CONSTITUTION

A constitution is that body of rules and maxims in

accordance with which the powers of sovereignty are
habitually exercised. Broadly speaking, every state has
some kind of a constitutiona leading principle that
prevails in the administration of its government until it
has become an understood part of its system, to which
obedience is expected and habitually yielded. (Cooley,
1868)
As to Form
a) Brief because if it is too detailed, it would
lose the advantage of a fundamental law
b) Broad should be as comprehensive as
possible
c) Definite because otherwise of its
provisions to concrete situations may prove
unduly difficult if not impossible
As to Contents
a) The Constitution of Government
b) The Constitution of Liberty
c) The Constitution of Sovereignty

The Constitution of
Government
That dealing with the framework
of government and its powers, and
defining the electorate.
I. COMPOSITION Legislative Executive Judiciary


Congress






(Bicameral System)
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Armed Forces
of the
Philippines
4. Secretaries of
different
departments
5. Agencies/depts
. Corporations/
commisions
The Supreme
Court of the
Philippines
The Appellate
Courts
The Lower
Courts
Lupog
Tagapayapa
House of
Senate
House of
Congress
II. Qualifications Senators Representatives President &
Vice President
Justices of the
Supreme Court
and Justices of
Collegiate Courts
1. Citizenship
Natural born
Filipino Citizen
Natural born Filipino
Citizen

Natural born
Filipino Citizen
Natural born
Filipino Citizen

2. Age At least thirty-
five (35) years
of age on the
day of the
election
At least twnty- five
(25) years of age on
the day of the
election

At least forty
(40) years of
age on the
day of the
election

Justices of the
Supreme Court
must be at least
forty (40) yrs.
old
3. Residence in
the Philippines
Not less than
two (2) years
immediately
preceding the
day of
election
Not less than one
(1) year
immediately
preceding the day
of election

Not less than
ten (10) years
residence in
the
Philippines
immediately
prior to
election
Senators Representatives President
and Vice
President
Justices of the
Supreme Court and
Justices of
Collegiate Courts
4. Academic
Qualification
Able to read
and write
Able to read
and write

Able to read
and write

Member of the
Philippine Bar for
fifteen (15) years or
more and judge of
the lower court or
engaged in the
practice of law in
the Philippines
5. Electorate
(registered
voter)
Registered voter Registered voter
in his district
Registered
voter
Must have proven
competence,
integrity, probity
and independence
Senators Representatives President and
Vice President
Justices of the
Supreme Court
and Justices of
Collegiate
Courts

III. Term of
Office
Six years (6) but
not to exceed
two successive
terms
Three (3) years
not to exceed
three
consecutive
terms
Six years term
without re-
election
During good
behaviour until
one reaches the
age of seventy
(70)
Or
Becomes
incapacitated to
discharge his
duties
IV. How elected
into office
Chosen at large
by the people
Chosen by
constituents
Chosen directly
by popular
election (
chosen at large)
Appointed into
office
The Constitution of Liberty
That setting forth the fundamental
rights of the people and imposing
certain limitations on the powers of
the government as a means of
securing the enjoyment of these
rights.
Liberty is a right coupled
with responsibility
The Constitution of
Sovereignty
That pointing out the mode or
procedure for amending or
revising the constitution.
Art. II, Sec. 1, 1987 Philippine
Constitution provides:

The Philippine is a democratic and
republican State. Sovereignty resides in
the people and all government authority
emanates from them.
Modes of Amending the Constitution
Constitutional Assembly
Where a vote of three-fourths (3/4) by ALL its
members, voting seperately is required.
Constitutional Convention
Calls for a proposal by the Senate, election of
Constitutional delegates by the people and
the actual convention for the amendment,
revision or framing of the Constitution.