Political thoughts of Jose P. Laurel (MLJCBASILAN)

Ma. Leticia Jose C. BasilanDoctor of Philosophy in English Language Studies

Lyceum of the Philippines University

Political Thoughts of Laurel


“ A Nation is nothing more or less than its citizenry.”

-JPL


Society and politics are closely intertwined

-the society vitalizes politics.

“Political Society is the finished product of major stages of social development.”


*JPL analyzed that God, man and government are interrelated in terms of creation.“ if God created man, so man created government. This time, man is the creator, government is the creature.”


He argued:My personal estimate is that we

are on the eve of political renaissance, that our people as a whole are groping for the means and weapons with which they may institute a government administration more worthy of their trust and confidence, more capable and willing to meet the problems of the masses.


Good Governance


Essential Characteristics of Good Governance

justhonest

efficient

All these characteristics are geared toward recognition and dignification of human

person.


Just Government

A good governing body which is just basically employs the rule of law in the perception of the rights and liberties of the people.


Honest Government

It preserves the faith and hope of the people to their power and authority to govern by being honest – trustworthy and sincere in performing their duties and obligation to the people.


Efficient Governance

Realistic and responsive implementation of programs …

“The primary function of government is to provide effectively for the provide effectively for the protection, enlightenment and dignification of the citizen.”

Power and Good Governance



“In a democratic system of government, the power necessarily emanates from the people. In return, he argued that the essence of all government is the surrender of individual power to legal and moral power of the whole represented by the state.


The government is duty bound to support and protect the best interest and welfare of the governed through the power bestowed upon them.


The officialdom must practice MORALITY.

“ Government without morality is gangsterism

or banditry.”


If the power is properly and appropriately executed, it would provide adequate defense, security and opportunity to the people which are concrete expressions of recognition and dignification of human person.


Laurel in Good Governance


JPL’s Moral Postulate

“The recognition and dignification of human personality.

Laurel exemplified a tremendous courage to carry out his duties to the people the kind of governance they deserve.


Popular Government:Democratic Republican

Socialism


Popular Government

Good Governance or government finds it organization from the people themselves who are the source of its existence.


Good government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.


JPL fundamental thrust:

The basic philosophy of popular government is that the states

exists for the individual and not the individual for the state.


JPL’s notion of popular government:

Popular Government is magnificent three story building:1. Constitution ( the expression of sovereignty)2. Officialdom ( constitutional caretakers3. Altar (faith of the people)


Popular Government as Republicanism

The body of the government are the representatives of the people who will protect the best interest of such people.


“The essence of republicanism is change… What secures to a representative democracy its popular character is the ultimate control that the people possess over the government… Representation, renovation and popular control – these form the trilogy of popular government.


Control- people exercise

their power to elect officials according to the need of the society.


Representation- the people’s

representative can be changed to avoid perpetuation of delegated powers


Renovation- government elements,

structures, and programs can be modified to suite the growing demand of the people and expanding relations of the people with others.


Representative Democracy and Republicanism


JPL argued:Republicanism can be

properly executed through democracy.


The true concept of democracy emphasizes not only rights but duties as well.


Republican/Representative Democracy upholds:1. Political Democracy – government of the people, by the people and for the people.2. Social Democracy- all men are created equal3. Economic Democracy – to make the most and best of man’s power and opportunities which refers to social justice.


Republicanism and State Socialism


JPL was a strong advocate of progress and development.


JPL said:When I speak of republican vitalized

by state socialism, I refer to that type of Socialism which is Christian and evolutionary founded fundamentally the oneness and solidarity of mankind, the brotherhood of man, the love of man’s neighbor, founded also on the need of the inculcation of moral principles through education, public opinion and peaceful process that are evolutionary and not revolutionary.


State Socialism/ Progressive Socialism:

-best form of government wherein individual freedom is avowed objective of genuine liberalism supported politically by democracy and economically by socialism.


Vital Functions of Government


1. People’s Livelihood and Health

-Major function of the government

- It is not enough to offer immediate food and medical attention, there should be a livelihood program that would sustain such good health … toward healthy living society.


2. Social Justice

the value of social justice in which the people must be rewardedwith due material compensation and moral recognition for their efforts.

GOOD AND EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC POLICIES


3. Education System

necessity of education to all citizens, especially to the common people.“A good education system must highlight the value of country - patriotism


4. Equal Opportunity

Equality in terms of social, political and economic opportunities must be enjoyed by all citizens.

People deserve success and happiness from what they have work for.


Constitutionalism and Government


Constitution is the highest law of a free nation.


The government promulgates this highest law to secure a civilized way of living of people in a given society.


A constitution is a social and political covenant of a people for their governance, for the articulation of their ideals, for the achievement through proper means of their needs and aspirations.


In this view of Laurel, a covenant is more than jst a contract or treaty – it was a promise and pledge between people and their representatives to champion the well being and common good of the people.


Laurel maintained that social reality is always in constant changes, hence, constitution as instrument must be amenable to change and alteration in accordance to these changing realities.


JPL: The constitution is dead

when it fails to adjust to the needs of a changing or expanding world.


Date post:	14-Feb-2017
Category:	Education
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