KOROR, Palau (July 9, 2025) – While the excitement of the Pacific Mini Games dominated national attention, Palau quietly marked a momentous anniversary: Constitution Day, commemorating the foundational step toward self-governance and the framers who shaped the nation’s democratic identity.
During a press conference on the holiday, President Surangel Whipps Jr. called on the public to remember and honor the authors of the Palau Constitution—both those still living and those who have passed. A moment of silence was observed in their memory.
“Let us remember the individuals who laid the foundation of our nation,” Whipps said, calling for moment of silence.
Among the original framers still alive are former President Johnson Toribiong, former Senator Joshua Koshiba, former Chief of Staff Billy Kuartei, former Congressman Laurentino Ulechong, Haruo Wilter, Mariano Carlos, Masayuki Adelbai, and Fuana Rengulbai.
The Constitution of the Republic of Palau—Uchetemel a llach er a beluu er a Belau—was drafted by the Palau Constitutional Convention from January 28 to April 2, 1979. It was ratified during Palau’s third constitutional referendum on July 9, 1980, and officially came into force on January 1, 1981.
The early years of the constitution were marked by challenges, particularly tensions with the United States over provisions banning nuclear power, nuclear weapons, nuclear waste, and the use of eminent domain by foreign powers within Palau. These provisions, reflecting Palau’s strong stance on peace and environmental protection, led to repeated referenda and delays before the Compact of Free Association with the U.S. was finalized.
Despite these early hurdles, Palau’s Constitution remains a cornerstone of its national identity and sovereignty.
Palau honors founding fathers on Constitution Day amid Pacific Mini Games Buzz
