Chapter 4 Evolution of the Philippine Constitution and 1897: Constitution of Biak na Bato

Summary

In this video presentation, M Abdul Magid delves into the evolution of the Philippine Constitution, highlighting its significance as the supreme law guiding the nation. The discussion traverses from the 1897 Biak na Bato Constitution, which aimed for Philippine independence from Spain, through the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution that introduced voting rights and a bicameral legislature, to the 1973 Constitution that established a parliamentary system. The 1986 Freedom Constitution is noted for its transitional role, emphasizing people's sovereignty and government accountability. The video also touches on other attempted constitutions and their historical contexts, underscoring the constitution's role in defining government power, reflecting the people's will, and safeguarding rights.

Takeaways

• 📜 A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles that govern a state or organization, often referred to as the supreme law of the land.
• 🏛️ The Philippine Constitution, the supreme law of the Republic of the Philippines, has been in effect since 1997 and is celebrated on February 2nd.
• 📚 The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution was the first fully implemented constitution in the Philippines, introducing voting rights for male citizens and later extended to women.
• 🌍 The 1973 Constitution established a parliamentary government with a Prime Minister and a President, marking a shift from previous constitutional structures.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The 1986 Freedom Constitution aimed for a more permanent governance structure, distinguishing itself from previous temporary constitutions.
• 🏛️ The Malolos Constitution, also known as the 1899 Constitution, was the first for the first Philippine Republic and featured a popular representative government.
• 📜 The 1943 Constitution, under Japanese occupation, provided a strong executive power and a unicameral National Assembly, but was not recognized by the US and Philippine governments.
• 🌐 The purpose of the Philippine Constitution is to ground the government in the people's authority, emphasizing reason over emotions and the division of power across different branches.
• 📊 The Constitution outlines the government's organization, limits its power, sets rules for governance, guarantees public rights, and provides mechanisms for government and people's correction.
• 📜 The Biak na Bato Constitution was a provisional constitution during the Philippine Revolution, aimed at separating the Philippines from Spanish rule, but was not fully implemented due to the Treaty of Paris and the rise of American colonization.

Q & A

What is the definition of a constitution according to the video?

A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles established according to which a state or other organization is governed. It is a rulebook that guides how a country, state, or organization involving politics operates.

What is the significance of February 2nd in the context of the Philippine Constitution?

February 2nd is significant because it marks the day when the latest constitution of the Philippines was given formal consent in 1997. It is celebrated as Constitution Day in the Philippines.

How does the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution differ from previous attempts at a constitution in the Philippines?

The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution was the first to be fully implemented. It introduced a bicameral legislature, a president elected to a six-year term, and the right to vote for male citizens over 21 who could read and write, which was later extended to women.

What type of government system was introduced by the 1973 Constitution of the Philippines?

The 1973 Constitution introduced a parliamentary government system with a prime minister and a president. It also vested legislative power in a unicameral National Assembly elected by the people.

Why was the 1986 Freedom Constitution established?

The 1986 Freedom Constitution was established to create a more permanent form of government, aiming for a more stable and lasting constitution than the temporary constitutions that preceded it.

What was the Malolos Constitution, and why was it significant?

The Malolos Constitution, also known as the 1899 Constitution, was the first constitution for the first Philippine Republic. It was significant as it was the first in Asia and featured a popular representative government, separation of church and state, and a Bill of Rights.

What led to the creation of the Biak na Bato Constitution in 1897?

The Biak na Bato Constitution was created as a result of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. It was an attempt to establish an independent state with its own government, the Philippine Republic, separate from Spanish control.

How did the Treaty of Paris affect the implementation of the Biak na Bato Constitution?

The Treaty of Paris resulted in the Philippines being sold by Spain to the United States, effectively ending the implementation of the Biak na Bato Constitution. The Filipino revolutionary leaders, including Emilio Aguinaldo, were exiled to Hong Kong, and the constitution was never fully realized.

What was the 1943 Constitution, and why was it short-lived?

The 1943 Constitution was established during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and was known as the constitution of the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic. It was short-lived because the American forces returned and granted the Philippines independence on July 4, 1946.

What is the purpose of the Philippine Constitution as outlined in the video?

The purpose of the Philippine Constitution is to ground the government in the people's authority, ensure that government actions are guided by reason over emotions, and establish a system where power is shared among different branches and levels of government, requiring cooperation for significant progress.