4.1 - THE EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION & Biak-na-Bato Constitution

Summary

In this video, Nana K Abdul discusses the evolution of the Philippines' constitution, highlighting its importance in maintaining law and order, guiding government officials, protecting citizens' rights, and limiting governmental power. The script traces the history of the constitution from the 1899 Malolos Constitution to the current 1987 Constitution, emphasizing the Biak na Bato Constitution's significance as a symbol of Filipino aspirations for self-determination and democracy, despite its short implementation.

Takeaways

• 📜 The constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles or established laws according to which a state or organization is governed.
• 🏛️ The constitution acts as a rule book for the government, outlining rules, creating branches of power, and defining responsibilities.
• 🛡️ It also contains the rights of the people, and it is illegal for the government to violate these rights.
• 🚫 The government cannot pass laws that go against the constitution; all laws must comply with its principles.
• 🗓️ Constitution Day in the Philippines is celebrated every February 2nd to commemorate the ratification of the latest constitution in 1987.
• 🔍 The importance of a constitution includes maintaining law and order, imposing rules and regulations, protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, and limiting government power.
• 📊 The Philippines has had a total of six constitutions, but only three have effectively governed the country: the 1935, 1973, and 1987 constitutions.
• 🏛️ The 1899 Malolos Constitution was the first and was a product of the Philippine Revolution, aiming for self-governance and independence from Spain.
• 🏳️ The Constitution of Biak na Bato, despite not being fully implemented, symbolizes Filipino aspirations for self-determination and served as a foundation for future governance.
• ⏳ The Biak na Bato Constitution was heavily influenced by the Cuban constitution and was written in Spanish, later translated into Tagalog.

Q & A

What is the definition of a constitution according to the video?

A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles or established rules according to which a state or other organization is governed. It serves as a rule book for the government, outlining the branches of power, responsibilities, rights of the people, and ensuring that all laws comply with its principles.

Why is it illegal for the government to violate the rights stated in the constitution?

It is illegal for the government to violate the rights stated in the constitution because the constitution is the supreme law that establishes and protects the rights of the people. Any violation is a breach of the fundamental principles and can result in legal consequences.

What is the significance of February 2nd in the context of the Philippine constitution?

February 2nd is celebrated as Constitution Day in the Philippines. It marks the day when the latest Philippine constitution was ratified in 1987, and it commemorates the date when any new charter takes effect.

Why is having a constitution important for a country?

Having a constitution is important for maintaining law and order, imposing rules and regulations, protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, and limiting the power of the government to prevent abuse and ensure a democratic republic.

How many constitutions has the Philippines had in its history according to the video?

According to the video, the Philippines has had a total of six constitutions in its history, starting from the 1899 Malolos Constitution to the latest 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Which constitutions effectively governed the Philippines among the six?

Among the six constitutions, only three effectively governed the country: the 1935 Constitution, the 1973 Constitution, and the 1986 Philippine Constitution.

What was the purpose of the Biak na Bato Constitution?

The purpose of the Biak na Bato Constitution was to provide a framework for self-governing of the Philippines republic and to establish independence from Spain.

What were the three organs of government established by the Biak na Bato Constitution?

The three organs of government established by the Biak na Bato Constitution were the Supreme Council, the Konseho Supremo de Justicia (Supreme Council of Grace and Justice), and the Assembly of Representatives.

Why was the Biak na Bato Constitution never fully implemented?

The Biak na Bato Constitution was never fully implemented due to the signing of the Pact of Biak na Bato, a truce between the Spanish authorities and the Philippine Revolutionary Army, which led to a temporary cessation of hostilities but did not result in Philippine Independence.

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

The Biak na Bato Constitution is historically significant as it symbolizes Filipino aspiration for self-determination and a democratic republic, laid the groundwork for future Philippine governments, and stands as a testament to the struggle and inspiration of the Filipino people during the Revolution.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to the Philippine Constitution

The speaker introduces the topic of the Philippine Constitution and its evolution. They begin by defining a constitution as a set of fundamental principles governing a state, describing it as a 'rule book' for the government. It outlines the government’s powers, responsibilities, and the rights of the people, which cannot be violated. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the constitution by mentioning that even the president cannot override it. February 2nd is celebrated as Constitution Day in the Philippines, marking the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.

05:01

⚖️ Importance of the Constitution

The speaker highlights the significance of having a constitution. First, it maintains law and order, preventing chaos. Second, it imposes rules and regulations, guiding government officials in managing the country. Third, it protects citizens' rights and freedoms. Lastly, it limits the power of the government, ensuring that officials do not abuse their authority. Without a constitution, the government could function without checks, leading to corruption and tyranny.

📅 Timeline of Philippine Constitutions

The Philippines has had six constitutions throughout its history. However, only three have effectively governed the country: the 1935, 1973, and 1987 Constitutions. The speaker first discusses the Malolos Constitution of 1899 and introduces the Biak-na-Bato Constitution of 1897. The latter was created during the Philippine Revolution to establish an independent government from Spain. It set up a Supreme Council, a judicial council, and an assembly, but was never fully implemented due to a truce between the Spanish authorities and the Philippine revolutionary forces.

🇵🇭 Significance of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution

Though the Biak-na-Bato Constitution had a short lifespan, it holds importance for several reasons. First, it symbolized the Filipino people's aspiration for self-determination and a democratic republic. Second, it laid the groundwork for future governance in the Philippines. Lastly, its historical significance lies in its testament to the Filipino people's struggle during the revolution. The Biak-na-Bato Constitution serves as a powerful example of how revolutionary movements create frameworks for governance, despite facing obstacles.

Keywords

💡Constitution

A constitution is defined as a set of fundamental principles or established laws according to which a state or organization is governed. In the context of the video, the constitution acts as a rule book for the government, outlining the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the government. It is crucial for maintaining law and order, imposing rules and regulations, protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, and limiting governmental power. The video emphasizes that all laws must comply with the constitution, and no one, not even the President, can go against it.

💡Fundamental Principles

Fundamental principles are the core values and rules that form the basis of any constitution. They provide the framework within which a government operates and are designed to ensure that the government functions in a manner that is consistent with the will of the people. In the video, the fundamental principles are discussed as the guiding force behind the constitution, ensuring that the government respects and protects the rights of its citizens.

💡Branches of Power

The branches of power refer to the different parts of a government, each with its own distinct roles and responsibilities. The video mentions that the constitution creates branches of power, which is a reference to the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This division is crucial for preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful and ensuring a balance of power within the government.

💡Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a commemorative date that celebrates the ratification of a country's constitution. In the video, it is mentioned that the Philippines celebrates Constitution Day on February 2nd, marking the day the latest constitution was ratified in 1987. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of the constitution and the values it upholds.

💡Evolution

Evolution in the context of the video refers to the development and changes that the Philippine constitution has undergone over time. The video discusses the timeline of the constitution's evolution, starting from the first constitution in 1899 to the current one in 1987. This evolution reflects the country's historical journey and the various attempts to establish a governing framework that best serves the needs of its people.

💡Constitution of Biak na Bato

The Constitution of Biak na Bato, also known as the 1897 constitution, was an early attempt at creating a framework for self-governance for the Philippines, independent from Spain. It established organs of government such as the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, and the Assembly of Representatives. Although it was never fully implemented due to a truce with Spanish authorities, it holds historical significance as a symbol of Filipino aspirations for self-determination and a democratic republic.

💡Self-governance

Self-governance refers to the ability of a people or a group to manage their own affairs without external control. In the video, the Constitution of Biak na Bato aimed to provide a framework for self-governance for the Philippines, reflecting the desire of the Filipino people to determine their own political future and establish a democratic republic.

💡Revolution

A revolution is a significant change that usually involves the overthrow of an existing government or social order. The video mentions the ongoing revolution that began on August 24, 1896, which led to the creation of the Constitution of Biak na Bato. The revolution was a period of struggle and inspiration for the Filipino people, demonstrating their determination to achieve independence and self-determination.

💡Legal Procedures

Legal procedures refer to the established rules and processes that guide the administration of justice and the enforcement of laws. The video discusses how the Constitution of Biak na Bato established the Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, which was responsible for judicial matters, including reviewing court decisions and setting legal procedures. This highlights the importance of a constitution in defining the legal framework within which a country operates.

💡Limitation of Government Power

Limitation of government power is a key concept in constitutional law, ensuring that the government does not abuse its authority. The video emphasizes that the constitution is essential for limiting the power of government officials, preventing them from acting out of personal interest or greed. This is crucial for maintaining a fair and just society where the rights of citizens are protected.

Highlights

Definition of a constitution as a set of fundamental principles according to which a state or organization is governed.

Constitution as a rule book for the government, outlining rules that must be followed.

Constitution's role in creating branches of power and defining government responsibilities.

Constitutional protection of people's rights and the illegality of government violation of these rights.

Laws must comply with the constitution, and no one, including the President, can go against it.

Constitution Day in the Philippines is celebrated every February 2nd.

Importance of a constitution for maintaining law and order.

Constitution as a guide for government officials in managing the country.

Constitution's role in protecting citizens' rights and freedoms.

Constitutional limitation of government power to prevent abuse by officials.

Timeline of the Philippine constitution, starting with the 1899 Malolos Constitution.

Only three of the six constitutions effectively governed the Philippines: 1935, 1973, and 1987.

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

Biak na Bato Constitution aimed to provide a framework for self-governance and independence from Spain.

Established organs of government under the Biak na Bato Constitution: Supreme Council, Supreme Council of Grace and Justice, and Assembly.

Influence of the Cuban constitution on the Biak na Bato Constitution.

Despite not being fully implemented, the Biak na Bato Constitution symbolizes Filipino aspirations for self-determination.

Historical significance of the Biak na Bato Constitution as a testament to the Filipino struggle for independence.

The Biak na Bato Constitution as an example of how revolutionary movements develop governance frameworks.

Transcripts

assalam Alaikum warahmatullah wakat

Hello everyone this isana k Abdul in

this video I'm going to discuss

evolution of the Philippines

constitution to fully understand how the

Philippines constitution evolved Let's

start with the definition of the

constitution So what is constitution the

constitution is defined as a set of

fundamental principle or establish

Presidents according to which state or

other organization is governed so ang

constitution is like a rule book in the

government lahat lahat ng rules na

nakasaad sa book na ito ay kailangan

sundin ng

government this document also create a

branches power and responsibilities of

the government It also contains the

right of the people and it is illegal

for the government to violate this right

and if they do they will be punished by

the

law the government can't pass the law

which goes Again the constitution all

laws must comply with the with the

principle set out in the constitution

take note of this No one not even the

President can go against the

constitution here is the fun fact did

you know that every February 2 is our

constitution day for those of you are

not aware in this for every change in

the constitution the President will

release a proclamation to the to

commemorate the date when the new

charter will take effect this day is

called constitution day the latest

Philippines constitution was ratified on

February 2 1987 This is the reason why

we celebrate our constitution day for

every 2nd of February now we already

know the meaning of the constitution

Let's move on to the importance of the

constitution so Why it is important to

us to have a constitution first it

maintain the law and order imagine our

country without a constitution It will

be In chaos second it imposed the rules

and regulation the constitution serve as

a Guide to the government official in

the managing the country it tells the

government what they should do and

should not do third it protects the

right and freedom of the Citizen fourth

it limit the power of the government

without a constitution greedy official

will Take advantage and the government

will will function according to its will

So it is a must for us to have a

constitution Now let's move on to the

evolution of the Philippines

constitution This is the timeline of the

Philippines constitution in the history

of the Philippines We have a total of

six constitution starting from the first

constitution the 1899 Malolos

constitution down to the latest

constitution the 1987 Philippines

constitution among the six constitution

only three effectively govern the

country These are the the 1935

constitution the 1973 constitution and

the 1986 Philippines

constitution so the constitution of

biyak na bato was promulgated on

November 1

1897 by the Philippine revolutionary

government It was a product of the

ongoing Revolution which had begun on

august 24

1896 the constitution purpose was to

provide a framework for self-governing

of the Philippines republic and being

independent from the

Spain this constitution established the

following organs of Government number

one supreme council this council held

the highest Authority in the republic it

was led by a President and included four

department secretaries interior Foreign

Affairs treasury and war number two

konseho Supremo De Garcia is justia or

Supreme Council of Grace and justice

this council was responsible for jucal

matters including reviewing court

decision and establishing legal

procedures number three assembly the

representatives or assembly of

representatives this assembly was

intended to be convened after the

Revolution success it would have the

task of drafting a permanent

constitution and electing a new

government

the constitution of Biak na Bato was

heavily influenced by cuban constitution

meaning to say it was borrowed from

cuban constitution and it was written in

Spanish by Isabelo artacho and Felix

feer and Later on translated into

Tagalog despite its significance the

constitution of biyak na bato was never

fully implemented This was due to the

signing of the pack of biyak na bato a

truce between the span authorities and

the Philippine revolutionary army this

pct led to the temporal of hostilities

but ultimately did not lead to the

Philippine

Independence despite its short lifespan

the constitution of Biak na Bato is

important for several reason So kahit

daw hindi tumagal may Kahalagahan din

ang constitution na ito dahil This is

symbol of Filipino aspiration It

represent the Filipino desire for

self-determination and a democratic

republic number two foundation for

future governance the constitution laid

the groundwork for future Philippine

governments even though it was never

fully implemented number three

historical significance it stand as a

testament to the struggle and

inspiration of the Filipino people

during the Revolution the the

constitution of biyak na bato is a

fascinating example of how revolutionary

movements develop their own framework

for

governance So this is the end of my rep

once again I'm Nana k Abdul Thank you

for watching