Questions and Answers
What is one example of a political process mentioned in the text?
Constitution-making
What ideology primarily guided the EDSA People Power Revolution?
When did the 1986 Constitutional Commission formally convene?
June 2, 1986
The 1986 Constitutional Commission members were elected rather than appointed.
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Which body was established as a part of the Constitution-making process in the Philippines in 1986?
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Match the following individuals with their titles in the 1986 Constitutional Commission:
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What was a significant concern of the Commissioners during the drafting of the 1987 Constitution?
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The 1987 Constitution was solely based on the aspirations of the middle-class segments of Philippine society.
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How many women were part of the 1986 Constitutional Commission?
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What must the constitution ideally reflect?
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Which groups were identified as major blocs in the ConCom?
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The 1986 ConCom primarily discussed social issues.
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What percentage of equity did the nationalist bloc initially propose for Filipinos in public utilities?
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What was a major outcome of the five commissioners' walk-out?
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The 1987 Constitution is a reaction to the country’s _____ experience.
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What was the turnout percentage for the ratification of the 1987 Constitution in the plebiscite?
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Which medium of instruction did the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines advocate to retain?
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The 1987 Constitution established a _____ system.
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What is one important feature included in the expanded Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution?
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The 1987 Constitution allowed for nuclear weapons in the Philippines.
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Study Notes
Background of the 1986 Constitutional Commission
- Constitution-making involves complex political processes, blending formal debates with underlying personal rivalries, power plays, and emotional dynamics.
- Influential factors included social, political, and geopolitical contexts, impacting the drafting and purpose of constitutions as either transformative, preservative, or revolutionary.
- The 1986 Constitutional Commission (ConCom) was initiated in response to the EDSA People Power movement, primarily focused on overthrowing the dictatorship rather than advocating broader social reforms.
Social and Political Environment
- The 1986 ConCom gathered shortly after the EDSA revolution, which originated as a sustained protest against martial law declared in 1972.
- Various factions participated, including Leftists, Democratic Socialists, and fragmenting opposition groups unified post-Aquino’s assassination in 1983.
- The events surrounding EDSA were characterized by participation from middle-class forces alongside marginalized groups, indicating a collective struggle against authoritarianism.
Selection and Composition of ConCom
- President Corazon C. Aquino called for ConCom nominations in April 1986, receiving between 1,500 to 2,000 nominations.
- ConCom members were appointed rather than elected, emphasizing sectoral representation to mitigate electoral costs and potential disruptions from counter-revolutionary elements.
- The final composition included 48 delegates, with only 6 women (12.5%), reflecting an underrepresentation of gender despite prior conventions having more elected female delegates.
- The majority held law degrees (66.75%), with diverse backgrounds, including professionals from religion, academia, media, and labor.
Age and Geographic Representation
- Average age of members was 54; several were in their seventies, showcasing a seasoned cohort.
- Geographically, representation was skewed towards Tagalog-speaking regions, with 56.25% from Tagalog areas and 72.91% from Luzon overall.
Nature and Processes of Constitution Drafting
- ConCom officially convened on June 2, 1986, with leaders elected from within (Cecilia Muñoz Palma as President).
- The preferred government form predominantly skewed towards a presidential system, overshadowing interests in parliamentary governance associated negatively with Marcos' regime.
- Committees focused on public consultations to gather input across various sectors, culminating in extensive provincial hearings to ensure broad citizen participation.
Major Issues and Debates
- Key debates included the form of government, human rights emphasis, foreign investment control, land reform, nuclear weapon bans, and the future of US military bases.
- Public consultations revealed strong calls for nationalism, transparency in governance, and a more pronounced focus on social concerns inclusive of marginalized interests.
- Ideological dynamics within ConCom manifested in distinct group alignments, notably between a conservative mainstream bloc and a smaller progressive bloc advocating for more radical reforms.
Outputs and Significance
- The drafting process highlighted the contentious nature of political representation, reflecting societal aspirations while revealing competing interests amongst drafters.
- The resulting 1987 Constitution embodies the values and goals aimed at national healing and reform, attempting to respond to the historical injustices experienced under prior regimes.
- The 1986-1987 period is noted for its historical significance, marking a crucial juncture in Philippine constitutional history shaped deeply by the socio-political climate and the legacy of the People Power movement.### Filipinization of Industries
- The issue polarized the Constitutional Commission into conservative and nationalist blocs.
- Key contention revolved around the extent of Filipino participation in public utilities, linked to national security.
Filipino Equity Proposal
- Nationalist bloc initially proposed 100% Filipino equity in public utilities, later compromising to 75%.
- Commissioner Bernardo Villegas voted with the conservatives for only 60% equity, causing a walkout by five commissioners.
Return of Commissioners
- The five commissioners returned after public pressure and the intervention of former Senator Lorenzo Tañada.
- They emphasized the need for the nationalist bloc to be respected in discussions to ensure balanced representation.
Educational and Social Justice Provisions
- Reconciliation efforts led to progressive constitutional provisions, including:
- Nationalism and patriotism in education.
- Strengthened bill of rights and free high school education.
- Labor rights and extensive land reform.
- Adoption of Filipino as the national language.
Conservative Stances
- Conservatives maintained their non-negotiables:
- 40% equity for foreign investors.
- Congressional authority over land reform and retention limits.
- Continued use of English as a medium of instruction.
- Retention of US bases until 1991.
Legislative Structure Changes
- Original draft proposed a unicameral legislature, but the plenary voted for a bicameral Congress.
- Failure to revise related draft sections led to confusion on the voting process regarding constitutional amendments.
Lobby Groups and Influences
- Various lobby groups influenced the Constitutional Commission:
- "Right to life" lobby by Opus Dei overshadowed feminist organizations.
- Business organizations advocated for economic nationalism against multinational corporations.
- Spanish language teachers lobbied unsuccessfully to retain compulsory Spanish education.
- Catholic Educational Association pushed to keep English as a medium of instruction, succeeding due to the commission's demographic.
Public Engagement and Draft Campaign
- Major national campaign for the draft document included educational outreach and multilingual translations.
- Despite opposition, 45 out of 47 commissioners supported the draft constitution presented to President Aquino on October 15, 1986.
Ratification and Public Response
- A plebiscite on February 2, 1987, resulted in 77.04% approval for the 1987 Constitution.
- The draft was widely distributed, with over twenty million copies disseminated.
Context and Legacy of the Constitution
- The 1987 Constitution reflects societal aspirations and reactions to past experiences under martial law.
- It emphasizes participatory democracy, social justice, and human rights, despite elite membership in the commission.
- Contains innovative provisions, including a comprehensive Bill of Rights and foundations for education and social justice.
Implementation and Evaluation
- Post-ratification assessments focus on the effectiveness of constitutional provisions and their relevance over time.
- Future research will review the Constitution's impact on political institutions, actors, and processes in the Philippines.
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Description
Explore the background, processes, and outcomes of the 1986 Constitutional Commission and the subsequent 1987 Constitution. This quiz delves into the political processes involved in constitution-making, offering insights into the conventions and formal meetings that shaped the document. Test your knowledge on this important aspect of Philippine political history.
