The 1973 Constitution Framers Are Backing Leni Robredo for President
Surviving members of the convention that drafted the 1973 Constitution used during martial law endorsed on Sunday the presidential candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo.
Thirteen of the 230 members of the 1971-72 Constitutional Convention backed Robredo for president, citing her "unblemished" track record and service to the poor.
The 1973 Constitution framers expressed concern over the challenges that the country currently faces, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, graft and corruption, the sad state of the educational system, the West Philippine Sea dispute, and the need to restore faith in the government.
"To address and face up to these formidable challenges we need a tried and tested leader who is capable, caring, sincere, focused, and most of all Godly, who does not steal and does not lie," they said,
"Only Leni Robredo, a lawyer, who presents a concrete action program, with an unblemished government track record of absolute honest and integrity, a true public servant for the poor as proven by her many projects for the down-trodden and the least of society, meets and fits the highest credentials for the Presidency," they added.
Those who signed the statement of support are:
- Lawyer Lilia B. de Lima
- Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
- Ricardo V. Quintos
- Senator Richard J. Gordon
- Lawyer  Leandro P. Garcia
- Justice Adolf S. Azcuna
- Lawyer Manuel T. Molina
- Ambassador Amado S. Tolentino, Jr.
- Natalio R. Castillo, Jr.
- Gonzalo O. Catan Jr.
- Justice Teresita Dy-Liaco Flores
- Cong. Magtanggol C. Gunigundo
- Sr. Sonia S. Aldeguer
Aside from the framers of the 1973 Constitution, Robredo also received the support of former Filipino servants in the United Nations, economists, and former government officials who served during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III.
The 1973 Constitution was ratified after the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos placed the entire country under martial law. It allowed for the transition to a parliamentary form of government in which Marcos, who also served as prime minister, exercised both executive and legislative powers.
Marcos' son and namesake, Bongbong, is running for president in the 2022 elections against Robredo and eight other candidates.
From: Reportr World
