The Evolution of the

Philippine
Constitution
Constitution
 Constitution

A set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other

political organization works
 Constitution

• Branches • Responsibilities
• Power • Rights of the People
Supreme Law of
The Land
• Highest Law of the
country

02
February
Constitution Day
Maintain Law & Protects Individual
Order Freedom & Rights

Impulse Rules & Limits the Power of the

Regulations Government
1897 1899 1902 1935
Biak-na-Bato Malolos The Acts of United State The Commonwealth
Constitution Constitution Congress

1943 1973
Constitution
1986
Freedom
1987
After Martial Law
Constitution
Authoriatianism Constitution
 1897 BIAK-NA-
BATO
CONSTITUTION
Established during the Philippine Revolution and operated from November 1,
1897, to December 14, 1897. It was a provisional constitution that aimed to
separate the Philippines from Spanish rule.
 1899 MALOLOS
CONSTITUTION
Established the First Philippine Republic and was in effect from January 23,
1899, to March 23, 1901. Provided for a parliamentary republic and included
provisions on civil rights, the separation of church and state, and the creation of
a representative assembly.
 ACTS OF THE
UNITED STATE
CONGRESS
• Philippine Organic Act of 1902
• Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916
• Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934
Shaped the governance of the Philippines as a U.S. territory and established the
framework and procedures for the Philippine government.
 1935
CONSTITUTION
Drafted in 1934 and in effect from 1935 to 1973.
Granted more autonomy to the Philippines as a Commonwealth and outlined
civil rights, the structure of the government, and the powers of the President and
the Congress.
TAKE A
BREAK
 WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE
OF THE 1897 CONSTITUTION
OF BIAK-NA-BATO?
 WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE
OF THE 1897 CONSTITUTION
OF BIAK-NA-BATO?

ANSWER: AIMED TO SEPARATE THE

PHILIPPINES FROM SPANISH RULE
UNTIL WHAT YEAR DOES
THE 1935 CONSTITUTION
EFFECTIVE?
UNTIL WHAT YEAR DOES
THE 1935 CONSTITUTION
EFFECTIVE?

ANSWER: 1973
 WHAT CONSTITUTION
ESTABLISHED THE FIRST
PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC?
 WHAT CONSTITUTION
ESTABLISHED THE FIRST
PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC?

ANSWER: MALOLOS CONSTITUTION

 WHAT PROVISIONAL
CONSTITUTION THAT AIMED
TO SEPARATE THE PHILIPPINES
FROM SPANISH RULE?
 WHAT PROVISIONAL
CONSTITUTION THAT AIMED
TO SEPARATE THE PHILIPPINES
FROM SPANISH RULE?

ANS: 1897 CONSTITUTION OF BIAK-NA-

BATO
 WHAT WAS THE ACT THAT
GRANTED MORE SELF-RULE
TO THE FILIPINOS?
 WHAT WAS THE ACT THAT
GRANTED MORE SELF-RULE
TO THE FILIPINOS?

ANSWER: PHILIPPINE AUTONOMY ACT

OF 1902
 1943
CONSTITUTION
Promulgated during the Japanese occupation and in effect from 1943 to 1945. It
established the Second Philippine Republic but was not fully recognized
internationally.
 1973
CONSTITUTION
AUTHORIATIANIS
Established during martial law period under President Ferdinand Marcos and in

M
effect from 1973 to 1986. It centralized power in the presidency and led to an
authoritarian rule.
 1973 CONSTITUTION AUTHORIATIANISM

• The 1973 Constitution established a parliamentary form of government and introduced the
merger of executive and legislative powers. The Chief Executive, the Prime Minister, was
elected by a majority of all the members of the National Assembly from amongst
themselves11 and could be dismissed by electing a successor Prime Minister. On the other
hand, the Prime Minister had the power to advise the President to dissolve the National
Assembly and call for a general election. The President was reduced to being a symbolic
head of state.
 1986 FREEDOM
CONSTITUTION
Issued by President Corazon Aquino after the People Power Revolution, it
served as a provisional constitution from 1986 to 1987. It aimed to restore
democratic governance and set the stage for a more permanent constitution.
 1986 FREEDOM CONSTITUTION

• Executive Power: The constitution vested executive power in the President, who was elected
by popular vote. It limited the President's term to a single six-year term to prevent the
concentration of power.
• Legislative Power: The constitution provided for a unicameral legislature called the
Batasang Pambansa, which was composed of representatives elected by the people. It aimed
to ensure a more representative and accountable legislative body.
• Judicial Power: The constitution recognized the independence of the judiciary and
established the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority. It aimed to uphold the rule of
law and protect individual rights and liberties.
 1986 FREEDOM CONSTITUTION

• Bill of Rights: The constitution included a Bill of Rights that guaranteed fundamental
freedoms and protections for individuals, such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly. It
aimed to safeguard civil liberties and prevent abuses of power.
• Land Reform: The constitution emphasized agrarian reform and the redistribution of land to
farmers. It aimed to address social inequalities and promote economic justice.
• Local Government: The constitution provided for the establishment of local government
units and devolved certain powers and responsibilities to them. It aimed to promote
decentralization and empower local communities
 1987
CONSTITUTION
It embodies the aspirations for democracy, human rigths, and good governance.
It outlines the structure of the government, the rights of the people, and the
checks and balances in the system.
 FOUR
THEMES
01 Upholding of national sovereignty

Democratic governance and prevention of another

02
dictatorship

03 Respect for human rights and civil liberties

04 The promotion of social justice

 BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT

Executive branch
• headed by the President of the Philippines. Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Legislative branch
• composed of the Congress of the Philippine. It’s consist of two houses, the Senate and the
House of Representatives.

Judiciary branch
• It is headed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Responsible for interpreting laws, settling
disputes, and ensuring that laws and government actions comply with the Constitution.
TAKE A
BREAK
 DURING THE JAPANESE
OCCUPATION IN WORLD
WAR II, THE PHILIPPINES
HAD WHAT CONSTITUTION?
 DURING THE JAPANESE
OCCUPATION IN WORLD
WAR II, THE PHILIPPINES
HAD WHAT CONSTITUTION?

ANSWER: 1943 CONSTITUTION

 WHAT WAS THE
CONSTITUTION
ESTABLISHED UNDER
PRESIDENT FERDINAND
MARCOS?
 WHAT WAS THE
CONSTITUTION
ESTABLISHED UNDER
PRESIDENT FERDINAND
MARCOS?
ANSWER: 1973 CONSTITUTION
 THIS CONSTITUTION WAS
ISSUED AFTER THE PEOPLE
POWER REVOLUTION?
 THIS CONSTITUTION WAS
ISSUED AFTER THE PEOPLE
POWER REVOLUTION?

ANSWER: 1986 FREEDOM CONSTITUTION

 IT IS THE LATEST
CONSTITUTION OF THE
PHILIPPINES
 IT IS THE LATEST
CONSTITUTION OF THE
PHILIPPINES.

ANSWER: 1987 CONSTITUTION

WHO MADE THE FREEDOM
CONSTITUTION IN THE
PHILIPPINES?
WHO MADE THE FREEDOM
CONSTITUTION IN THE
PHILIPPINES?

Answer: President Corazon Aquino.