Chapter 4.1 Evolution of Philippine Constitution

Summary

Jari AMD discusses the evolution of the Philippine constitution, focusing on the 1897 Biak-na-Bato Constitution. This provisional constitution was established during the Philippine Revolution and aimed to create a separate government from Spanish rule. It outlined three governing bodies: the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, and the Assembly of Representatives. Despite its importance, it was never fully implemented due to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato between the Spanish and the Philippine revolutionary forces.

Takeaways

• 📜 A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.
• 🏛️ The Philippine Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of the Philippines, which has been in effect since 1987.
• 📚 The Philippines has had three constitutions: the 1985 Commonwealth Constitution, the 1973 Constitution, and the 1986 Freedom Constitution.
• 🏳️‍🌟 The 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato was the provisional constitution of the Philippine Republic during the Philippine Revolution.
• 📜 This constitution was promulgated by the Philippine revolutionary government on November 1, 1897, and was influenced by the Cuban model.
• 🏛️ The constitution was led by three organizations: the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, and the Assembly of Representatives.
• 🛑 The 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato was never fully implemented due to the Pact of Biak na Bato signed between the Spanish and the Philippine revolutionary army.
• 🏞️ Biak na Bato symbolizes the separation of the Philippines from Spanish monarchy and the establishment of a new state with its own government, the Republic of the Philippines.
• 🗓️ The revolution began on August 24, 1896, and the representatives of the revolution convened at Biak na Bato on November 1, 1897, to establish the constitution's articles.

Q & A

What is a constitution?

A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. It is the supreme law that outlines the nature and extent of government powers.

What does the term 'constitution' mean in a broader sense?

In a broader sense, 'constitution' means the coming together of distinct entities into one group with the same principles and ideals.

When did the current Constitution of the Philippines come into effect?

The current Constitution of the Philippines, known as the 1987 Constitution, came into effect in 1987.

How many constitutions has the Philippines had?

The Philippines has had three constitutions: the 1985 Commonwealth Constitution, the 1973 Constitution, and the 1986 Freedom Constitution.

What was the 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato?

The 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato was the provisional constitution of the Philippine Republic during the Philippine Revolution, promulgated on November 1, 1897.

Who wrote the 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato?

The 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato was written by Isabelo Artacho and Felix Per in Spanish, which was later translated into Tagalog.

What were the three main organizations established by the 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato?

The three main organizations established were the Supreme Council, the Consejo Supremo de Gracia y Justicia, and the Asamblea de Representantes.

What was the role of the Supreme Council according to the 1897 Constitution?

The Supreme Council was given the power of the Republic, led by the President and four department secretaries, including Foreign Affairs, Treasury, and War.

What was the function of the Consejo Supremo de Gracia y Justicia?

The Consejo Supremo de Gracia y Justicia was authorized to make decisions and confirm or overturn rulings given by other courts and dictate policies for the administration of justice.

Why was the 1897 Constitution of Biak na Bato never fully implemented?

The 1897 Constitution was never fully implemented because the Pact of Biak na Bato was signed, which was a truce between the Spanish and the Philippine revolutionary army.

What was the significance of the Biak na Bato meeting in the context of the Philippine Revolution?

The Biak na Bato meeting was significant as it was where the revolutionary representatives agreed upon and established the articles for the Constitution of the state, reflecting the aspirations and ambitions of the Filipinos during the ongoing war that began on August 24, 1896.