Section 4.

No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or
the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

SEKSYON 4. Hindi dapat magpatibay ng batas na nagbabawas sa kalayaan sa pananalita,

pagpapahayag, o ng pamamahayagan, o sa karapatan ng mga taong-bayan na mapayapang
magkatipon at magpetisyon sa pamahalaan upang ilahad ang kanilang mga karaingan.

Four (4) Important Rights Embodied in Article III, Section 4:

1.Freedom of Speech – means an individual is free to speak or utter whatever he wants without prior
restraint.

2.Right to a Free Press – means an individual is free to write, publish, and circulate whatever he
pleases without restraint.

*** Speech and expression refer to any form of oral utterances, while press covers every sort of
publication such as newspapers, magazines, books, leaflets, and the like. Radio and television are
also included. Freedom of speech and expression and freedom of the press are collectively called
Freedom of Expression.

3. Freedom of Assembly – refers mainly to peaceful demonstrations related to public affairs.

4.The Right of Petition - to take up one’s grievances with government without fear of persecution.

*** Freedom of Speech is not absolute; neither is a Free Press.

Limitations to Freedom of Speech
I. Severe calumny;
Forms of Calumny
1. Libel - untruthful information/character assassination in written, and using print or broadcast
media.
2. Slander - spoken untruthful information / character assassination.

II. Anything lewd or obscene;

III. Anything that provokes violence or disorder;
IV. Seditious messages;
V. “Clear and present danger”
– if the uttered threat seems serious (i.e. the intent appears to be serious), immediate, grave and
realistic.

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the
exercise of civil or political rights.

SEKSYON 5. Hindi dapat magbalangkas ng batas para sa pagtatatag ng relihiyon, o nagbabawal sa

malayang pagsasagamit nito. Dapat ipahintulot magpakailanman ang malayang pagsasagamit at
pagtatamasa ng pagpapahayag ng relihiyon at pagsamba nang walang pagtatangi o pamimili. Hindi
dapat kailanganin ang pagsusulit pangrelihiyon sa pagsasagamit ng karapatang sibil o pampulitika.

*** This provision is an implement to the doctrine of separation of church and state. However, the
members of a religious organization cannot use religious profession as a justification in committing
crimes. Thus, a religious sect using human beings as sacrifice for their god is not immune from
criminal suit.