THE EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

• 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato


  Provisional constitution that aimed to separate the Philippines from Spanish rule
• 1899 Malolos Constitution


  Established the First Philippine Republic, provided for a parliamentary republic, included civil rights, separation of church and state, and a representative assembly
• Acts of the United States Congress


  Shaped governance of the Philippines as a U.S. territory, established framework and procedures for the Philippine government
• 1935 Constitution


  Provided for a presidential system of government, granted more autonomy to the Philippines as a Commonwealth, outlined civil rights, government structure, and powers of President and Congress
• 1943 Constitution


  Established the Second Philippine Republic during Japanese occupation, not fully recognized internationally
• 1973 Constitution


  Established during Marcos martial law, centralized power in the presidency, led to authoritarian rule
• 1986 Freedom Constitution


  Issued by President Corazon Aquino after People Power Revolution, served as transitional constitution to restore democratic governance
• 1987 Constitution


  Current constitution, embodies aspirations for democracy, human rights, and good governance, outlines government structure, rights of the people, and checks and balances
• The Constitution also defines the relationship between the people and their government, outlines the rights and liberties of citizens, and sets forth procedures for amending or changing it.
• The 1897 Constitution of Biak-na-Bato: Established during the Philippine Revolution and operated from November 1, 1897, to December 14, 1897. It was a provisional constitution that aimed to separate the Philippines from Spanish rule.
• The 1899 Malolos Constitution: Established the First Philippine Republic and was in effect from January 23, 1899, to March 23, 1901. It provided for a parliamentary republic and included provisions on civil rights, the separation of church and state, and the creation of a representative assembly.
• The Acts of the United States Congress These acts, including the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, and the Tydings- McDuffie Act of 1934, shaped the governance of the Philippines as a U.S. territory. They established the framework and procedures for the Philippine government.
• The 1935 Constitution Drafted in 1934 and in effect from 1935, it provided for a presidential system of government. It granted more autonomy to the Philippines as a Commonwealth and outlined civil rights, the structure of the government, and the powers of the President and the Congress.
• The 1943 Constitution: Promulgated during the Japanese occupation and in effect from 1943 to 1945. It established the Second Philippine Republic but was not fully recognized internationally..
• The 1973 Constitution: Established during the martial law period under President Ferdinand Marcos and in effect from 1973 to 1986. It centralized power in the presidency and led to an authoritarian rule.
• The 1986 Freedom Constitution Issued by President Corazon Aquino after the People Power Revolution, it served as a provisional constitution from 1986 to 1987 It aimed to restore democratic governance and set the stage for a more permanent constitution.
• The 1987 Constitutions Ratified in 1987, it is the current constitution of the Philippines. It embodies the aspirations for democracy, human rights, and good governance. It outlines the structure of the government, the rights of the people, and the checks and balances in the system