TIMELINE OF THE EVOLUTION OF

THE PHILIPPINE CONTITUTION

In 1899, the Malolos
Constitution, the first Philippine
Constitution was drafted and
adopted by the First Philippine
Republic, which lasted from
1899 to1901. It was never fully
implemented. (Biak na Bato
Constitution).
In 1934, The US approved a
ten-year transition plan and
drafted a new constitution in
1935. The draft was
approved by the
constitutional convention and
ratified by US President
Roosevelt.
When democracy was
In 1972, A Constitutional
returned in1986, president
Convention was already in the
During the WWII the Corazon Aquino created a
processes of studying on how to
Japanese nullified the 1935 Constitutional Commission
amend the 1935 constitution.
constitution, appointing the that was tasked to Draft
Marcos issued PD No. 86, s. 1972,
Preparatory Committee on and replace the 1973
creating citizens assemblies to
Phil. Independence to replace constitution because some
ratify the newly drafted constitution
it, the drafted another of the provisions
for it to be successful and on
constitution which is the 1943
Jan. 17 1973. The 1973 is dictatorial in nature. The
constitution.
constitution was adopted. commission finished their
work on Oct. 16, 1986.

1899 1935 1943 1972 1986

1902-1934 1940 1945 1972 1987 – Present

During 1902 to 1935, the
Philippines was governed
by the laws of the United
States of America.
The 1935 Constitution
was amended by the
National Assembly of
the Philippines In1940.
The legislature was
changed from a
unicameral assembly to
bicameral congress.
When the Philippines was
free from the Japanese rule
in 1945, the 1935
constitution came back to
effect. The constitution
remained the same until
the declaration of martial
law on September 23,
1972.
The constitution was
amended several A national plebiscite was
times in order to keep held on Feb. 2, 1987
Marcos in power ratifying the new
during his regime. Constitution and at the
(Martial Rule Era) same date the
constitution was adopted
and took effect with
force and until today it is
still effective