PAGBABAGO
Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
One national figure that many of us miss, especially during these times when democracy continues to be eroded and “devitalized,” is the late Supreme Court Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma. During martial law and even years after, she stood out, speaking the truth especially on matters involving violation of people’s rights. She was a challenge to the “silence” and apathy that had afflicted many of us.
On November 23, the Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF) and the House of Representatives, through a House Resolution of the 18th Congress, commemorated the 107th birth anniversary of one of the foremost champions of human rights and democracy in the country.
The resolution honored the invaluable contribution of the late justice Cecilia Munoz Palma in defending the freedom of the Filipino people, citing the accomplishments of the first woman appointed as Supreme Court Justice, the first female prosecutor of Quezon City, the first female district judge for Negros Oriental, and the second woman to be appointed to the Court of Appeals.
The resolution further cited the several landmark dissents she made to the declaration of martial law, her denunciation of the flagrant abuses of power under the dictatorial regime, and how she had fought for the liberties of the Filipino people.
It recalled her having been elected president of the 1986 Constitutional Commission that laid the legal foundation for a nation grounded on the principles of democracy, sovereignty, and social justice. The 1987 Constitution, the resolution noted, was written to establish a presidential system of government based on a system of check and balance, creating the Commission of Human Rights and strengthening the Bill of Rights which secures the basic liberties of Filipinos, the humanistic processes, and a democratic way of life.
It further cited how the “all-embracing Bill of Rights and new structures of government established in the 1987 Constitution safeguards against the return of authoritarian rule and reaffirms the Filipino’s right to life, liberty, and property, due process, equal protection of the law, freedom of religion, speech, press, and peaceful assembly.”
The celebration of Justice Munoz Palma’s life, the resolution noted, “brings to mind the impetus of crafting the 1987 Constitution, highlighting the vitality of democracy and the value of indignation against tyranny rife with violation of human rights and suppression of fundamental political and economic freedoms.
The resolution underscored the “magnanimous responsibility bestowed on the Supreme Court by signifying the need for unyielding, grounded, and empathetic justices. Hence, the constant pursuit of compassionate justice in the Philippines, which should remain one of the fundamental pillars of the judiciary, with the character of Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma as an exemplary standard of humility and integrity.
The resolution cited that under Justice Munoz Palma’s leadership of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes from 1998-2002, feeding programs, scholarships for indigent students, and other programs benefitting the less fortunate were implemented.
To this day, her legacy endures through the Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma Foundation which ensures that her ideals last through the work of others, who, like her, have chosen the life of service.
Finally, the resolution noted that “it is the fundamental obligation of Congress to promote the rights and liberties of the people as enshrined in the Constitution.”
The resolution was drafted and filed by Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte.
Among the programs/projects of JCMPF which was founded in 2008, was the Justice Palma Museum at the Hall of Justice in Quezon City, support for the Cecilia Munoz Palma High School in Payatas, and a Legal Awareness program. Its board of trustees is headed by Mina Gabor, president, Florangel Rosario Braid, vice president, Reena Yason, corporate secretary, Cora Alma de Leon, treasurer, and members, Jose Christopher Belmonte, Ballsy Aquino Cruz, Pearl Cardema, Alice Lim, Sonia Roco, Rene Sarmiento, Teresita Sison, and Tadeo Palma. Beth Baril is executive director and Emily Palma, program adviser
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