Philippine Constitution Overview

Preamble

• The Constitution is ordained to establish a humane society and a government that embodies Filipino ideals and aspirations.
• It emphasizes a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

Article I: National Territory

• The Philippine archipelago, with all islands and waters, is the primary national territory.
• Other territories under Philippine sovereignty or jurisdiction are also part of the national territory.
• The territorial sea, seabed, subsoil, and other submarine areas are also included.

Archipelagic Doctrine

• The Philippine archipelago is considered as one whole unit, not fragmented islands.
• The "straight baseline method" connects outermost points of the archipelago, defining internal waters.

Purposes of Archipelagic Doctrine

• Maintaining territorial integrity.
• Ensuring national security.
• Supporting economic interests.

Components of National Territory

• Terrestrial or land domain.
• Maritime domain.
• Aerial domain.

Terrestrial or Land Domain

• Includes all waters and internal waters.
• Internal waters, such as rivers, lakes, and canals, are part of the land domain.

Maritime Domain

• Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles from shore, measured from the low water mark.
• Contiguous Zone: 24 nautical miles from shore, extends beyond the territorial sea.
  • Focused on enforcing customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 200 nautical miles from shore, encompassing the seabed, subsoil, and submarine areas.
• Continental Shelf: Extends beyond the territorial sea, encompassing the seabed and subsoil to the outer edge of the continental margin.
• High Seas: "Res communes" - shared by all nations. Air above high seas is open to all aircraft.

Aerial Domain

• Airspace above the high seas is open to all aircraft.
• The state whose airspace is violated can take measures to protect itself, but it does not mean that the states have unlimited rights to attack the intruding aircraft.

Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies

• The Philippines is a democratic and republican state.
• Sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority stems from them.
• The Philippines renounces war as a national policy and upholds international law.
• Civilian authority is supreme over the military; the Armed Forces secures sovereignty and national territory.
• The primary duty of the government is to serve and protect the people.
• The government may require citizens for personal military or civil service, provided by law.
• The enjoyment of democratic blessings requires peace, order, protection of life, liberty, and property.
• Separation of Church and State is inviolable.
• The State pursues an independent foreign policy prioritizing national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to self-determination.
• The State recognizes the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives for needed investments.
• The State promotes comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
• The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities.
• Non-governmental and community-based organizations promoting national welfare are encouraged.
• Communication and information play a vital role in nation-building.
• Local government autonomy is ensured.
• Equal access to public service is guaranteed and political dynasties are prohibited.
• The State upholds honesty and integrity in the public service and combats graft and corruption.
• Full public disclosure of all public interest transactions is adopted.