THE so-called Bagong Pilipinas is said to be in search of a Bagong Saligang Batas (a new constitution). Is that a causation or a correlation for Filipinos to rise up (Babangon tayo)? There are three ways of amending/revising the Constitution: through a constituent assembly, constitutional convention or people's initiative. And the reiteration of Bagong Lipunan continues in a fairytale production, revising it to suit Marcos 2.0.

Three names have been mentioned on who actually holds the levers of power and who leads and governs. These two names can be characterized as accountable leaders, with one having a national mandate and the other elected in plenary, thereby ranking fourth in the order of succession of leaders. The third is a civilian, accorded respect because she is married to a nationally elected leader. The first is a president elected by 31,104,175 votes. The second is a congressman elected with 181,480 votes and by the power of the plenary of a legislative body, selected as speaker; and the third is the first lady, married to the president. The first lady is not an elected position, carries no official duties and has no personal remuneration.