History 11 Reading in the Philippine History

Social, Political, and Cultural Issues in the Philippine History

Bachelor of Science of Criminology -1E

Jhevan B. Bandigan

Leo B. Cabangal

May 11,2023
 The Philippine Constitution is a crucial component of the
country's history since it is the primary law that governs the nation. It
serves as a guiding principle for the country's governance and its
people, laying down the fundamental principles, structures, and
mechanisms for the government's functions. Over time, there have
been several constitutions in the Philippines, each reflecting the unique
issues and challenges of its time. This critique paper focuses on four of
the most significant Philippine Constitutions in history. The first one is the
Malolos Constitution of 1899, the Constitution of 1935, the Constitution
of 1973, and the Constitution of 1987.

A. Malolos Constitution of 1899:

In 1899, after declaring independence from Spanish colonial rule,
the Philippine Revolutionary Government drafted the Malolos
Constitution. It reflected the aspirations of the Filipino people for
democracy and independence and was drafted by Emilio Aguinaldo.
However, it faced challenges due to the ongoing Philippine-American
War and lack of international recognition. The US colonization of the
Philippines in 1901 also prevented its full implementation.

B.Constitution of 1935:
The 1935 Constitution was the main law of the Philippine
Commonwealth, written when the country was ruled by America. It
showed the growing desire of Filipinos for self-rule and was made by a
group of Filipino leaders. It created a system of government with two
groups making laws and a president leading, which was democratic. It
also gave people rights like free speech and assembly. However, there
were problems like economic crisis and the threat of war, and the
constitution changed a lot, which made people criticize it for not being
stable.
C.1973 Constitution:
During President Ferdinand Marcos’ reign of martial law, the 1973
Constitution was drafted. It supplanted the 1935 Constitution and
mirrored Marcos’ tyrant rule, with arrangements that conceded him
broad powers and annulled a few vote based organizations. The 1973
Constitution was broadly condemned for its absence of common
freedoms and key basic liberties, with the public authority involving it as
a device to stifle resistance and contradiction. It was also criticized for
its lack of checks and balances and the concentration of power in the
executive branch.

D.Constitution of 1987:
The 1987 Constitution was made following Individuals Power
Unrest, which expelled Marcos from power and reestablished majority
rule government in the Philippines. It reflected the Filipino people’s
desire for a democratic and open government, granting the Filipino
people a number of civil liberties and fundamental human rights. The
1987 Constitution laid out an official type of government, with a
bicameral lawmaking body and an arrangement of governing rules.
Additionally, it implemented a number of government and justice
system reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional
commission and an independent judiciary.

The Philippine Constitutions form the nation’s history and identity

by reflecting the social, political, and cultural issues of their respective
eras. While every constitution confronted its difficulties and reactions,
they filled in as an impression of the Filipinos’ desires for a vote based
and free country. Philippine Constitution is a crucial part of the
country's history and governance. It serves as a fundamental law that
guides the country's governance and its people.