Introduction

The Preamble and Article 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines lay the
groundwork for the entire constitution. The preamble tells us what the Constitution aims for, while
article 1 defines the country's territory and its commitment to peaceful relations with other nations.

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.

Article 1
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters
embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the
seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around,
between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and
dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.

SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS
Preamble
 Inspires and unifies the Filipino people
 Sets the tone for the entire Constitution
 Reminds of shared history and aspirations

Article 1
 Clearly defines the Philippines' boundaries
 Recognizes ancestral domains and indigenous rights
 Provides a strong legal foundation

WEAKNESSES
 Preamble
 Lack of specificity
 Ambugulty
 Limited Legal force
 Inclusivity

Article 1
 Lack pf resolution for territorial disputes
 Ambiguity in defining maritime boundaries
 Evolving geopolitical realities Implications for foreign policy
 Indigenous peoples and ancestral domains

OPPORTUNITIES
Preamble
 Expressing Filipino people's aspirations and ideals
 Desiring a just and humane society
 Promoting the common good
 Protecting individual rights
 Pursuing peace and prosperity
 Setting the tone for the Constitution
 Guiding framework for interpretation
Article 1
 Establishing basic government structure
 Declaring the Philippines as democratic and republican
 Residing sovereignty in the people
 Defining the national territory

THREATS
Preamble
 Overuse of freedom
 Citizen's thirst for power and justice
 Citizen's lack of knowledge about the laws that promotes awareness on government

Article 1
 Terrorism or territorial dispute
 Lack of national security
 Overpower of alliances

Conclusion
The Preamble and Article 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution serve as the pillars of the
country's legal framework, embodying the values and principles that guide the nation towards a
just and prosperous future.

Recommendation
The preamble should be concise and easily understood by all citizens, should emphasize the
inclusivity of the Filipino nation, and should acknowledge the historical struggles and
achievements of the Filipino people.

Article 1, "National Territory," should provide a clear and comprehensive definition of the national
territory, emphasize the protection of national sovereignty and the preservation of the country's
territorial integrity, and, given the importance of the Philippines' natural resources, Article 1
should also include provisions for the sustainable management and protection of the country's
environment.

References
 LawGlobal hub. (2023, September 20). Preamble to Philippines Constitution 11987
Retrieved November 06, 2023, from https:// www.lawglobalhub.com/preamble-
to-philippines-constitution -1987/
 LawGlobal hub. (2023, September 20). Article 1 Philippine Constitution 1987: National
Territory. Retrieved November 06, 2023, from https://www.lawglobalhub.com/article-
1 -philippines-constitution-1987/