EVOLUTION OF

PHILIPPINE
CONSTITUTION
CONSTITUTION
Defined as a set of fundamental principle or
established precedent according to which a state or
other organization is governed, thus the word itself
means o be part of a whole, the coming together of
distinct entities into one group with the same
principles and ideals. These define the nature and
extent of government.
CONSTITUTION OF THE
PHILIPPINES
 The Supreme law of the Republic of the Philippines

 Has been in effect since 1987

 There were only three other constitution that have effectively

governed the country: 1935 Commonwealth Constitution, 1973
Constitution and 1986 Freedom Constitution.
 1987: CONSTITUTION OF

BIAK-NA-BATO
The Constitution of biak na bato was the provisionary Constitution of the Philippine
Republic during the Philippine Revolution.
 The Katipunan's revolution led to the Tejeros Convention where, at San Francisco de
Malabón, Cavite, on March 22, 1897, the first presidential and vice presidential elections
in Philippine history were held—although only Katipuneros (members of the Katipunan)
were able to take part, and not the general populace.
 A later meeting of the revolutionary government established there, held on November 1,
1897 at Biak-na-Bato in the town of San Miguel de Mayumo in Bulacán, established
the Republic of Biak-na-Bato.
 The republic had a constitution drafted by Isabelo Artacho and Félix Ferrer and based on
the first Cuban Constitution. It is known as the "Constitución Provisional de la República
de Filipinas", and was originally written in and promulgated in the Spanish and Tagalog
languages.
THE ORGANS OF THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE
CONSTITUTION OF BIAK NA BATO

 1. Supreme council which was vested with the power of the republic, headed by the president
and Four Departments secretaries : Interior, Foreign Affairs, Treasury, and War.
 2. Consejo Supremo de Gracia Y Justicia ( Supreme Council of Grace and Justice) which has
given the authority to make decisions and affirm or disprove the sentences rendered by other
courts and dictate rules for the administration of Justice
 3. Asamblea de Representates (Assembly of the Representatives) which has to be convened
after the revolution to create a new constitution and to elect a new council of Government and
Representative of the people.
PREAMBLE OF BIAK NA
BATO
The separation of the Philippines from the Spanish monarchy and their
formation into an independent state with its own government called the
Philippine Republic has been the end sought by the Revolution in the existing
war, begun on the 24th of August, 1896; and , therefore, in its name and by the
power delegated by the Filipino people, interpreting faithfully their desires and
ambitions, we the representatives of the Revolution, in a meeting at Biak-na-
bato, November 1, 1897, unanimously adopted the following articles for the
constitution of the State.
 1899: MALOLOS
CONSTITUTION
 Known as the Constitución Política de Malolos and it was written in Spanish
 Following the declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 and transformation of the
dictatorial government to a revolutionary government on 23 June
 Convened in Barasoain Church in Malolos (now Malolos City, Bulacan)
 Pedro Paterno as president and Gregorio Araneta as vice president
 Opposed by Apolinario Mabini, the Prime Minister of the revolutionary government.
 Ratified on November 29, 1898, signed into law on December 23, approved on January 20, 1899
 Sanctioned by President Emilio Aguinaldo on January 21, and promulgated on January 22
 Anchored in democratic traditions that ultimately had their roots in American soil, modeled on the
constitutions of France, Belgium, and Latin American countries
 States that the people have exclusive sovereignty
 It states basic civil rights, separated the church from the state, and called for the creation of an Assembly
of Representatives which would act as the legislative body.
 It also calls for a Presidential form of government with the president elected for a term of four years by a
majority of the Assembly
 the authentic and official constitution of La Republica Filipina (Philippine Republic).
PREAMBLE OF MALOLOS
CONSTITUTION
 We, the Representatives of the Filipino people, lawfully
convened, in order to establish justice, provide for common
defense, promote the general welfare, and insure the
benefits of liberty, imploring the aid of the Sovereign
Legislator of the Universe for the attainment of these ends,
have voted, decreed, and sanctioned the following political
constitution.
 1935:THE COMMONWEALTH
CONSTITUTION
 The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines was written in 1934, approved and adopted by the
Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935-1946) and later used by the Third Republic of the
Philippines (1946-1972). It was written with an eye to meeting the approval of the
United States Government as well, so as to ensure that the U.S. would live up to its promise to
grant the Philippines independence and not have a premise to hold on to its "possession" on
the grounds that it was too politically immature and hence unready for full, real independence.
 The original 1935 Constitution provides, inter alia, for a unicameral Legislature and a single
six-year term for the President. It was amended in 1940 to have a bicameral Congress
composed of a Senate and House of Representatives, as well the creation of an independent
Commission on Elections. The Constitution limited the President to a four-year term with a
maximum of two consecutive terms in office.
 ACTS OF THE UNITED STATES
CONGRESS
 The Philippines was a United States Territory from December 10, 1898 to March 24, 1934[17] and therefore under the jurisdiction of the
Federal Government of the United States. Two acts of the United States Congress passed during this period can be considered Philippine
constitutions in that those acts defined the fundamental political principles and established the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the
Philippine government.

 Philippine Organic Act of 1902

The Philippine Organic Act of 1902, sometimes known as the "Philippine Bill of 1902" or the "Cooper Act", was the first organic law for
the Philippine Islands enacted by the United States Congress. It provided for the creation of a popularly elected Philippine Assembly, and
specified that legislative power would be vested in a bicameral legislature composed of the Philippine Commission (upper house) and the
Philippine Assembly (lower house). Its key provisions included a bill of rights for the Filipinos and the appointment of two non-voting
Filipino Resident Commissioner of the Philippines to represent the Philippines in the United States House of Representatives.
 Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916

The Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, sometimes known as "Jones Law", modified the structure of the Philippine government by
removing the Philippine Commission as the legislative upper house and replacing it with a Senate elected by Filipino voters, creating the
Philippines' first fully elected national legislature. This act also explicitly stated that it was and had always been the purpose of the
people of the United States to end their sovereignty over the Philippine Islands and to recognise Philippine independence as soon as a
stable government can be established therein.
 Tydings–McDuffie Act (1934)

Though not a constitution itself, the Tydings–McDuffie Act of 1934 provided authority and defined mechanisms for the establishment of
a formal constitution via a constitutional convention.
PREAMBLE OF
COMMONWEALTH
CONSTITUTION
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 regime of justice, liberty, and democracy, do
ordain and promulgate this constitution."
 1973: CONSTITUTIONAL
AUTHORITARIANISM
 On 24 August 1970, Congress enacted RA No. 6132, otherwise known as the Constitutional
Convention Act, for the purpose of convening a Constitutional Convention.

 While in the process of drafting a new Constitution, President Ferdinand Marcos declared
Martial Law on 21 September 1972

 The 1973 Constitution, promulgated after Marcos' declaration of martial law, was supposed to
introduce a parliamentary-style government. Legislative power was vested in a unicameral
National Assembly whose members were elected for six-year terms. The President was ideally
elected as the symbolic and purely ceremonial head of state chosen from amongst the
Members of the National Assembly for a six-year term and could be re-elected to an unlimited
number of terms. Upon election, the President ceased to be a Member of the National
Assembly. During his term, the President was not allowed to be a member of a political party
or hold any other office.
From 16–17 October 1976, a majority of barangay voters (also called "Citizen Assemblies") approved that
martial law should be continued and ratified the amendments to the Constitution proposed by President
Marcos.

The 1976 amendments were:

 an Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP) substituting for the Interim National Assembly;
 the President would also become the Prime Minister and he would continue to exercise legislative powers
until such time as martial law was lifted.

The Sixth Amendment authorized the President to legislate on his own on an "emergency" basis:
 Whenever in the judgement of the President there exists a grave emergency or a threat or imminence
thereof, or whenever the Interim Batasang Pambansa or the regular National Assembly fails or is unable
to act adequately on any matter for any reason that in his judgment requires immediate action, he may, in
order to meet the exigency, issue the necessary decrees, orders or letters of instructions, which shall form
part of the law of the land.
PREAMBLE OF 1973
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.
 1987: FREEDOM CONSTITUTION
(CONSTITUTION AFTER MARTIAL LAW)
 On February 11, 1987, the new constitution was proclaimed ratified and took effect.
 Establishes the Philippines as a "democratic and republican State", where "sovereignty
resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them".
 Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3, declaring a national policy to implement the
reforms mandated by the people, protecting their basic rights, adopting a provisional
constitution, and providing for an orderly translation to a government under a new
constitution.
 The 1987 Constitution established a representative democracy with power divided among
three separate and independent branches of government: the Executive, a bicameral
Legislature, and the Judiciary. There were three independent constitutional commissions as
well: the Commission on Audit, the Civil Service Commission, and the Commission on
Elections. Integrated into the Constitution was a full Bill of Rights, which guaranteed
fundamental civil and and political rights, and it provided for free, fair, and periodic
elections.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
The Executive branch is headed by the President and his appointed Cabinet. The President is
the head of the state and the chief executive, but he is subject to significant checks from the
other branches, especially in times of emergency, which, given the history of the country, was
obviously intended to be a safeguard against a repeat of Marcos’ martial law despotism.
For example, in cases of national emergency, the President can still declare martial law, but
not for a period longer than 60 days. Congress can revoke this decision by a majority vote, or
it can also extend it for a period to be determined by the Congress. Additionally, the Supreme
Court can review the declaration to decide if there were sufficient facts to justify martial law.
The President can grant pardons and amnesty. He is also empowered to make or accept
foreign loans. He cannot, however, enter into treaties without the consent of the Senate. The
President and Vice-President are elected at large by a direct vote, but the President may only
serve one 6-year term. The Cabinet, consisting of the President’s advisers and heads of
departments, is appointed by the President and it assists him in his governance functions.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
The legislative power is vested in a Congress which is divided into two Houses, the
Senate and the House of Representatives. The 24 members of the Senate are elected at
large by a popular vote and can serve no more than two consecutive 6-year terms.
The House is composed of 250 elected members. Most of these Representatives are
elected by district for 3-year terms, but 20% of the total membership is chosen in
proportion to party representation. Besides the exclusive power to legislate, one of the
most important powers of Congress is the ability to declare war, which it can through
a two-thirds vote in both houses.
Even the power to legislate, however, is subject to an executive check. The President
retains the power to veto a bill passed by both houses, and Congress may override this
veto only with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
 JUDICIAL BRANCH
The Court system in the Philippines exercises the judicial power of government and it is made up
of a Supreme Court and lower courts created by law. The Supreme Court is a 15-member court
appointed by the President without need for confirmation by Congress. Appointment, however, is
limited to a list of nominees presented to the President by a constitutionally-specified Judicial and
Bar Council.
This Council consists of 7 members: the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of
Justice, a representative from Congress, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a
retired member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private sector. The first four
serve for four years, the law professor for three, the retired Justice for two, and the private sector
representative for one year.
The Supreme Court Justices may hear, on appeal, any cases dealing with the constitutionality of
any law, treaty, or decree of the government, cases where questions of jurisdiction or judicial error
are concerned, or cases where the penalty is sufficiently grave. It may also exercise original
jurisdiction over cases involving government or international officials. The Supreme Court also is
charged with overseeing the functioning and administration of the lower courts and their personnel.
 CHANGING OF THE
CONSTITUTION
 Constitutional reform in the Philippines, also known as Charter Change
(colloquially Cha-Cha) refers to the political and legal processes needed to
amend the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Under the common
interpretation of the Constitution, amendments can be proposed by one of three
methods: a People's Initiative, a Constituent Assembly or a Constitutional
Convention.
 People's Initiative (or "PI") is a common appellative in the Philippines that refers to either a mode for
constitutional amendment provided by the 1987 Philippine Constitution or to the act of pushing an initiative
(national or local) allowed by the Philippine Initiative and Referendum Act of 1987. The appellative also
refers to the product of either of those initiatives.
 A Constitutional Convention, is one of the three methods to amend the Constitution of the Philippines. The
others are a People's Initiative or a Constituent Assembly. Article XVII, Section 3 of the Constitution says,
"The Congress 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 to the electorate the question of calling such a convention.
 The Constituent Assembly, is a term describing one of the three methods by which amendments to the 1987
Constitution of the Philippines may be proposed. The other two modes are via People's Initiative and
Constitutional Convention. All three require a majority vote in a national referendum.
Constituent Assembly is composed of all members of the bicameral Congress of the Philippines (Senate and
the House of Representatives). It is convened by Congress to propose amendments to the 1987 constitution.
Under Article XVII of the Constitution of the Philippines, amendments pass upon a vote of three fourths of all
members of Congress, but it is not clear if the Congress should vote as a single body or as separate houses. The
convention of Congress into a Constituent Assembly is not explicitly provided for in the Constitution, since the
term "Constituent Assembly" is not used in the Constitution.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OR
REVISION TO THE 1987
CONSTITUTION
Ramos Administration

The first attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution was under President Fidel Ramos. Among the proposed
changes in the constitution included a shift to a parliamentary system and the lifting of term limits of public
officials. Ramos argued that the changes will bring more accountability, continuity, and responsibility to the
"gridlock"-prone Philippine version of presidential bicameral system. Some politically active religious groups,
opposition politicians, business tycoons and left-wing organizations opposed the process that was supposed to
lead to a national referendum. Critics argued that the proposed constitutional changes for one would benefit
the incumbent, Ramos. On September 21, 1997, a church-organized rally brought in an estimated half a
million people to Rizal Park.
Furthermore, on September 23, 1997, the advocates suffered a setback when the Supreme Court, under Chief
Justice Andres Narvasa, narrowly dismissed a petition filed by the People's Initiative for Reform,
Modernization and Action (PIRMA), which sought to amend the Constitution through a signature campaign or
People's Initiative. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition on the grounds that the People's Initiative mode
does not have enough enabling law for the proposed revisions or amendments in the 1987 constitution.
 Estrada Administration

Under President Joseph Estrada, there was a similar attempt to change the 1987 constitution. The process is
termed as CONCORD or Constitutional Correction for Development. Unlike Constitutional Reform under
Ramos and Arroyo the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would amend only the restrictive
economic provisions of the constitution that are considered to impede the entry of more foreign investments in
the Philippines.
There were, once again, objections from opposition politicians, religious sects and left-wing organizations based
on diverse arguments such as national patrimony and the proposed constitutional changes would be self-serving.
Again, the government was accused of pushing constitutional reform for its own vested interests.

 Arroyo Administration

Endorsed a constitutional change through a constituent assembly, which entails a two-thirds vote of the House to
propose amendments or revision to the constitution. This initiative was alos not successful since the term of
President Arroyo was mired in controversy and scandal, including the possibility of arroyo extending her term as
president, which the constitution does not allow.
 Aquino III administration

President Benigno Aquino III had no concrete plans regarding constitutional reform, but several proposals
were put forth by different members of Congress. Senate Resolution No. 10, by Senator Pimentel, called for
constitutional reform to convert to a federal republic. Belmonte's joint resolution on economic provisions.
They filed a bill pushing for a federal and parliamentary government, in addition to economic liberalization.
 Duterte administration

During the May 2016 election, Rodrigo Duterte stated in May 2016 that a plebiscite on the proposed
replacement of the unitary state with a federal one will be held in two years.
After winning, Duterte proposed to revive the proposed form of Nene Pimentel.On December 7, 2016,
President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 10 creating a consultative committee (ConCom) to review the
1987 Constitution.Then on July 3, 2018, the ConCom unanimously approved the draft constitution through
voting. It was submitted to the President on or before July 9 of the same year.
Referred to as the "Bayanihan Constitution" (referring to the Filipino value of communal work) by Duterte
and the consultative committee the proposed federal charter includes an amendment that aims to prohibit
elected officials from switching political parties during the first and last two years of their term, as a response
to turncoat behavior. Also included are provisions that seek to ban political dynasties, barring "persons related
within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity" from running for public office "simultaneously for
more than one national and one regional or local position."
 FEDERALISM
 Federalism is a proposed type of government wherein sovereignty is constitutionally
divided between the national government and sub divisional governments (such as
states or provinces). Federalism divides the country into several autonomous states
with a national government.

 How federalism works?

The autonomous states are even further divided into local government units. They will
have the main responsibility over developing their local industries, public health and
safety, education, transportation, and culture. These states have more power over their
finances, policies, development plans, and laws.