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The 1935 Constitution emphasized equal treatment of citizens. It aimed to prevent discrimination and
ensure that all citizens enjoyed the same rights and privileges.
The constitution protected the freedom of speech, expression, and the press. Citizens had the right to
peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances, promoting democratic
principles.
Religious Freedom:
Individuals were guaranteed the free exercise and enjoyment of their religious profession and worship.
This provision underscored the importance of protecting diverse religious beliefs within the population.
The 1935 Constitution safeguarded individuals from arbitrary invasions of their privacy. It required that
searches and seizures be conducted with reasonable cause and following proper legal procedures.
The right against self-incrimination ensured that individuals could not be compelled to testify against
themselves, protecting their right to remain silent in legal proceedings.
The 1987 Constitution continued to stress the importance of equal rights for all citizens. It aimed to
eliminate social, economic, and political inequalities and promote a more just and inclusive society.
The protection of life, liberty, and property under due process of law emphasized the fundamental
nature of these rights. This provision ensures that individuals cannot be arbitrarily deprived of their basic
rights.
Freedom of Expression:
The freedom of expression clause reiterated the importance of open discourse in a democratic society. It
protected citizens' rights to express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship.
Similar to the 1935 Constitution, the 1987 version maintained the prohibition against unreasonable
searches and seizures. It reinforced the idea that individuals have a right to privacy that should be
respected by the state.
Protection against Torture and Inhuman Treatment:
The 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibited the use of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or
punishment. This provision reflected a commitment to human rights and the prevention of abusive
practices in law enforcement.
Right to Privacy:
The right to privacy was expressly recognized in the 1987 Constitution, emphasizing the protection of
individuals against unwarranted intrusion into their private lives.
The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines was the first constitution of the country under the
Commonwealth government. Article 3 of the 1935 Constitution is known as the "Bill of Rights." It
enumerates various rights and protections for Filipino citizens. Some key provisions include:
Equality before the law: All citizens shall enjoy the same privileges, civil and political rights, and be
subject to the same burdens and responsibilities.
Freedom of speech and assembly: The constitution guarantees freedom of speech, of expression, and of
the press. It also protects the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for
a redress of grievances.
Religious freedom: The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination or preference, are protected.
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures: The right of the people to be secure in their
persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.
The 1987 Constitution is the current constitution of the Philippines. Like its predecessor, Article 3 is also
known as the "Bill of Rights." It builds upon the principles established in the 1935 Constitution and
incorporates new provisions. Some key provisions include:
Equality of all citizens: The state guarantees full respect for human rights and shall take positive steps to
foster the equality of opportunity for all people.
Right to life, liberty, and property: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due
process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
Freedom of expression: No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the
press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of
grievances.
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures: The right of the people to be secure in their
persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and
for any purpose shall be inviolable.
Protection against torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment: The use of torture,
force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will shall be used against a
person under investigation for the commission of a crime.
Both Article 3 of the 1935 and 1987 Philippine Constitutions deal with the Bill of
Rights. This means they guarantee fundamental individual rights and freedoms to
all citizens. However, there are some key differences between the two articles.
Similarities:
Protection of basic rights: Both articles cover essential rights like due process,
equal protection of the law, freedom of speech, assembly, and petition.
Right to life, liberty, and property: Both safeguard these fundamental rights and
ensure they cannot be taken away without proper legal justification.
Differences:
Structure: The 1935 Constitution's Article 3 is shorter and less detailed, while the
1987 version is more comprehensive and includes additional rights like the right
to a healthy environment and freedom from self-incrimination.
Specific rights: Some specific rights differ between the two articles. For example,
the 1935 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion "as far as may be not
incompatible with the public welfare," while the 1987 version states it is
"absolutely free and complete."
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: You can find the full text of
both constitutions, including Article 3, on the official government
Law libraries and legal databases: You can access commentaries, case studies,
and other legal resources on the Bill of Rights at law libraries and online legal
databases.