An Overview and Reflection on the Revisions of Philippine Constitution
The Constitution is the most important part in organizing a state. It contains not only the national
teritory, but more importantly, it states the set of rules and principles which serve as the fundamental
law of the land. In this regard, the Philippines has had a lot of constitutions since the proclamation of
Independence on June 12, 1898.
In 1899, the Malolos Constitution, the first Philippine constitution was darafted and formed. The form
of government according to Title II, Article 4 is to be popular, representative and alternative and
responsible and shall exercise three district powers-legislative, executive, and judicial. Aside from that,
Secretaries of the government were given seats in the assembly. However, the 1899 Malolos
Constitution was never enforced due to the ongoing war. Hence, based on the articles I've read, this
was never enforced because the Philippines was effectively a territory of the United States upon the
signing of the Treaty of Paris.
On the other hand, on 1935 the Commonwealth Constitution was established. This constitution had
been written in 1934 by the constitutional convention. The constitution specified that legislative power
would be vested in a bicameral legislative according to the article I've read about the constitution.
Tha third constitution was established on 1973 which was the Constitutional Authoritarianism. This
constitution is a conceptual category of authoritarianism which was constitutional law to stabilize
governments politically which misuses certain constitutional institutions. In this period, Ferdinand
Marcos was elected as the President. During that time Martial Law was declared and a growing
communist insurgency was formed. On the other hand, the constitution was amended several times.
However, after all the amendments introduced, on 1973 Constitution was merely a way for Marcos to
keep executive powers. Further, during that time, President Cory Aquino was then elected as the
President after the Marcos regime.
On the other side, on February 11, 1987, a new constitution was came into force and it is the 1987
constitution after Martial Law which is the current constitution present in our country. The constitution
provides separation powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. During that time,
President Cirazon Aquino wants to revert to the 1935 constitution and retain the 1973 constitution and
be granted the power to make reforms or start a new.
After reading the topics about the different constitutions of the Philippines, I think it tackles more the
information about the significant values, and awareness on the different constitutions we had in our
country.
In my own reflection, as a Filipino Citizens we must be observant and be aware of the different
constitutions of our country on the past and in the present time because its information represents the
reasons and intentions of the law. It is more like an introduction of the purpose of the constitution.
Furthermore, the topic helps us to have self-awareness as well as to helps us understand more the
importance of human dignity and what is the purpose of amending the constitution.
Moreover, being a Filipino, it is important for us to to express what we feel and need to see in our
country and also we wanted our voices to be heard in terms of political and economic issues. Indeed, I
conclude that the constitutions are set by guidelines, form, duties of government and the rights of the
citizens of the state. So, sovereignity should continue to reside in the people. The people alone should
make the final decision.
