04/02/2020 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly DEAN AGABIN: Well, if you mean by looking beyond the horizon, it would mean a violation of the provisions of the Constitution, then it should not be, Your Honor. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: In some part, we have gone to Malaysia. We have gone to the OIC, and we have even gone to Libya. DEAN AGABIN: Yes, Your Honor. But in all these, we have always insisted on preserving the territorial integrity of the country. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: And this dicta or [dogma] is unassailable forever. There cannot be an exception. DEAN AGABIN: It is unassailable under the present Constitution, Your Honor. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: But, at least, you can also agree that the Constitution ought to be changed in order for a country to fulfill its internal obligation as a matter of necessity. DEAN AGABIN: Yes, if the people so will it, your Honor. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: You remember how the emperor of Japan lost his divinity? They just changed their Constitution, isn't it? DEAN AGABIN: Yes, it was enforced upon him by Mr. McArthur, and they have no choice. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: Isn't that a very good example of thinking outside the box? That one day even those who are underground may have to think. But frankly now Dean, before I end, may I ask, is it possible to meld or modify our Constitutional Order in order to have some room for the newly developing international notions on Associative Governance Regulation Movement and Human Rights? DEAN AGABIN: Yes. It is possible, Your Honor, with the consent of the people. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: And, therefore, we vote it to a referendum or any consultation beforehand? DEAN AGABIN: If there is such a proposal for or amendment or revision of the Constitution, yes, Your Honor. ASSOCIATE JUSTICE QUISUMBING: So, either initiative or CHA-CHA or CON-AS? DEAN AGABIN: Yes, Your Honor.[9] elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/47263 157/203