Philippine Constitution Notes
Philippine Constitution Notes
Framework of government
A Historical Survey of Government in the Philippines
Pre-Colonial
Spanish Period
Revolutionary Era
KKK
Revolutionary Government
Commonwealth
Japanese Occupation
Japanese Military Administration
Philippine Executive Commission
It is a declaration of sovereignty .
Principles
SECTION 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all
government authority emanates from them.
SECTION 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally
accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace,
equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
SECTION 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the
Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and
the integrity of the national territory.
SECTION 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call
upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under
conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.
SECTION 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the
promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of
democracy.
SECTION 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
State Policies
SECTION 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the
paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to
self-determination.
SECTION 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom
from nuclear weapons in its territory.
SECTION 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
SECTION 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.
SECTION 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human
rights.
SECTION 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a
basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn
from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic
efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
SECTION 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
SECTION 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental
equality before the law of women and men.
SECTION 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.
SECTION 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology
in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
SECTION 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to
foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and
development.
SECTION 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of
workers and promote their welfare.
SECTION 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled
by Filipinos.
SECTION 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private
enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
SECTION 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
SECTION 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities
within the framework of national unity and development.
SECTION 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral
organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
SECTION 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-
building.
SECTION 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
SECTION 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and
prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
SECTION 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take
positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.
SECTION 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and
implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.
Article III
The Bill of Rights
AMONG THEM:
a right to due process and equal protection of law
a right against searches and seizures without a warrant issued by a judge
a right to privacy
The right to freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press, freedom
of assembly, and the right to petition
The free exercise of religion
a right of abode and the right to travel
a right to information on matters of public concern
a right to form associations
a right of free access to courts
the right to remain silent and to have competent legal counsel
a right to bail and against excessive bail conditions
a right to habeas corpus
the right to a speedy trial
the right against self-incrimination
the right to political beliefs and aspirations
a prohibition against cruel, degrading, or inhuman punishment
protection against imprisonment for debt
the right against double jeopardy
prohibition of ex post facto laws and bills of attainder.
Key Points: The Bill of Rights
Our liberties are legacies from the struggles of our ancestors. Blood
was shed in the past for us to enjoy our freedoms today.
Only those willing to fight for their rights deserve it.
ARTICLE IV
Citizenship
The Congress exercise the legislative power, or the authority to PROPOSE, ENACT, AMEND
and/or REPEL a LAW.
Specific Powers of the Congress
Power to choose Presidents in times of equal votes in election at large
Confirm appointments
Declare existence of state of war
Impose taxes
Appropriate money
Impeach
Form as constitutional assembly
There are 24 Senators who composed the House of Senate
The House of Representatives is composed of
District Representatives
Party-list Representatives
Article VII: Executive Department
Regular Courts
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Regional Trial Courts
Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC), Municipal Trial Court (MTC),
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTC), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCC)
Special Courts
Sandiganbayan
Court of Tax Appeals