Name: Bendijo, Leo John S.

Course/Year: BSIT 1C Subject: GEC 103

DEFINE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

The 1987 Philippine Constitution refers to the current constitution of the Philippines, which
was adopted on February 2, 1987. It was ratified in a national plebiscite held on February
11, 1987, and replaced the previous 1973 Constitution.
Preamble
"We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a
just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and
aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure
to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule
of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.
The 1987 Constitution consists of a preamble and 18 articles, which outline the fundamental
principles, structure, and powers of the Philippine government. The articles are as follows:
1. National Territory
2. Declaration of Principles and State Policies
3. Bill of Rights
4. Citizenship
5. Suffrage
6. Legislative Department
7. Executive Department
8. Judicial Department
9. Constitutional Commissions
10. Local Government
11. Accountability of Public Officers
12. National Economy and Patrimony
13. Social Justice and Human Rights
14. Education, Science, Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports
15. The Family
16. General Provisions
17. Amendments or Revisions
18. Transitory Provisions
Who made the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
The 1987 Philippine Constitution was created by the Constitutional Commission, which was
composed of 48 appointed Commissioners. The Commissioners were chosen by then-
President Corazon Aquino following the ousting of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who
ruled under martial law from 1972 to 1981. The Commission worked tirelessly for almost a
year to draft the constitution.

Why 1987 Philippine Constitution important?

Restoration of Democracy: It marks the return of democratic governance to the Philippines
after years of authoritarian rule under Marcos. It symbolizes the triumph of the people's will
and their desire for a government that upholds their rights and freedoms.
Protection of Human Rights: The constitution includes a comprehensive Bill of Rights that
safeguards fundamental liberties and human rights. It aims to protect every citizen's civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Checks and Balances: The separation of
powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government is expressly
outlined in the constitution. This establishes a system of checks and balances, ensuring that
no one branch can overpower the others and preventing abuse of power. Promotion of
Social Justice: The constitution includes provisions that aim to eradicate poverty, promote
equitable distribution of wealth, and provide social services to the marginalized sectors of
society. It emphasizes the need to address social inequalities and uplift the lives of all
Filipinos.