In his book Natural Law and Natural Rights, John Finnis defined common good as “the factor or set of factors (whether a value, a concrete operational objective, or the conditions for realizing a value or attaining an objective) which, as considerations in someone’s practical reasoning, would make sense of or give reason for that individual’s collaboration with others and would likewise, from their point of view, give reason for their collaboration with each other and with that individual.” Simply put, common good is a situation where “each and every” member of the community can pursue basic goods for themselves. It serves as an instrument through which individuals achieve personal flourishing.

On the other hand, general welfare, while often used interchangeably with common good, refers to the protection and promotion of the safety and well-being of the general public. It encompasses the welfare of the people at large.

The distinction between these two concepts is evident in the usage of “common good” in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Fr. Joaquin Bernas explained that an attempt to restore the phrase “general welfare” instead of “common good” was rejected. The change was intended to emphasize a social order that enables every citizen to attain their fullest development—economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually. The rejection of “general welfare” was based on concerns that the phrase might be interpreted as the “greatest good for the greatest number,” which could justify acts that violate human dignity. For instance, if the majority were to support the extermination of an allegedly inferior race, such an act would be justified under a utilitarian approach to general welfare.

The use of “general welfare” might allow interpretations that justify the violation of individual rights for the benefit of the majority. In contrast, the principle of common good does not permit the sacrifice of individual rights for the sake of the whole, as each right is sacred and inviolable.

Common good is rooted in the understanding that humans naturally live in groups and flourish—both individually and as a community—when they work together. In a political community, the common good entails securing the conditions necessary for the full realization of each individual’s personal development.

No less than the Philippine Constitution demands active participation in promoting the common good. No single person should be sacrificed merely to satisfy the demands of the majority. This is indeed a high and noble standard set by law.