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An Introduction to
Philippine Constitution
Gary G. Ador Dionisio
Assistant Professor
SMS Social Science/CDA
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Philippine Constitution
I. Introduction: What is
the importance of
Constitution in a
Nation State?
II. Defining Constitution
Constitution in its
broadest sense refers to
that body of rules and
principles in accordance
with which the powers of
sovereignty are regularly
exercised
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Philippine Constitution
III. Nature and purpose
of Constitution
1. It serves as the
supreme or
fundamental law
2. It establishes basic
framework and
underlying principles
of government

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Philippine Constitution
IV. Meaning of
Constitutional Law
May be defined as
the branch of public
law which treats of
constitution, their
nature, formation,
amendment and
interpretation
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Philippine Constitution
IV. Kind of Constitution
1. As to their origin and
history
a. Conventional or
enacted
b. Cumulative or
evolved
2. As to their form
a. Written
b. Unwritten

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Philippine Constitution
3. As to manner of
amending them
a. Rigid or inelastic
b. Flexible or elastic

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Philippine Constitution
VI. Constitution distinguished
from Statute
1. Constitution is a legislation
direct from the people
2. Constitution merely states
the general framework of
the law
3. Constitution is intended not
merely to meet existing
conditions but to govern the
future
4. Constitution is the supreme
or fundamental law
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Philippine Constitution
Statute
1. Is a legislation from
the peoples
representatives.
2. It provides the details
of the subject of
which it treats
3. Is intended primarily
to meet existing
conditions only
4. Statute conforms to
Constitution.
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Philippine Constitution
VII. Constitutions of
the Republic of
the Philippines
a. Malolos
Constitution (1
st

Republic)
b. 1935 Constitution
(Commonwealth
Constitution)
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Philippine Constitution
c. 1973 Constitution
(Marcos or Martial
Law Constitution)
d. 1987 Constitution
(Freedom
Constitution)

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Philippine Constitution
VIII. Basic Principles Underlying the
New Constitution
1. Recognition of the Aid of Almighty
God
2. Sovereignty of the People
3. Renunciation of war as an instrument
of national policy
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Philippine Constitution
4. Supremacy of civilian authority over
the military
5. Separation of Church and State
6. Recognition of the importance of the
family as basic social institution and of
the vital role of youth in nation building
7. Guarantee of human rights
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Philippine Constitution
8. Government through suffrage
9. Separation of Power
10. Independence of Judiciary
11. Guarantee of local autonomy
12. High sense of public service morality and
accountability
13. Nationalization of natural resources and
certain private enterprises affected by public
interest
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Philippine Constitution
14. Non suability of the state
15. Rule of the majority; and
16. Government of laws and not men.
VIII. Conclusion
What are the Challenges of the
1987 Constitution in the Era of
Globalization?