The Philippine Constitution

By Group 1

What is a Constitution?

Part of a country's sovereignty Is the fundamental and supreme law of

the land Basis of all the other laws in the land

Serves as a guide to the government in making decisions

What are the different

constitutions the Philippines had?

1897 Constitution- Philippines’ first constitution

- also called the Biak-na-Bato Constitution

- written by Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer

- lasted only until General Aguinaldo and Governor General Primo de Rivera signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato

- created in accordance with the establishment of the Biak-na-Bato republic

- almost the same as the Cuban Constitution of Jimaguayu

Malolos Constitution

- written by Felipe Calderon

- ratification and proclamation held at Barasoain Church in Malolos

- created in accordance with the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, 1899.

- lasted until the Philippine-American War

1935 Constitution - written by Claro M. Recto - created in accordance with the establishment

of the Commonwealth Republic- Tydings-Mcduffie Law of 1934 caused the

drafting of the 1935 constitution- effectivity was halted during the Japanese

occupation but continued in 1946 until 1972

- constitution had to be approved by Pres. Franklin Roosevelt

- ratification of constitution included women for the first time

1943 Constitution- drafted by the PCPI

- created in accordance with the establishment of the Second Philippine Republic or Puppet Republic

- Main purposes are :1. To make Filipinos believe that they would be given

independence

2. To allow the Japanese to have more influence over Philippine territory and resources

- lasted until the end of Japanese occupation, 1945

1973 Constitution- Main purposes before Martial Law: 1. To reflect genuine Philippine independence and sovereignty

- Main purposes after Martial Law: 1. To change the present government to parliamentary form

2. To give Marcos more power and postpone the incoming 1973 elections

- ratification was done through citizen’s assembly

- created in accordance with the declaration of Martial Law and the New Society

- lasted until the People Power Revolution in 1986

Freedom Constitution- promulgated on March 25 1896

- created in accordance with the establishment of the Revolutionary Government of 1896

- only parts about human rights were retained from the previous constitution

- served as a temporary/transitional constitution

1987 Constitution- ratified February 2, 1987 - formulated by Constitutional Commission led

by Cecilia Munoz Palma- pushed for the restoration of the presidential

government and protection of human rights - Changes from previous constitutions: 1. Longer term but without reelection for president

2. Abolition of capital punishment

3. Party-list representation and creation of Sandigang Bayan

4. Creation of Human Rights Commission

5. Controlled power of president in declaring martial law

What are the different kinds of laws made by the

government?

National Laws - implemented throughout the country

- drafted by the congress

- also called as Republic Acts

Examples of National Laws:1. Tax Laws

2. Local Government Code

- other laws implemented throughout the country are the ff.:

1. International Laws

2. Laws coming from the President

3. Laws administered by the Supreme Court

National Laws

Ordinances - passed by local government bodies in

provinces, towns, cities, etc.

- implemented in LGU’s because they are important to the communities

Examples of Ordinances:1. Change in street name

2. Color coding (esp. Metro Manila)

Barangay Orders - passed by Sangguniang Barangay

- implemented in barangays

- usually related to cleanliness, peace, and order

Examples of Barangay Orders:1. Prohibiting noisy vehicles

2. Designation of places where trash is thrown

Sources:

Tuico, A. and Santos, E. (2005). Awakening 6: The Philippines Through the Years. First

Edition. JFC Publishing Inc.

Tuico, A. and Santos, E. (2005). Awakening 5: The Philippines Through the Years. First

Edition. JFC Publishing Inc.

Oliveros, R., Galvez M., Estrelia, Y. and Andaquig, J. (2007). Philippine History and Government . Quezon City. Ibon Books, Inc.