The Evolution of

Philippine
Constitution
Ken Drexel Q. Cadano
Constitution
 A set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works
 Rulebook
 Supreme Law of the Land (Highest law of the country)
 No one, not even the President can go against the constitution
 February 2, 1987 (Constitution Day)
Importance of Constitution
 Maintain Law and Order
 Impose Rules and Regulations
 Protects Individual Freedom and Rights
 Limits the Power of the Government
Evolution of Philippine
Constitution
1899 Malolos Constitution
 333 years of Spaniards Colonization
 Filipino-Spanish Truce (failure agreement)
 Emilio Aguinaldo came back from Hong Kong
 Declaration of Philippine Independence
 US-Spain Secret Agreement
 Malolos Constitution (January 21, 1899)
 Malolos Republic (Philippine Republic is the first Republican Government in Asia)
Salient Features of 1899
Constitution
 Popular, Representative Government
 Unicameral Legislator – there is only one legislator (The Assembly)
 Separation of Church and State
 Bill of Rights
 Compulsory and Free Basic Education
 Not fully implemented due to eruption of Philippine-US War
 American colonization
1935 Constitution (American
inspired)
 Legal basis for Commonwealth government
Salient Features of 1935
Constitution
 Bicameral Legislator – 2 legislator (Senate and a house of representative)
 4-year term for the President and Vice President without reelection
 Right to vote for 21+ male citizens extended to women
 The implementation was interrupted because of the Japanese occupation
 World War II broke out
1943 Constitution
 Filipino collaborators (Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod ng Bagong Pilipinas KALIBAPI)
Salient Features of 1943
Constitution
 Strong Executive Powers
 Unicameral National Assembly (Only anti-US can run for election)
 This constitution was recognized only in the Japanese controlled areas in the
Philippines
 Short-lived constitution because Americans came back and freed us from Japanese
occupation on July 4, 1946
Marcos Administration
Marcos Administration
 Marcos was elected President in 1965
 Marcos was re-elected President in 1969
 During his time, there was a plan to make a new constitution
 Con-Con began to meet in 1971
 Just before the end of his second term, he declared Martial Law in 1972
 1973 Constitution
Salient Features of 1973
Constitution
 Parliamentary Government with Prime Minister and a President
 Legislative powers was vested in a unicameral National Assembly elected by the
people
 Legalized all decrees, proclamations and orders of President
 There were many amendments in this constitution but the most controversial is the
1976 amendment
 1976 amendment
1976 Amendment
 The National Assembly was replaced by the Interim Batasang Pambansa
 President would become the Prime Minister exercised legislative powers until
martial law was lifted
Marcos Administration
 Assassination of Ninoy Aquino
 Snap election
 EDSA People Power 1
 Marcos family went to exile
 Cory Aquino became President
 1986 Constitution
1986 Freedom Constitution
Salient Features of 1986
Freedom Constitution
 A verbatim copy of the 1973 Constitution minus the provisions on the Batasang
Pambansa
 Aquino vested in herself both executive and legislative powers
 A transitional constitution that lasted for a year
4 Themes of 1987 Constitution
 Upholding of national sovereignty
 Democratic governance and the prevention of another dictatorship
 Respect for human rights and civil liberties
 Promotion of social justice
3 Branches of the Government
 Executive Branch
 Legislative Branch (Senate and House of Representatives)
 Judiciary Branch
Powers of the Government

 Separation of Powers
 System of Checks and Balances