POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE TO THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT

On January 16, 2015, Pope Francis delivered a speech at the Malacañang Palace addressing the Philippine Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps as part of his itinerary during his pastoral and state visit, being the head of the Catholic Church and the head of state of the Vatican City State. The speech focused on inspiring the government on its role on the renewal of society thru social justice and the protection of the youth, women, children and the family, most especially the poor.

This essay aims to present a correlation of The Pope’s speech, the Philippines Bill of Rights, and the role of the Philippines Government to social justice, education, the youth, the women and children, and the family.

ON BASIC HUMAN VALUES

Just as the Bill of Rights honors that: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws;”1 and “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights,”2 the Pope strongly encourages Philippine officials to support, preserve and defend the basic human values as he said in his speech, to wit:

“xxx But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm xxx.”

ON THE YOUTH AND THE FAMILY

The Pope pointed out that a fundamental role in the renewal of society is played by the family and especially by the young people. He went on to say: “Families have an indispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others. But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support;” support as pertaining to the role of the government on family preservation.

ON EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Pope also took cognizance of the role of the government to education and human development as he did not fail to mention the role of government to provide the citizens with avenues for each person to fulfill his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the future of the country.

1 CONST. art. III, Section 12 CONST. art. III, Section 2

Lastly, the Pope ended by expressing his trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities; as in the opening article of the Bill of Rights stating that: “xxx nor shall any person shall be denied the equal protection of the law.”3

As an excerpt of the Manila Bulletin states: “The Pope…was forceful and direct in his call for end to endemic corruption, imploring Filipino leaders to conscientiously serve their people, and called for battling massive inequality and social injustice in the country,” said Prof. Richard Heydarian, a consultant and policy advisor to a number of institutions, including various diplomatic posts.4

This essay is in partial fulfillment to the requirements in:

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II

ATTY. JORIS KARL DACAWI

LYLE MURTH Y. AGWILANG

January 24, 2015

3 CONST. art. III, section 14 Pope Francis sent strong, direct message vs. corruption, http://www.mb.com.ph/pope-francis-sent-strong-direct-message-vs-corruption/, (last accessed January 21, 2015)