By Niña Christelle Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent 

The MMSU Center for Legal Assistance, Research, and Advocacy (CLARA) held its first public lecture on charter change in the Philippines on February 19.

With the theme, "Charter Change: Boon or Bane?", the lecture focused on the current amendments and issues in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. 

Atty. Josiah Patrick Bagayas, chief of CLARA, served as a lecturer and provided historical insights, including past attempts to amend the Constitution and the factors that have shaped its evolution over time. 

"This marks the inauguration of our Contemporary Issues Lecture Series, a platform we have established to remain abreast of current legal developments," he said.

Students of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and College of Law engaged in discussions through an open forum and student engagement. Participants highlighted the potential benefits and drawbacks of altering the Constitution in response to contemporary challenges.

The public lecture served as a platform for examining current issues and debates surrounding charter change in the Philippines. Furthermore, it contributes to the public’s understanding of charter change and its implications.

The Center for Legal Aid, Research, and Advocacy, housed within the MMSU College of Law, operates with a three-fold mission: to provide legal assistance to marginalized sectors, conduct pioneering legal research to enhance access to justice, and propose systemic reforms, and advocate for the rights of workers in the labor sector. 

CLARA also offers free legal aid to the general public at the MMSU College of Law from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Walk-in clients are also welcome. (MKA, StratCom)