sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2012/july2012/202242_abad.pdf
"x x x.
There are three well-settled principles of constitutional construction:first, verba legis, that is, wherever possible, the words used in the Constitution should be given their ordinary meaning except where technical terms are employed; second, where there is ambiguity, ratio legis est anima, meaning that the words of the Constitution should be interpreted in accordance with the intent of its framers; and third, ut magis valeat quam pereat, meaning that the Constitution is to be interpreted as a whole.3
x x x."
