NAME: CEEJAY A.
TAPIC SECTION: SOCSTUD-2B
COURSE CODE: SSED 26
REFLECTION PAPER
Many people can describe the concept of law, but only at a basic level. In the
video "What is Law?" by Attorney Al Jumrani, viewers gain a deeper understanding
of the law, particularly in the Philippines. The video explains that law is a rule of
conduct and emphasizes that no one, regardless of status or position, is above it.
The video explains the role of the Congress of the Philippines in enacting laws.
Congress is divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives,
which work together to draft and approve legislation. The discussion also covers the
three branches of government and their respective functions. The Legislative branch,
consisting of Congress, is responsible for creating laws. The Executive branch, led
by the President, is in charge of implementing and enforcing these laws. Meanwhile,
the Judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets the law and ensures its
proper application. Another significant concept introduced in the video is "Ignorantia
legis non excusat", which means "ignorance of the law excuses no one." This
principle emphasizes the responsibility of every citizen to be aware of what is legally
right and wrong. Ultimately, the video stresses the importance of legal awareness, as
the law applies to everyone, and all crimes have corresponding consequences.
While watching the video, I came to the realization that it addressed several of
my initial questions and provided me with new insights. One of the key messages
conveyed in the video is the fundamental principle that no individual is above the law.
This means that the legal system is designed to uphold equality, ensuring that all
citizens are subject to the same laws and legal consequences, regardless of their
status or background. This realization has deepened my understanding of the
significance of the Philippine Constitution. The constitution serves as the highest
legal authority, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals while ensuring
that justice is accessible to everyone.
However, in reality, it is undeniable that financial resources can provide certain
advantages. Those who have the means to afford competent legal counsel are in a
better position to navigate the legal system and ensure that their rights are
adequately protected. An example of this is the former President Marcos Sr. along
with his wife Imelda and their close associates plundered around $10 billion (£8.1
billion) in public funds during their time in power, despite widespread poverty in the
Philippines. To date, only $4 billion has been recovered (Evans, 2022).
Furthermore, I have recognized the critical role of legal awareness, particularly
in social media. Social media has become a powerful platform for expression, but it
has also been misused by individuals who humiliate or defame others without fully
understanding the legal repercussions of their actions. Many people are unaware
that such actions could lead to legal consequences, including the possibility of facing
charges for cyber libel or defamation. An example of this is the imprisonment of
76-year-old social activist, academic, and former congressman Walden Bello at his
Quezon City home on cyber-libel charges filed by Jefry Tupas, a former information
officer for Vice President Sara Duterte. Tupas accused Bello of defamation over a
Facebook post in which Bello alleged Tupas was involved in illegal drugs after
attending a police-raided party in November 2021 (Conde, 2022).
This highlights the importance of educating individuals about the Philippine
Constitution and its provisions. When people are knowledgeable about the law, they
can better protect themselves from legal risks and act responsibly in both physical
and digital spaces.
In conclusion, this video has reinforced my appreciation of the Philippine
Constitution as a vital instrument in upholding justice and order. It has also made me
more aware of the need for literacy, as understanding the law empowers individuals
to act within their rights and obligations. By fostering awareness of constitutional
rights and responsibilities, society can work towards a more just and equitable
environment for all.
Gareth, Evans - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61379915
Conde, Carlos - Human Rights Watch
https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/08/09/philippine-activist-arrested-cyber-libel
