Understanding The 1987 Philippine Constitution: A Comprehensive Guide

13 Jun 2024
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The 1987 Philippine Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of the Philippines.

It was enacted on February 2, 1987, by the Constitutional Commission appointed by then-President Corazon Aquino. The Constitution replaced the 1973 Constitution, which had been in effect during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

The 1987 Constitution is a comprehensive document that sets out the fundamental principles of the Philippine government, including its structure, powers, and responsibilities. It also contains a Bill of Rights that guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of all Filipino citizens.

The 1987 Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment, but its basic principles remain intact. It is a landmark document that has helped to shape the Philippines into a democratic and progressive nation.

1987 Philippine Constitution

The 1987 Philippine Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It was enacted on February 2, 1987, by the Constitutional Commission appointed by then-President Corazon Aquino. The Constitution replaced the 1973 Constitution, which had been in effect during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Democratic: The Constitution establishes a democratic government based on the separation of powers.
Sovereign: The Constitution declares the Philippines to be a sovereign and independent nation.
Republican: The Constitution establishes a republican form of government, with a president as the head of state and government.
Secular: The Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion.
Social Justice: The Constitution promotes social justice and the protection of human rights.

These key aspects of the 1987 Philippine Constitution have helped to shape the Philippines into a democratic and progressive nation. The Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment, but its basic principles remain intact. It is a landmark document that continues to serve as the foundation of the Philippine government and society.

Democratic

The 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes a democratic government based on the separation of powers. This means that the government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, and no one branch can exercise the powers of another branch.

Executive Branch
The executive branch is headed by the president, who is the head of state and government. The president is responsible for enforcing the laws, appointing government officials, and conducting foreign policy.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is responsible for making laws, while the House of Representatives is responsible for approving or rejecting laws.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and laws.

The separation of powers is an important principle of democracy because it prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It also ensures that the government is accountable to the people, as each branch can check the power of the other branches.

Sovereign

The 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that the Philippines is a sovereign and independent nation. This means that the Philippines has the right to govern itself without interference from other countries. The Philippines is also free to determine its own laws, policies, and economic system.

Internal Autonomy
The Philippines has the right to govern itself without interference from other countries. This includes the right to make its own laws, policies, and economic system.
External Independence
The Philippines is not subject to the control of any other country. It is free to conduct its own foreign policy and to enter into treaties and agreements with other countries.
Territorial Integrity
The Philippines has the right to maintain its territorial integrity. This means that it has the right to defend its borders and to prevent other countries from invading its territory.
National Identity
The Philippines has its own unique national identity. This includes its own culture, history, and traditions. The Philippines is also a member of the international community and has its own voice on the world stage.

The sovereignty of the Philippines is a fundamental principle of the 1987 Constitution. It is a source of national pride and unity, and it is essential for the Philippines to be able to develop and prosper as a nation.

Republican

The 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes a republican form of government, with a president as the head of state and government. This means that the Philippines is not a monarchy, where the head of state is a king or queen, but rather a republic, where the head of state is elected by the people.

The president of the Philippines is both the head of state and the head of government. The president is responsible for enforcing the laws, appointing government officials, and conducting foreign policy. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The republican form of government is an important component of the 1987 Constitution because it ensures that the government is accountable to the people. The president is elected by the people, and can be removed from office through impeachment or recall. This ensures that the president is responsive to the needs of the people, and that the government is not controlled by a single individual or family.

The republican form of government has been a key factor in the Philippines' development as a democracy. It has helped to ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people, and that the country is not ruled by a dictator.

Secular

The secular nature of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is a fundamental principle that has shaped the country's religious landscape and its relationship between the state and religion.

Separation of Church and State
The Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion, which means that the government cannot favor one religion over another. This separation of church and state is designed to protect religious freedom and prevent the government from interfering in religious matters.
Religious Freedom
The Constitution guarantees religious freedom for all Filipinos. This means that people are free to practice their own religion without fear of discrimination or persecution. The government cannot interfere with religious practices or beliefs, and it must respect the rights of all religions.
Equal Treatment of Religions
The Constitution prohibits the government from giving preferential treatment to any particular religion. All religions are equal before the law, and the government must treat them all fairly and equally.
No Religious Tests
The Constitution prohibits the government from imposing religious tests for public office or employment. This means that people cannot be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs or affiliation.

The secular nature of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is a key factor in the country's religious harmony and tolerance. It has allowed for the free exercise of religion and the development of a diverse and vibrant religious landscape.

Social Justice

The 1987 Philippine Constitution is a landmark document that has shaped the country's social and political landscape. One of the most important principles enshrined in the Constitution is social justice, which is defined as the promotion of equality and the protection of human rights.

Equal Opportunity and Access
The Constitution guarantees equal opportunity and access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for all Filipinos, regardless of their social or economic status. This principle is reflected in the government's efforts to provide free and subsidized education, healthcare, and housing for the poor and marginalized.
Protection from Discrimination
The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, or other factors. This principle is reflected in the government's efforts to combat discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas.
Labor Rights
The Constitution guarantees the rights of workers to organize unions, bargain collectively, and strike. This principle is reflected in the government's efforts to promote labor rights and protect workers from exploitation.
Human Rights
The Constitution guarantees a wide range of human rights, including the right to life, liberty, and due process of law. This principle is reflected in the government's efforts to combat human rights abuses and protect the rights of all Filipinos.

The principle of social justice is a fundamental part of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is a reflection of the Filipino people's commitment to equality, human rights, and the common good.

FAQs on the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Question 1: What are the key features of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

Answer: The 1987 Philippine Constitution is a comprehensive document that sets out the fundamental principles of the Philippine government, including its structure, powers, and responsibilities. It also contains a Bill of Rights that guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of all Filipino citizens.

Question 2: How many times has the 1987 Philippine Constitution been amended?

Answer: The 1987 Philippine Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment, but its basic principles remain intact. The most recent amendment was in 2019.

Question 3: What are some of the important provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

Answer: Some of the important provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution include:

The Bill of Rights, which guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of all Filipino citizens.
The separation of powers, which divides the government into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.
The principle of social justice, which promotes equality and the protection of human rights.
The prohibition on the establishment of a state religion.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution is a landmark document that has shaped the Philippines into a democratic and progressive nation. It is a source of national pride and unity, and it is essential for the Philippines to be able to develop and prosper as a nation.

For more information on the 1987 Philippine Constitution, please visit the website of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Conclusion

The Constitution establishes a democratic government based on the separation of powers, and it guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of all Filipino citizens. It also promotes social justice and the protection of human rights.

The 1987 Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment, but its basic principles remain intact. It is a living document that continues to serve as the foundation of the Philippine government and society.

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