Section 1

The Philippines, a democratic and republican state. A republican government is a democratic government by
representatives chosen by the people at large. The essence therefore, of a republican state is indirect rule. It embodies
some features of a pure or direct democracy such as initiative, referendum, and recall.

Manifestations of a democratic and republican state.

-The existence of a bill of right.
- The observance of the rule of majority.
- The observance of the principle that ours is a government of laws, and not of men.
- The presence of election through popular will.
- The observance of the principle of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances.
- The observance of the principle that the legislation cannot pass irrepealable laws.
- The observance of the law on public officers.
- The observance of the principle that the State cannot be sued without its consent.

Sovereignty implies the supreme authority to govern, thus the Filipino people, being sovereign people have the right to
constitute their own government, to change it, and define its jurisdiction and powers. It is exercised indirectly through
public officials and through suffrage.

Section1
above impliedly recognizes that the people, as the ultimate judges of their destiny, can resort to revolution as a matter
of right. A provision in the Constitution, however, expressly recognizing the people’s right to revolt against an oppressive
or tyrannical government is not necessary and proper.
Section 2
The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom,
cooperation, and amity with all nations.
With the conflict in the claim of Spratly’s intensifying, China decided to launch an all-out attack to the Philippines.
Can the Philippines engage in war?
The declaration refers only to the renunciation by the Philippines of aggressive war, not a war in defense of her
national honor and integrity. Thus, when provoked and attacked the Philippines can retaliate and engage into war.
Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy
Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our International law refers to the
body of rules and principles which governs the relations of nations and their respective peoples in their intercourse with
one another
Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our law. The doctrine of
incorporation is the automatic adoption of international law as part of the law of the Philippines.
 The Philippines seeks only peace and friendship with her neighbors and all countries of the world, regardless of
race, creed, ideology, and political system, on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. Adherence to the
policy of peace, etc., with all nations
Section 3
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector
of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
Supremacy of civilian authority over the military inherent in a republican system safeguard against military
dictatorship
The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the
people to defend the State and, in the fulfilment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law,
to render personal, military or civil service the foremost duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The
government exist for the people and not the people for the government.
Defense of the State by the people against foreign aggression, the government may call upon the people to
defend the State. For self-preservation and to defend its territorial honor and integrity, the Philippines can engage in a
defensive war. The defense of the State is one of the duties of a citizen.
Section 4
Defense of the State performed through an army Compulsory Personal By law Military and civil service by the
people.
The term refers to any service for the defense of the State other than as soldiers, like as workers in munitions
factories. Meaning of “civil service”
Section 5
The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general
welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.
Only when peace and order, security, and a life of dignity are established and maintained, will political stability
and economic prosperity become attainable and the people truly enjoy the “blessings of independence and democracy.
Maintenance of peace and order, etc.
Section 6
The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
Principle of separation of the church and State. The principle simply means that the Church is not to interfere in
purely political matters or temporal aspects of man’s life and the State, in purely matters of religion and morals, which
are the exclusive concerns of the other.
The State shall have no official religion. The State cannot set up a church, whether or not supported with funds;
nor aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Every person is free to profess belief or
disbelief in any religion.
Every religious minister is free to practice his calling; The State cannot punish a person for entertaining or
professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs.
Preamble – The command that Church and State be separated is not to be interpreted to mean hostility to
religion. Our Constitution and laws exempt from taxation, properties devoted exclusively to religious purposes; No
hostility towards religion.
 The use of public money or property is not prohibited when a priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary as such is
assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium; Optional religious
instruction in public elementary and high school is by constitutional mandate allowed. No hostility towards religion
Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, Christmas Day and Sundays are made legal holidays because of the idea that
their observance is conducive to beneficial moral results; and The law punishes polygamy and bigamy, and certain
crimes against worship are considered crimes against the fundamental laws of the State. No hostility towards religion
Section 7
The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount
consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self- determination.
Foreign policy is a set of guideline followed by a government of a country in order to promote its national
interest through the conduct of its relations with other countries. Foreign Policy of the Philippines
Formulation and conduct of foreign policy. The president formulates our foreign policy principally with the help
of the Department of Foreign Affairs, an instrument of domestic policy. Foreign policy is but a reflection and an
instrument of domestic policy, the former being dictated by the latter. They are not only mutually consistent but
complementary. Foreign Policy of the Philippines
Pursuit of an independent foreign policy. An independent foreign policy means one that is not subordinate or
subject to nor dependent upon the support of another government. An independent foreign policy, however, it is not
one that completely rejects advice or assistance from without. Foreign Policy of the Philippines
In general, our basic foreign policy objective is to establish friendly relations with all countries of the world
regardless of race, religion, ideology and social system and to promote as much beneficial relationship with them
particularly in economic and trade activities. Foreign Policy of the Philippines
Paramount consideration. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration of the Philippines shall
be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.
Section 8
The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear
weapons in its territory.
Section 9
The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the
nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full
employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Policies necessary to be pursued – adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living,
and an improved quality of life for all. Just and dynamic social order Solving the problem of mass poverty – The goal is to
reduce that political and economic power of privileged few by equalizing widely differing standards and opportunities
for advancement and raise the masses of our people from a life of misery and deprivation to a qualitative life worthy of
human dignity and respect.
Section 10
The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development. In the fulfilment of this duty, the
State must give preferential attention to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, those who have
less in life
Section 11
The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
 The individual enjoy certain rights which cannot be modified or taken away by the law-making body. These
rights are protected or guaranteed because of the belief in the inherent dignity and basic moral worth of every human
person. Human dignity and human rights, the human person is the end of every social organization. The value accorded
to human dignity is measured by the extent of respect for human rights, principally the rights to life, liberty, and
property Human dignity and human rights
Section 12
The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution.
It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and
primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character
shall receive the support of the Government.
Section 13
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical,
moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic
affairs.
Section 14
The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the
law of women and men.
Filipino women are noted to have low participation at all levels. The Civil Service Commission reported that few
women candidates - who ran for public office - succeeded in securing public posts. In 2004, the average proportion of
women in key elected posts was no more than 17%. The dismal performance of women in the 2004 elections registered
a sharp drop after an increasing trend beginning 1995.
Section 15
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
them.
The state shall oblige its self to promote and protect the right of the people to health by instilling health
consciousness among the people.
Section 16
The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The state shall promote and protect the rights of the people about a balanced and healthful environment.
Section 17
The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism
and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.
The state shall provide education to all citizens to have a general and broader understanding about
knowledge.
Section 18
The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote
their welfare.
In this provision, the state protects the rights of each and every workers.
Section 19
The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.
It states that the constitutional guidelines in the development of the economy: economic self- reliance,
independent national economy, and effective Filipino control of the economy.
Section 20
The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides
incentives to needed investments.
The state is mandated to encourage private enterprise and to provide incentives to needed investments,
whether local or foreign.
Section 21
The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
The state must develop rural and agrarian reform for the benefits of the country
Section 22
The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of
national unity and development.
The provision also directs the State to promote their rights within the framework of national unity and
development
Section 23
The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the
welfare of the nation.
The state is required to encourage these organizations because recent events have shown that, under
responsible leadership, they can be active contributors to the political, social, and economic growth of the country
Section 24
The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
The state must keep abreast of communication innovations but at the same time be selective and discriminating
to ensure that only those ³suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation´ are adapted
Section 25
The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
Local affairs can best be regulated by the people in the locality.
Section 26
The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may
be defined by law.
This does not allow the existence of political dynasties or the practice of keeping political power within the
control of select families
Section 27
The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures
against graft and corruption.
 Honesty and integrity in public service undermines the quality of life for people especially in poor qualities. The
constitution seeks to minimize and find completely to eliminate graft and corruption, a way to attack problem.
Section 28
Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public
disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest
The Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full
public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interests. Section 7 of the Bill of Rights Guarantees the
people’s right to know any transaction entered into by the government which is limited to things which involves public
concerns.