Gen. Info - Art. 2: Declaration of Principles and State Policies

Summary

This video explores Article 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, detailing its 28 sections covering principles and state policies. It explains the democratic and republican nature of the Philippines, emphasizing civilian authority and the renunciation of war. The video also discusses the importance of social justice, human rights, and the economy, including the promotion of a self-reliant national economy and the recognition of labor rights. Additionally, it touches on the roles of youth, women, and indigenous communities, the significance of education, and the autonomy of local governments. The video concludes with a call to maintain honesty and integrity in public offices and the policy of full public disclosure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Constitution of 1987 is divided into two main parts: Declaration of Principles (Sections 1-6) and State Policies (Sections 7-28).
• 🏛️ Section 1 establishes the Philippines as a democratic and republican state, emphasizing that sovereignty resides with the people.
• 🌐 The Philippines adopts a democratic republic form of government, combining elements of direct democracy such as initiative and referendum.
• 🕊️ Section 2 renounces war as a national policy, committing the country only to defensive wars and promoting peace and cooperation with all nations.
• 📜 International law is recognized as part of the Philippine legal system, but it is not superior to the national constitution.
• 🛡️ Civilian authority is declared supreme over the military at all times, even during martial law, to uphold the rule of law.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The government is tasked with serving and protecting the people, with an emphasis on compulsory personal service for the defense of the state.
• ⛪️ The Constitution mandates a strict separation of church and state, ensuring no interference in each other's affairs and no official religion.
• 🌱 Section 9 calls for the promotion of a just and dynamic social order, aiming to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
• 🏡 The family is recognized as a basic social institution, with the state committed to protecting both the mother and the unborn from conception.
• 🌐 Section 18 highlights the importance of labor as a primary social economic force, with the state required to protect workers' rights and enforce labor laws.

Q & A

What is the primary source of sovereignty according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The primary source of sovereignty, as stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, resides in the people.

How does the Philippine Constitution define a democratic and republican state?

A democratic state is one that is run by the people, while a republican state is a government system where power rests with the nation's citizens who can choose leaders to represent them and make laws.

What is the difference between a democracy and a republic as explained in the script?

A republic is a form of government, whereas democracy is an ideology that shapes how a government is right. The Philippines is a democratic republic, where sovereignty resides in the people, but the power to govern is given to elected officials.

What does the renunciation of war as a national policy mean in the context of the Philippine Constitution?

The renunciation of war as a national policy means that the Philippines will never start a war with another country and can only declare war for self-preservation and territorial integrity.

How does the Philippine Constitution incorporate international law?

The Philippine Constitution follows the doctrine of incorporation, which means that the rules of international law form part of the law of the land without requiring legislative action to make them applicable.

What is the significance of the civilian authority being supreme over the military as per the Constitution?

The supremacy of civilian authority over the military ensures that the government operates under the rule of law and that the military serves as a protector of the people and the state, rather than a suppressor of liberties.

What is the role of the government as outlined in Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The role of the government is to serve and protect the people, with the people being the masters and government officials and employees being the servants.

How does the Constitution ensure the separation of church and state?

The Constitution mandates a wall of separation between the church and the state that is inviolable, meaning that neither can interfere with the matters of the other, and the state cannot have an official religion.

What is the purpose of promoting a just and dynamic social order as stated in Section 9 of the Constitution?

The purpose of promoting a just and dynamic social order is to ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation while freeing the people from poverty through policies that promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and improved quality of life.

What is the significance of the state's commitment to social justice as mentioned in Section 10?

The state's commitment to social justice involves giving preferential attention to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, ensuring equal access to wealth, opportunities, and privileges.

How does the Constitution view the role of the family as a basic social institution?

The Constitution views the family as a basic autonomous social institution that the state must protect and strengthen, ensuring the protection of both the mother's and the unborn child's life from conception.