CHAPTER 5 – DECLARATIONS OF PRINCIPLES

AND STATE POLICIES

Every organization or any state should have a list of principles

or policies which will serve as the basis of their workings and
functions, and serves as guidelines towards the achievement of their
goals.

The Declaration of Principles and State Policies under the

1987 Philippine Constitution embodies the political, social and
economic philosophies and aspirations of our people and
government. Some of these are self-executory, while others are left
for implementation by appropriate and pertinent laws. The state
principles and policies are the fundamental guidelines, directions, and
aspirations of the Philippine Government which the President and the
Congress must address themselves as policy-determining and
decision-making bodies.
PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES DEFINED

Generally, values are desired ends or goals. There are also

primary goals (values) and intermediate ends which are called principles
and policies. Goals that are primary are sought after for their own sake.
Principles are beginning premises or directions for the realization of a
value. These are laws of Nature as formulated and accepted by the mind.
They are essential truths upon which other truths are based. These are
rules by which a person chooses a Code or Law.

Policies, on the other hand, are selected, planned line of conduct

from which individual decisions are made and coordination is achieved.
It comes from the Latin word “Politecia” which means citizenship.
PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES AS TREATED IN THE CONSTITUTION

These principles and polices are treated in general terms as well

as in specific provisions and are distributed in different Articles in the
constitution. In many instances, both the principles and policies are
contained in one provision. For a better understanding, we must
organize or arrange all of these in hierarchy form, from the highest,
levels or categories to lower levels, and by explaining the meaning of
basic terms.

The Constitution has identified primary values in the Preamble

and has expressed and classified principles and policies in its Declaration
of Principles and State Policies (Article II). But many other principles and
policies are declared and elaborated in other articles of the Constitution.
These may be found in Article XII on the National Economy and
Patrimony; Article XIII on Social Justice and Human Rights; Article XIV on
Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports, and in
Article XVI covering General Provisions.
STATE PRINCIPLES

Democracy and Republicanism

Section 1 of Article II of the Constitution states:

The Philippines is a democratic and republican State...

A state with a democratic government is a democratic state. Democracy is

a form of government where majority of the people directly or indirectly govern
themselves by running the affairs of government through mass meetings,
legislation and enforcement.

In the Philippines, the people have the right to directly choose their
leaders, from the President to the Barangay Kagawad. Through the process of
elections, the electorates are also given the final authority to initiate amendments
or revisions to the Constitution. Through a referendum, they, can also modify or
reject under the same law. They not only ratify proposed amendments or revisions
of the Constitution but can also directly propose amendments by ratifying the same
during a plebiscite scheduled for that purpose.
Sovereignty of the People

A republican state is one with a republican government. And a republican

government is one where the people do not directly govern themselves as in a pure or
direct democracy. They govern themselves through officials elected or appointed by their
duly elected representatives. The officials stay in office according to their terms of office
legally fixed or during good performance or at the pleasure of the appointing power.

A republican government is a government of the people, by the people and for

the people, a representative government where the powers and duties are exercised and
discharged for the common good and welfare. Article II Sec. 1 of the constitution itself
defines this government as one where:

…Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

The sovereignty of the people is manifested in such other ways as would show
their participation in the affairs of the government. Some of which are their right of suffrage
or the right to cast their vote during elections, the right to choose the people whom they
wish to run the government or the right to participate in plebiscites and referendum or to
vote in a recall election. They may also enact or propose laws, local and national, through
the system of initiative and referendum.
Renunciation of War as a National Policy

To renounce war means to give up, to abandon, to disclaim or to

repudiate it. War is an armed conflict between two or more nations
involving their armed forces. However, the Philippines as part of its
national policy, explicitly renounces war in Article II, Section 2 of the
charter, as follows:

The Philippine 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.
 While the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national
policy, it may be forced to be in a situation where it cannot do anything but
to declare the existence of war. If the Philippines is attacked by a foreign
state, it has to protect its national territory, sovereignty and security. In
which case, it can surely go to war as mandated by an appropriate
declaration. The declaration of war is taken as a last resort when all other
means have failed.

As a peace loving nation and member of the United Nations, we

have to follow what has been maintained as a requirement. For this reason,
we are expected to promote international peace and security, to develop
friendly relations with other nations based on the principle of equal rights
and self-determination, to settle international disputes by peaceful or
amicable settlement and to adopt the generally accepted principles of
International Law which covers the principles of just compensation, due
process of law and exhaustion of administrative remedies as part of the
laws of the land. We Filipinos should bind ourselves in the attainment of
peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation and amity with all nations.
Supremacy of Civilian Authority Over the Military

The people elect leaders to govern them. On the other hand, the state
has also prepared a group of people and has given them guns and firepower
with the purpose of defending the people and the government from any
internal or external attack. The elected leaders compose the civilian
component while the armed group is the military, also called the Armed Forces
of the Philippines.

Because the military has the capability to seize power from civilians
authorities, the Constitution has explicitly endorsed the supremacy of civilian
authority. Section 3, Article II of the constitution says:

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.
 But while the prime duty of the military is to preserve and defend
the country, civilians are not exempted from doing the same, when called
for such, under Section 4 of Article II.

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.
 This is the basis for having a reserved force that will be ready to
defend the country in times of crisis or national emergency. However,
in times of peace, it is incumbent that the military is always prepared to
undertake its responsibility of protecting the national integrity. The
military is also mandated to respect the supremacy of civilian authority
in order to discourage military adventurism as stated in Article II,
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.
Separation of Church and State

The experience of the Filipinos under the Spanish colonial

government is replete with gross abuses of friars and leaders of the
church. Problems arise when there is no distinction between the
powers of the church and the state. This is why Article II, Section 6 of
the Constitution resounds with the following provision:

The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

 This means that the Church (comprising all religious
denominations) does not have the right to impose its values on
government policies or procedures. However, just as any other citizen,
Church leaders or members may suggest or propose ideas or plans of
action that the government may or may not undertake.

However, despite the explicit provision of the Constitution

regarding the separation of the church and the state, there seems to be a
thin line dividing compliance or violation of this provision. Religious
denominations sometimes endorse their own candidates, while religious
leaders participate in mass actions and political activities not as
individuals, but as members of their denominations. Until the present
day, there is continuing debate on what constitutes separation of church
and state.
STATE POLICIES

The Philippines’ Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of the Philippines is indicated in Section 7,

Article II of the Constitution.

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.
 There are two main points in the provision:

1. Independent foreign policy. It shall be subservient to no other state nor dictated by

them, and guided foremost by the national interest.

2. Paramount Considerations in Foreign Relations. In our relations with other nations our
foremost considerations are the following:

a. National sovereignty means that the state is regarded as an equal member of the
international community, and its leaders and their decisions are respected and not
influenced in any way whatsoever.
b. Territorial integrity is kept intact and free from foreign encroachment in the entire
domain or jurisdiction of the state especially in the conservation and development of
its natural resources. Within its limits, the state decrees are supreme and its
commands are paramount. Its laws govern therein, and everyone to whom it applies
must submit to the terms.
c. National interest refers to the goals promoting social justice, the general welfare, the
pursuit of the goals of the national economy for economic conservation, growth and
development.
d. Right to self-determination pertains to our right as people or state to decide our future
status or policies or actions by ourselves without external compulsion or interventions.
RP Adopts Nuclear Free Territory

Foreign countries are forbidden to manufacture, make, store or dump

nuclear weapons, devices or parts in the Philippines for use during war or for
any other purpose. This is stated in Article II, Section 8 as follows:

The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and

pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.

It does not, however, prohibits the Philippine government from doing

the above-mentioned activity consistent with its national interest of defense,
security and survival. It does not also forbid nuclear materials for industry,
medicine, power, generation and other peaceful or beneficial uses.

This provision ensures that the country will not be embroiled in a

difficult situation where the presence of nuclear weapons might be the source
of an international dispute.
Promotion of Social Order and Social Justice

A just and dynamic social order is one which promotes the right of
everyone to live a decent and contrived way of life.

A dynamic society is one that is developing progressively and

improving by sharing with its members the fruits of the group’s labor. A just and
dynamic social order ensures the national independence and prosperity
resulting to the liberation of the people from poverty. To facilitate and attain
freedom of the people from poverty, the state should provide adequate social
services, promote full employment that can bring about a rising living standard
and improve the quality of life of the people.

Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution mandates the promotion of this

sort of social order.

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.
 On the other hand, social justice is the humanization of the law and
the equalization of the social and economic forces by the state so as to
approximate justice in the strictest sense of the word. Social justice refers to
the promotion of the welfare of the people. The adoption of the measures
calculated to ensure economic stability of what composes the elements of
society by the government through the maintenance of proper economic
and social equilibrium in the inter-relation of the community members,
constitutionally, through the exercise of power underlying the existence of all
governments. Thus, the provision in Article II, Section 10 states that:

The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national

development.

Social justice guarantees the equality of opportunity, equality of

political rights, equality before the law, equality between values given and
received and equitable sharing of the social and material goods on the basis
of efforts exerted in their production.
 Article II, Section 11 of the Constitution also as a particular provision that
promotes social justice through the individual.

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

The dignity of every human person and full respect for human rights are
covered in this state policy. This is an elaboration that the person cannot be
deprived of his life, liberty and property without due process of law including the life
of the unborn from the time of conception.

The central core and the cardinal article of faith in our civilization is the
preservation and enhancement of the dignity and worth of the human personality.

The protection, to the largest possible extent in his thought and in his
belief, of the inviolable character of a person as an individual must remain foremost.

The social organizations exist only for the service of people and the
protection of their dignity is an essence of democracy.
The Sanctity of the Family as the Basic Social Unit

Through the charter the state safeguards the protection of family

life and its members. The family is recognized by the state as a very
important component of any society as mentioned in Article II, 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.

Marriage is the foundation of the family, and the family is the

foundation of the nation. The policy declares the importance and
sacredness of family life together with its components.
 Hand in hand with the duty and the natural and primary right
of parents in the education of their children for civic efficiency and
moral character development, the state extends support in this
endeavor by establishing free elementary and secondary public
education with adequate facilities and competent teachers for the
purpose.

Moreover, the state provides a constitutional article solely

devoted to the family as a basic and inviolable social institution which
must be protected and strengthened as indicated in Article XV of the
constitution, Section 2 of the article protects marriage; Section 3
defends the right of spouses, declares the right of the children against
conditions prejudicial to their development and provides for the rights
of family associations; while Section 4 tasks the family and the State to
care for its elderly members.
The Role of the Youth and Women in Nation-Building

The role played by the youth in nation-building has caught the government’s
attention. Their dynamism and activism opened the eyes and minds of the Filipino
leaders and functi8onaries for needed reform. The Filipino youth throughout the country
fearlessly challenged the corrupt practices of t heir elders and the deaf ears of society and
initiated moves to star reforms. Many young Filipinos served their countrymen in the
remote hinterlands, giving education and services as imperative to political reform.

In return the state is bound to promote and protect the youth’s over all well-
being as stated in Article II, 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.

In their training and education the youth are taught virtues of patriotism and
nationalism. They are required to study Philippine Government, History, Civics and the
present Constitution. They are encouraged to participate in both public and civil affairs.
 The role played by women in building the nation is well-known
and affirmed by many and hardly denied by anyone. Equality of men and
women was recognized by the equality clause of the Bill of Rights. The
propagation of gender sensitivity is one of the foremost thrusts of the
government. Article II, Section 14 of the Constitution states that:

The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and

shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and
men.

It is a fact that women have played major roles in Philippine

society. Two of them, Corazon Aquino and Gloria Arroyo have become
the country’s presidents, while many have become senators and local
officials. A significant number are leading their communities and their
families.
Promotion of Health and Ecology

The health of citizens is crucial in the development of society and of the

country as a whole. Thus, it is imperative that the state create programs that will
promote the health of the people and respond to contingencies such as the
outbreak of disease and epidemics.

This is emphasized in Section 15, Article II of the Constitution, which states

that:

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

This is why the country has been careful in protecting the people from
various epidemics, including the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
which swept the Asian region and many parts of the world in early 2003. However,
there are still big problems in terms of the high cost of hospitalization and medicines
which our impoverished countrymen cannot afford. While the State has always tried
through its government to promote health among the people, it still cannot
eradicate the continuing drug menace, and a host of other health problems in the
country.
 But while healthy individuals are needed for the country’s
development, these same people need to function in a healthy environment.

The constitution ensures the protection and continuous safeguarding

of the environment with a balanced and healthful ecology. The pertinent
provision is Article II, Section 16 reads:

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.

The right to a balanced and healthful ecology is enshrined for the first
time in a charter under the 1987 Constitution. It carries with it the correlative
duty to refrain from destroying the environment. The said right implies, among
many things, the judicious management and conservation of the country’s
forests. For without such forests, the ecological or environmental balance
would be irreversibly disrupted or destroyed.
Priorities of the State

Of the many areas to be given importance the Constitution has given

emphasis to certain aspects that should be given priority, as mentioned in Article
II, 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.

These are indeed priorities as the Constitution has devoted a whole

article, Article XIV, to define detached policies on education, science and
technology, arts and culture, sports and even language.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26) clearly defines

the value of education: “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be
free at least on the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education
shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally
available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of
merit.”
 The article on education also mandates the promotion of free
public education; scholarship systems; and non-formal, informal and
indigenous learning systems. Due to the importance of education, the
Constitution specifically states that the State shall assign the highest
budgetary priority to this.

Because we are in the information age, the Charter also

emphasizes the value of science and technology as essential for
national development and progress. Incentives are to be given to
encourage private research, and their intellectual property is to be
protected by the state.

Arts and culture, as part of the Filipino heritage, are to be

preserved and promoted, while sports are encouraged as a showcase
of the physical development of the citizenry.
Labor as the Primary Social Economic Force

Labor is a primary social and economic force. The state affirms

this in Article II, Section 18.

The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It

shall protect the right of workers and promote their welfare.

It is imperative that the worker’s right is actually protected and

their welfare promoted and safeguarded by the state. The state shall
afford full protection to labor, local or overseas, organized or
unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of
employment opportunities for all. It shall also guarantee the rights of
all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations
and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in
accordance with the law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure,
humane conditions of work, and a living wage.
 Furthermore, the charter mandates the development of a self-
reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by
Filipinos as stated in Article II, Section 19.

The state shall develop a self-reliant and independent

national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

To recognize the importance of this policy, the Constitution has

devoted reasonable space to the National Economy and Patrimony of
the Nation (Article XII). The intention in this policy is the Filipinization
of the National economy. It refers to the ownership or control of
business by Filipinos or by the government.
Private Enterprises and Business Incentives

The private sector has a major role in the development of the

national economy. This is recognized by the charter as mentioned in
Article II, Section 20 as follows:

The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private

sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to
needed investments.

As pillars of national development, investments are crucial to a

country’s growth. Encouraging the private sector to venture in business
generates employment for the growing work force. To attract the
private sector, the government must provide them with the needed
incentives such as tax exemptions and reduction requirements in
registration, infrastructure facilities, more accessible government
service and continuing peace and order.
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform

As a primarily agricultural country, rural development is very

important in fast-tracking the country’s progress. Rural development,
however, is dependent on an effective agrarian reform program. The
constitution thus states in Article II, Section 21 that:

The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and

agrarian reform.

To implement the policy of agrarian reform, R.A. No. 6657,

otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform law (CARL),
was enacted. It was passed by Congress and signed into law by President
Aquino on June 10, 1988. This is the principal law on the subject.
 The CARL defines Agrarian Reform as the redistribution of lands,
regardless of crops produced, to farmers who are landless irrespective of
tenural arrangement, to include the totality of factors and support
services designed to left the economic status of the beneficiaries and all
other arrangements alternative to physical distribution of land such as
profit-sharing, labor administration and the distribution of shares of
stocks, which will allow the beneficiaries to receive a just share of the
fruits of the land they work.

The CARL, regardless of the tenural arrangement and commodity

produced, covers all public and private agricultural lands as provided in
Proclamation No. 131 and Exec. Order No. 229, including other lands of
public domain suitable for agriculture.

Article XIII, Section 4 to 8 of the Constitution refers to agrarian

and natural resources reforms, while Section 9 to 10 refers to urban land
reform and housing.
Recognition of Indigenous Communities

The Philippines is not a homogenous society but is composed of various

social, linguistic, ethnic and indigenous groups. The indigenous groups are
recognized as such by the Constitution in Article II, Section 22:

The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural

communities within the framework of national unity and development.

In keeping with this mandate of the constitution Republic Act No. 8371,
otherwise known as “The Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997” came into
effect.

Under the said law, the state, among others, recognizes and promotes
the rights of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/Indigenous People (IPs)
within the framework of National Unity and Development; protects the rights of
ICCs/IPs to their ancestral domains to ensure their economic, cultural and social
well being and recognize the applicability of customary laws governing property
rights or relation determining the ownership and extent of ancestral domain; and
recognizes, respects and protects the rights of members of ICCs/Ips.
 The National Commission on Indigenous People (NICP) was
created in answer to the mandate of the Constitution on the
creation of a consultative body to advise the President on policies
affecting indigenous cultural Minorities, the majority of the
members of which shall come from these communities (Art XII Sec.
12).

The NICP serves as the primary government agency

responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies,
plans and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-
being of the ICCs/IPs and the recognition of their ancestral domains
as well as their rights thereto.

The NICP is further mandated by the law to protect and

promote the interest and well-being of the ICCs/IPs with due regard
to their beliefs, customs, and traditions.
Formation of Non-Governmental and Sectoral Organization

People have different goals in life. They may pursue these goals
and visions as individuals, or in groups or organizations. The people, as
citizens, can form non-governmental or sect oral organizations to
accomplish their ends. Article II, Section 23 of the Constitution states
thus:

The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-

based, or sect oral organizations that promote the welfare of the
nation.

This provision complements the constitutional right of the

people under the Bill of Rights.

“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.”
 The organizations whose formation and existence are encouraged
under this policy are the following:

1. Non-governmental (NGO)

2. Community-based

3. Sectoral organizations are expected to promote the welfare of the

nation

Examples of organizations which fall under this are: The Philippine

National Red Cross, The National Tuberculosis Society of the Philippines,
The Samahang Nayon, The Federation of Free Farmers, the Philippine
Banners Association and similar groups. Sectoral organizations are entitled
to representation in the Congress through the party-list system and in local
legislative bodies. Finally, independent people’s organizations are
recognized by the state to pursue collective interest by legitimate means,
and their participation in some levels of decision-making shall not be
abridge (Section 15 to 16 of Art. XIII).
Media as an Instrument of Good Government

A nation consisting of more than seven thousand islands must

readily realize the important role of communication and information. They
are vital in nation building and in keeping the territorial islands compact and
intact. This is stated in Article II, Section 24 of the Constitution.

The State recognizes the vital role of communication and

information in nation-building.

Autonomy of Local Governments

The experiences of past administrations show the inherent

weakness of centralized governments. Local government units are not
empowered and have little control over their own direction. Because of this,
local governments were given the right to self-government under Article II,
Section 25 of the Constitution.

The state shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

 As an application of this Constitutional Provision, Republic
Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, was
enacted. It took effect on January 1, 1992, and covers all matters
concerning local governments and political subdivisions.

Under this working law, the local governments are given

certain powers while some are provided the chance to be
autonomous. Inherent in the law is decentralization, or the
dispersion or distribution of functions and powers from the central
authority to regional political subdivision.
 The territorial and political subdivisions of the Philippines are
the provinces, the cities, the municipalities and the barangays. There
shall be autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras
which shall be created by organic acts which shall commence when
such acts are ratified by the majority of the inhabitants in the areas
affected (Art. X Sections 1-3). Only the creation of the Autonomous
Region of Muslim Mindanao was ratified.

These territorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy local

autonomy. However, the President of the Philippines shall exercise
general supervision over the local governments. Each local
government shall have to create its own sources of revenues, fees and
charges subject to such guidelines and limitations as the Congress
may provide, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such
taxes, fees and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local
government.
Access to Public Service and Bar to Political Dynasty

To provide a level playing field for all citizens who want to

enter public service, Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution states:

The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for

public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by
law.

The policy stresses giving equal opportunity to all qualified

citizens to hold public offices through appointment or election and to
hold such offices either during fixed tenure provided by law, or during
good behavior or at the pleasure of the appointing power. Nobody
can stay in public office for life; nor acquire title over the same.
 Political dynasties or any practice by which a public officer
passes from the parent or descendants to their relatives or to
people within certain degree of relations as shall be determined by
law is prohibited. Laws must give equal opportunities to all qualified
citizens to enter public service.

Some constitutional provisions that assure the citizen to a

fair opportunity for public offices and services are the following:

1. Certain offices are limited to natural-born Filipinos such as the

Office of the President, The vice-President, Justice of the
Supreme Court and other lower collegiate courts and the offices
of the Constitutional Commissions.
2. The terms of offices of public officials both elective and appointive,
are for a fixed period. The President is limited to one term, without
reelection; the Vice-President to one reelection; Senators to two
consecutive terms; Members of the House of Representative to three
consecutive terms; and local elective officials (except the barangay
officials) to three consecutive terms. Justices and judges may keep
their job until they reach the age of 70 unless earlier removed. Laws
on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of their
services. The tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the AFP generally
does not exceed three years.

3. The officers and men of the regular armed forces shall be recruited
proportionality from all provinces and cities as far as practicable.
4. During his tenure, The President cannot appoint his spouse or
relatives within the fourth civil degree to ranking government
positions.

5. No member of Congress shall hold any other government

office or employment during his term without forfeiting his
seat.

5. No elective official shall be eligible for appointment or

designation in any capacity to any public office or position
during his tenure.
Towards a Responsible Public Service

To keep faith and give meaning to the policy that “a public

office is a public trust” two policies are imperative honesty and
integrity in public service must be maintained, and positive and
effective measures against graft and corruption must be radically
undertaken. This is inherently mentioned in Article II, Section 27 of
the Constitution.

The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the

public service and take positive and effective measures against
graft and corruption.
 The right of the people to be informed on matters of public
concern and to receive a balanced flow of information is the rights of
citizens necessary so that public officials and employees are always
placed under scrutiny and check.

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.

The end result would make the government responsive to

the will of the people. Only an enlightened and well-informed
citizenry can effectively fulfill the task of checking the acts and
transactions of their public officials and employees, which must at all
times be accountable to the governed, serve them with utmost
responsibility, patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.