The Document

The Document

By Augusto A. Kho

June 23, 2018 (Saturday); 9:30 am

Mc Donalds; San Antonio Village; Sucat Rd., Paranaque

Revised: July 4, 2018 (Wednesday); 3:01 pm

 

 

Writing defines you

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Mt. Sinai, Egypt: It is where the 1st Constitution originated, written by the finger

Of God on two tablet of stones and handed over to Moses, perhaps the world’s first legislator/ lawmaker.

 

 

 

The Document

While waiting at Prestige Lounge, SM, Cubao in Quezon City at 11:30am

for a 2:00 pm meeting with lawyers, top businessmen, clergy, bishops and lay leaders, this “words” came to me –

The Document: The fall -

Do not under-estimate a woman. She may be petty peeble that makes a man fall. Take the case of Jezebel, a wicked queen versus a prophet of God called as a prophet of fire. Yet Elijah fled when Jezebel decreed he will be executed. Fear-stricken, Elijah fled to Mt. Sinai wanting to die. He did not fully served the purposes of God in his life. Also this woman Deborah, a prophetess who took a man’s glory because Barak refused to pay heed to the command of the Lord. And how about Sereno and Duterte? “

The word “document” is also related to the various Scriptures that have been a part of my devotion for the past one month like the following:

 

  • Write this down” ( Revelation 21:5/ NLT); June 4, 2018; Monday: 4:00 am,

 

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

 

  • Lamb’s Book of Life” (Rev. 21:27/NLT); June 18, 2018; Monday; 2:00 am.. that says,

 

Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

 

  • Golden scroll. There and there it reminded me of a vision by one intercessor named Dianne. While I was exhorting prior to the Prayer and Intercession in Dagupan City just recently, she saw two angel clad in pure robe and they handed me a odd-looking ancient scroll overlaid with gold. Gold speaks of the Glory of God (Hebrews 9:4, 5, Revelation 1:12-13).

 

Scroll in Hebrew “sepher” means “a book” or “a document.” A document can be a curse or a judgment (Isaiah 34:4; Rev. 6:`4). The same is true when a magistrate will come with his verdict.

 

  • Magistrate. By 12:56 pm, a Civil Engineer texted me saying, “ I am coming. A brought with me a magistrate.” A magistrate is an official who is entrusted with the administration of the laws (Webster).

 

  • Charter-Change. And when I arrived at the meeting at 2:00 pm in Greenhills, the very main agenda is the “Charter Change” of the 1987 Philippine Constitution” that pertains to a legal document again.

 

  • Quo Warranto: Then a few minutes later, the former Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno came in who was recently unseated by a document called “quo warranto.”

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The word “Document that I have received earlier at 11:30am was indeed true.

 

What do you think Christ Jesus said this on the night of his betrayal in Mathew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” And testament is document again.

 

 

Writing defines

Writing defines. And writing defines your destiny. Writing a legislation is in effect will define this nation. And the destiny is either heaven or hell.

 

Writing defines you (particularly formal letter, bill or piece of legislation). Writing provides you liberty or infringement; blessing or a curse.

 

In the case of the Seven Churches of Asia, Jesus Christ commanded John the Beloved to write the destiny of each of church saying, “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea, “ (Revelation 1:11).

 

To the Church of Pergamon where “Satan lives”, the Lord promised that anyone who survived (endured) from that church will be given a “white stone.” (Rev. 1:11; 2:12,17). How could a church be an official residence of the Devil? But that was the Bible tells. And what the “white stone” stands for?

 

In ancient days in the eastern culture, a white stone is given to anyone who gave given a “not guilty” verdict according to Thayer.

 

The same is true when BBL, SOGIE Law, Civil Partnership (same-sex union), Dissolution of Marriage, Annulment of Church Wedding and many other controversial bills once approved by the Congress and Senate and signed by the President – these very WRITINGS or DECREE will re-define the moral and spiritual condition of the nation. And who knows, perhaps there will be major overhaul of the spiritual condition, structure and framework of the Church. Remember that the doctrine of Thyatira Church is concerning “Jezebel’s immorality” (Rev. 2:18-21) while Pergamon Church is also rebuked by the Lord “where Satan lives.” And who knows if the aforementioned bills will be approved and signed by the President, the new legislations may “abandon their love” to the Lord as mentioned to the Ephesus Church (Rev. 2:4) that eventually makes the Church “dead” as it branded by the Lord to the Sardis Church (Rev. 3:1). While the remnants of a true believers in the Lord will be left severely persecuted and martyred just like to the Church of Philadelphia because they refused to adopt the new legal system and the “synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 3:9-10). We are living in the last days as we see these things being taken into shape right there at the corridors of legislation – in the Philippine Congress.

 

 

Scroll

An intercessor said, she saw in a vision two angels and the Lord handed me a golden scroll.

 

Scroll in Hebrew “sepher” means “a book; document; writing; letter of instruction; written order; written decree; legal document; certificate of divorce; deed of purchase; indictment.” It also means “book of prophecies; law-book; genealogical register; scriptures; books of the canon; record book of God” (Strong Bible Dictionary). Read Isaiah 34:4; Revelation 6:14.

 

It been over a week now that I am in the meditating the last chapter of the Book of Revelation. Revelation is a Book of the End Times. It foretells what will happen in the last chapter of history of the Earth. Be it a word, nuggets of wisdom, divine counsel, a prophesy, or the Bible – all these are considered as “scroll.”

 

 

 

Worth-watching

Then another thought came saying: Worth-watching. How the Supreme Court will rule or rule out the same-sex marriage is worth-watching.” Let us watch carefully the legal minds of these magistrates how they will handle the case of “same-sex marriage” in the context of law.

 

 

The magistrate

One hour later, I immediately left Cubao to headed to Greenhills where the meeting will be held. When I arrived at the venue, the invited board members were already there headed by a presiding officer, a respectable lawyer from affluent family who owns a big law firm in Ortigas and a former senatorial candidate.

 

Barely 20 minutes when we started the meeting at 2:15pm, a certain magistrate, former member of the Supreme Court came in and sat down with us. A magistrate is one who decipher the law or document. The former Chief Justice, Ma. Lourdes Sereno sat down with us for 30 minutes.

 

 

The charter change

And what was the main agenda of the day? It’s Charter-Change (Cha-cha). Again that is about the document (1987 Philippine Constitution). Charter Change is one among the Congress’ topmost priority bill.

 

The Charter Change must be prioritized before BBL will be approved. Why? BBL is a blatant violation to the Constitution. Cha-Cha must change our present democratic republican government into Federalism for the BBL to fit in.

 

Former Chief Justice Davide, a Catholic once said that “Federalism is a leap to hell.” Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, with Methodist background said in jest, “I’ve never been in hell yet.”

 

With many dubious and questionable bills are under the so-called “priority bills” since January, 2018, I am afraid that this Charter-Change will finally strengthen its provisions for their final approval. And once these bills has been approved on the 3rd and final reading and transmitted to the Senate then duly signed by the President, from there, these will define our lives and the destiny of the nation. Is it our calling at a “sheep nation” is not at the stake? Shall we soon be called a “goat nation?” I remember that it was Ralph Mahoney who first made a prophesy that God called us as a sheep nation way back in the late 1980’s. (Matthew 25:31-34).

 

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Persecution through legislation

Is it possible that persecution against religion can be done through legislation?

 

Would it be possible that Charter-change (Cha-cha) may open some provisions that will curtail or restrict some of our basic rights especially our freedom of expression, religion and existence?

 

Take the case of Haman when a decree was made to annihilate all the Jews. If is an evil law. Poor King

 

Esther 4:8 says, Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. “

 

Shall we appeal also to the Court of Heavens, to the heavenly King to reverse the evil law to spare our lives should we find present bills from the Congress today violates our civil liberties?

 

In Esther 3:9, 5, 1, King Ahasuerus’ second in command, named Haman persuaded the king to make a writing or decree to destroy all the Jews out of “wrath.” Haman is an “Agagite.” Easton said that Agagite denotes that Haman was descended from the royal family of Amalekites, the bitterest enemy of the Jews. In other words, the decree or writing made is self-serving. It is in fact a decree of revenge.

 

The question now is whether our honourable legislators are drafting “demonic” bills now to satisfy Satan’s ultimate desire to our nation and our Christian heritage? Don’t you think of those controversial bills that immoral and others are cunningly coated in disguise of peace?

 

Also in Daniel 3:8-10, there were certain Chaldeans who influenced King Nebuchadnezzar to make a decree that anyone who will not vow down to the images of gods that he built will be persecuted. The target of such king’s order is to kill Daniel, a prophet of God.

 

 

Paul persecuted the believers

Wand, John Williams Charles Want,.” A History of the Early Church to AD 500, “ (1990) writes, “Early Christianity began as a sect among Second Temple Jews, and according to the New Testament account, Pharisees, including Paul of Tarsus prior to his conversion to Christianity, persecuted early Christians. The early Christians preached the second coming of a Messiah which did not conform to their religious teachings.”

 

Acts 9:2, “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”

 

Letter” in Greek “epistole” means “a written message” coming from the priests are good enough for Paul’s blanked authority to persecute the believers of the Lord. In the same way, a piece of legislation in the congress inspired by the wicked spirit can use legislative body today to repeat what we have not learned from History.

 

 

 

Imperial Nero

Persecution of the early church had occurred sporadically and in localised areas since its beginning. The first persecution of Christians organised by the Roman government took place under the emperor Nero in 64 AD after the Great Fire of Rome. With the passage in 313 AD of the Edict of Milan, persecution of Christians by the Roman state ceased ( "Persecution in the Early Church"; 2014).

 

The persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was carried out by the state and also by local authorities on a sporadic, ad hoc basis, often at the whims of local communities. Starting in 250, empire-wide persecution took place by decree of the emperor Decius. The edict was in force for eighteen months, during which time some Christians were killed while others apostatised to escape execution.

 

Edict of Milan

Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire occurred intermittently over a period of over two centuries until the year 313 AD when the Roman Emperors  jointly promulgated the Edict of Milan which legalised the Christian religion..

 

The total number of Christians who lost their lives because of these persecutions is unknown; although early church historian Eusebius, whose works are the only source for many of these events, speaks of "great multitudes" having perished, he is thought by many scholars today to have exaggerated their numbers according to Moss (2013) Moss 2013

 

Although persecution against a people group like the Christians in 64 AD by Emperor Nero (aided by legislation or bill) it ended it 313 AD under the Edict of Milan under Emperor Constantine legalizing Christianity as religion.

 

The Charter –Change today, will it strengthen the Christian faith or destroy the Church and Christ’s people?

 

 

Amendments

The Ten Commandments were amended into Three Commandments. Jesus Christ said:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” (Matthew 22:37-39). The Testament of Law is changed into a Testament of love and mercy because no one could fulfil the Law.

 

 

There is no problem with Charter-Change. The question is what is the motive of the lawmakers on Charter-Change? But to water down the sanctity of the country’s legal document to compromise the current dubious or immoral bills is another thing? Or is it Cha-cha is being made to fit in some bills that is unconstitutional or “null and void from the very beginning” even before they are being drafted?

 

According to Pulse Asia, “66% disagree for Charter Change.” If the House of Representatives are merely the “voice of the people,” who then is the real mastermind in changing our present Constitution?

 

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Re-define

That is why I said, “Writing defines you.” And I am referring it to a bill, legislation or decree. The writing and approval of a bill will define you and me and the destiny of the Philippines.

 

How dubious bill re-defines our values, morals and beliefs?

  • Will there be massive marriage breakdown through Dissolution of Marriage?

  • Would there be no more morality issue once the SOGIE Bill came into effect as a law? Will it become a strong contributing factor in the destruction of marriages and family as a basic institution of the nation? Will it supersede other laws on human rights, freedom of expressions, freedom of religion, etc?

  • What will be the long-term effect of the Filipino version of same-sex marriage called “Civil Partnership? Will it destroy procreation resulting to sharp and rapid decline of population?

  • Once the BBL is approved without striking down the provision of “opt-in” and “perpetual” will this Islamized the whole Philippines? Once BBL is legalized, would it be possible that persecution against Christianity is legitimized? Will this make Philippines, the 1st Islamic nation in Asia?

  • Shall Federalism becomes a license to powerful, corrupt politicians to exploit the wealth of this nation like gas, minerals, precious metals, etc in their respective geopolitical locations to amass themselves with power and wealth? Will there be threat of civil war shall federalism came into effect as a law?

 

 

The sacred document

Is it possible that Cha-cha can downplay the sacred document? Why I said sacred document.

 

On the Preface, Page viii of “ Constitution Explained,” constitutionalist Jose N. Nolledo writes on March 19, 1987, “I said, “May God touch this document today and make it an instrument by which He will show His most abundant blessings upon the people of the Philippines.”

 

I just pray that since God have been invoked in this document, anyone who violates the sacredness of our Constitution may get his or her full judgment from God whom he or she have breached the contract.

 

 

Consider the word “Document “which I have heard at 11:20am today and the following connections of the following:

  • Document

  • Jezebel, Elijah, Deborah (from the Old Testament)

  • Golden Scroll

  • The magistrate, the interpreter of the law

  • Duterte, a president, an executor of the law

  • Same-sex marriage” which is now in the Oral Arguments at the Supreme Court

  • Magistrate, former Chief Justice Sereno, an official entrusted with the administration of the laws (Webster)

  • Charter Change , a revision of the Philippine Constitution.

 

All the above-given words are law-related which refers to a legal document.

 

 

What is a constitution?

A constitution is an ordinance; an established law or custom according to Webster.

 

Law are either written or unwritten. Written is formal and legal like that of Philippine Constitution. Unwritten is non-formal that is ingrained in the value-system of a culture, people or tribe known as customs, traditions, beliefs, mores or values.

 

 

Exodus 31:18, “And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. “

 

Communing “ in Hebrew “dabar” i.e. to speak, to declare, to converse, to command, to promise or to warn.”

 

If you noticed, it was only when Moses had profound communion with God when the Lord finally gave him the so-called Table of Testimony (Law, Torah).

 

Tables in Hebrew “luach” means “board, slab, tablet, plank (either on stone, wood or metal).

 

Testimony (Hebrew) “eduth” means “a testimony” or “a witness.”Originally fro the word “ed” meaning “witness, testimony or evidence (of things or people)”; specifically “a recorder.”

 

Law is first mentioned in Genesis 47:26 from the Hebrew word “choq” i.e. “statute, ordinance, something prescribed; a boundary or llmit; enactment, decree, ordinance; specific decree; law in general, civil enactment prescribed by God. From original word “chaqaq” (khaw-kak) meaning “to cut out, engrave; set; one who decrees, a lawgiver.”

 

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Torah. The law is called the “Torah” (Joshua 1:8; 8:31) in Hebrew meaning “law, direction, instruction (human or divine); body of prophetic teaching; instruction of prophetic teaching; body of legal directives; codes of law; precepts or statute.”

 


The
Ten Commandments is the first written law given by God to Moses (Exodus 24:12). And it became a universal law to this very day. That is why Almighty God or God are being mentioned in the Constitution of other states just like in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Other states where Almighty God is mentioned are as follows:

 

  • Argentina 1893 Constitution reads: “"We, the representatives of the people of the Argentine Nation, ... invoking the protection of God, source of all reason and justice: do ordain, decree, and establish this Constitution for the Argentine Nation…”

  • Australia 1900 Constitution reads: “"Whereas the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God..

  • Greece 1975 Constitution reads: “In the name of the Holy and Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity…”

  • Albania 1998 Constitution reads : “"We, the people of Albania, proud and aware of our history, with responsibility for the future, and with faith in God ….”

  • Preamble of 1987 Philippine Constitution reads: “ We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution. “

 

 

Just to give you an examples that the Ten Commandments is the 1st Constitution ever written that becomes a fundamental law of the land (Rule of Law; Constitution of several states); please consider the following:

 

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.”

 

The author of the Bible can never be undermined. Among them are great leaders – governors, kings, statesmen, princes, queen, prophets, doctor, priest, scholars and others. They came from various places, cultures, tongues and time yet they had one and the same subject. They pointed to the Bible as true, honest, pure, right, converting, enlightening and enduring… thus making wise the simple (Psalm 19)

 

ALL LAWS are written in the Bible, be it spiritual, moral or legal. All these laws and knowledge are compressed in the Ten Commandments which were written by God them handed over to His servant, Moses.

 

Spiritual Law

1st Commandment I am the Lord, thy God

2nd Commandment Thou shalt have no other gods ( of any sort) before me

3rd Commandment Thou shalt not take the Name of God in vain

4th Commandment Remember Sabbath Day, to keep it Holy

 

Moral Law

5th Commandment Honor thy Father and Mother

 

Legal/Moral Law

6th Commandment Thou shalt not kill

7th Commandment Thou shalt not commit adultery

8th Commandment Thou shalt not steal

9th Commandment Thou not bear false witness against thy neighbor

10th Commandment Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s good, wife, manservant maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass nor anything that is thy neighbors.

 

Exodus 20:1-7

The expanded Commandment be it spiritual, moral or legal are written in Pentateuch (Mosaic

laws: Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus and Numbers)

 

 

 

Biblical Law

Constitutional Law

- Worship on True God

Exodus 20:1-6

I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before Me”

Preamble: “Imploring the aid of Almighty God,” referring in knowing God more personal and direct way.” (See footnotes of Phil. Const.)

do ordain this Constitution,” the word “Ordain” is religious term which means “to keep it sacred or holy.”

- Human Rights (Protection of one’s life, goods, ownership, etc.)

Exodus 20:13-17)

Art. 2, Sec.5 Peace and Order, Protection one one’s life, etc. Sec. 9 Social Order

Sec. 10 Social Justice

Sec. 11 Human Rights

Sec. 12 Sanctify of Marriage

(Also PNP Code of Ethics,; Sec 2)

- Honoring Parents

Exodus 20:12

Ephesians 6:1-3

Children, obey your parents…honor thy father and mother.”

Art. XV, Section 4 The Family

The Family has the duty to take care for the elderly but the State may also do so through just programs and social security.”

- On Divorce

Mark 10:10

Whatever God has put together, no one shall put asunder.”

Art. XV. Sec.2 “Marriage, as an inviolable social institution…shall be protected by the State.

- On Bribery

Exodus 23:8

Thou shalt take no gift for it blinded the wise and pervert the words of the righteous

Revised Penal Code of the Phils. Chapter 2, Section Bribery

- Social Justice

Exodus 23:6

Thou shalt not pervert judgment to the poor

Local Gov’t. Code: 1991 Sec. 16 Every LGU… improve public morals and social justice

- Leader’s Qualifications

Exodus 18:20-22

Thou shall provide the, able men, one who fear God, hating covetousness, men of truth

Republic Act 6713

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard for Public Servants

- Libel

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer; neither shalt thou stand against thy neighbor

Crimes Against Honor

Art. 353-359 Penal Code

- Swindling, Estafa, Deceits

Leviticus 19:35-36

Ye shall do no unrighteousness, in judgment,, in meteyard, in weight or in measure

Swindling and Other Deceits

Art. 315 Penal Code

Penal Code p. 124-127

IX. The Biblical Law and the Philippine (Constitutional)Law

 

- Swindling, Estafa, Deceits

Leviticus 19:35-36

Ye shall do no unrighteousness, in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure

Swindling and Other Deceits

Art. 315 penal Code

Penal Code p. 124-127

- False Testimony

Exodus 20:16

Thou shalt not bear false witness thy neighbor

Art. 180 page 73

Revised Penal Code

False Testimony Against A Dependant

- Child Exploitation/Abuse

Leviticus 19:29

Do not prostitute thy daughter; to cause her to be a whore.

Mark 9:42

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and thrown him into the sea.”

Seduction and Corruption of Minor White Slavery Trade (Revised Penal Code p. 141-142) Art. 337

- Gambling

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods

Gambling, Crimes against Public Morals (Revised Penal Code) Art. 195

- Minimum Wages

Leviticus 19:13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor; neither rob him of the wages of him that is hired shalt not abide with thee all night until the morning

The Minimum Wages Law

Art. XIII, Section 3; Labor, Philippine Constitution (Page 434)

- Respect for Civil Authority

Exodus 22:28

Thou shalt not revile the gods nor curse the ruler of thy people”

Revised Penal Code: page 47

Art. 114 Treason

Art. 115 Conspiracy

Art. 117 Espionage

- Freedom of Religion

Leviticus 19:30

Thou shalt keep my Sabbath and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.”

Revised penal Code (page 52)

Art. 132 Crimes Against religious Worship

- Equality and Social Justice

Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the persons of the poor and the mighty but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.”

Philippine Constitution (page 434) Social Justice and Human Rights Article XIII

- Incest

Leviticus 20:17

And if a man shall take his sister, daughter..or see her nakedness.. it is a wicked thing and he shall be cut off..

Qualified Seduction: Art. 337

(Revised Penal Code: page 141)

- Parricide

Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill”

Art. 246 Parricide: Destruction of Life

(Revised Penal Code; page 100)

- Usurpation

Deuteronomy 19:14

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance

Altering Boundaries of Landmark: Article 312-313 (Revised Penal Code: page 123)

- Breach of Contract

Numbers 30:2 “If a man vow a vow ….he shalt not break his word,,”

 

- Abandonment

Luke 10:27: “Luke 10:29-37

“…Love thy neighbor as you love thyself…”

Crimes Against Security

Art. 275: Abandonment of Persons (Revised Penal Code: page 109)

 

Constitutionalist ?

Do we need to be a constitutionalist to exercise our liberty?

 

It is said that “No one is above the law and ignorance of the law excuses no one.” This is today maxim of many legal experts including constitutionalists, magistrates and lawyers most especially.

 

The clergy are one among the ignorant of the law. Oftentimes you hear that “leave politics to the politicians alone.” Most probably because of the “Separation of the state and the church” (Article II, Section 5, Philippine Constitution).

 

 

One pastor derided me for exercising my freedom and he texted a friend of mine with this words:

 

O ngayon naging constitutionalist na si Peps? And salita nya ba ang cardinal rule? Tulad ng Papa ng Roma na di nagkakamali? “

 

 

 

The priest and the Constitution

Is it priest and the Constitution is un-Christian and illegal?

 

Our religious office should not be an excuse not to exercise our civil and political rights to the pressing issues that concerns us. Article III, Section 5 under our Bill of Rights says, “No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

 

 

The Ten Commandments as a universal pattern to this very day became the foundation (basic, constitution) of the “rule of law.” Without rule of law there will be anarchy, chaos, tyranny, and lawlessness.

 

Exodus 24:12, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. “

 

Moses is not merely a judge that time. He is also a lawmaker, a prophet and a priest. Moses came from the line of Levi, the appointed tribe of God into the priesthood ministry (Exodus 4:14). In other words, civil and political law is also under the priestly anointing. It is wrong therefore, that priests, ministers of the Gospel or bishops today must be ignorant of any legal law (James 1:25).

 

The first formal (written) law was inscribed on two tables of stones. The word “law” in Hebrew “Torah” means “law, direction, instruction (human or divine); body of prophetic teaching, instruction in Messianic age, body of priestly directions or instructions; body of legal directives, codes of law, Mosaic Law, Decalogue or Pentateuch” (Strong).


The word “
commandment” from Hebrew “mistvah means “:commandment, code of wisdom, a command (human or divine), ordinance, precept, or the Law” according to James Strong Bible Dictionary.

 

Notice the words “legal directives?” The Torah is not merely a religious law but also civil and legal laws. As a Filipino citizen, a pastor or a bishop has the legal rights to exercise is constitutional freedom. And these legal directives (law; human or divine instructions) are a part of the Levitical or priestly office. Therefore, no pastor or clergy should be ignorant of political law (Joshua 3:6: Hebrew 7:12; 1 Peter 2:9). We are constitutionalist in one way or another even we when set order in the church by making church-policy.

 

 

Position Paper

Why I submitted several “No Stand” as Position Paper in the Senate and Congress?

 

There were three (3) of them namely: Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL); Anti- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE Bill) and Civil Partnership under HB 6595.

 

I submitted my Position Papers against the above given bills for the following reasons :

  1. To make it known to the lawmakers that not all religious order or the Church agrees with the bill;

  2. The Church should serve as a moral conscience to immoral bills or legislations;

  3. Making it formally binding thus it become a public document that constitutes legal tender;

  4. Most important, I believe that my written statement will serve as a “voice of God” to the lawmakers has they have no excuse from the Lord.

 

I personally feel awkward writing position papers but I need to if no one makes a move. There must be someone like a well-known Bishop or Christian leader who can lead this nation and lead the flock of God whenever it is necessary.

 

Position Papers are like counter-affidavits to wicked bill or Haman’s law.

 

 

Better covenant

The New Testament was amended then ratified by the Blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:22). Anyone who will violate the Law will die but in Christ we will live (Hebrews 7:19, 22). So the Law was amended for the highest good of men. But the question is whether the current Cha-Cha headed by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno seeks the highest good for all the Filipinos or shall it serve only the minority?

 

Jesus Christ that He will fulfil even “a single dot even though both heaven and earth shall passes away,” (Matthew 5:18). Peter, the apostle said that “grass withers or the flowers falls but the Word of the Lord endures forever,” (1 Peter 1:24-25). And St. Paul said, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness,” (Romans 10:4). Furthermore, Paul said the Christ is like a lawmaker when he said, “He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises,” (Hebrews 8:6). Better from the Greek word “kreitton” means “more useful, advantageous, more excellent” testament, covenant or document.

 

Can we count on him, no less than former Chief Justice Puno that the Cha-cha that he headed will give us more excellent provisions of the law?

 

 

No amendments
Would you like that your legal documents like Marriage Contract, Birth Certificate , SSS I.D. and others will be be altered or changed (unless to correct an error)?

 

Three days later, when I heard the word “document,” that is Saturday, I asked the SM Payment Centre in Sucat, Paranaque why they are using thermal paper for their Meralco official receipt, the cashier simply said, “It is what the company prefers.” I answered her back, “Why, is it our peso bills payment are made up of thermal paper that after 3 months later, it will fade completely? ”

 

Thermal receipts or paper can only last from 3 months to 6 months. Would you like our legal documents like the Philippine Constitution, Bible, or marriage contract to be written on erasable thermal paper? That’s the reason why the Torah was later translated into more stronger writing materials like the Isaiah scrolls which is made up of Pergamon-made materials called parchment. . That is how sacred writings are. Parchment is from the Greek “membrane” i.e. referring to the dressed skin animals at Pergamos (2 Timothy 4:13).

 

Great Isaiah Scroll were first recovered by Bedouin shepherds in 1947 from Qumran Cave. It is around 1,000 years old. The scroll is written in Hebrew and contains the entire Book of Isaiah from beginning to end, apart from a few small damaged portions according to Peter Flint.

 

Law must be written in a secured writing instrument to assure endurance. First it was written on the Tablets of Stone, then later on Egyptian papyrus paper, then using parchments up to the modern writing now. But God requires this Law to be “written in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3). Oftentimes they say, if we read the Bible then we must like a walking Bible – we live as what the Scriptures says. In a way, we must be a “walking document.”

 

 

The Bible must remain untouched to this very day. Because it have been perfected by the blood of the Lamb. Hebrew 7:22, “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. “ Revelation 22:7, Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. ” You cannot keep in your heart what you don’t truly believe in.

 

 

Rev 22:18-19, For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ”

 

The New Testament is like a Court’s verdict. It is final and executory. No amendment is needed or required it. It is complete, perfect and binding.

 

Take note that the word “book” is mentioned three times. Book in Greek “biblion” means.”

a small book; a scroll; a written document”


God is a God of Covenant. He doesn’t want to make a “breach of contract” (Matthew 5:33-37).

 

Should a man err and broken his contract with God, the Lord can make another bill or amendment of the law. The word “book” in Revelation 22:18-19 also means “bill of divorcement.” It means God as a Lawmaker (Isaiah 33:22) can make a “bill of divorcement” as it is needed.

 

No amendments because Jesus said:

 

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” (Matthew 24:35)

 

 

NOTES :
What is Charter Change?

Constitutional reform in the Philippines, also known as Charter Change, refers to the political and legal processes needed to amend the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines

According to Rappler dated May 04, 2018; 64% oppose amending the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Incorporated revealed.

 

Definition of Terms:

  • Write it down”: The word “write” from Greek “ grapho” means “to write; with reference to the form of the letters (to delineate or form letters on a tablet, parchment, paper, or other materials); to write with reference to the context of writing (to express in written characters; to commit to writing; write down or record”; in written epistle; by writing to give information or directions; compose) “ according to Thayer. Strong definition: “to grave; to write; to describe, write (-ing; -ten).”

 

  • Lamb’s book of life”: Book in Greek “biblion” means “a small book, a scroll, a written document; a sheet on which something has been written; a bill of divorcement” according to Thayer. Strong define it as “a roll; bill; book, scroll; writing.” It derived from root word “biblos” i.e. “a written book, roll, scroll; a sheet of writing.” Today typing on your computer board as well in your cellphone is considered “writing.”

 

Civil Partnership

Our last “Same-Sex” Committee Hearing in the Congress, the Honourable Jose Calida’s position paper representing the Solicitor General’s Office is pro- RA 6595 or Civil Partneship. But just recently, he commented on the “same-sex marriage” through oral argument in the Supreme Court that is it “unconstitutional” and “anti-Family Code.” Why one is true?

 

God’s Word or position never changes. Truth is constant. Jesus said “I am the Truth,” (John 14:6)/

 

 

Deborah

A prophetess; wife of Lapidoth, Jabin, king of Hazor, had for 20 years held Israel in degrading subjection. The sprit of patriotism seemed crushed out the nation. In this emergency Deborah roused the people from their lethargy. Her fame spread far and wide. She became the “mother in Israel” (Judges 4:6, 14:5:7) and the “children of Israel came up to her for judgment” as she sat in her tent under the plam tree between Ramah and Bethel (Easton Bible Dictionary).

 



Cha-Cha

Constitutional reform in the Philippines, also known as Charter Change, refers to the political and legal processes needed to amend the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Under the common interpretation of the Constitution, amendments can be proposed by one of three methods: a People's Initiative, a Constituent Assembly or a Constitutional Convention (Reference: "A torrent of cha-cha measures". Retrieved 18 April 2015’; 2. "Con-ass or Con-con? Arroyo stand sought". Retrieved 18 April 2015.[permanent dead link).



A fourth method, by both houses passing a joint concurrent resolution, with a three-fourth supermajority, has been proposed by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. who subsequently submitted to the House of Representatives "Resolution of Both Houses No. 1" (Reference: 3.

Puno, Reynato S. (7 June 2015). "How to amend the 1987 Constitution". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 6 October 2015).





The "simple legislation as the means to amend" would require approval only by both Houses voting separately. All proposed amendments, regardless of the method of proposal, must be ratified by a majority vote in a national referendum (Reference: Villanueva, Marichu A. (September 14, 2015). "Costly 'mistake'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 6 October 2015).





Big majority of Filipinos against charter change – Pulse Asia

(UPDATED) Survey results also show that a 'sizeable majority of Filipinos (66%)' are opposed to changing the present unitary system of government to a federal system at this time

Rappler.com Published 10:43 AM, May 02, 2018 Updated 5:41 PM, May 04, 2018

 

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Congress urged to pass peace deal-compliant BBL

Jose Rodel Clapano (The Philippine Star) - June 8, 2018 - 12:00am

 

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MANILA, Philippines — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday urged Congress to ensure that it would pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is compliant with the 2014 peace agreement between the government and the rebels.

The MILF led by its vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar also said the MILF would not decommission its forces until the BBL is passed.

The IAG was one of the groups that co-hosted the conference on the BBL and determine how the new law would fit into the envisioned Federal Republic of the Philippines. – With Marvin Sy



 

Sen. Zubiri: ‘No expansion of Bangsamoro region’

Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) - June 9, 2018 - 12:00am

 

Zubiri, principal sponsor of the BBL, said the Senate and the House of Representatives introduced amendments to the landmark measure before approving it last month that would ensure the proposed autonomous region of the Bangsamoro will not unduly expand as some quarters and constitutional experts earlier warned. - Geremy Pintolo

The original draft of the BBL as prepared by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) stated that a plebiscite should be conducted every five years for 25 years for areas that want to join the new autonomous region, raising fears of a creeping expansion of the territory

 Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon introduced the amendment to conduct only one plebiscite for the provinces under the ARMM, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays in Cotabato, which are seen to form the core territory of the new autonomous region.

There is no “opt out” provision in the BBL, which means, once a province, city, municipality or barangay joins the autonomous region, it cannot leave the district. – With Jose Rodel Clapano

PEPS COMMENTS

What is important at this moment is the approval of BBL. However once BBL is approved and Federalism have taken place in our new form of government, possible amendments can be made to rectify the existing law like a new provision for the words “opt in” or “contiguous” for Islamic expansionism

 

 

Formal talks’ first before Misuari heeds Duterte’s call —MNLF spokesman

GMA News dated June 19, 2018; Kaufman, Karl

 

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Screen grab Trisha Macas Twitter account President Rodrigo Duterte and MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari meet in Malacañang.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Monday insisted that there should be a formal talk first with the government before its founding chairman, Nur Misuari, heeds President Rodrigo Duterte's call from him to join discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

 

 

Ex-CJ Puno: Plebiscite for new charter best held mid-2019

GMA News; July 3, 2018; Jimenez, Raffy

 

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Danny Pata Former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., considered as the father of federalism in the Philippines, shares a light moment with retired Associate Justice Antonio Nachura and retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno after signing the draft charter for the proposed Philippine federal government at the PICC on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Danny Pata

The vote of the electorate on a new constitution will best be held in the middle of 2019, but separate from the upcoming mid-term elections, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno said Tuesday.

Puno, who chairs the Consultative Commitee (Con-com) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution, said he believes a plebiscite "should be by middle of next year...so there will be time for people to understand this new Constitution."