An Overview of the 1987 Constitution of the

Philippines
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is the fundamental law that governs the
nation and serves as the bedrock for its democratic system. Enacted after the ousting
of the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, this constitution embodies the
aspirations of the Filipino people for a just and progressive society. In this article, we
will provide a summary of the key features and provisions of the 1987 Constitution
of the Philippines.

Preamble:
The Preamble sets the tone for the constitution, emphasizing the ideals of justice,
liberty, and equality, and highlighting the desire to establish a democratic
government that protects the rights and promotes the welfare of the Filipino people.

Article I: National Territory:

This article defines the national territory of the Philippines, encompassing the
Philippine archipelago, its territorial sea, and other territories over which the country
has sovereignty or jurisdiction.

Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies:

This article outlines the fundamental principles that guide the policies of the
Philippine government, including the protection and promotion of human rights, the
pursuit of social justice, the preservation of peace, the adherence to the rule of law,
and the promotion of national sovereignty and independence.

Article III: Bill of Rights:

The Bill of Rights is a crucial component of the constitution, enshrining the
fundamental rights and liberties of every Filipino citizen. It guarantees individual
freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to
due process, privacy, and equal protection under the law.

Article IV: Citizenship:

This article defines who are considered citizens of the Philippines, including those
who are natural-born, those who are naturalized, and those who may retain or
reacquire Philippine citizenship.

Article V: Suffrage:
The provisions under this article establish the qualifications and procedures for
exercising the right to vote in elections, ensuring that every eligible Filipino citizen
has the opportunity to participate in shaping the country's governance.

Article VI: The Legislative Branch:

Article VI establishes the Philippine Congress as the legislative branch of the
government, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It defines
the qualifications, term limits, and electoral processes for members of both
chambers.

Article VII: The Executive Branch:

This article outlines the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the President, who
serves as the head of state and the chief executive. It also establishes the
mechanisms for the election, impeachment, and succession of the President.

Article VIII: The Judicial Branch:

Article VIII establishes an independent judiciary, emphasizing the principle of judicial
review. It establishes the Supreme Court as the highest judicial body and outlines the
qualifications and appointment process for judges and justices.

Article IX: Constitutional Commissions:

This article creates three constitutional commissions—the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the Commission on Audit (COA)
—with the mandate of ensuring free and fair elections, upholding the integrity of the
civil service, and auditing government funds and agencies, respectively.

Article X: Local Government:

This article provides for the establishment of local government units, granting them
autonomy to govern their respective jurisdictions and exercise powers and functions
as provided by law.

Conclusion:
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines embodies the principles of democracy,
human rights, and social justice. It provides a comprehensive framework for the
government's structure, powers, and responsibilities, ensuring a system of checks
and balances. While the constitution has undergone some amendments since its
adoption, its core values remain the foundation for the nation's governance and the
protection of the rights and welfare of the Filipino people.