9/27/21, 10:06 AM Topic: Lesson 1: 1899 Constitution

Lesson 1: 1899 Constitution

All Sections

1899 Constitution
 

After the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, President Aguinaldo established a revolutionary government and called
on the foreign governments to recognize the independence of the Philippines.
On September 15, 1898, the first session of revolutionary congress was held in Malolos, where it was decided to draft a
constitution
The constitution was eventually approved and promulgated on January 21, 1899.
The first constitution drafter by Filipino lawmakers. A “popular, representative, and responsible” constitution. It made the
Philippines the first in Asia to establish a republican system of government.
 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

Compare and contrast the provisions of the Philippine constitutions

Discuss the salient features of the Philippine constitutions
Explain the flaws and criticisms of the different Philippine constitutions
 

Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs):

1. Online Discussion/Lecture

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9/27/21, 10:06 AM Topic: Lesson 1: 1899 Constitution

2. Group Discussion/Brainstorming
3. Video/Multimedia Presentation
4. Critical Analysis

Salient Features

1. There are three branches of the government: executive, legislative, and judiciary. The executive power was vested to the President
who was elected by the Assembly of Representatives (Legislature). The legislative power was vested in the unicameral Assembly of
Representatives who is elected by the people. Judicial power was vested to the Supreme Court and other courts as may be created
by law.
2. The legislature was more powerful than the executive department as it elected the President and the Chief Justice.
3. When the Assembly of Representatives is not in session, the legislative power is exercised by a Permanent Commission composed
of seven assemblymen.
4. The cabinet secretaries were responsible to the legislature and not to the President.
5. Even if the system of government is representative, the sovereignty resides on the people.

Name: Philippine Republic (Section 1)

Religious Freedom

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and laid down the “separation of church and state” principle.

Who are Filipinos?

Under Article 6, Filipinos are: (i) all persons born in the Philippine territory. A vessel of Philippine registry is considered, for this
purpose, as part of Philippine territory; (ii) children of a Filipino mother or father, although born outside of the Philippines; (iii)

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9/27/21, 10:06 AM Topic: Lesson 1: 1899 Constitution

foreigners who have obtained certification of naturalization; and (iv) those who have acquired a domicile in any town within

Philippine territory

Amendments to the Constitution

Under Article 89, “The Assembly, on its own initiative or that of the President, may propose amendments to the Constitution,
indicating what article/s are to be amended.”
The provision authorizes the legislature or the President to propose amendments to the Constitution.

Unique Provisions

1. The official name of the country is specified.

2. Freedom of religion is guaranteed including the separation of church and state.
3. Jus soli (citizenship by soil) is the principle in the acquisition of Philippine citizenship.
4. Basic civil and political rights are not arranged according to value and importance.
5. In the absence of the President, his functions are exercised by the Chief Justice.
6. Permanent Commission is created during the adjournment of the Assembly
7. The Chief Justice and the Solicitor-General are chosen by the National Assembly with the concurrence of the President and
Secretaries.
8. The President can dissolve the Assembly.

Reference:
Ronald Corpuz, C. T. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila: Mindshapers co., inc.
 

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9/27/21, 10:06 AM Topic: Lesson 1: 1899 Constitution

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