Have, faith in divine providence that guides the destinies of men and nations

Title

Language

English

Source

Code of Ethics submitted to the President of the Philippines

Year

1940

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

tues . of piety, modesty, courage, fortit.ude, prudence, honesty and trustworthiness," likewi'Se degenerated when its rulers engrossed in the problems of empire-building and the pursuit of material ease, sought to bo)ster their ·tottering influence by corrupting the ~opulace with infamo,us orgies. Humanism salvaged · the classic tradition which, enriched by Gallic and Anglo-Saxon influences, crossed three oceans by different routes to the fertile soil of the Philippine's which had witnessed the welding of Mahyan, Sanscrit, and Mandarin culture. We do not have to look f.ar, therefore, for the moulds upon which to cast the way of life which we wish to fashion for our people. But the m9uld must be the · democratic life which· connotes intelligence, lbve of work, self-discipline, moral strength, and capacity to ewrcise individual right~ without injuring the public welfare or· invading the rights of others. Tl;e democratic government is often distinguished from the dictatorial government in its emphasis on the principle that the State exists for the individual, i-ather than the individual for the State. Modern democracie.s, however, find that they must, within certain limits, subordinate indivi<fual rights to the public welfa1·e, if the individual is to con~inue to enjoy the privilege's that only democracy is in a position to offer. This comp1·omise with the totalitarian principle is deemed necessary, so that the modern democracy m_ ay 1 acquire the much needed efficiency and efficacy consistent with the modicum of personal liberty without which life would not be worth living. The true concept of democracy emphasizes not only rights but duties as well. The citizen should acquire the required balance of liberty and authority in his mind through education and personal discipline, so that there may be established the resultant equilibrium, which means pe.ace and order and happiness for all. ~ Code of Ethic~ designed to formulate a way of life for a free people must perforce be didactic rather than legislative. It must be based on an appeal to reaMn and the conscience and not on any threat of punishment, for the sense of right and the force of tradition often ' far outweigh the most exacting legal sanctions. It is also evident that such a code must draw on the history1 and culture of the people for whose benefit it is promulgated. In our quest for inspiration we mu~t teach our people to direct their gaze upon our own heroes, our own traditions a!1d our own history. The genius of our _past must kindle the throbbing mind of the present and inspire the f~ture with its immortal fire. This "Code of Ethics" is not to foster exaggerated nationalism, or ·, to , glorify narrow and blind patriotism. Its object is higher, purer, nobler. It h; to strengthen the moral fiber of our youth; .to keep alive in the, hearts of our citizens the value of ethical principlee; and ·to proclaim the truth that moral discipline is the only sure road t6 national greatness. Endless days of unremitting toil and unceasing vigil lie ahead of our country, for · natfonal greatness . never springs fr.om the slime of ea:se or self-complacency, but from the crucibl~ of grim struggle • and patient industry. We shou.ld realize that national and individual progress can only be attained through work, more work, and more· hard work. But we shall p'rove ourselves equal · to the challenge flung against us, though it may mean the sacrifice of material comfort or personal convenience. A nation erected upon the impregnable foundation of moral discipline and the indus- ' try of its citizens 'sh;lll endure through the thundering ages, fo1: . it is a "house" built by loving hands, upon a "rock", of which posterity may proudly say: "The rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat . upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." . (Matt. 7 :25) I HAVE. FAITH IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE THAT GUIDES THE DESTINIES OF MEN AND NATIONS. Of supreme importance to the life of nations and peoples is faith in Divine Providence, Who created and upholds the universe, Whose power directs the course of the world, and Whose wisdom guides the destinies of men and nations. The Christian Bible, the Mohammedan' Koran, as well a& the sacred books of other reiigions, e.ach have its own set of commandment~ for the observance of the faithful. All 'Unite in the recognition of the existence and in fervid love of God by whatever Jlame He is called. The Filipinos, even befoi·e the coming of the Spania1:ds, believed in one Supreme Being called Bathala by the Tagalogs, Laon or Abba by the VisaPAGE 4 THE LOCAL GOVER!"MENT REVIEW SUPPLEMENT

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