University of San Carlos

Department of Political Science

Philippine Government &
Constitution

The Constitutions of the

Republic Philippines

Malolos Constitution of 1899

1st democratic
constitution in Asia
Stated that
sovereignty
belonged
exclusively to the
people.
Separated church
and state
Guaranteed the law
& civil rights

Malolos Constitution of 1899

Created an
Assembly of
Representatives w/c
would pass laws
The President had
executive power
and was elected by
the majority of the
Assembly for a term
of 4 years.

Malolos Constitution of 1899

To ensure that the
President did not
abuse his power,
the secretaries of
the government
were made
responsible to the
Assembly

1935 Constitution
Ratified on May 14,
1935 by the Filipino
electorate.
Tydings-McDuffie Law
empowered Filipinos to
frame their own
constitution
Republican in form
Bill of Rights
Provisions intended to
define the relations
between PH and US
during the
Commonwealth Period
and after the

1935 Constitution
Did not contain
original ideas of
government. Highly
influenced by the
US.
1899 Constitution
was also a source
Philippine Bill of
1902
Jones Law

1935 Constitution
Established a
bicameral legislature.
Allowed re-eligibility
of the Pres and VP for
a second four (4)-year
term of office
Created a separate
commission on
Elections
Parity Amendment
equal opportunities
for Americans and
Filipinos to exploit
natural resources and
operate public utilities
Women suffrage

1943 Constitution
In June 1943, the
Japanese colonizers
ordered the Filipino
officials of the Executive
Commission to prepare
a new fundamental law.
After 3 months, the
members of the
Preparatory Commission
for Philippine
Independence finished
a draft document.
Three days later, it was
ratified by the Kalibapi,
pro-Japanese
movement.

1943 Constitution
Member of the
National Assembly
elected a President for
a term of six years.
A Council of State
advised the President
on matters of National
Policy
The single-chamber
assembly was made
up of delegates from
each province and
city, as well as the
provincial governors

1943 Constitution
The Supreme Court
and other courts
formed the
judiciary.
The President
appointed the Chief
Justice and the
Associate Justices
as well as the
Judges of the Lower
Courts

1943 Constitution
The Bill of Rights
stressed the duties
and obligations of
the citizens rather
than their rights
and freedoms.
To win the
sympathies of the
people, Tagalog
became the
National Language.

1973 Constitution
When the
Philippines regained
independence in
1946, the 1935
Constitution was
once more put into
effect.
The Parity
Amendment back to
operation.
In the late 1960s
popular demand
grew for a new

1973 Constitution
The government set
up a convention to
reform the
constitution in June
1971, but before it
could finish its work
President Ferdinand
Marcos imposed
Martial Law. His 2nd
term as President was
due to expire in1973,
and the 1935
constitution did not
allow him to stand for
office again.

1973 Constitution
In January 1973, he
proclaimed a new
constitution.
The 1973
Constitution
established a
parliamentary form
of government.

1987 Constitution
After the overthrow of
the Marcos regime in
1986, President
Corazon Aquino
formed a commission
to frame a new
constitution
-Constitutional
Commission
The body finished the
draft charter in 4
months. An
overwhelming
majority of voters
showed their approval

1987 Constitution
The constitution
adopted the
Presidential form of
government and
guaranteed more civil
rights than before. It
gave particular
attention to social
justice, by recognizing
the economic and
social rights of
workers, the
peasantry, women,

1987 Constitution
The state gave
priority to land
reform, education,
and social services.
Upheld nationalism
and banned nuclear
weapons in
Philippine territory.

1987 Constitution
Recognition of the aid of
Almighty God
Sovereignty of the people
Renunciation of war
Civilian supremacy over
the military
Separation of church and
state
Human Rights
Suffrage
Separation of Powers
Independence of the
Judiciary
Local Autonomy
High sense of Public
Service
Rule of the Majority
Government of laws and