Unit 5: The Philippine Constitution Flashcards
is a body of laws that tends to protect the rights of the people. It is the fundamental law of the land that limits the power of officials and prevent tyranny and abuse of power. It is the supreme law of the land.
Constitution
is not contained in one single document. This type of constitution is partially written and partly oral.
Unwritten Constitution
is contained in a single document and can be easily procured and consulted on any issue covered by it.
Written Constitution
is a direct vote by eligible voters to decide an important public question, such as a change to the constitution, secession, or a similar issue of national or regional importance.
Plebiscite
broadly refers to a change
that adds, reduces, or deletes without
altering the basic principle involved.
Amendment
broadly implies a change that
alters a basic principle in the constitution.
Revision
Amendments are proposed by a 3/4 majority vote of all members of Congress.
Constituent Assembly
Amendments are proposed by 12% of registered voters (3% in each district).
People’s Initiative
Convention is called by a 2/3 majority or simple majority vote of Congress. Elected delegates of the Constitutional Convention propose the amendments.
Constitutional Convention
It was the official constitution of the newly founded Philippine Republic. The first republican constitution in Asia.
Malolos Constitution
The Constitution was ratified through a national plebiscite, on May 14, 1935. It was temporarily replaced by another constitution when the Japanese invaded.
1935 Constitution
The 1935 Constitution, along with the Commonwealth Government, was suppressed when the Japanese set up a puppet government. It was only recognized as legitimate in areas heavily - controlled by the Japanese. Eventually suppressed at the return of American forces.
Japanese Sponsored Constitution
The Philippine government became a parliamentary form of government wherein the executive and legislative is united. It was amended two times which critics say aims to extend Marcos’ rule.
1973 Constitution
Transitional constitution which copied some provisions in the 1973 constitution. It is only effective for one year. Aquino vested in executive and legislative power.
Freedom Constitution
Ratified by President Cory on February 1987 after canvassing the results of the national plebiscite.
1987 Constitution
President is still head of state and government but has limited powers.
Executive Branch
Branch is bicameral: Senate and the House of Representatives. Senate is composed of 24 members. A senator serves 6 years per term and cannot be reelected for more than two consecutive terms.
Legislative Branch
Supreme court is composed of 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy. No confirmation.
Judicial Branch
is made for grievances against an open authority (for example, debasement, unlawful conduct, and open offense). It can charge an open authority before the Sandiganbayan or the
Office of the Ombudsman
Agency incharge of goverment personnel.
Civil Service Commission
is mandated to examine the funds, transactions, and property accounts of the government
Commission of Audit
government personnel in charge of election laws and regulations
Commission of Elections
Enumerate the Qual. for Ex. Branch
- natural-born citizen of the Philippines,
- a registered voter,
- able to read and write,
- at least forty years of age
- resident of the Philippines for at least ten years
Enumerate the Qualifications for Legislative Branch
- Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines
- at least thirty-five years of age
- able to read and write
- a registered voter
- a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years
