Art. 2 Morillo Notes Flashcards
Preamble of the 1987 Constitution
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.
What is the constitutional basis for the Republicanism of the Philippines?
Sec. 1, Art. 2 of the Constitution
The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them
Essential Features of Republicanism: (2)
- Representation
- Renovation
Manifestations of a Republican State (6)
- Ours is a government of laws and not of men
- Rule of the majority or Plurality in Elections
- Accountability of Public Officials
- Bill of Rights
- Legislature cannot pass irrepealable laws
- Separation of Powers
What is the Constitutional basis for the Incorporation Clause of the Philippines?
Sec. 2 Art. 2 of the Constitution
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
3 Aspects under Sec. 2, Art. II (Incorporation Clause) (3)
- Renunciation of War as an instrument of National Policy
- Incorporation Clause
- Adherence Policy
Difference between ‘By Incorporation’ and ‘By Transformation’
Incorporation applies when, by mere constitutional declaration, international law is deemed to have the force of domestic law
Transformation requires that an international law principle be transformed into a domestic law through constitutional mechanism, such as local legislation
Constitutional basis for treaties becoming part of the law of the land
Sec. 21, Art. 7 of the 1987 Constitution
What are “generally accepted principles of international law”
Norms of general or customary international law which are binding on all states
Examples of “generally accepted principles of international law” (4)
- Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy
- Sovereign immunity
- Person’s right to life, liberty, and due process
- Pacta sunt servanda
English for pacta sunt servanda
Agreements must be kept
What do you mean by pacta sunt servanda?
Oldest principle of international law. Without such a rule, no international agreement would be binding or enforceable
Who wins in a conflict between municipal law and international law?
Under Ichong vs. Hernandez (101 Phil. 1155), SC found no conflict, but upheld the local statute because it represented an exercise of police power, which being inherent, could not be bargained away or surrendered through the medium of treaty
What is the Constitutional basis for the Supremacy of Civilian Authority?
Sec. 3 Art. 2 of the 1987 Constitution
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
Does the President have the power to prevent military personnel from testifying in legislative inquiries?
Yes. As the President is the Commander-In-Chief. (Gudani vs. Senga, GR no. 170165, August 15,
2006)