Evolution of the Philippine Constitution

In 1981, President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, granting him broad executive powers that allowed the suspension of civil liberties such as freedom of speech and the right to assemble. Political Change

• Executive Power: In 1981, President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, a significant political maneuver that effectively granted him broad executive powers. This decision enabled him to suspend civil liberties, including the freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the protection against unlawful detention. The declaration of Martial Law was justified by Marcos as a necessary measure to combat terrorism and maintain national security; however, it allowed him to consolidate power and suppress opposition without due process or legal recourse.

1983 Aquino Assassination

• Widespread Dissent: The assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. on August 21, 1983, marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history. His murder, which occurred upon his arrival at the Manila International Airport after years of exile, sparked widespread protests and dissent against Marcos's regime and mobilized thousands to take to the streets in outrage. This tragic event served as a catalyst for a growing anti-Marcos movement, uniting various sectors of society, including students, workers, and religious groups, all calling for an end to dictatorship and the restoration of democracy.

1986 Snap Elections

• Marcos Victory: Marcos held snap elections in 1986, claiming victory.
• Opposition Claims: However, widespread allegations of fraud and manipulation by Marcos's administration led to the rise of the People Power Revolution.
• Outcome: The People Power Revolution resulted in Marcos's downfall and Corazon Aquino, Aquino's widow, becoming President of the Philippines.

New Political Structure

• Prime Minister Position: The creation of the Prime Minister position is part of the new political structure that emerged after Marcos's rule.

Failed Coup Attempt

• Consequence: Following a failed coup attempt against Marcos, the government further solidified its control, leading to a period of stability.

Senate Terms

• Maximum Terms: Senators in the Philippines can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Legislative Districts

• Number of Districts: There are 256 legislative districts in the Philippines.

Party-List Representatives

• Percentage: 20% of the House of Representatives are filled by party-list representatives.

Supreme Court Appointment

• Appointment: The President appoints the Justices of the Supreme Court in the Philippines.

Presidential Veto

• Overriding: Congress can override a Presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.

1987 Constitution

• Option Chosen: Corazon Aquino's government chose to adopt a new constitution following the Marcos regime's collapse.
• Role of Supreme Court: The Supreme Court serves as the final arbiter on all legal matters, ensuring lower courts adhere to the constitution.

Freedom Constitution

• Purpose: The Freedom Constitution, a transitional constitution, served to establish a democratic framework in the Philippines.

Declaring War

• Majority Required: A two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives is needed to declare war.

Presidential Powers Related to Legislation

• Powers: The President possesses the power to veto legislation and can also issue executive orders.

Constitutional Convention

• Appointment: Corazon Aquino appointed the members of the constitutional convention to formulate the new constitution.

Sovereignty

• Fundamental Principle: The new constitution establishes the principle of people's sovereignty, emphasizing citizen control over the government.

National Emergency Limitations

• Presidential Power: The new constitution limits the President's power during a national emergency by requiring congressional approval for extending it.

Martial Law

• Congressional Role: The President is required to inform Congress of the basis for declaring martial law, and it can revoke or modify such declaration.

New Constitution Features

• Notable Feature: One notable aspect of the new constitution is its inclusion of checks and balances and other mechanisms aimed at preventing autocratic rule.

Constitution Adoption

• Adoption: The new constitution of the Republic of the Philippines was adopted by 1987.

Federal System

• Autonomous Regions: Autonomous regions in a federal system would be primarily responsible for managing and providing services within their designated areas.

Federalism Benefits

• Benefits: Federalism is suggested to provide greater autonomy to regions and potentially alleviate economic disparities.
• Central Government Role: If a federal system were adopted, the central government would handle matters concerning national defense, foreign affairs, and other national level issues.

Wealth Distribution

• Addressing Disparities: Federalism aims to address wealth disparities by providing more power to regions to manage their own resources.

Unitary System Challenges

• Challenges for Local Leaders: Local officials like mayors and governors face limitations in the current unitary system, which concentrates power at the national level.

Mindanao Conflict

• Potential Solution: Federalism is suggested as a potential solution for the Mindanao conflict, as it allows for greater regional autonomy.

Federal System Concerns

• Primary Con: A primary concern regarding federalism is that it could lead to fragmentation and conflict among regions, particularly in terms of resource allocation and political disagreements.

Financial Management

• Financial Management: The discussion on federalism suggests that each region could manage its own financial resources and fiscal policy.

Constitution Definition

• Definition: A constitution is a document that outlines the fundamental principles, structure, power, and responsibilities of a government.

Prior Constitution

• Pre-1987 Constitution: The 1973 Constitution was in effect before the current, now prevalent, constitution. This one was crafted under Marcos's rule.

Biak-na-Bato Constitution

• Primary Authors: Apolinario Mabini and Pedro Paterno were the primary authors of the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato.

Biak-na-Bato Government

• Governmental Body: This constitution established a revolutionary government with Emilio Aguinaldo as the President of the Revolutionary Government.

Constitution Implementation

• Non-Implementation: The Constitution of Biak-na-Bato was never fully implemented due to the lack of support from the United States, which was occupying the Philippines at the time.

Aguinaldo's Return

• Return: The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, allowed for the return of Emilio Aguinaldo to the Philippines in 1899.

Governmental Body under Biak-na-Bato

• Intended Body: The Constitution of Biak-na-Bato intended to establish a National Assembly.

Purpose of Biak-na-Bato Constitution

• Primary Aim: The Constitution's primary aim was to formalize a revolutionary government and establish a framework for a free and independent Philippines.

Marcos's Martial Law Justification

• Justification: Marcos cited Communist threats and a rising insurgency as the primary reason for declaring Martial Law.

1972 Constitution Structure

• Government Structure: The new constitution proposed in 1972 favored a parliamentary system of government.

Presidential Election

• Proposed System: Under the proposed constitution, the President would be elected by a bicameral parliament.

Plebiscite Decree

• Date Set: Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 885 to set the date for the plebiscite on the new constitution.

Ratification Alternative

• Alternative Chosen: Instead of a plebiscite, Marcos opted for Citizen Assemblies to ratify the proposed constitution.

Presidential Power in Emergencies

• Power Granted: The proposed constitution granted extensive powers to the President during state of emergency, including the authority to suspend civil liberties and impose censorship.

Citizen Assemblies Outcome

• Outcome: The Citizen Assemblies convened from 10 to 15 January 1973 formally ratified the proposed constitution.

Citizen Assemblies Power

• Power: The Citizen Assemblies, established in 1976, were granted the power to amend the constitution.

Explore the history and development of the Philippine Constitution, focusing on its various iterations from the 1897 Biak-na-Bato Constitution to the current 1987 Constitution. This quiz covers key facts about each constitution and their significance in Philippine history.