Philippine Constitution 1973 | Readings in Philippine History | Ceu Students

Summary

This video script delves into the history and significance of the Philippine constitutions, highlighting the 1973 Constitution's unique features under President Ferdinand Marcos. It details the shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, the establishment of a Prime Minister alongside the President, and the legislative changes that allowed Marcos to rule by decree. The script also discusses the constitution's strengths and weaknesses, its impact on democracy, and its enduring legacy on Filipino citizenship, natural resources, and education.

Takeaways

• 📜 A constitution is a foundational set of rules that governs how a country or political organization operates.
• 🏛️ The Philippines has had six different constitutions, with the 1973 Constitution being a significant one discussed in the video.
• 🌱 The first Philippine Constitution, known as the Malolos Constitution, was established after the declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.
• 👨‍🦳 Ferdinand Marcos, the President of the Philippines, initiated the 1973 Constitution to extend his term and rule by decree, shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
• 🏛️ The 1973 Constitution introduced a Prime Minister alongside the President, both elected by the National Assembly, marking a historical change in the political structure.
• 📝 The 1973 Constitution emphasized the duties and obligations of citizens, including military service and loyalty to the state.
• 🔄 The 1973 Constitution saw changes in suffrage, allowing all citizens over 18 to vote without literacy or property requirements.
• 👥 Citizenship laws were clarified, ensuring that Filipinos marrying foreigners retained their citizenship, and their children could also claim Filipino citizenship.
• 🏦 The 1973 Constitution had strengths, such as ensuring health, education, and security for citizens, and weaknesses like allowing Marcos to suppress democratic institutions.
• 🏢 The Constitution mandated transparency in public records and emphasized the importance of preserving the Filipino culture and natural resources.
• 🏛️ The 1973 Constitution's legacy includes significant jurisprudence on national territory, sovereignty, citizenship, and the rights and duties of citizens.

Q & A

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

A constitution is a set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works.

How many constitutions has the Philippines had in its history according to the video?

The Philippines has had a total of six constitutions.

What is the significance of June 12, 1898, in Philippine history as mentioned in the script?

June 12, 1898, is significant because it marks the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain.

What was the first Philippine constitution called and when was it approved?

The first Philippine constitution was called the Malolos Constitution and it was approved on January 20, 1899.

Why was the 1973 Philippine Constitution created?

The 1973 Philippine Constitution was created because President Ferdinand Marcos wanted to remain in power beyond his legal tenure, leading to the declaration of martial law and the manipulation of a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution that allowed him to rule by decree.

What was the main change in the system of government introduced by the 1973 Constitution?

The 1973 Constitution introduced a shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government.

What were the two main positions established by the parliamentary government under the 1973 Constitution?

The parliamentary government established a Prime Minister and a President, both of whom were elected by the National Assembly.

How did the 1973 Constitution change the legislative power in the Philippines?

The 1973 Constitution gave legislative power to the President, acting to avoid the uprising of the New People's Army.

What was the significance of Presidential Decree 86 in 1972 according to the script?

Presidential Decree 86 in 1972, also known as creating Barangay Assemblies, established the barangay as the basic unit of government and is recognized in the 1987 Constitution.

How did the 1973 Constitution change the suffrage or the right to vote in the Philippines?

The 1973 Constitution lowered the voting age to 18 years of age, removed literacy or property requirements, and allowed all citizens who are at least 18 years old and have been residents for at least one year and six months in the place they proposed to vote.

What was the stance of the 1973 Constitution on citizenship for Filipinos married to aliens?

The 1973 Constitution stated that female citizens of the Philippines who married an alien would retain their Philippine citizenship. This was later expanded in the 1987 Constitution to apply to all genders.

What are some of the strengths of the 1973 Philippine Constitution as mentioned in the script?

Some strengths include ensuring citizens' health, education, and security; leading to records and books of accounts being made public; limiting access to natural resources to Filipino citizens; ratifying workers' rights; allowing everyone the right to vote without gender roles; and maintaining and preserving Filipino culture.

What were the weaknesses of the 1973 Philippine Constitution that contributed to Marcos's downfall?

The weaknesses included allowing Marcos to rule by decree, suppressing democratic institutions, restricting civil freedoms, and increasing the number of Supreme Court justices who were appointed by the president alone without the consent or recommendation of any other body or officials.

What is the long-term contribution of the 1973 Constitution to the Philippines' national territory?

The 1973 Constitution's jurisprudence includes defining the national territory as the Philippine archipelago with all the islands and waters, embracing their inlets and all other territories belonging to the Philippines.

How did the 1973 Constitution address the issue of natural resources in the Philippines?

The 1973 Constitution stated that natural resources must not be alienated and that no license, concession, or lease for the exploration or utilization of any of the natural resources shall be granted.

What provision did the 1973 Constitution make for education in the Philippines?

The 1973 Constitution provided that the state shall maintain a system for free public elementary education and, in areas where finances permit, establish and maintain a system of free public education at least up to the secondary level.