Fitial and Inos, in a joint statement, encouraged the people “to call to mind the fundamental principles we have been afforded by this sacred document in political union with the United States of America.”
They said the NMI people are privileged to have democracy on their side and live in a society built upon the will of the people, for the people, and by the people.
In an interview, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, one of the delegates of the constitutional convention in 1976 said the NMI Constitution Day, like the Covenant Day, is an important day in the life of the NMI people.
“We have come a long way,” Manglona said adding that the NMI people decided to approve the Covenant and we have progressed as part of the American family.
He also said, “We are not at the very low point.” But the senate president believes the people will get up on its feet once again by working together.
The NMI Constitution was adopted by the first constitutional convention delegates on December 1976.
Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan said “the constitution serves as our supreme law, wherefrom the powers of government are derived and wherein the rights of the citizens are outlined.”
Constitutional litigation, he said raises fundamental questions about what the constitution permits and forbids the government and citizens to do.
It follows, therefore, that the interpretation of a constitution is a matter that requires careful consideration, he added.
Many provisions of the NMI constitution, Demapan said are mandated by the Covenant, including the bill of rights in Article I, the separate executive, legislative and judicial branches established in Articles II, III and IV, and the provision in Article XII restricting acquisition of long-term interests in land to persons of Northern Marianas descent.
