BILL OF RIGHTS

(ARTICLE III)

- Defined as a declaration and enumeration of a person’s rights and privileges to be

protected against violations by the government, individual or groups of individuals.

Classes of Rights

1. Natural rights – Rights possessed by every citizen without being granted by the State for they
are given to man by God; ex.: right to life, right to liability, property and love.

2. Constitutional rights – rights which are conferred and protected by the Constitution; cannot be
modified or taken away by the law-making body

3. Statutory rights – rights which are provided by laws promulgated by the law-making body and
consequently, may be abolished by the same body. Ex.: right to receive minimum wage and
adopt a child by an unrelated person.

Classification of Constitutional Rights

1. Political rights – rights of the citizens which give them the power to participate, directly or
indirectly in the establishment or administration of the government.
2. Civil rights – rights which the law will enforce at the instance of private individuals for the
purpose of securing to them the enjoyment of their means of happiness.
3. Social and economic rights – rights which are intended to insure the well-being and economic
security of the individual.
4. Rights of the accused – rights intended for the protection of a person accused of any crime.

Sec. 3 The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful
order of the court or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law. Any
evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any
purpose in any proceeding.

Sec 4 Freedom of expression: 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. Sec 18 No person shall be detained solely by reason of
political belief and aspirations.

Sec. 5 Freedom of religion: No law shall be made respecting an establishing 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.

a. freedom to believe – absolute

b. freedom to act on one’s belief

Sec. 6 Liberty of abode and travel: The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the
limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall
the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public
health, as may be provided by law.