Malolos Constitution sold for P2.6 M; 'Burning of Manila' for P36 M

At a time when the nation is riveted by constitutional matters, a rare 1899 edition of the Malolos Constitution — the first-ever constitution of the country — sparked frenzied bidding at last weekend's Leon Gallery auction.

- By LISA GUERRERO NAKPIL

At a time when the nation is riveted by constitutional matters, a rare 1899 edition of the Malolos Constitution — the first-ever constitution of the country — sparked frenzied bidding at last weekend's Leon Gallery auction. Dubbed the "magna carta" of Asia's first democracy, it spotlighted public interest in the historical and political.

The Malolos Constitution specified a parliamentary form of government, the three branches we have today, but, interestingly, did not provide for a vice president. (In case of a presidential vacancy, the chief justice of the Supreme Court would step in).

Sen. Loren Legarda swooped in to rescue this important relic with a winning bid (inclusive of premium) of P2.6 million, but not after meeting spirited resistance from other bidders eager to take the prize. Opening bid was just P100,000.

One other copy is on display at the National Library of the Philippines.