GED0009

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

At the end of the session, learners are expected to:
1. Display the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and
contribute to a group endeavor
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and relate the
Constitution to one’s role as Filipinos.

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

 LESSON #11

DECLARATION OF
PRINCIPLES AND
STATE POLICIES

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Read the ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND
STATE POLICIES
• What principles underlie state policy in the Philippines?
• What is the content of Article II of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution?
• How should Article II of the Constitution be
understood?
• Composed of 28 sections
• Sections 1 through 6 discuss state principles
• Sections 7 through 28 outline state policies
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and
republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and
all government authority emanates from them.
 The Philippines, a democratic and republican state

A republican government is a democratic government by

representatives chosen by the people at large.

The essence therefore, of a republican state is indirect

rule.
 The Philippines, a democratic and republican state

It embodies some features of a pure or direct democracy

such as initiative, referendum, and recall.
 Manifestations of a democratic and republican state

1) The existence of a bill of right;

2) The observance of the rule of majority;
3) The observance of the principle that ours is a
government of laws, and not of men;
4) The presence of election through popular will;
5) The observance of the principle of separation of
powers and the system of checks and balances;
 Manifestations of a democratic and republican state

6) The observance of the principle that the legislation

cannot pass irrepealable laws;
7) The observance of the law on public officers;
8) The observance of the principle that the State cannot
be sued without its consent.
 Manifestations of a democratic and republican state

Sovereignty implies the supreme authority to govern,

thus the Filipino people, being sovereign people have
the right to constitute their own government, to change
it, and define its jurisdiction and powers.
1) Exercised indirectly through public officials.
2) Exercised directly through suffrage.
 Right of the people to revolt

Section 1 above impliedly recognizes that the people, as the

ultimate judges of their destiny, can resort to revolution as a
matter of right.
A provision in the Constitution, however, expressly recognizing the
people’s right to revolt against an oppressive or tyrannical
government is not necessary and proper
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of
national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the
policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity
with all nations.
 Case Analysis

With the conflict in the claim of Spratly’s intensifying, China

decided to launch an all out attack to the Philippines. Can the
Philippines engage in war?
 Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy

The declaration refers only to the renunciation by the Philippines

of aggressive war, not a war in defense of her national honor
and integrity. Thus, when provoked and attacked the
Philippines can retaliate and engage into war.
 Adoption of the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of our law

International law refers to the body of rules and principles which

governs the relations of nations and their respective peoples in
their intercourse with one another
 Adoption of the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of our law

The doctrine of incorporation is the automatic adoption of

international law as part of the law of the Philippines.
 Section 2
Adherence to the policy of peace, etc., with all nations

The Philippines seeks only peace and friendship with her neighbors and
all countries of the world, regardless of race, creed, ideology, and
political system, on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and
the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the
integrity of the national territory.
 Supremacy of civilian authority over the military

1) Inherent in a republican system

2) A safeguard against military dictatorship

Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and
protect the people. The Government may call upon the people
to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens
may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render
personal, military or civil service.
 Prime duty of the Government

“… the foremost duty of the government is to serve and protect the

people. The government exist for the people and not the people for
the government.”
 Defense of the State by the people
against foreign aggression

…the government may call upon the people to defend the

State.
For self-preservation and to defend its territorial honor and
integrity, the Philippines can engage in a defensive war.
The defense of the State is one of the duties of a citizen.
 Military and civil service by the people

1) Defense of the State performed through an army

2) Compulsory
3) Personal
4) By law
 Meaning of “civil service”

The term refers to any service for the defense of the

State other than as soldiers, like as workers in
munition factories.
Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life,
liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are
essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of
democracy.
 Maintenance of peace and order, etc.

Only when peace and order, security, and a life of dignity are
established and maintained, will political stability and economic
prosperity become attainable and the people truly enjoy the
“blessings of independence and democracy.”
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
 Principle of separation of the church and State

The principle simply means that the Church is not to

interfere in purely political matters or temporal aspects
of man’s life and the State, in purely matters of religion
and morals, which are the exclusive concerns of the
other.
 Meaning of “establishment of religion clause.”

1) The State shall have no official religion;

2) The State cannot set up a church, whether or not
supported with funds; nor aid one religion, aid all
religions, or prefer one religion over another;
3) Every person is free to profess belief or disbelief
in any religion;
 Meaning of “establishment of religion clause.”

4) Every religious minister is free to practice his

calling; and
5) The State cannot punish a person for
entertaining or professing religious beliefs or
disbeliefs.
 No hostility towards religion

1) Preamble – The command that Church and State

be separate is not to be interpreted to mean
hostility to religion.
2) Other provisions/laws
a) Our Constitution and laws exempt from taxation,
properties devoted exclusively to religious purposes;
 No hostility towards religion

b) The use of public money or property is not prohibited

when a priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary as such is
assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution,
or government orphanage or leprosarium;
c) Optional religious instruction in public elementary and
high school is by constitutional mandate allowed;
 No hostility towards religion
d) Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, Christmas Day and
Sundays are made legal holidays because of the idea that
their observance is conducive to beneficial moral results;
and
e) The law punishes polygamy and bigamy, and certain
crimes against worship are considered crimes against the
fundamental laws of the State.
Section 7. The State shall pursue an
independent foreign policy. In its relations with
other states the paramount consideration shall
be national sovereignty, territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to self-
determination.
 Foreign Policy of the Philippines

Foreign policy is a set of guideline followed by a

government of a country in order to promote its
national interest through the conduct of its
relations with other countries.
 Foreign Policy of the Philippines

1) Formulation and conduct of foreign policy. The

president formulates our foreign policy
principally with the help of the Department of
Foreign Affairs

2) An instrument of domestic policy. Foreign policy

is but a reflection and an instrument of
domestic policy, the former being dictated by
the latter. They are not only mutually consistent
but complementary.
 Foreign Policy of the Philippines

3) Pursuit of an independent foreign policy.

a) An independent foreign policy means one that is

not subordinate or subject to nor dependent upon
the support of another government.

a) An independent foreign policy, however, it is not

one that completely rejects advice or assistance
from without.
 Foreign Policy of the Philippines

In general , our basic foreign policy objective is to

establish friendly relations with all countries of the
world regardless of race, religion, ideology and social
system and to promote as much beneficial
relationship with them particularly in economic and
trade activities.
 Foreign Policy of the Philippines

4) Paramount consideration. In its relations with

other states, the paramount consideration of
the Philippines shall be national sovereignty,
territorial integrity, national interest, and the
right to self-determination.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the
national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of
freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and
dynamic social order that will ensure the
prosperity and independence of the nation and
free the people from poverty through policies
that provide adequate social services, promote
full employment, a rising standard of living, and
an improved quality of life for all.
 Just and dynamic social order

1) Policies necessary to be pursued – adequate

social services, promote full employment, a
rising standard of living, and an improved
quality of life for all.
 Just and dynamic social order
2) Solving the problem of mass poverty – The goal is to
reduce that political and economic power of
privileged few by equalizing widely differing
standards and opportunities for advancement and
raise the masses of our people from a life of misery
and deprivation to a qualitative life worthy of human
dignity and respect.
 Social justice

Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all

phases of national development.

In the fulfillment of this duty, the State must give

preferential attention to the welfare of the less
fortunate members of the community, those who have
less in life
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every
human person and guarantees full respect for
human rights.
 Human dignity and human rights

…the individual enjoy certain rights which cannot be

modified or taken away by the lawmaking body.”

These rights are protected or guaranteed because of

the belief in the inherent dignity and basic moral
worth of every human person
 Human dignity and human rights

..the human person is the end of every social

organization…

The value accorded to human dignity is measured

by the extent of respect for human rights,
principally the rights to life, liberty , and
property.
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life
and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the
life of the mother and the life of the unborn from
conception. The natural and primary right and duty of
parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and
the development of moral character shall receive the
support of the Government.
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the
youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual,
and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their
involvement in public and civic affairs.
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in
nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental
equality before the law of women and men.

Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the

right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance
the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature.
Section 17. The State shall give priority to
education, science and technology, arts, culture,
and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism,
accelerate social progress, and promote total
human liberation and development.
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary
social economic force. It shall protect the rights of
workers and promote their welfare.

Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant

and independent national economy effectively
controlled by Filipinos.
Section 20. The State recognizes the
indispensable role of the private sector,
encourages private enterprise, and provides
incentives to needed investments.
Section 21. The State shall promote
comprehensive rural development and
agrarian reform.
Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the
rights of indigenous cultural communities within
the framework of national unity and development.
Section 23. The State shall encourage non-
governmental, community-based, or sectoral
organizations that promote the welfare of the
nation.
Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role
of communication and information in nation-
building.
Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy
of local governments.
Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to
opportunities for public service, and prohibit political
dynasties as may be defined by law.
Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and
integrity in the public service and take positive
and effective measures against graft and
corruption.
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions
prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements
a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions
involving public interest.
ASK ANY QUESTION RELATED TO
OUR TOPIC FOR TODAY.

Introduction to Programming
The output should trace the evolution of the chosen topic
through at least three periods. Group members should
collaborate to produce a synthesis that examines the role
of this issue in promoting/ hindering nation building, and
provide appropriate recommendations rooted in a historical
understanding of the issue
• Agoncillo, Teodoro. 2006. History of the Filipino People. National Bookstore. Mandaluyong
City
• Bernas, Joaquin. 2006. Commentaries on the 1987 Constitution. Rex Bookstore. Quezon City
• De La Costa, Horacio. 1992. Readings in Philippine History. Bookmark. Makati
• De Leon, Hector (2010) Textbook on Philippine Constitution. Rex Bookstore. Quezon City
• http://www.philippine-history.org/
• http://www.op.gov.ph
• http://www.ovp.gov.ph
• http://www.news.ops.gov.ph
• http://www.senate.gov.ph
• http://www.congress.gov.ph
• http://www.comelec.gov.ph
• http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph
• http://www.csc.gov.ph
• http://www.bir.gov.ph
• http://www.dar.gov.ph