1987 Constitution of the Philippines

• The Philippine Constitution was written in 1987
• National territory


  The Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around between, the connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, from part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
• Philippines


  • Democratic and republican State
  • Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them
• The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
• Armed Forces of the Philippines


  • Protector of the people and the State
  • Goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory
• The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.
• The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.
• The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
• Foreign policy


  • Pursue an independent foreign policy
  • Paramount considerations are national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination
• The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.
• The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living,and an improved quality of life for all.
• The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.
• The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
• The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
• The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
• The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
• The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
• The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
• The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.
• The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.
• The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.
• The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
• The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
• The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.
• The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based,or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
• The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
• The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
• The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
• The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.
• Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.
• Bill of Rights


  • No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law
  • The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures
  • The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable
  • Freedom of speech, expression, press, assembly, and petition
  • Freedom of religion
  • Liberty of abode and travel
  • Right to information on matters of public concern
  • Right to form unions, associations, or societies
  • Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation
  • Contracts shall not be impaired
  • Free access to the courts and legal assistance
  • Rights of the accused in criminal proceedings
  • Habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion
  • Right to speedy disposition of cases
  • No self-incrimination
  • No involuntary servitude or cruel punishment
  • No imprisonment for debt or non-payment of poll tax
  • No double jeopardy or ex post facto laws
• Citizenship


  • Citizens of the Philippines
  • Natural-born citizens
  • Loss or reacquisition of citizenship
  • Dual allegiance is inimical to national interest
• Suffrage


  • Exercised by citizens 18 years old and above, with 1 year residency in the Philippines and 6 months residency in the place of voting
  • No literacy, property, or other substantive requirements
  • Secrecy and sanctity of the ballot
  • Procedure for disabled and illiterate voters
• Legislative Department


  • Congress composed of Senate and House of Representatives
  • Senators elected at large, must be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, able to read and write, registered voters, and residents for at least 2 years
  • House of Representatives composed of up to 250 members, elected from legislative districts and through party-list system
• Term of Senators


  Six years, commencing at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election
• Term limit for Senators

  No more than two consecutive terms
• Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected
• Composition of House of Representatives

  Not more than 250 members, elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area based on population, and through a party-list system
• Party-list representatives


  Constitute 20% of the total number of representatives, with one-half of the seats allocated to party-list representatives filled by selection or election from labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and other sectors for three consecutive terms after ratification of the Constitution, except the religious sector
• Legislative districts


  Comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory, with each city with a population of at least 250,000 or each province having at least one representative