1987 Philippine Constitution PDF

# Module 3: Philippine Constitution ## Week # 4 * Allocated Time: 4 hours ## Introduction The Philippine Constitution is the ultimate law of the country, establishing the framework for the country's government, governance principles, and the protection of individuals' rights. Adopted on Februar...

# Module 3: Philippine Constitution ## Week # 4 * Allocated Time: 4 hours ## Introduction The Philippine Constitution is the ultimate law of the country, establishing the framework for the country's government, governance principles, and the protection of individuals' rights. Adopted on February 2, 1987, following the demise of the Marcos government, this manifesto expresses the Filipino people's common goals for democracy, justice, and growth. It defines the form and functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, establishing a fair system of checks and balances. Furthermore, it has a detailed Bill of liberties that protects numerous freedoms and liberties, demonstrating the nation's dedication to social justice and equality. ## Topic/Lesson * The Role of the 1987 Philippine Constitution in Modern Governance ## Let's Start! Write the 1987 Philippine Constitution Preamble in the space provided and recite it for your professor. ## Preamble 1987 Philippine Constitution ### Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances * Separation of powers is the dividing of government functions into different branches to prevent any one component from amassing excessive authority. * Typically, these branches include the legislative, executive, and judiciary. * Checks and balances, on the other hand, are procedures inside a government structure that allow each branch to restrict the powers of the other branches, ensuring that no branch gains authority. For example, the legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch puts them into effect, and the judicial branch interprets them. Each branch has certain powers that act as checks on the powers of the others, resulting in a balance of power. ### Bill of Rights and Individual Liberties * A Bill of Rights is a set of rights or freedoms that a country’s government guarantees its inhabitants. It often specifies protections for individual rights and limits the government's power. These rights may include freedom of expression, religion, assembly, and the press, as well as safeguards against arbitrary detention, discrimination, and harsh or unusual punishment. * Individual liberties are the freedoms and rights to which every individual is entitled, such as the right to privacy, a fair trial, and the ability to pursue happiness without undue intervention from the government or others. ### Socioeconomic and Political Development * Socioeconomic development is the process of improving the economic and social well-being of individuals and groups within a society. This includes aspects like education, healthcare, job opportunities, and a fair quality of living. * Political development, on the other hand, refers to the growth of political institutions, processes, and practices within a society that attempt to promote good governance, democracy, and the rule of law. Socioeconomic and political development include a society’s progress toward increased affluence, equality, and civic involvement. ### Amendments and Adaptability * Amendments are adjustments or revisions made to a constitution, statute, or other legal document. In governance, amendments are changes to a constitution's core concepts or laws. Adaptability, *on the other hand,* refers to a constitution or legal framework’s ability to change and adjust to changing circumstances, social requirements, and new difficulties. A flexible constitution can accept revisions and reforms while keeping its essential concepts and ideals. ### National Sovereignty and Social Justice * National sovereignty refers to a nation-state’s ultimate authority to rule itself without intervention from external sources. It includes the right to self-determination, territorial integrity, and the authority to make choices affecting the country’s population and territory. * Social justice, on the other hand, refers to the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, guaranteeing that all people have equal access to resources and are treated fairly. National sovereignty and social justice are inextricably linked notions, since national sovereignty should seek to promote the well-being and rights of all people, particularly those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. ## Philippine Constitution The Philippine Constitution is the supreme law of the nation; it defines the form of government, sets the parameters for governance, and protects the rights of every Filipino. The current Constitution was adopted on February 2, 1987, the day after the Marcos regime was overthrown. It represents the hopes and dreams of the Filipino people for democracy, justice, and the advancement of their country. The basic principles and establishments of the Philippine government, comprising the legislative, executive, and judicial departments, are defined in several articles that comprise the Constitution. In order to provide a system of checks and balances that prevents abuse of power and upholds the rule of law, it clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each branch. Additionally, the Constitution guarantees all Filipino people their socioeconomic, political, and civic liberties via the enshrinement of a complete Bill of Rights. Among these rights are the freedoms of expression and the press, as well as the rights to due process, education, and equal treatment under the law. The Philippine Constitution establishes the ideals of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the pursuit of national development in addition to defining the framework of government, and protecting individual rights. It requires equal distribution of money and resources, environmental conservation, and the advancement of social justice. The Constitution offers procedures for modification and change in order to accommodate shifting conditions and meet new demands. A nationwide referendum must ratify an amendment after it has been approved by Congress or a Constitutional Convention. This is a difficult procedure. All things considered, the Philippine Constitution is the cornerstone of Philippine democracy, offering the institutional and legal framework for government, defending the rights and well-being of the Filipino people, and pointing the country in the direction of development and prosperity. ### 1987 Philippine Constitution Preamble * We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution. ### Bill Of Rights The Bill of Rights in the 1987 Philippine Constitution comprises a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at safeguarding the fundamental liberties and rights of Filipino citizens. It encompasses various civil, political, socio-economic, and cultural rights, ensuring the protection of individual freedoms and promoting social justice and equality under the law. Below are the key provisions of the Bill of Rights. 1. Guarantees the right of individuals to freely express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs, as well as the freedom of the press to report and disseminate information without censorship or prior restraint. 2. Ensures that individuals are afforded fair and impartial treatment by the government and the legal system, including the right to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, and protection against arbitrary arrest and detention. 3. Protects individuals from unwarranted intrusion into their private lives, homes, communications, and personal information without lawful authority or consent. 4. Grants individuals the freedom to practice and worship according to their beliefs, as well as the separation of church and state to prevent religious interference in government affairs. 5. Allows individuals to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances, promoting citizen participation and advocacy for social change. 6. Ensures the protection of property rights, including the right to own, use, and dispose of property, as well as the prohibition against unlawful seizure or confiscation without just compensation. 7. Recognizes the right of every individual to quality education, as well as the duty of the state to provide accessible and equitable educational opportunities for all citizens. 8. Affirms the right of individuals to enjoy a decent standard of living, including access to healthcare, social services, and a healthy environment conducive to well-being. 9. Guarantees that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment and protection under the law, regardless of race, gender, religion, social status, or other irrelevant distinctions. 10. Prohibits the use of torture, cruel, or degrading treatment or punishment, ensuring the dignity and respect of every person. The 1987 Philippine Constitution’s Bill of Rights, which upholds the rights and liberties of Filipino citizens and advances the ideals of justice, equality, and human dignity, is a pillar of Philippine democracy.