CADIZ

CONSTITUTION 1812
a liberal constitution was promulgated in
Cadiz in March 1812.

Drafted by elected representatives was put in

practice in almost all the areas of the Hispanic
Monarchy still under the control of the Spanish
crown.

First constitution in Europe to deal with

national sovereignty as coming from the
people and not from the king.
Cadiz Constitution in the PH Context

The first delegates from the Philippines were Pedro Perez de Tagle and
Jose Manual Coretto who took their office in Madrid.

The Cadiz Constitution, which was formally implemented in Manila

soon after:
• established the principles of universal male suffrage
• national sovereignty
• constitutional monarchy
• freedom of the press
• advocated land reform and free enterprise
Invalidation of the Liberal Constitution
May of 1814, King Fernando VII declared it invalid
and restored absolutism.

However, Cadiz was a very significant period in the

political history of the Spanish-speaking world at least.

On the part of the locals in the Philippines, one crucial

creed embodied in the constitution was the exemption
of the natives from paying tributes and rendering
public services based on its equality clause.