THE LEGAL FRONT

After a lengthy Covid-imposed lay-off, Legal Front shall once again be part of this paper’s Friday issues. It may interest readers to know that I have compiled selected Legal Front articles into a book – Life at the Legal Front – published by Central Book Store where copies of the book are available.  My column’s focus – as in the past – shall be the law and relevant legal developments, here and abroad, in recognition of the law as a critical tool to achieve national progress. As necessary features of our democratic life and as elements needed by our country’s quest for progress, I add as topics my observations about national life, particularly those relating to politics and political developments. Politics is likewise heavily permeated with law and legalities, and is thus a natural topic in this column’s discussions. My political observations, however, shall not be those of a political scientist (which I am not) nor those of a politician (which I was, in the past).  Nor do I have any current interest in actively engaging in politics. Age and past political experiences have cleansed my mind of all taints of political ambition. My views now are those of a mere bystander reading the news as they are reported daily in the newspapers and on television.  I call these my “street views” of politics. As an aside, it appears to me that we are now entering a new era of politics with new dramatis personae, although the dominant political figures of the day, both locally and nationally, appear to trace their lineage to past politicians. I mention this with a measure of fairness in mind as I do not believe in carrying over and imputing to descendants the taint of whatever their forebears might have previously committed. To do this would be a pre-judgment that goes against the grain of my legal and judicial training and disposition. My writing objective is simple: to enlighten the reading public about the law and legal developments as needed catalysts in forging unity and achieving progress, in line with our national leadership’s quest for unity in diversity. In this spirit, I dare to say that this column will not readily criticize nor find fault; its role – above everything else – is to highlight the positive in our society and thereby strengthen our faith in ourselves, a self-recognition that, together with “unity,” can speed up our march to progress. I address this column’s message of hope and support to every Filipino whose spirit, cooperation and action our desired national progress needs. Among our readers, I particularly hope to reach our younger generation, particularly the students. I hope they shall take note and contribute to a dialogue on law, politics, and legal and political developments, even if only via their questions, comments or suggestions. Their responses or reactions shall serve as this column’s future guides. I likewise address all fellow public servants, past and present, and those otherwise engaged in the difficult task of governance.  You have been, or still are, there and you  – more than anybody else  – know the problems and realities confronting our nation. You can significantly facilitate our society’s march to progress by ensuring that you yourselves are not part of the problem, and by watchfully removing every roadblock along the way, a task that you are in the best position to undertake. Like your leaders, you cannot be any less in understanding in the appreciation of our pressing needs and the degree of fortitude and determination required to triumph.  To illustrate, while society may rail against graft and corruption, you cannot simply join in the outcry as your role is to act. More than mere vigilance, your role is to directly cut off existing malignancies at their roots whenever you can. In sum, I believe that to achieve the good governance that a march to progress requires, everyone in our society – together with our civil servants – must close ranks, ensure that everyone is in step, and act as one toward our common goal. I address this message to every sector of our society, barring none – the rich and the poor, the disabled and the capable, as well as the elderly who may think their time for participation is past. We are all part of one society and we need one another’s support if we are to succeed. Everyone’s efforts at self-help, cooperation, concerted action or support, will go a long way in helping our nation reach the goal of a strong and progressive Philippines living in peace and equality with all nations. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])