Philippine Constitution Preamble Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does the Preamble of the Philippine Constitution aim to establish?

A just and humane society and a government that embodies ideals and aspirations.

What is the primary duty of the Government according to Article II?

To serve and protect the people.

Which of the following is renounced as an instrument of national policy by the Philippines?

Negotiation

War (correct)

Diplomacy

Trade

Civilian authority is always subordinate to military authority in the Philippines.

False Signup and view all the answers

What must be protected to ensure democracy, according to the Constitution?

Life, liberty, and property. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is guaranteed under the Bill of Rights?

Freedom of assembly Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement to exercise suffrage according to Article V?

Eighteen years of age. Signup and view all the answers

Natural-born citizens must perform an act to acquire their Philippine citizenship.

False Signup and view all the answers

Sovereignty resides in the ______.

people Signup and view all the answers

What is the term limit for a Senator in the Philippines?

Six years Signup and view all the answers

What does the State guarantee concerning political dynasties?

It prohibits political dynasties as may be defined by law. Signup and view all the answers

What oath must the President, Vice-President, or Acting President take before entering office?

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President (or Vice-President or Acting President) of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God. Signup and view all the answers

The salaries of the President and Vice-President can be decreased during their tenure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the President-elect fails to qualify?

The Vice-President-elect will act as President. Signup and view all the answers

In case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the President, the ______ shall become the President.

Vice-President Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to nominate a new Vice-President if there is a vacancy?

The President Signup and view all the answers

A special election may be postponed if a vacancy occurs within eighteen months before the next presidential election.

True Signup and view all the answers

What must the President do within forty-eight hours of proclaiming martial law?

Submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Which body has the power to revoke the proclamation of martial law?

The Congress Signup and view all the answers

What can the President grant after a conviction by final judgment?

Reprieves, commutations, pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures. Signup and view all the answers

How many Associate Justices are there in the Supreme Court?

14 Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the Commission on Audit?

A Chairman and two Commissioners, who are natural-born citizens of the Philippines, at least thirty-five years old, certified public accountants or members of the Philippine Bar with specific qualifications. Signup and view all the answers

Members of the Judiciary can be appointed to any other office during their tenure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for the members of the Commission on Audit?

Seven years without reappointment. Signup and view all the answers

Which entities are subject to audit by the Commission on Audit?

All government entities Signup and view all the answers

The Chairman and the Commissioners of the Commission on Audit can be from the same profession.

False Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for elective local officials in the Philippines?

Three years. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to provide for regional development councils?

The President of the Philippines. Signup and view all the answers

Local government units can be created without a plebiscite.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following powers with their respective descriptions for autonomous regions:

Administrative organization = Overseeing local administrative tasks Creation of sources of revenues = Developing local funding sources Personal, family, and property relations = Managing personal and familial legal matters Economic and tourism development = Promoting local economic growth and tourism Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the Office of the Ombudsman?

To investigate acts or omissions of public officials that seem illegal or improper. Signup and view all the answers

The Ombudsman and his Deputies can serve for multiple terms.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term length for Members of the House of Representatives?

three years Signup and view all the answers

A Member of the House of Representatives can serve more than three consecutive terms.

False Signup and view all the answers

When is the regular election for the Senators and Members of the House of Representatives held?

second Monday of May Signup and view all the answers

What happens in case of a vacancy in the Senate or House of Representatives?

special election may be called Signup and view all the answers

Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are privileged from arrest while Congress is in session for offenses punishable by more than six years imprisonment.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who shall elect their President and Speaker?

Senate and House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

How long shall the Congress convene each year?

fourth Monday of July Signup and view all the answers

The Congress can declare the existence of a state of war by a vote of one-third of both Houses.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of terms a President can serve?

one term Signup and view all the answers

What eligibility requirements must a person meet to be elected President?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When shall every bill passed by Congress embrace?

only one subject Signup and view all the answers

The Vice-President may serve more than two successive terms.

False Signup and view all the answers

The salary of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives is determined by ______.

law Signup and view all the answers

How long must the Congress wait after failing to pass the general appropriations bill to reenact it?

until the end of the fiscal year Signup and view all the answers

What are the qualifications for judges of lower courts?

A citizen of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Bar. Signup and view all the answers

A Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is the ex officio Chairman of the Judicial and Bar Council?

The Chief Justice. Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for regular members of the Judicial and Bar Council?

4 years Signup and view all the answers

The Judicial and Bar Council has the principal function of recommending appointees to the Judiciary.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who can appoint the Supreme Court Members and judges of lower courts?

The President. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do judges of lower courts reach retirement?

Seventy years. Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court can dismiss judges of lower courts.

True Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in every court decision?

The facts and the law on which it is based. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time allowed for the Supreme Court to resolve a case after submission?

Twenty-four months. Signup and view all the answers

Which commissions are considered Constitutional Commissions?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Members of a Constitutional Commission can hold other offices during their tenure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the age requirement for the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on Elections?

At least thirty-five years of age. Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on Elections?

Seven years. Signup and view all the answers

What powers does the Commission on Elections have?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Public officers or employees may receive financial accommodations from government-owned banks for business purposes.

False Signup and view all the answers

A public officer or employee must submit a declaration of his assets, liabilities, and net worth upon _____ of office.

assumption Signup and view all the answers

Who must disclose their declaration of assets, liabilities, and net worth to the public?

The President, Vice-President, Members of the Cabinet, Congress, Supreme Court, and other constitutional commissions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of the national economy as stated?

Equitable distribution of income Signup and view all the answers

Filipino enterprises are protected against unfair foreign competition.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who owns all natural resources in the public domain?

The State Signup and view all the answers

What limitations are there on private corporations regarding alienable lands of the public domain?

They may not hold such lands except by lease. Signup and view all the answers

How long can agreements for the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources last?

25 years Signup and view all the answers

Commercial logging in endangered forests and watershed areas is permitted if the Congress allows it.

False Signup and view all the answers

The State shall protect the rights of _____ cultural communities to their ancestral lands.

indigenous Signup and view all the answers

What must private lands’ ownership adhere to under the provisions of Section 7?

They must only be transferred to qualified individuals, corporations, or associations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preamble

States the intent to create a just and humane society and establish a government that reflects Filipino ideals.
Emphasizes the importance of independence, democracy, and the rule of law along with the values of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

National Territory (Article I)

Defines the national territory as the Philippine archipelago, including all its islands, waters, and areas under its jurisdiction.
Includes terrestrial, fluvial, aerial domains, and internal waters formed by the archipelago.

Declaration of Principles and State Policies (Article II)

Establishes the Philippines as a democratic and republican state, with sovereignty residing in the people.
Renounces war as a national policy, advocating for peace and cooperative international relations.
Civilian authority is claimed to be supreme over the military, emphasizing the Armed Forces' role in protecting the state and its territory.
Government’s prime duty is to serve and protect the people; citizens can be called to defend the state under lawful conditions.
Maintains peace, order, and welfare as essential to democracy.
Constitutional separation of church and state is affirmed.

State Policies Overview

Promotes an independent foreign policy focused on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.
Adopts a policy of nuclear weapon-free territories and emphasizes social order to combat poverty.
Affirms social justice, human rights, and the protection of family life.
Recognizes the role of youth and women in nation-building and mandates health and environmental protections.
Prioritizes education and the role of labor, with a commitment to economic self-reliance.
Encourages private enterprise and community development and protects the rights of indigenous communities.
Promotes transparency and accountability in public service while prohibiting political dynasties.

Bill of Rights (Article III)

Protects the rights to life, liberty, and property against deprivation without due process.
Ensures security against unreasonable searches and access to legal counsel for the accused.
Guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion.
Upholds the right to privacy and the inviolability of communication.
Affirms the right to a fair trial, bail, and protection from ex post facto laws.
Prohibits torture and invasive detention practices, protects against excessive punishment.

Citizenship (Article IV)

Identifies citizens as those born Filipino, offspring of Filipinos, or naturalized per law.
Natural-born citizens are defined as those who hold citizenship from birth without any affirmative action needed to acquire it.
Citizens marrying foreigners retain their citizenship, with dual allegiance seen as harmful.

Suffrage (Article V)

Grants suffrage to citizens at least 18 years old and residing in the Philippines for over a year, with no literacy or property conditions.
Directs Congress to ensure voting privacy and accessibility for all citizens, including provisions for absentee voting.

Legislative Department (Article VI)

Legislative power is vested in the Congress, composed of a Senate and House of Representatives.
The Senate has 24 members elected at large, with an age requirement of at least 35.
Senators serve six-year terms, while House members (no more than 250) serve three-year terms.
Establishes legislative districts based on population, with provisions for party-list representatives.
Special elections can fill vacancies, and compensation for Congress members is regulated by law.

General Principles

Validates provisions for full disclosure of lawmakers' financial interests and protections against arbitrary arrest during legislative sessions.
Legislators are to be free from accountability for speeches made in Congress, fostering active debate and policy-making without fear of personal repercussions.### Legislative Restrictions and Duties
Senators and House members cannot hold other government roles during their term or accept appointments created during their tenure.
Members must not personally represent others before courts, electoral tribunals, or administrative bodies and cannot have financial interests in government contracts or privileges during their term.
Congress convenes annually on the fourth Monday of July and holds sessions until thirty days before the next regular session.
Each House elects its leaders; the Senate has a President, while the House has a Speaker, elected by majority vote.
A quorum for each House is a majority; smaller groups can adjourn and compel attendance.
Each House determines its rules and maintains a record of proceedings, publishing them while protecting national security concerns.

Electoral Tribunals and Appointments

Each House has an Electoral Tribunal to adjudicate member election disputes, consisting of three Supreme Court Justices and six members from the respective House, chosen based on party representation.
The Commission on Appointments includes the Senate President and members elected from both Houses, tasked with approving presidential appointments within thirty days.

Legislative Procedures and Power

Congress declares war by a two-thirds vote of both Houses in joint session and may temporarily grant the President additional powers during national emergencies.
House originates appropriations, revenue, or tariff bills, with Senate able to propose amendments.
The President's budget recommendations cannot be increased by Congress.

Bill Passage and Presidential Actions

Bills must encompass a single subject, undergo three readings on separate days, and be distributed to members three days prior to passage.
The President has the power to approve or veto bills, with Congress able to override vetoes by a two-thirds majority vote in both Houses.
Item veto authority exists for the President on appropriation or revenue bills.

Taxation and Treasury Regulations

Taxation must be uniform and equitable, evolving toward a progressive system.
Special funds from taxes levied for specific purposes can only be used for that purpose.

Executive Department and Presidential Conditions

The executive power is held by the President, who must be a natural-born citizen, over 40 years old, literate, and a resident for ten years before election.
The Vice-President has the same qualifications and term, can become a Cabinet member without confirmation.

Election and Terms of Office

The President and Vice-President serve a six-year term without re-election eligibility.
In case of vacancy, the Vice-President assumes the role; if both offices are empty, the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House will act temporarily.
A special election process is outlined for filling Presidential and Vice-Presidential vacancies.

Oaths and Salaries

The President and Vice-President must take an oath before assuming office, swearing to uphold the Constitution and serve the nation faithfully.
Their salaries are set by law and cannot decrease during their term, while increases take effect only after an incumbent's term.

Special Provisions and Citizen Initiatives

Congress must provide for a system that allows citizens to propose and enact laws, requiring sufficient voter support for initiative and referendum processes.### Presidential Powers and Succession
Special elections are not called for vacancies occurring within 18 months prior to the next presidential election.
The President can declare an inability to fulfill duties in writing, allowing the Vice-President to act as President until the President declares ability to resume duties.
A majority of Cabinet members can also declare the President unable to discharge duties, resulting in the Vice-President acting as President.
Congress must convene within 48 hours to evaluate the President's ability if such a declaration from the Cabinet occurs within five days.
Congress requires a two-thirds vote of both Houses to confirm the President's inability; otherwise, the President retains office.

Public Communication and Conflict of Interest

The public must be informed about the President's serious health conditions.
Key officials, including those in charge of national security, can access the President during serious illness.
The President, Vice-President, and Cabinet members are prohibited from holding other jobs or practicing professions to avoid conflict of interest.
Spouses and relatives of the President cannot be appointed to certain critical government positions during their tenure.

Appointment and Control Powers

Appointments made by an Acting President remain effective unless revoked by an elected President within 90 days.
Two months before elections, the sitting President cannot make appointments, except temporary emergency appointments.
The President nominates heads of executive departments and other key officials with Congressional consent; appointments may be made during Congress recess.

Military and Emergency Powers

The President is Commander-in-Chief and can call armed forces to suppress lawless violence or rebellion.
Martial law can be imposed for up to 60 days in response to invasion or rebellion.
Congress can revoke the declaration of martial law or suspension of habeas corpus.

Judicial Authority

Judicial power is held by the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Congress defines court jurisdictions but cannot undermine Supreme Court's authority.
Fiscal autonomy ensures that Judiciary budgets remain secure from legislative reductions.

Supreme Court Structure and Powers

Consists of Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices, with a requirement to fill vacancies within 90 days.
Cases on the constitutionality of laws must be decided by majority participation of Justices.
Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in specific cases, including those involving government officials.

Appointment and Qualifications for Judges

Members of the Supreme Court must be natural-born citizens, at least 40 years old, and have significant legal experience.
Appointment of judges is recommended by the Judicial and Bar Council, and Presidents fill vacancies from this list.

Performance Timeliness and Reporting

Defined timelines for resolving cases: 24 months for the Supreme Court, 12 months for lower collegiate courts, and 3 months for other lower courts.
Mandatory yearly reporting from the Supreme Court to the President and Congress on judicial operations.

Constitutional Commissions

Commissions include the Civil Service, Elections, and Audit Commissions, operating independently.
Members cannot hold other positions or profit from government-related contracts during their tenure.
Commissions have fiscal autonomy, receiving regular budget appropriations without reduction during their term.
Each Commission can establish its own procedural rules concerning practice and procedure.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. This quiz will challenge you to understand the key principles and aspirations articulated in this foundational document. Prepare to explore the values that shape the Filipino identity and governance.