Gen. Info. - The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Summary

In this educational video, the host delves into the significance of the preamble, a crucial introductory component to many constitutions, including the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The video explains the Latin origin of 'preamble' and its role as an introduction to important documents. It contrasts the preamble's non-legal status with its vital function in expressing the Constitution's purpose and the values of its authors. The discussion highlights changes from previous versions, such as a more direct reference to 'Almighty God' and a shift from 'general welfare' to 'common good,' emphasizing inclusive national welfare. New additions like 'aspirations,' 'independence,' 'rule of law,' and 'transparency' are also explored, reflecting the Filipino people's dreams and the nation's commitment to justice and integrity. The video concludes with a teaser for the next lesson on national territory.

Takeaways

• 📜 The term 'preamble' originates from the Latin word 'praeambulum,' which means 'walking before,' indicating it serves as an introduction to an important document.
• 🇺🇸 Despite not being part of the Constitution or a source of rights, the preamble is crucial as it reveals the Constitution's authors' intentions and the document's general purposes.
• 🌍 Not all constitutions include a preamble; it is not a mandatory component, yet most constitutions worldwide do feature one.
• 📝 The 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble is notably long, reflecting the values, ideals, and aspirations of the Filipino people.
• 🔍 The preamble's opening phrase, 'We the sovereign Filipino people,' underscores that the Constitution's authority stems from the people themselves.
• ✍️ Changes in the 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble include a more direct reference to 'Almighty God' and a broader focus on building a just and humane society.
• 🏛️ The term 'general welfare' was replaced with 'common good' to emphasize that government efforts should benefit all citizens equally.
• 🌱 The change from 'patrimonial of the nation' to 'our patrimony' signifies that the Philippines' natural resources belong to all Filipinos.
• 🆕 New additions to the preamble include 'aspirations,' 'independence,' 'rule of law,' 'transparency,' and 'honesty,' highlighting the nation's values and the importance of integrity in public service.
• ❤️ The inclusion of 'love' in the preamble signifies the importance of unity and overcoming societal divisions.

Q & A

What does the term 'preamble' mean and where does it originate from?

The term 'preamble' comes from the Latin word 'praeambulum,' which means 'walking before.' It serves as an introduction to an important document, often explaining what is coming.

Is the preamble a legally binding part of the Constitution?

The preamble is not a legally binding part of the Constitution nor a source of rights, but it provides context on the Constitution's authors and general purposes.

Is it mandatory for all constitutions to have a preamble?

No, not all constitutions have a preamble. A constitution can exist without one, although the majority of the world's constitutions do contain a preamble.

What does the preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution signify?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble signifies the values, ideals, and aspirations of the Filipino people, emphasizing that the authority of the Constitution comes from the people themselves.

How has the phrase 'imploring the aid of Almighty God' changed in the 1987 Philippine Constitution compared to the 1973 Constitution?

In the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the phrase 'imploring the aid of Almighty God' replaced 'imploring the aid of divine providence' to make the reference to God more direct and personal.

What is the significance of the change from 'general welfare' to 'common good' in the 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble?

The change to 'common good' signifies that the government's efforts and rules should be for the welfare of all people without exceptions, emphasizing inclusivity.

What does the phrase 'our patrimony' in the 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble represent?

The phrase 'our patrimony' signifies that the natural resources of the Philippines belong to all Filipinos, highlighting collective ownership and responsibility.

What new phrases were added to the 1987 Philippine Constitution's preamble, and what do they signify?

New phrases added include 'aspirations' to signify the dreams of Filipinos, 'independence' to emphasize national sovereignty, 'rule of law' to indicate that no one is above the law, 'transparency' to emphasize the need for honesty in public officials, and 'love' to suggest that love is necessary to overcome societal divisions.

What is the role of the preamble in providing a vision for the nation according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The preamble in the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides a vision for building a just, humane, and fair society where every individual is treated equally before the law.

Why is the preamble considered important even though it is not a source of rights?

The preamble is important because it sets the tone and purpose of the Constitution, reflecting the values and aspirations of the people, and guiding the interpretation and application of the Constitution.