GROUP 1

ARTICLE I – NATIONAL TERRITORY

Composition of the Philippine Territory

1. Philippine Archipelago, with all the islands and
waters embraced therein;
2. All other territories over which the Philippines
has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of:
a. Its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains
b. Including its territorial sea, the seabed, the
subsoil, the insular shelves, and other
submarine areas.

Note: 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. (Art. I, 1987 Constitution)

Archipelagic Doctrine
The term “archipelagic doctrine of national territory”
means that the islands and waters of the Philippine
Archipelago are unified in sovereignty, together with
“all the territories over which the Philippines has
sovereignty or jurisdiction.”

The second sentence of Article I of the 1987

Constitution provides, “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”, is an affirmation
of the archipelagic doctrine. (Cruz, 2014)

ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE

POLICIES

Section 1-6 : Binding rules which must be observed in

the conduct of government.
Section 7-28 : Guidelines for the Orientation of the
State.

General Rule: Article II of the Constitution is not

intended to be self-executing principles ready for
enforcement through courts.

Exception: The right to a balanced and healthful ecology