What Studying Constitutional Law I Has Done to My Life

by: Lyndon J. Cena

We are changed by the things we learn and know. If this is true, then I happen to be a living testament of it.
Before enrolling my subject in Constitutional Law, I was merely a Filipino citizen with mediocre perspectives about the
Philippines, its governing Constitution and its daily manifestations. Knowing the Constitution has shaped my
perspectives, values and respect to the Philippines and made me a better Filipino Citizen.

I was bound to see both national and local issues that affect me through a limited knowledge of Law. Because
of these limitations, I was held back many times to take active roles in making stands towards political issues with
unconstitutional implications and rather resort to a passive response towards situations that affect me and my
countrymen. This passivity was brought about by my own limitations and not of a passionless pursuit of justice. By
obtaining my education in the Constitution, I have learned that there is still much that I can offer my country and my
people that will, hopefully, leave a remarkable impact for the world to see.

Looking back, I can say that I am a better person, or at least I want to be one, because of the things I learned
about our Law. In my own personal assessment, many things happened to me. A lot of my misconceptions about the
law have been corrected and most of my questions like, why did the Supreme Court act the way it did during EDSA Dos,
why can’t the Constitution be revised or amended, or why can’t the State be held liable for torts, have been addressed
and I find a great sense of appreciation to the wisdom behind the Constitution.

Among the many changes that happened to me by obtaining an in depth understanding of the Constitution and
how it must be applied daily is a growing desire to know more of the Philippine law and how, in its proper understanding
and applications, could affect me and my countrymen to bring about remarkable changes in the Philippines. One good
example of this is the section that speaks about marriage. Knowing the proper implications and constitutional provision
of marriage (Article 15, Section 1, 1987 Constitution in relation to Article 1 of the Family Code) would preserve the very
values that govern the country. Our view of marriage must adhere to what the Constitution provides to not overthrow
the power and authority endowed within it which is the very fabric that protects of our national morality.

My knowledge about the Constitution also opened my mind to so many injustices and corrupt practices being
divulged in the media, and I found out that these realities are huge factors that bring about moral and political infertility
to the Philippines. Social maturity, political discernment and personal conviction in adherence to the constitution are
among the personal growth I acquired from taking the study of Constitution seriously.

It has also provided clarity in the areas that were once vague, misused and misunderstood. By knowing all
these I have found it in my heart to believe that amidst the injustices around me, there is hope for the Philippines. The
Constitution safeguards us of a safe and definite future ahead of us. The Philippine Constitution is a good gift to every
Filipino.

As a response to this, I would like to actively participate and engage to movements heeding towards the
preservation of the Constitution to safeguard the Philippines by educating more Filipinos about the Constitution, and by
doing so, we lower the inclinations of many ill thinkers to manipulate and take advantage of people’s ignorance to
promote selfish gains. This also caters to my own way of impacting change to my sphere of influence.

I would like to state, what James Madison so inspiringly said, “A popular government without popular
information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will
forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power
which knowledge gives.”
 I am privileged to know our Constitution and be changed, remarkably, by it.

One last note, the study of the Constitutional law 1 did indeed got enlightened me about certain things but its
undertaking is no easy task due to the complexity of some of the concepts therein. Nevertheless, the benefits of
knowledge is reward enough.