"Ignorance of the Law"

Article three (3) of the Civil Code of the Philippines is very clear that " Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith."

What does this mean? From decisions of the Supreme Court, this provision of law is very heavy. It means that every person is pressumed to know the laws, and that it is an invalid defense in court that one doesn't know the existence of a law punishing the act he/she may have been committed. A person must, in the acts he/she may do, know its consequences and legal its boundaries. Thus, one should be very cautious in all of his/her actions.

But one may ask; Isn't it unfair that a person is deemed to have known the laws that sorround him/her? In the stand of justice, it is not. Article two (2) of the Civil code demands that " Laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication either in the official gazzette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, unless it is otherwise provided." This provision seeks to safeguard the right of every citizen to be informed of the law passed by our Congress or of any other declaration which is of punitive or binding effect to the public, so that one may know the laws which govern him/her in his/her day-to-day life. Our constitution guarantees this due process which should not be violated or dispensed with. The statement "unless it is otherwise provided" does not talk about the publication but of the effectivity of laws which may be set on a different date as may be stipulated in the law. The necessity of publication is indespensable as to inform the general public.

Given these points, it is therefore our duty as citizens to know the laws that govern us and to abide with these laws. It is not a valid reason for us to raise that we don't know the existence of the law. We must therefore be vigilant to all our actions and to see to it that we don't violate any of the laws of the land. We have the freedom and liberty, but these freedom and liberty end when the freedom and liberty of others begin. Let us all be guided.

It is a very well founded maxim in law that "every person must, in the exercise of his rights, and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and obeserve honesty and good faith." art. 19 Civil code

Politics on the other hand emphasizes that with great powers comes great responsibility. But Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely...

These two realms (LAW and Politics) are the great words that this world is striving to live with...

Fraternal Order Of Saint Thomas More

"Power Corrupts, and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely?"

I am a neophyte member of this known law school fraternity- The Fraternal Order of Saint Thomas More (Tau Mu). And it was my first time to witness the much awaited once in a year event of the brotherhood- election. Unlike other fraternal orders, Tau Mu is simply unique and the best. It has no constitution and by-laws, but the word of its Grand Archon is the law. This is why election is very much scrutinized, deliberated and suggested by all its members. In fact, to choose a Grand Archon is no easy. He must be unanimously elected by all the members present in the election. Only one disagrees, and no Grand Archon is chosen. Of course, the Brotherhood is aware that too much power is dangerous and enimical to the rights of its individual members. That is why, The Grand Archon must be chosen in consideration of his credentials, platforms and stand for the welfare of the Fraternity. Service must come first.

I just pondered that indeed our fraternity is the best! Not only it trains and inculcates to its members the importance of unity and brotherhood , but foremost, it builds and molds great leaders. Leaders who are responsible and are mindful of the use of the powers vested upon them. And this is a best beginning as training ground for a greater responsibility for the greater number. So to all my Tau Brods, let's shout to the world that we are Tau Mus! and Let's continue to be King's good servants, But of course, God is First!

Y?Y?Y?

Human Dignity?

I was so surprised when I saw on TV a comment of a European member of Parliament who visited a depressed area in Manila- the capital city of the Philippines. The focus of her statement was "human dignity." She commented that the situation in the place is so dehumanizing. It seems that the people living there are deprived of their dignity as human beings. Further, she said that in their country, it is a crime if the government could not give its citizens a descent life and dignity for themselves.
It was really a striking statement. I felt so ashamed of that true, candid and reality-based observations. Strike 1! to the Philippine government i said. But yeah, in the Philippines, the faces of the leaders are five-inch thick. They are not affected of it anyway. Their focus is on how they could stay in power long and on how they could get more, more and more money! No doubt why in the Philippines, if you are rich, it is either you are in Show business, in business, and of course in POLITICS... Well, well, well, so much for that. The world already knows about it. It is a fact!
Going back to the statement of that member of parliament, I should admit that I admire her for that. That statement was so big, strong and heavy. "Human Dignity." What really is it? In this world, there are five things that define Human Dignity- money, fame, education, status and influence... If you have all these, then the world would call you Dignified! WoW! This means then that only few people have dignity (sad to say). How about those living in Africa, in the Third world Countries? That would explain the statement of the member of parliament. Indeed, people living in poor countries have nothing but only their physical self. Their dignity is self proclaim rather affirmed by everyone.
On a different view, some would say that Human Dignity is not about money, fame etcetera but rather Equality among Men. Well, the more that those people living in the third world countries have no dignity. Try to go to those countries and you'll see how rich are the rich and how poor are the poor. Even Equity could not replace Equality. It is really depressing.
Even I, could hardly define Human Dignity- a definition that could fit even the poorest of the poor. hmmmmm. I think I'm getting too emotional. So, I leave it to you. Hope as you read this, you can say that you have that so called HUMAN DIGNITY...