By: Edcel C. Lagman
THERE are a number of significant messages and mandates which emanated from the recent elections. I will underscore two of them.
The first is the reality and import of the overwhelming victory of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, which is unprecedented. This commanding landslide gives Duterte the indubitable mandate to effect reforms, with prior popular support. The only constraints are the limitations imposed by the Constitution, like due process and the rigorous allocation of powers among the presidency, the Congress and the Supreme Court.
This is so because Duterte won in a constitutional process, not by any upheaval outside of the fundamental law.
Consequently, Duterte’s reported pronouncement that if he “cannot get it the right way,” then he will “do it the wrong way” has no legitimate anchorage.
Let us grant that Duterte has the best of intentions. But intention is not the test on the validity of official actions. It is fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.