CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION

Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

The constitution has two forms:Written & Unwritten

In accordance to the Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution, amendments &

revision, implies two things:

1. Our constitution is rigid & can be change not by ordinary legislation but by a

cumbersome process.

2. Sovereignty resides in the people since it takes the peoples approval to finally affect the change

in constitution.

DistinguishingAmendment from Revision

Amendment

only part or parts of the constitution is/are changed.

Revision

Changing or rewriting the entire constitution.

Both signify a change in the text & meaning of the constitution. But it differs as to the manner of

changing.

Its purpose is to change the constitution when it is needed.

STEPS IN Changing THECONSTITUTION

In accordance with article XVII of the 1987 Philippine constitution there are 3 constituent

bodies that can propose the amendment or revision.

IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO:

THE UPPER HOUSE&

THE LOWER HOUSE

CONGRESS

THE MEMBERS OF CON-CON ARE ELECTED BY QUALIFIED VOTERS. THEY ARE THE DIRECT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE IN FRAMING THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

THIS REFERS TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS.

ELECTORATE

* The 3 Constituent Body can only proposebecause the approval lies within the people,

through a Plebiscite*

TWO STEPS FOR AMENDMENTS OR REVISION

1. There must be a proposal (written proposal) of amendments or revision.

2. Ratification or approval of the people.

PEOPLE CAN DIRECTLY PROPOSE A LAW OR AMEND TO

THE CONSTITUTION.

AMENDMENTS THROUGH PEOPLE’S INITIATIVE

In accordance with Article XVII Section 2, the pertinent requirements for people’s initiative to

amend the constitution are:

1. There must be a petition of at least 12% of the total number of registered voters

nationwide.

2. At least 3% of registered voters in every district nationwide.

The signature of the petitioners must be verified as genuine & sufficient by the

Commission on Election

Open Forum