Evolution of the Philippine Constitution

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What significant political change occurred in 1981 regarding executive power?

The role of the judiciary was diminished significantly.

The president was elected indirectly.

Executive power was restored to the directly elected president. (correct)

The parliamentary system was replaced with a US-style presidential system.

What event sparked widespread dissent against President Marcos's regime in 1983?

The failing economy of the country.

The introduction of electoral reforms.

The declaration of martial law.

The return and assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. (correct)

What was the outcome of the snap elections held by Marcos in 1986?

A new constitution was adopted.

Marcos admitted defeat to his opponents.

The elections were free and fair.

Marcos was declared the winner without any opposition. (correct)

Which of the following roles was created in 1981 as part of the new political structure?

An Executive Committee composed of the Prime Minister and others. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the failed coup attempt against President Marcos?

It led to the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of consecutive terms a senator can serve in the Philippines?

Two consecutive six-year terms Signup and view all the answers

How many legislative districts are there in the Philippines?

234 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the House of Representatives can be filled by party-list representatives?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the justices of the Supreme Court in the Philippines?

The President Signup and view all the answers

What action can Congress take to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds vote in both houses Signup and view all the answers

What option did Corazon Aquino's government choose regarding the constitution after Martial Law?

Start anew and create a new constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the Supreme Court concerning lower courts?

To oversee the functioning and administration of lower courts Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the transitional constitution called the Freedom Constitution?

To maintain some provisions of the old constitution while drafting a new one Signup and view all the answers

What majority is required in both houses of Congress to declare war?

Two-thirds majority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers does the president hold in relation to legislation?

Power to veto bills Signup and view all the answers

Who appointed the members of the constitutional convention that drafted the new Philippine constitution?

President Corazon Aquino Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental principle does the new constitution establish regarding sovereignty?

Sovereignty resides in the people Signup and view all the answers

What significant limitation is placed on the president's power during a national emergency according to the new constitution?

The president may declare martial law for a maximum of sixty days Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Congress have concerning the president's declaration of martial law?

Congress must revoke or extend it with a majority vote Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of the new constitution in response to past governance?

New ways to keep the president in check Signup and view all the answers

When was the new constitution officially adopted in the Philippines?

2 February 1987 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the autonomous regions in a federal system in the Philippines?

Managing industry development and public safety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a benefit of federalism according to the content?

Custom solutions based on local contexts Signup and view all the answers

In the proposed federal system, what will the national government primarily handle?

Matters of national interest like foreign policy Signup and view all the answers

How does federalism aim to address wealth distribution in the Philippines?

By allowing regions to manage their own finances Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the current unitary system pose to local leaders like mayors and governors?

Dependence on national government allocations Signup and view all the answers

What potential solution to the Mindanao conflict is suggested by federalism?

Creating a separate Bangsamoro region for Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What could be a primary con of a federal system of government?

Potential inconsistency in regional laws and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of financial management is indicated in the discussion of a federal system?

Each region will only contribute marginally to the national budget Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'constitution' refer to?

A set of fundamental principles governing a state Signup and view all the answers

Which constitution was in effect in the Philippines before the current one established in 1987?

1973 Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Who were the primary authors of the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato?

Isabelo Artacho and Félix Ferrer Signup and view all the answers

What governmental body was established under the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato?

Supreme Council Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato never fully implemented?

A truce was signed with the Spanish government Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Emilio Aguinaldo's return to the Philippines?

The Battle of Manila Bay Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a governmental body intended to be established under the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato?

Consejo Supremo de Gracia Y Justicia Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato?

To serve as a provisionary government during the revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons Marcos cited for declaring Martial Law?

Growing communist insurgency Signup and view all the answers

What type of government structure was proposed in the new constitution approved on 29 November 1972?

Parliamentary-style government Signup and view all the answers

How was the president elected under the proposed constitution?

Chosen from the National Assembly members Signup and view all the answers

What decree did President Marcos issue to set the date for the plebiscite regarding the proposed constitution?

Presidential Decree No. 73 Signup and view all the answers

What alternative to a plebiscite did Marcos choose for ratifying the proposed constitution?

Citizen Assemblies Signup and view all the answers

What power did the proposed constitution grant to the President in times of emergency?

Legislative power to legislate on his own Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Citizen Assemblies convened from 10 to 15 January 1973?

The assembly voted to ratify the proposed constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What significant power was given to Citizen Assemblies established in 1976?

To allow continuation of Martial Law Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

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.