Eugene Spencer C.

Lopez 9 ADN

Opening Statement:

We will find that in these laws, life is valued by our country. By life we include the
different rights of every human in different aspects. These laws are the reflection of what
has been nation longing for peace and prosperity. And through these laws we can achieve
them for it is by these laws that we are all bonded to do the common good for ourselves,
others, and for the country.

ARTICLE III

Bill of Rights

SECTION 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process
of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

SECTION 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any
purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue
except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination
under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

SECTION 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due
process of law.

These clearly indicates that our country values life by giving everybody due
process. This means that everybody must get an equal treatment from the law.
Everyone, including sinners, must be treated justly until proven guilty which allows
the person to suffer the consequence that compensates for his/her action. As
Christians, we are also called to do the same. We must treat each of our neighbour
fairly and justly because it is what God wants us to do. By doing these small things
we will be able to accumulate it into a larger good and may make an impact in our
society, affecting the ones who mistreat our neighbors.

SECTION 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable

except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise
as prescribed by law.

This shows that our country respects the right of every person to privacy
and security. This means that everyone, including us, must learn how to respect
each others right in the same way our law views it.

SECTION 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or

prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious
profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.
No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

SECTION 18. (1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs
and aspirations.

This clearly indicates the right of every person to believe what they want to
believe. This law allows everyone to exercise the freedom of belief. Through this
law we come to respect different people of different religions. As Christians, the
commandment loving ones neighbour include respecting others beliefs. For it
is through constant respect that we are able to achieve peace. And this is true
because there is no religion in this world that teaches war and bad deeds but
peace.

SECTION 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be
recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to
official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as
basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as
may be provided by law.

This law tells us that our country values truth. Through this freedom of
information, we come to discern what is truly right and correct what are wrong.
This civil law is also supported by a divine law, Thou shall not bear false witness
against your neighbour. By this divine law, we come to know that the misuse of
truth, including hiding it, is against what is needed to attain peace.

SECTION 9. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation.

This law emphasizes that no person is allowed to steal from other people
what is not theirs. This civil law is also supported by a divine law, Thou shall not
steal. Through this commandment, we come to value the importance of the right
of every person to their private property as well as respect for the universal
destination of goods. As Christians, we are called not only not to steal but as well
as to share what we have with others.

SECTION 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

This law tells us that agreements should be kept strong. As people, it is our
duty to be true to our word as part of what has been imbibe to us. As Christians,
by exercising this law, we come to follow the eight commandment as well as the
essence of the divine laws. We must keep these laws. In connection to the civil law
above, by keeping the commandments, we are also keeping our obligation to value
contracts and promises which must not be broken as much as possible.

SECTION 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal
assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

This civil law points out to us that the right of every person is not affected
by his or her status in life. As Christians, we are taught to be compassionate to
our brothers and sisters who have been living poorly in their lives. By following
the law, pointing to the authorities, we come to obey 2 laws at once. We become
fair to our civil world just as we are in our spiritual world.

SECTION 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except
in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.

This law tell us that our country values human rights. And it is by enabling
this law that our country prevents what happened years ago in the martial law.
During that era, the writ of habeas corpus was suspended and then allowed the
military soldiers to violate the rights of the people. But thanks to this law, the
suspension of it will only be allowed if there is a need for it. Connecting it to our
Christian life, we Christians must also respect every right of other people. We
must not hinder them from doing what they can as long as it is for the good.

Sources: http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/