangers to their life and career.
Claro M. Recto
 This was a speech delivered at the University of the
Philippines, 1975
 Claro M. Recto became unpopular in his time for what
he said since his critics say his ideals were unrealistic
and visionary.
 Because of black propaganda, nationalism became
synonymous to communism, yet Recto still continued
to be nationalist.
 Through his courage he even opposed the likes of
Roxas, Osmena, Laurel and Magsaysay at the height of
their careers.
 He is quoted saying that we must “awake from the
daydreams of adolescence, and cease to imagine
ourselves as the saviors if a world in distress, riding out
on fanciful adventures for which we have neither heart
nor strength, while we neglect our own concerns” He
said this when he opposed our involvement with the
war in indochina.
 He relied on the constitution to protect the people's
rights.
  Freedom of Speech was important to Recto to the point
that he even protected communists whom the majority
detested.
 He admonished his countrymen for taking for granted
democracy citing the rise of fascism in Germany.
 Diokno ends the Talk saying that whoever the successor
is, they must not neglect the problems of the Philippine
Social System, US influence, poverty, injustice,
rebellions of Muslims, and the dispossessed
The Changing Political Situation: A Challenge
address the specific needs of different people within
classes.
 It also calls for increased public involvement in the
Government Planning process even in the local areas
they belong to.

 Here, Diokno calls out true believers in Recto's
protection of Democracy, Republicanism, and Human
Rights through the Constitution by speaking against the
Dictatorship.
 Diokno emphasized what Recto said, that we should
defend our rights and not wait for others to do it for us.
After Marcos, What?
 An Address delivered at the FLAG Annual Conference,
Cebu, September 9, 1983.
 Diokno stated that after Benigno's assassination,
Marcos' hold on power dwindled and that soon he will
finally be expunged from his office.
 Aquino's death united everyone, even the landed classes
since it shattered the fear and apathy classes felt. This
was all due to the outpouring of grief because of a
fallen leader.
 Marcos' inept handling of the assassination destroyed
his remaining credibility. This resulted in capital
fleeing the country, a halt in foreign investments, and a
downfall in the economy.
 Because of his poor handling of the assassination,
President Reagan canceled a visit while the US House
of Representatives stated that they will only support
Marcos again if an impartial probe of the assassination
is done and a free and fair elections is held.
 Marcos' once trusted allies are now deserting him. All
this reduced him to a lame duck president.
 Diokno lays out scenarios of what might happen next
but he also quickly labeled them as unlikely:
Assassination, coup d'etat, opposition take over of New
Society seats in the Parliament, and revolution. Only 2
are likely, death or forceful resignation.
 If he does die he says the Prime Minister can exercise
Presidential Powers, hold a free and fair elections, or
that the country would be plummeted to greater
instability because of those who will succeed him from
the same party.
 This is an undelivered speech that was supposed to  Most importantly we must change our mentality, to
done for the UP College Of Medicine Faculty believe in ourselves, to believe in our capacity to to
Association on April 16, 1986. It was not delivered make the right decision, in short we must have faith in
because of schedule conflict. ourselves and in each other. We should not act like
colonizers who distrust the people.
 Diokno asks if our Ruling elite will rule to the direction
of the poor or will continue to favor only the foreigner  We must also view public office as a way to serve the
and the rich even after Marcos' time. public and not to pursue private wealth.
 He also asks what the new constitution should provide  The challenge overall is to create a real democracy and
to ensure the enjoyment of freedom, independence and not to repeat past mistakes.
social justice.
 We must also remember that a people united cannot be
 He has two conditions in addition to the new provisions stopped, as proven by the EDSA revolution
in the constitution: a) what happened during Marcos'
regime should not happen again b) the government
must handle problems in poverty, unemployment,
underemployment, low wages, social injustice and
foreign control.
 He also prescribes that we must not be militarized to
meet those conditions.
 We must also expose all violation on human rights.
 We must strengthen the president by supporting her
(Cory) for politicians and institutions such as the
military and the church are all grabbing for power in the
new regime. Since Cory has no party to draw support
from, it should be the people who will support her.
 And likewise, we can weaken enemies by not
supporting them, by not voting them into office.
 The constitution should provide for a new legal order
that now stands for the development of the poor and not
just for the benefit of the rich.
 The constitution should provide for an authentic
democracy by providing formal, efficient, and effective
channels of communications between the political elite
and the masses. This is to block preferential
government connections to the Church, Companies and
Foreign Entities.
 It might also call for to renew ways of government
representation no longer per area but per sector, to
DIOKNO GROUP