“…To obey (God) is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry…” –1 Samuel 15:22-23

I was interviewed by Emman Aquino and Dang Estrada of the DZAS Far East Broadcasting Company last month, prior to President Rodrigo Duterte’s most recent State of the Nation Address, and I realized scores of Filipinos are still unfamiliar with the contents of the proposed federal constitution.

As a remedy, Buklod ng mga Abogadong Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan (BATAS), a free legal aid group formed in 1994, began a regular forum to discuss various provisions of the proposed federal constitution. Select portions of the document will be reproduced, wherein explanations of each provision will be provided.

Any comments or suggestions can be sent to batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or mmauriciojr111@gmail.com; or inquiries can be made on Facebook at facebook.com/attybatas.

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A federal constitution is comprised of articles including: Preamble; Article I, National Territory; Article II, Declaration of Principles and State Policies; Article III, Bill of Rights; Article IV, Citizenship; Article V, Suffrage and Political Parties; Article VI, People’s Initiative, Plebiscite, and Referendum; Article VII, Legislative Department; Article VIII, Executive Department; Article IX, Judicial Department; Article X, Constitutional Commissions; Article XI, Federated Regions, the Bangsamoro, and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras; Article XII, Distribution of Powers of the Government; Article XIII, Fiscal Powers and Financial Administration; Article XIV, Accountability of Public Officers; Article XV, National Economy and Patrimony; Article XVI, Social Justice; Article XVII, Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports; Article XVIII, The Family; Article XIX, National Security and Public Order; Article XX, General Provisions; Article XXI, Amendments or Revision; and Article XXII, Transitory Provisions.

God willing, we will come up with discussions.

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While travelling with family along Interstate 95 from Philadelphia to New York City earlier this week, we stopped by the Joyce Kilmer Service Area in East Brunswick, New Jersey. During the visit, we learned Joyce Kilmer, the poet who penned “Trees,” was a man – Alfred Joy Kilmer was his full name.

A native of New Jersey, he was not able to write many poems as he died young during a war.

To relatives, friends, and associates who wish to view photos of the service area, please visit facebook.com/attybatas, @attybatas on Twitter, or melaniomauriciojr on Instagram.

Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

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FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, what we have discussed here, or to consult any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917-984-2468, email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ