The Rotary Balita no. 651 (July 27, 1950)

Today's luncheon meeting started ominously as the sergeant-at-arms designated numerous deputies. To the Rotarians that meant a shower of fines, and it came. "Vince" Bunuan, as chairman of the fines committee, lost no time as soon as he got up the rostrum. For a good reason, he tined all Rotarians absent the previous luncheon meeting. It netted the coffers a goodly sum. Then for a bad reason, he claimed, he tined the members of the fines committee, including himself. Finally he fined "Hank" Marsman fifty smackers as newly-arrived from abroad. "Hank" sat quietly at the presidential table. "That," announced "Vince," "is for no reason at all." Guest speaker at the occasion was former Justice Mariano H. de Joya who took occasion to say a thing or two about the new proposed Code of Crimes. With stinging dry humor the ex-justice pointed out the objectionable provisions of the Code while he equally praised its wise provisions. While a number of new provisions in the Code enshrine womanhood in the hearts of men, there are also a number of provisions which consign womanhood to the lowest depths of moral degradations, he said. He condemned these as an affront to the Filipino woman. He cautioned that there should be gradual change in the country's laws if they are to be obeyed by the people broadening the scope of his talk as he went on to other phases of the Code which he criticized. He pointed out the new Code is a radical departure from the Revised Penal Code of 1930 and that adherence to precedents should be the rule rather than the exception. On the other hand, the trends and objectives followed and adopted in the new code on other points were praised by Justice De Joya, as those which would promote social justice on government officials. Earlier during the meeting the Rotarians announced the conferment of honorary membership to an active Rotarian, Dr. Luther Bewley, who has been a Rotarian for more than thirty years. He responded after the heart applause by announcing that he felt greatly honored and would not in any way cease to be an active member of the Club. He got a big hand. Among the distinguished guests today were two Rotarians from the United States who were with the Economic Survey Mission. They were Donald Thompson and Dr. E. L. Strand, who addressed the Manila Rotarians with a few words.