Bill of Rights

(1987 Philippine Constitution)

Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Article-III, Section-6
(The Liberty of Abode & the Right to Travel)
The liberty of abode and of
changing the same within the
limits prescribed by law shall not
be impaired except upon lawful
order of the court. The right to
travel shall not impaired except in
the interest of national security,
public safety, or public health, as
may be provided by law
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Article-III, Section-6
Hindi dapat bawalan ang kalayaan sa
paninirahan at ang pagbabago ng tirahan
sa saklaw ng mga katakdaang itinatadhana
ng batas maliban sa legal na utos ng
hukuman. Ni hindi dapat bawalan ang
karapatan sa paglalakbay maliban kun para
sa kapakanan ng kapanatagan ng bansa,
kaligtasang pambayan, o kalusugang
pambayan ayon sa maaaring itadhana ng
batas.
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
Article-III, Section-6
Hindi dapat bawalan ang kalayaan sa
paninirahan at ang pagbabago ng tirahan
sa saklaw ng mga katakdaang itinatadhana
ng batas maliban sa legal na utos ng
hukuman. Ni hindi dapat bawalan ang
karapatan sa paglalakbay maliban kun para
sa kapakanan ng kapanatagan ng bansa,
kaligtasang pambayan, o kalusugang
pambayan ayon sa maaaring itadhana ng
batas.
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
Article-III, Section-7
(Right to Information)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
The right of the people to information on
matters of public concern shall be
recognized. Access to official records,
and to documents, and papers pertaining
to official acts, transactions, or decisions,
as well as to government research data
used as basis for policy development
shall be afforded to the citizens, subject
to such limitations as may be provided by
law.
Article-III, Section-7
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
Dapat kilalanin ang karapatan ng taong-bayan na
mapagbatiran hinggil sa mga bagay-bagay na may
kinalaman sa tanan. Ang kaalaman sa mga opisyal
na rekord, at sa mga dokumento at papeles tungkol
sa mga opisyal na gawain, transaksyon, o pasya,
gayon din sa mga datos sa pananaliksik ng
pamahalaan na pinagbabatayan ng patakaran sa
pagpapaunlad ay dapat ibigay sa mamamayan sa
ilalim ng mga katakdaang maaaring itadhana ng
batas.
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Freedom of the Press and freedom of access to
information bearing on governmental decision are
fundamental elements of Popular Sovereignty.
People have access to public records such as
records of a case in court subject to reasonable
rules and regulations, except when it is very clear
that the purpose of examination of public record is
unlawful, sheer or idle curiosity. It is not the duty of
the custodians of the records to concern
themselves with the motives, reasons, and objects
of the person seeking access to such documents or
information.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
The right of the people, including those
employed in the public and private
sectors, to form unions, associations, or
societies for purposes not contrary to law
shall not be abridged.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
Hindi dapat hadlangan ang karapatan ng mga
taong-bayan kabilang ang mga naglilingkod sa
publiko at pribadong sektor na magtatag ng mga
asosasyon, mga unyon, o mga kapisanan sa mga
layuning hindi lalabag sa batas.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Unionism is a necessity to place employees
or labor sectors to the bargaining levels same
as that of their employers in relation to
negotiations of terms and conditions of
employment. However, while employees in the
public sector may form a union, they are not
entitled to stage strike to press their demands
to improve the terms and conditions of their
employment.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Reason:

Under the constitution, no money from the
National Treasury shall be spent except in
accordance with appropriation by law.
Improving the economic conditions of
employees in the public sector requires
spending of public money. Change in the terms
of government employees can only be realized
through law.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Question:

If a public and private company has required
every employee to sign an agreement as part
of his employment contract that he will not
join any labor unions, societies or associations,
does this constitutes violation of Art. III, Sec. 8
of the Philippine Constitution?
Answer:

Yes. It is a form of unfair labor practice.
Article-III, Section-8
(The Right to Form Union)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Commentary:

If public employees are prohibited to go on
strike, the essence of forming unions in
government entities show lack of logic. It is also
a clear suppression to their right for redress of
grievances. Thus, it contradicts to Art. III,
Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Article-III, Section-9
(The Right to Just Compensation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Private property shall not be taken for
public use without just compensation.
Filipino Translation:
Ang mga pribadong ariarian ay hindi
dapat kunin ukol sa gamit pambayan
nang walang wastong kabayaran.
Article-III, Section-9
(The Right to Just Compensation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
This is in connection with the inherent
rights of the state, specifically, the Right
of Eminent Domain.
Just compensation - the amount to be
paid for the expropriated property shall be
determined by the proper court, based on
the fair market-value at the time of the
taking.
Article-III, Section-10
(Non-Impairment Clause)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
No law impairing the obligation of
contracts shall be passed.
Filipino Translation:
Hindi dapat magpatibay ng batas na
sisira sa pananagutan ng mga kontrata.
Article-III, Section-10
(Non-Impairment Clause)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Discusses the sanctity of contracts
and obligations;

Laws affecting contracts cannot be
applied retroactively;

all contracts illegal in nature are non-
binding.

Article-III, Section-10
(Non-Impairment Clause)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Note:

A contract is a meeting of minds between
parties with respect to rendition of service
or performance of obligation to give
something, Government is prohibited
from interfering with agreement of parties
since it is considered as a law between
the contracting parties.
Article-III, Section-11
(Free Access to Court)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Free access to courts and quasi-judicial
bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
be denied to any person by reason of poverty.
Filipino Translation:
Hindi dapat ipagkait sa sinumang tao ang
malayang pagdulog sa mga hukuman at sa
mga kalupunang mala-panghukuman at sa
sapat na tulong pambatas nang dahil sa
karalitaan.
Article-III, Section-11
(Free Access to Court)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Note:

If the accused cannot afford to hire a
lawyer to defend his case, the
government shall provide one for him. He
shall be assisted and represented by a
public prosecutor and a counsel from the
Public Attorneys Office, respectively.
Article-III, Section-11
(Free Access to Court)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines
(IBP) is giving free legal assistance to
underprivileged litigants.

A person who, due to poverty, cannot
pay docket fee in civil case may apply in
court to file his case as a pauper litigant.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(1) Any person under investigation for the
commission of an offense shall have the right
to be informed of his right to remain silent and
to have competent and independent counsel
preferably of his own choice. If the person
cannot afford the services of counsel, he must
be provided with one. These rights cannot be
waived except in writing and in the presence of
counsel.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(1) Ang sinumang tao na na ini-imbistigahan
dahil sa paglabag ay dapat magkaroon ng
karapatang mapaliwanagan ng kanyang
karapatang magsawalang-kibo at magkaroon
ng abogadong may sapat na kakayahan at
kanyang personal na pinili. Kung hindi niya
makakayanan ang paglilingkod ng abogado,
kinakailangang pagkalooban siya ng isa. Hindi
maiuurong ang mga karapatang ito maliban
kung nakasulat at sa harap ng abogado.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(2) No torture, force, violence, threat,
intimidation, or any other means which vitiate
the free shall be used against him. Secret
detention places, solitary, incommunicado or
other similar forms of detention are prohibited.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(2) Hindi siya dapat gamitan ng labis na
pagpapahirap, pwersa, dahas, pananakot,
pagbabanta, o anumang paraaan na lalabag sa
kanyang malayang pagpapasya. Ipinagbabawal
ang mga lihim na kulungan, solitaryo,
ingkomunikado, o iba pang katulad ng anyo ng
detensyon.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(3) Any confession or admission obtained in
violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be
inadmissible in evidence against him.
(3) Hindi dapat tanggaping ebidensya laban sa
kanya ang anumang pagtatapat o pag-amin na
nakuha nang labag sa seksyong ito o sa
seksyong labing-pito.
Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(4) The law shall provide for penal and civil
sanctions for violations of this section as well
as compensation to and rehabilitation of victims
of torture or similar practices, and their
families.

Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(4) Dapat magtadhana ang batas ng mga
kaparusahang penal at sibil sa mga paglabag
sa seksyong ito at gayundin ng bayad-pinsala
at rehabilitasyon sa mga biktima ng labis na
mga paghihirap o katulad ng mga nakagawian,
at sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
This section stresses the following:

1. Miranda Rights/Rules;
2. Permissible use of Police Power;
3. Admissible confessions; and
4. The right to redress in the event of a
violation of these rights.


Article-III, Section-12
(Right of Person under Custodial Investigation)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Miranda Rights/Rules - provides that before a
person under a custodial investigation is
questioned, he must be informed of the
following:
1. The right to remain silent;
2. Anything he says can and will be used
against him in the court; and
3. The right of a counsel and that if he
cannot afford one, the government will
provide for him.
Article-III, Section-13
(The Right to Bail & Against Excessive Bail)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
All persons, except those charged with
offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua
when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before
conviction, be bailable by sufficient securities,
or be released on recognizance as may be
provided by law. The right to bail shall not be
impaired even when the privilege of the writ of
habeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail
shall not be required.
Article-III, Section-13
(The Right to Bail & Against Excessive Bail)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
Ang lahat ng mga tao, maliban sa mga nahahabla sa
mga paglabag na pinarurusahan ng reclusion
perpetua kapag matibay ang ebidensya ng
pagkakasala, bago mahatulan, ay dapat mapiyansahan
ng sapat ng pyador, o maaaring palayain sa bisa ng
panagot ayon sa maaaring itadhana ng batas. Hindi
dapat bawalan ang karapatan sa piyansa kahit na
suspendido ang pribilehiyo ng writ of habeas
corpus. Hindi dapat kailanganin ang malabis na
piyansa.
Article-III, Section-13
(The Right to Bail & Against Excessive Bail)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Bail is the security (usually a deposit of
money) required by a court for the temporary
release of a person who is in the custody of the
law provided that his appearance in trials may
be ensured.
Excessive Bail is prohibited because that is
the same as denying the right to post bail.
Article-III, Section-13
(The Right to Bail & Against Excessive Bail)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Writ of Habeas Corpus is an order issued by
a court of competent jurisdiction, directed to the
person detaining another, commanding him to
produce the body of the prisoner at a
designated time and place and to show
sufficient cause for holding in custody the
individual so detained.
Article-III, Section-13
(The Right to Bail & Against Excessive Bail)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Non-Bailable Crimes
1. Kidnapping;
2. Murder;
3. Rape;
4. Drug-Pushing;
5. Carnapping;
6. Or Crimes Under the Heinous Crime Law,
Plunder Law and Dangerous Drugs Law.
Article-III, Section-14
(Rights of the Accused)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(1) No person shall be held to answer for a
criminal offense without due process of law. In
all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be
presumed innocent until the contrary is
proved.
(1) Hindi dapat papanagutin sa pagkakasalang
kriminal ang sinumang tao nang hindi
kaparaanan ng batas. Ang mga akusado ay
itinuturing na inosente hanggat hindi
napapatunayan.
Article-III, Section-14
(Rights of the Accused)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
(2) In all criminal prosecutions, shall enjoy the right to
be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the
nature and cause of the accusation against him, to
have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the
witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory
process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the
production of evidence in his behalf. However, after
arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the
absence of the accused provided that he has been duly
notified and his failure to appear is justifiable.
Article-III, Section-14
(Right of the Accused)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Filipino Translation:
(2) Ang nasasakdal ay dapat magtamasa ng
karapatang magmatwid sa pamamagitan ng sarili at ng
abogado, mapaliwanagan ng uri at dahilan ng sakdal
laban sa kanya, magkaroon ng mabilis, walang
kinikilingan, at hayagan paglitis, makaharap ang mga
testigo, magkaroon ng sapilitang kaparaanan upang
matiyak ang pagharap ng mga testigo sa paglilitaw ng
ebidensyang para sa kanyang kapakanan. Gayunman,
matapos mabasa ang sakdal, maaring ituloy ang
paglilitis kahit wala ang nasasakdal sa pasubaling
marapat na naipaalam sa kanya ang paglilitis sat di-
makatwiran ang kanyang kabiguang humarap.
Article-III, Section-14
(Right of the Accused)
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
This Section Observes the Following:
1. Right to Due Process of Law in Criminal Cases;
2. Innocent Until Proven Guilty;
3. The Right to Confront Ones Accuser; and
4. Basis for Trials in Absentia.
References:
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
Discourses on the 1987 Philippine Constitution by Reynaldo S. Naguit;
Politics, Governance and Government with Philippine Constitution,
Second Edition by Roman R. Dannug and Marlo B. Campanilla;
Revised Penal Code of the Philippines;
Supreme Court Decided Cases;
Philippine Criminal Law Reviewer;
Civil Code of the Philippines
Lecture of Mr. John Torres Philippine Government and Constitution
Social Science-I
-end-