Marc Francis A.

Paguyo

BSIT/FOPI01

CO3 Module 3 Exam

Evolution of the Philippine Constitution

The Philippine Constitution has undergone several revisions since 1935, each one
reflecting the political and social climate of the time. During the Commonwealth era, while the
Philippines was still a colony of the United States, the 1935 Constitution was approved. It
established a bicameral legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives and a
presidential system of government. The executive powers granted to President Manuel Quezon
were constrained by the charter of rights and a system of checks and balances. The Supreme Court
is the highest court in the nation under the provisions of the Constitution, which also established
an impartial judiciary. A bill of rights was also included in the 1935 Constitution, which guarantees
civil liberties such the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of the
press.

The 1973 Constitution was adopted during the martial law period, when the Philippines
was ruled by President Ferdinand Marcos. This Constitution established a parliamentary system
of government, with a unicameral legislature known as the Batasang Pambansa. The President was
given broad powers, including the ability to legislate through presidential decrees. The judiciary
was weakened, with the Supreme Court losing its power of judicial review. The bill of rights was
also suspended during this time, with civil liberties such as freedom of speech and assembly
restricted. Marcos also used this constitution to justify his authoritarian rule and to maintain his
grip on power.

Following the People Power Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the Marcos
administration, the 1986 Constitution was approved. The bicameral legislature and presidential
form of government were reestablished under this Constitution. Additionally, the Supreme Court's
restoration of its judicial review authority improved the judicial system. Additionally, the bill of
rights was reinstated, protecting basic liberties like freedom of assembly and speech. In order to
guarantee the protection of citizens' rights, the Constitution also established a commission on
human rights. This Constitution was created as a result of the widespread protests that toppled the
Marcos government and was designed to thwart the rise of a new leader.

The current Constitution, which was adopted in 1987 by President Corazon Aquino,
retained the presidential system of government and the bicameral legislature. It also maintained
the strengthened judiciary and the bill of rights. Additionally, it added provisions on the
autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao, to give greater autonomy to the Muslim minority in the
southern Philippines, and the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Constitution also established a
commission on the peace process to address the long-standing conflict in Mindanao. The current
constitution is also notable for its provisions on the economy, which include the promotion of
industrialization and the protection of the environment.

The Philippine Constitution has generally developed to become more democratic, protecting civil
freedoms and human rights while restricting the authority of the executive branch. Over time, the
Constitution has undergone numerous revisions to reflect changing political and social conditions.
The most recent reform is the transition from a unitary to a federal system of government, which
the administration is currently proposing. The idea seeks to decentralize the government,
distributing greater authority to the regions and solving the nation's long-standing problems with
inequality and underdevelopment. Additionally, the proposed federalism seeks to handle the
ongoing violence in Mindanao and increase the authority of the local minority communities.

The political and legal framework of the Philippines is based on the Philippine
Constitution, which is considered to be the highest law in the country. It has undergone various
amendments over the years, reflecting the changing political and social atmosphere of the country.
The Constitution continues to be the cornerstone of Philippine democracy, safeguarding the rights
and liberties of the populace and guaranteeing that those in positions of authority are held
accountable, despite the difficulties and controversies that have characterized its past.

References:

Constitution Day | GOVPH. (n.d.). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/constitution-day/
Constitutional history of the Philippines. (n.d.). ConstitutionNet.

https://constitutionnet.org/country/philippines

Gavilan, J. (2016b, February 2). FAST FACTS: 1987 Philippine Constitution. RAPPLER.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/121019-fast-facts-1987-philippine-constitution/