The Constitutions of the Philippines: Evolution, History and Importance

Summary

In this video, the professor discusses the history and importance of the Philippine Constitution, outlining its role in establishing and regulating government powers. The video covers various constitutions enacted in the Philippines, starting with the 1897 constitution during the revolution, through to the 1935, 1973, and the current 1987 constitution. The professor explains how these constitutions have shaped the country's governance, promoting democracy, freedom, and the division of powers among the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The session ends with a call for questions and comments from the audience.

Takeaways

• 📜 The constitution serves as the foundation and supreme law of the Philippine government, defining its powers and structure.
• 📚 A well-written constitution should be brief, definite, and comprehensive to prevent confusion and misinterpretation.
• 🇵🇭 The first Philippine constitution was promulgated in 1897 during the Philippine Revolution and led to the establishment of the first republic under Emilio Aguinaldo.
• 🗓 The 1935 Philippine Constitution was created to prepare the Philippines for eventual independence, forming the Commonwealth government.
• ⚔️ After World War II, the Second Republic under José P. Laurel dissolved, and the Philippines reorganized its government with the help of the U.S.
• 🛡 In 1973, under President Marcos, the Fourth Republic was established during the Martial Law period, shifting the political structure significantly.
• 📅 The 1987 Constitution marks the return to democracy after the Marcos regime, with a unitary, presidential, and constitutional republic system.
• ⚖️ The 1987 Constitution divides the powers of the government into three branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary.
• 🗳 There is ongoing discussion about federalism as a potential new form of government in the Philippines, shifting from the current unitary system.
• 🙌 The 1987 Constitution promotes democracy, freedom, and is still being used by the government, offering rights enjoyed by Filipino citizens today.

Q & A

What is the definition of a constitution as described in the video?

A constitution is defined as the foundation of the system of government. It contains the body of rules and principles according to which the powers of sovereignty are exercised and implemented.

What does the constitution establish according to the professor?

The constitution establishes the powers of the government, including defining, limiting, and distributing the powers and functions of government.

What are the key characteristics of a well-written constitution?

A well-written constitution should be brief, comprehensive, and definite to avoid confusion and misinterpretation by the people.

What is the historical significance of the 1897 Biak-na-Bato Constitution?

The Biak-na-Bato Constitution, promulgated in 1897 during the Philippine Revolution led by Emilio Aguinaldo, installed the first republic of the Philippines and was one of the earliest forms of government after independence.

What was the purpose of the 1935 Philippine Constitution?

The 1935 Philippine Constitution was created to establish the Commonwealth government and prepare the Philippines for eventual independence from the United States.

How did the 1973 Constitution differ from previous constitutions?

The 1973 Constitution, enacted under the Marcos regime, reorganized the government and installed the Fourth Republic. It was characterized by the implementation of martial law and centralized power under President Marcos.

What was the significance of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The 1987 Constitution marked the return of democracy to the Philippines following the Marcos regime. It established a unitary presidential and constitutional republic, distributing powers among the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.

What are the three branches of government outlined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The 1987 Constitution outlines three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.

How does the 1987 Constitution promote democracy and freedom?

The 1987 Constitution promotes democracy and freedom by establishing a framework for a democratic state, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring the division of governmental powers.

What topics related to governance and constitutional development are briefly mentioned at the end of the video?

The professor briefly mentions discussions on federalism as a possible new form of government and encourages questions and comments from the audience to further explore these topics.