Llanes, Shyrell Katrin D.

SS015 – C99

1987 CONSITUTION VS 2018 BAYANIHAN CONSTITUTION

The Philippines endured many difficulties in history that reshaped the political

environment of modern times. It has faced numerous trials and ordeals with regards to its

government and the welfare of the people. More than three decades since our current

constitution, the 1987 constitution was established, our government today is attempting to revise

it.

The preamble represents the reasons and intentions of the law. In both 1987 and

Bayanihan constitution preamble, “God” is mentioned. It shows that we seek for the aid of

almighty God. To help us to mold and develop good citizenship values. That being said, it

reflects that the history still holds a big role on constructing our society. In my opinion, the main

concept of the newly drafted constitution is revolving on the statement "permanent and

indissoluble nation" as a safeguard against separation by a region. This statement shows that the

constitution locks the country and all future generations of Filipino to federalism by

constitutionally establishing federalism where no constitutional amendment or revision can

change its federal character. It is nevertheless willing to leave the country to wander infidelity in

an institutional wilderness as it lacked a map for transition itself.

Revisions on Article 1: National Territory was also made. The 1987 constitution says that

the map of the Republic of the Philippines National Territory of the Philippines comprises the

Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories

over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial,
and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and

other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the

archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the

Philippines. While the Bayanihan constitution has two sections. It declares sovereign rights over

Philippine Rise and sovereignty over territories belonging to the Philippines "by historic right or

legal title," thus covering Sabah. It also mentions international law and decisions by international

tribunals, therefore its firming up the country's stance on the West Philippine Sea.

Under the declaration of Principles and State Policies, there is no longer any mention that

the Federal Republic "guarantees full respect for human rights," as in Section 11 of the current

Constitution. The section that most corresponds to Section 11 states that the Federal Republic

"values the dignity of every person and guarantees full respect for the person and the right of all

citizens to participate in all government processes." The concept of human rights allows people

to speak up when they experience abuse and corruption. It empowers people and tells them that

they deserve dignity from society, whether it’s the government or their work environment. When

they don’t receive it, they can stand up. In my opinion, both 1987 and Bayanihan Constitution

still holds this concept. Also, Bayanihan constitution recognizes that information communication

technology plays a vital role in nation-building. A new phrase was also added that says the

Federal Republic "shall promote the autonomy of local government units in accord with

federalism."