The Significance of February 8

Today, February 8, 2008 is Constitution Day. And today,the Senate Probe on the ZTE/NBN mega project has begun.No matter how flawed our Constitution is, it remains supreme and deservesour deference and high regard. It is the bedrock of our democratic and republican state, and the product of our long and arduous struggle for freedom against dictatorship.The very same Constitution clearly provides and demarcates the mandates and powers of the three co-equal branches of our government--the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. But while they are co-equal, they are also interdependent, hence, the principles of check and balance and blending of powers.The Senate's power of legislative inquiry is provided by the Constitution. While its thrust is to aid in legislation, it cannot be overemphasized that its very essence goes back to the Constitutional right of the people to information on matters of public concern.ZTE/NBN probe is in pursuance of that Constitutional mandate.The Senate is constitutionally and legally exercising its oversight and checking function.February 8, 2008, is a day of commemoration, indignation, infamy, and celebration. We COMMEMORATE the natal of our New Constitution; express our INDIGNATION for what has been badly going on now with our state of governance & the indiscretions of those who govern us; condemn the INFAMY, scandals and national shame we are projecting to the rest of theworld through the ingenious ways we tailored and perfect corruption; CELEBRATE, admire & take inspiration from people like JUN LOZADA who risks his life to do the right thing for us and for this troubled country.May this day not pass like any ordinary day where apathy and indifference abound. May we face a new day with no more cynicisms nor fear to make a stand; to do the right thing; to be another Jun Lozada in our own little ways, and to fight for a cause greater than ourselves. God bless this day.