The Attempts to Ammend the 1987 Constitution

Summary

The video discusses the various attempts to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution, highlighting three methods for constitutional change: the Constituent Assembly, Constitutional Convention, and People's Initiative. It covers historical attempts by different administrations, starting from Fidel V. Ramos's tenure, through efforts by Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III, up to recent discussions on federalism. Each attempt faced challenges and controversies, leading to failures in implementing changes. The video provides insights into the complexities of constitutional amendments in the Philippines and their political implications.

Takeaways

• 😊 The 1987 Constitution provides three ways to amend it, all requiring majority votes in a National Referendum.
• 📝 The three methods for amending the Constitution are: constituent assembly, constitutional convention, and people's initiative.
• 🏛️ A constituent assembly involves a group tasked with drafting, changing, or reviewing the Constitution.
• 👥 A constitutional convention is a gathering of delegates chosen by the people to discuss and create changes to the Constitution.
• ✍️ A people's initiative allows citizens to propose changes through a petition with enough signatures from voters.
• 📜 The first attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution occurred in 1995 under Fidel V. Ramos, led by Jose Almonte, but it failed.
• ⚖️ In 1997, the group Pirma tried to amend the Constitution through a people's initiative but was opposed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and stopped in court.
• 🔍 Joseph Estrada formed a commission to investigate charter change, but this effort was blocked when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took office.
• 🔄 Arroyo's administration also attempted constitutional change via a constituent assembly, but it did not succeed due to controversies.
• 📉 Benigno Aquino III showed little interest in charter change, though some economic amendments were proposed but failed.

Q & A

What are the three methods by which the 1987 Philippine Constitution can be amended?

The three methods are the constituent assembly, the constitutional convention, and the people's initiative, all requiring majority votes in a national referendum.

What is a constituent assembly?

A constituent assembly is a group of people selected to draft, revise, or review a constitution. Members discuss and propose amendments, which are then subject to ratification by the people.

How does a constitutional convention differ from a constituent assembly?

A constitutional convention involves delegates elected by the people to discuss and create a new constitution or amend the existing one, while a constituent assembly consists of current lawmakers tasked with drafting amendments.

What is the role of the people’s initiative in amending the constitution?

The people’s initiative allows citizens to propose constitutional amendments by gathering a sufficient number of signatures from voters. If the required signatures are obtained, the proposal is put to a public vote for ratification.

When did the first attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution take place?

The first attempt occurred in 1995 during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos, when National Security Council Secretary Jose Almonte drafted a proposed constitution, but it failed after being exposed to the media.

What was the goal of the 'PIRMA' movement in 1997?

The PIRMA movement sought to gather signatures to amend the constitution through a people’s initiative, but it faced opposition from figures like Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who successfully challenged it in court.

What was the outcome of Joseph Estrada's attempt to address constitutional change?

Joseph Estrada formed a commission to study charter change, but his efforts were interrupted when he was replaced by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president.

How did Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration approach constitutional change?

House Speaker Jose de Venecia endorsed constitutional change through a constituent assembly, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to various political issues.

What was President Benigno Aquino III’s stance on constitutional amendments?

President Benigno Aquino III showed little interest in charter change, aside from congressional proposals related to economic provisions aimed at promoting liberalization, which also did not succeed.

How did President Rodrigo Duterte view constitutional change during his term?

During his 2016 campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte supported federalism, advocating for a system where the national government would focus on national issues, while local governments would have more autonomy.