WE have had one experience with an extra-constitutional change of government. Many consider it a shining moment in Philippine history when Filipinos peacefully milled on EDSA and neighboring streets to cause the downfall of what they consider an abhorred authoritarian regime. Others are not too sure, believing it to be the working of an elitist clique that wanted to put an elitist government in power. Whatever may be our reminiscence of 'People Power,' the fact is that with it, we got a new Constitution and democratic institutions — at least by intent and according to the provisions of the Constitution — received their mandate from the sovereign people who ratified the Constitution.

We took to the streets again in the time of Mr. Joseph Ejercito Estrada, but our Supreme Court ruled that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's assumption to the office of president — notwithstanding the debate about whether she was sworn in as 'acting President' or 'President' — was perfectly in accord with the Constitution.