Evolution of the Philippine Constitution

The contents of a constitution

• The present constitution established that the Phiilippines is a “democratic and republican
state”. It means all sovereignty resides in the people and that all government authority
emanates from them.

• The constitution allocates governmental powers among the three branches: the executive,
legislative and judiciary.

• The constitution also established the COMELEC, COA, Office of the Ombudsman, and the
Commission on Human Rights

• The constitution also contains the Bill of Rights.

• Constitution is defined as the fundamental law of the nation or state.

• It establishes the character and basic principles of the government.

• The system that runs the government is codified in this written document which forms the
fundamental rules and principles by which an organisation is managed.

• It is these same principles that makes clear the rights of the individuals and the limitations to
government power.

• It is described as the highest expression of the law.

History of the Philippine Constitutions

• At least six (6) were framed in our history

• The Biak-na-Bato Republic Constitution (1897)

• The Malolos Republic Constitution (1899)

• The 1935 Constitution and the Commonwealth Government

• The Japanese Occupation and the Second Philippine Republic (1943 Constitution)

• The 1973 Constitution and the Marcos Dictatorship

• The 1987 Constitution

The Biak na Bato Constitution

• The Philippine Revolution reached a stale mate in 1897 when the forces of Aguinaldo fled to
the mountains of Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan.

• Though the Spaniards realized they could crash the rebels in Bulacan, it did not mean the end
of the revolution for it was already widespread in other provinces.

• The Spaniards soon entered into a truce with the revolutionary forces
• In order to consolidate forces still fighting in other provinces Aguinaldo met with his leaders to
establish a recognised government.

• A revolutionary government was already formed in Tejeros, March that year with Aguinaldo
as President. It was this government that was now in Biak-na-Bato.

• The revolutionary leaders were called into an assembly and agreed on establishing a
republican government.