Article 17

Summary

This video explains Article 17 of the Philippine Constitution, outlining the processes for amending or revising the constitution. It covers two primary methods: Congressional proposal, requiring a 3/4 majority vote in Congress, and a people's initiative, where citizens can propose amendments through a petition signed by at least 12% of registered voters. Amendments must be voted on in a national referendum and cannot be proposed within five years of the constitution's ratification. Additionally, Congress can call for a constitutional convention. These measures ensure amendments reflect the people's will and are thoughtfully considered.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Constitution can be amended or revised through two main processes: by Congress or by a people's initiative.
• 😀 Amendments proposed by Congress require a 3/4 majority vote from all its members, including both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• 😀 A 3/4 majority vote ensures broad consensus and agreement within the legislature before any proposed amendments proceed.
• 😀 A constitutional amendment can also be initiated by the people through a petition, requiring at least 12% of the total number of registered voters.
• 😀 For the people's initiative, each legislative district must have at least 3% of its registered voters supporting the petition.
• 😀 If the petition meets the required number of signatures, the proposed amendment goes to a national referendum for approval by the voters.
• 😀 An amendment is ratified if it is approved by the majority of voters in the national referendum.
• 😀 No amendments can be proposed within 5 years of the ratification of the Constitution to ensure stability and prevent frequent changes.
• 😀 After the initial 5-year period, amendments can only be proposed once every 5 years to ensure careful consideration of any changes.
• 😀 Congress can also call a constitutional convention, where delegates are selected to discuss and propose amendments or revisions to the Constitution.
• 😀 The amendment processes are designed to reflect the will of the people while preserving the fundamental principles of the Philippine Republic.

Q & A

What is Article 17 of the Philippine Constitution about?

Article 17 outlines the processes and requirements for amending or revising the Philippine Constitution, ensuring that changes reflect the will of the people and do not violate the fundamental principles of the Republic.

How can the Philippine Constitution be amended or revised?

The Constitution can be amended or revised in two ways: through a vote in Congress or via a constitutional convention.

What is the first method of amending the Constitution as outlined in Article 17?

The first method involves Congress proposing amendments with a vote of 3/4 of all its members, which includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Why is a 3/4 majority required in Congress to propose amendments?

A 3/4 majority is required to ensure a high level of agreement or consensus among lawmakers, reflecting strong support for the proposed amendment.

What is the second method for amending the Philippine Constitution?

The second method is through a constitutional convention, where delegates are selected to discuss and propose changes to the Constitution.

Can the people directly propose amendments to the Constitution?

Yes, the people can propose amendments through an initiative, by submitting a petition signed by at least 12% of the total registered voters, with each legislative district having at least 3% of registered voters represented.

What are the requirements for submitting an initiative to amend the Constitution?

A petition must have signatures from at least 12% of the total registered voters in the country, and each legislative district must be represented by at least 3% of its registered voters.

What happens after a petition for a constitutional amendment is submitted?

If the petition is verified, the proposed amendment will be submitted to a national referendum. If it receives approval from a majority of voters, it will become part of the Constitution.

Are there any limitations on how frequently amendments can be proposed?

Yes, no amendment can be proposed within five years of the ratification of the Constitution or more than once every five years thereafter, ensuring stability and careful consideration of changes.

What is the role of Congress in the constitutional amendment process?

Congress is responsible for calling a constitutional convention and organizing the process for amendments, including verifying petitions and facilitating the implementation of amendments approved by the people.