1987 CONSTITUTION CODAL PROVISIONS

Question 1

PREAMBLE

Answer 1

We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Question 2

ARTICLE I: NATIONAL TERRITORY

Answer 2

The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.

Question 3

ARTICLE II, SECTION 1

Answer 3

SECTION 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

Question 4

ARTICLE II, SECTION 2

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

ARTICLE II, SECTION 3

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

ARTICLE II, SECTION 4

Answer 6

SECTION 4. 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 fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.

Question 7

ARTICLE II, SECTION 5

Answer 7

SECTION 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.

Question 8

ARTICLE II, SECTION 6

Answer 8

SECTION 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Question 9

ARTICLE II, SECTION 7

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

ARTICLE II, SECTION 8

Answer 10

SECTION 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.

Question 11

ARTICLE II, SECTION 9

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

ARTICLE II, SECTION 10

Answer 12

SECTION 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.

Question 13

ARTICLE II, SECTION 11

Answer 13

SECTION 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

Question 14

ARTICLE II, SECTION 12

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

ARTICLE II, SECTION 13

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

ARTICLE II, SECTION 14

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

ARTICLE II, SECTION 15

Answer 17

SECTION 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Question 18

ARTICLE II, SECTION 16

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

ARTICLE II, SECTION 17

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

ARTICLE II, SECTION 18

Answer 20

SECTION 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

Question 21

ARTICLE II, SECTION 19

Answer 21

SECTION 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

Question 22

ARTICLE II, SECTION 20

Answer 22

SECTION 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.

Question 23

ARTICLE II, SECTION 21

Answer 23

SECTION 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.

Question 24

ARTICLE II, SECTION 22

Answer 24

SECTION 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

Question 25

ARTICLE II, SECTION 23

Answer 25

SECTION 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

Question 26

ARTICLE II, SECTION 24

Answer 26

SECTION 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.

Question 27

ARTICLE II, SECTION 25

Answer 27

SECTION 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

Question 28

ARTICLE II, SECTION 26

Answer 28

SECTION 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Question 29

ARTICLE II, SECTION 27

Answer 29

SECTION 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.

Question 30

ARTICLE II, SECTION 28

Answer 30

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.