1935

1973

1987
PREAMBLE

The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine

Providence, in order to establish a government
that shall embody their ideals, conserve and
develop the patrimony of the nation, promote the
general welfare, and secure to themselves and
their posterity the blessings of independence
under a rgime of justice, liberty, and democracy,
do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring

the aid of Divine Providence, in order to
establish a Government that shall embody
our ideals, promote the general welfare,
conserve and develop the patrimony of our
Nation, and secure to ourselves and our
posterity the blessings of democracy under a
regime of justice, peace, liberty, and equality,
do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the

aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and
humane society and establish a Government that
shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote
the common good, conserve and develop our
patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our
posterity the blessings of independence and
democracy under the rule of law and a regime of
truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace,
do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

NATIONAL TERRITORY
Article I

Article I

Article I

Section 1. The Philippines comprises all the territory ceded to the United States by the treaty of
Paris concluded between the United States and
Spain on the tenth day of December, eighteen
hundred and ninety-eight, the limits of which are
set forth in Article III of said treaty, together with all
the islands embraced in the treaty concluded at
Washington, between the United States and Spain
on the seventh day of November, nineteen
hundred, and in the treaty concluded between the
United States and Great Britain on the second day
of January, nineteen hundred and thirty, and all
territory over which the present Government of the
Philippine Islands exercises jurisdiction.

SECTION 1. The national territory comprises

the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands
and waters embraced therein, and all the
other territories belonging to the Philippines
by historic right or legal title, including the
territorial sea, the air space, the subsoil, the
sea-bed, the insular shelves, and the other
submarine areas over which the Philippines
has sovereignty or jurisdiction. The waters
around, between, and connecting the islands
of the archipelago, irrespective of their
breadth and dimensions, form part of the
internal waters of the Philippines.

The national territory comprises the Philippine

archipelago, with all the islands and waters
embraced therein, and all other territories over
which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and
aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the
seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other
submarine areas. The waters around, between,
and connecting the islands of the archipelago,
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form
part of the internal waters of the Philippines.

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
ARTICLE II.

ARTICLE II.

Section 1. The Philippines is a republican state.

Sovereignty resides in the people and all
government authority emanates from them.

SECTION 1. The Philippines is a republican

state. Sovereignty resides in the people and
all governmental authority emanates from
them**** (See below)

Sec. 2. The defense of the State is a prime duty of

government, and in the fulfillment of this duty all
SEC. 2. The defense of the State is a prime
citizens may be required by law to render personal duty of the Government and the people, and
military or civil service.
in the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may
be required by law to render personal military
Sec. 3. The Philippines renounces war as an
or civil service.
instrument of national policy, and adopts the
generally accepted principles of international law
SEC. 3. The Philippines renounces war as an
as a part of the law of the Nation.
instrument of national policy, adopts the
generally accepted principles of international
SEC. 4. The natural right and duty of parents in
law as part of the law of the land, and
the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency should
adheres to the policy of peace, equality,
receive the aid and support of the Government.
justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with
all nations.

ARTICLE II
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.

SEC. 5. The promotion of social justice to insure

the well-being and economic security of all the
people should be the concern of the State.

SEC. 4. The State shall strengthen the family

as a basic social institution. The natural right
and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth
for civic efficiency and the development of
moral character shall receive the aid and
support of the Government.

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.

SEC. 5. The State recognizes the vital role of

the youth in the nation-building and shall
promote their physical, intellectual, and social SECTION 5. The maintenance of peace and
well-being.
order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
and the promotion of the general welfare are
SEC. 6. The State shall promote social
essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the
justice to ensure the dignity, welfare, and
blessings of democracy.
security of all the people. Towards this end,
the State shall regulate the acquisition,
ownership, use, enjoyment, and disposition
SECTION 6. The separation of Church and State
of private property, and equitably diffuse
shall be inviolable.
property ownership and profits.
State Policies
SEC. 7. The State shall establish, maintain,
SECTION 7. The State shall pursue an
and ensure adequate social services in the
independent foreign policy. In its relations with
field of education, health, housing,
other states the paramount consideration shall be
employment, welfare, and social security to
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national
guarantee the enjoyment by the people of a
interest, and the right to self-determination.
decent standard of living.
SECTION 8. The Philippines, consistent with the
SEC. 8. Civilian authority is at all times
national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of
supreme over the military.
freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.
SEC. 9. The State shall afford protection to
labor, promote full employment and equality
in employment, ensure equal work
opportunities regardless of sex, race, or
creed, and regulate the relations between
workers and employers. The State shall
assure the rights of workers to selforganization, collective bargaining, security
of tenure, and just and humane conditions of
work. The State may provide for compulsory
arbitration.
SEC. 10. The State shall guarantee and
promote the autonomy of local government
units, especially the [barangays ], to ensure
their fullest development as self-reliant
communities.

Re: Presidential v Federal System

ARTICLE IX THE PRIME MINISTER, THE
CABINET AND THE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1 There shall be a Cabinet which

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

shall be composed of Ministers with or

without portfolio appointed by the President.
At least a majority of the Members of the
Cabinet who are heads of ministries shall
come from the Regional Representatives of
the Batasang Pambansa.
The Prime Minister shall be the head of the
Cabinet. He shall, upon the nomination of the
President from among the Members of the
Batasang Pambansa, be elected by a
majority of all the Members thereof.
SEC. 2. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet
shall be responsible to the Batasang
Pambansa for the program of government
approved by the President.
SEC. 3. There shall be an Executive
Committee to be designated by the
President, composed of the Prime Minister
as Chairman, and not more than fourteen
other members, at least half of whom shall
be Members of the Batasang Pambansa.
The Executive Committee shall assist the
President in the exercise of his powers and
functions and in the performance of his
duties as he may prescribe.
The Members of the Executive Committee
shall have the same qualifications as those of
the Members of the Batasang Pambansa.
SEC. 4. The term of office of the Prime
Minister shall commence from the date of his
election by the Batasang Pambansa and
shall end on the date that the nomination of
his successor is submitted by the President
to the Batasang Pambansa. Any other
member of the Cabinet or the Executive
Committee may be removed at the discretion
of the President.
SEC. 5. (1) The President may nominate
from among the Members of the Batasang
Pambansa a Deputy Prime Minister who shall
be elected by a majority of the Members
thereof. The Deputy Prime Minister shall
perform such functions as may be assigned
to him by the Prime Minister.
(2) The President shall also appoint the
Deputy Ministers who shall perform such
functions as may be assigned to them by law
or by the respective heads of ministries.
SEC. 6. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime
Minister, the Members of the Cabinet, and
the Members of the Executive Committee, on
assuming office, shall take the following oath
or affirmation:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will
faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties
as (name of position) of the Philippines,
preserve and defend its Constitution, execute
its laws, do justice to every man and

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 selfreliant 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 nongovernmental, 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 nationbuilding.

consecrate myself to the service of the

Nation. So help me God. (In case of
affirmation, the last sentence will be omitted.)
SEC. 7. The salaries and emoluments of the
Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister,
Members of the Cabinet and of the Executive
Committee shall be fixed by law which shall
not be increased or decreased during their
tenure of office. Until otherwise provided by
law, the Prime Minister shall receive the
same salary as that of the President.
SEC. 8. The Prime Minister, the Members of
the Cabinet and the Members of the
Executive Committee, shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 11, Article VIII hereof
and may not appear as counsel before any
court or administrative body, or manage any
business, or practice any profession, and
shall also be subject to such other
disqualifications as may be provided by law.
SEC. 9. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime
Minister, any Member of the Cabinet or the
Executive Committee may resign for any
cause without vacating his seat as Regional
or Sectoral Representative in the Batasang
Pambansa, or any other government position.
SEC. 10. The Prime Minister shall have
supervision of all ministries.

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.

AMENDMENTS (or REVISION)

ARTICLE XIV

ARTICLE XVI

ARTICLE XVII (Amendments or Revisions)

SECTION 1. The National Assembly, by a vote of

three-fourths of all its Members, may propose
amendments to this Constitution or call a
convention for that purpose. Such amendments
shall be valid as part of this Constitution when
approved by a majority of the votes cast at an
election at which the amendments are submitted
to the people for their ratification.

SECTION 1. (1) Any amendment to, or

revision of. this Constitution may be
proposed by the Batasang Pambansa upon a
vote of three-fourths of all its Members, or by
a constitutional convention.
(2) The Batasang Pambansa may, by a vote
of two-thirds of all its Members, call a
constitutional convention or, by a majority
vote of all its Members, submit the question
of calling such a convention to the electorate
in an election.
SEC. 2. Any amendment to, or revision of,
this Constitution shall be valid when ratified
by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite
which shall be held not later than three
months after the approval of such
amendment or revision.

SECTION 1. Any amendment to, or revision of,

this Constitution may be proposed by:
(1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of
all its Members; or
(2) A constitutional convention.
SECTION 2. Amendments to this Constitution may
likewise be directly proposed by the people
through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve
per centum of the total number of registered
voters, of which every legislative district must be
represented by at least three per centum of the
registered voters therein. No amendment under
this section shall be authorized within five years
following the ratification of this Constitution nor
oftener than once every five years thereafter.
The Congress shall provide for the implementation
of the exercise of this right.
SECTION 3. The Congress may, by a vote of twothirds of all its Members, call a constitutional
convention, or by a majority vote of all its
Members, submit to the electorate the question of
calling such a convention.
SECTION 4. Any amendment to, or revision of,
this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be

valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast

in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than
sixty days nor later than ninety days after the
approval of such amendment or revision.
Any amendment under Section 2 hereof shall be
valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast
in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than
sixty days nor later than ninety days after the
certification by the Commission on Elections of the
sufficiency of the petition.

SUABILITY OF THE STATE

-

ARTICLE XV (General Provisions)

ARTICLE XVI (General Provisions)

SEC. 16. The State may not be sued without

its consent.

SECTION 3. The State may not be sued without

its consent.