1973 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PREAMBLE
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to establish a government that shall embody our ideals, promote the general welfare, conserve and develop the patrimony of our Nation, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty, and equality, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
ARTICLE I
NATIONAL TERRITORYSection 1. The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all the other territories belonging to the Philippines by historic or legal title, including the territorial sea, the air space, the subsoil, the sea-bed, the insular shelves, and the submarine areas over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, irrespective of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIESSection 1. The Philippines is a republican state. Sovereignty...
1973 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
1973 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PREAMBLE
- Establishes the sovereign Filipino people as the source of government authority, with the goal of promoting general welfare, conserving national patrimony, and securing democracy, justice, peace, liberty, and equality.
NATIONAL TERRITORY (Article I)
- Defines the national territory, including the Philippine archipelago, territorial waters, airspace, and other areas under Philippine sovereignty or jurisdiction.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES (Article II)
- Outlines key principles and policies, including:
• The Philippines as a republican state with sovereignty residing in the people (Section 1)
• Defense of the state as the prime duty of government (Section 2)
• Renunciation of war and adherence to international law and peaceful relations (Section 3)
• Strengthening the family and supporting parental rights (Section 4)
• Promoting the well-being of youth (Section 5)
• Promoting social justice and equitable distribution of property ownership (Section 6)
• Ensuring adequate social services in education, health, housing, employment, and welfare (Section 7)
• Civilian authority over the military (Section 8)
• Protection of labor rights and promotion of full employment (Section 9)
• Promotion of local government autonomy (Section 10)
CITIZENS (Article III)
- Defines Philippine citizenship, including natural-born citizens, naturalized citizens, and those who elected Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution (Sections 1-4).
BILL OF RIGHTS (Article IV)
- Enumerates fundamental rights and freedoms, including:
• Due process and equal protection (Section 1)
• Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (Section 3)
• Privacy of communication and correspondence (Section 4)
• Freedom of abode and travel (Section 5)
• Right to information on public matters (Section 6)
• Freedom of association (Section 7)
• Freedom of religion (Section 8)
• Freedom of speech, press, and assembly (Section 9)
• Prohibition of ex post facto laws and bills of attainder (Sections 11-12)
• Prohibition of imprisonment for debt (Section 13)
• Prohibition of involuntary servitude (Section 14)
• Right to habeas corpus (Section 15)
• Right to speedy disposition of cases (Section 16)
• Rights of the accused in criminal prosecutions (Sections 17-20)
• Prohibition of excessive fines and cruel punishment (Section 21)
• Protection against double jeopardy (Section 22)
• Free access to courts (Section 23)
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF CITIZENS (Article V)
- Outlines the duties of citizens, including loyalty to the Republic, obedience to laws, gainful work, and voting (Sections 1-4).
SUFFRAGE (Article VI)
- Establishes the right to vote for citizens aged 18 and above, subject to residency requirements, and mandates a system for ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the vote (Section 1).
THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT (Article VII)
- Defines the roles, powers, and duties of the President and Vice-President, including:
• The President as the head of state and chief executive (Section 1)
• Qualifications and term of office for the President and Vice-President (Sections 2-3)
• Restrictions on the President's activities and financial interests (Section 4)
• Succession in case of permanent disability, death, removal, or resignation of the President (Section 5)
• Duties and functions of the President (Section 6)
• Immunity of the President from suit during tenure (Section 7)
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (Article VIII)
- Establishes the National Assembly as the legislative body, with provisions for:
• Composition, qualifications, and election of Members (Sections 1-5)
• Sessions, proceedings, and rules of the National Assembly (Section 7)
• Compensation and privileges of Members (Section 8)
• Legislative powers and procedures, including impeachment, declaration of war, and appropriations (Sections 9-19)
• Relationship between the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, including the election and removal of the Prime Minister (Section 13)
• Dissolution of the National Assembly and general elections (Section 13)
THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE CABINET (Article IX)
- Defines the roles, powers, and duties of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, including:
• The Prime Minister as the head of government (Section 1)
• Responsibility of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to the National Assembly (Section 2)
• Election of the Prime Minister by the National Assembly (Section 3)
• Appointment and removal of Cabinet members by the Prime Minister (Section 4)
• Appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Ministers (Section 5)
• Oath of office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 6)
• Salaries and emoluments of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Section 7)
• Restrictions on the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 8)
• Resignation of the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 9)
• Presentation of the government program by the Prime Minister (Section 10)
• Control of ministries by the Prime Minister (Section 11)
• The Prime Minister as commander-in-chief of the armed forces (Section 12)
• Appointment powers of the Prime Minister (Section 13)
• Granting of reprieves, commutations, pardons, and amnesty by the Prime Minister (Section 14)
• Contracting and guaranteeing loans by the Prime Minister (Section 15)
• Vesting of powers not provided for in the President of the 1935 Constitution in the Prime Minister (Section 16)
THE JUDICIARY (Article X)
- Establishes the judicial system, including:
• Vesting of judicial power in the Supreme Court and inferior courts (Section 1)
• Composition, decision-making process, and en banc requirements of the Supreme Court (Section 2)
• Qualifications for Supreme Court Justices and judges of inferior courts (Section 3)
• Appointment of Supreme Court Justices and judges by the President (Section 4)
• Powers of the Supreme Court, including original and appellate jurisdiction, administrative supervision, and rule-making authority (Sections 5-6)
• Tenure and discipline of Supreme Court Justices and judges (Section 7)
• Consultation and dissenting opinions in court decisions (Section 8)
• Requirements for court decisions (Section 9)
• Salaries of Supreme Court Justices and judges (Section 10)
• Time limits for deciding cases (Section 11)
• Annual report by the Supreme Court (Section 12)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Article XI)
- Provides for the organization and powers of local government units, including:
• Territorial and political subdivisions (Section 1)
• Enactment of a local government code by the National Assembly (Section 2)
• Creation, division, merger, or abolition of local government units (Section 3)
• Relationship between provinces/cities and component municipalities/barrios (Section 4)
• Power of local government units to create sources of revenue and levy taxes (Section 5)
THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS (Article XII)
- Establishes the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections, and Commission on Audit, with provisions for:
• Common provisions, including salaries, restrictions, and appointment of officials and employees (Sections A1-A4)
• Civil Service Commission: administration of the civil service, merit-based appointments, and standardization of compensation (Sections B1-B6)
• Commission on Elections: powers and functions related to the conduct of elections, registration of political parties, and campaign regulations (Sections C1-C11)
• Commission on Audit: powers and functions related to auditing government accounts, deciding cases, and submitting financial reports (Sections D1-D2)
ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS (Article XIII)
- Outlines provisions for the accountability of public officers, including:
• Public office as a public trust and requirement of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency (Section 1)
• Impeachment and removal of the President, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of Constitutional Commissions (Sections 2-4)
• Establishment of the Sandiganbayan for cases involving graft and corrupt practices (Section 5)
• Establishment of the Tanodbayan (Ombudsman) to investigate complaints and prosecute cases (Section 6)
THE NATIONAL ECONOMY AND THE PATRIMONY OF THE NATION (Article XIV)
- Provides for the regulation and management of the national economy and natural resources, including:
• Establishment of the National Economic and Development Authority (Section 1)
• Regulation of private monopolies and unfair competition (Section 2)
• Reservation of certain investment areas for Filipino citizens or corporations (Section 3)
• Regulation of private corporations (Section 4)
• Restrictions on the granting of franchises and public utility operations (Section 5)
• State ownership and operation of industries, transportation, and communication (Section 6)
• Temporary state takeover of private utilities and businesses in national emergencies (Section 7)
• State ownership of natural resources and limitations on their alienation and utilization (Sections 8-9)
• Classification and limitations on the acquisition and holding of public lands (Sections 10-11)
• Implementation of an agrarian reform program (Section 12)
• Expropriation and subdivision of public lands (Section 13)
• Restrictions on the transfer of private lands (Section 14)
• Authority of the Prime Minister to enter into international treaties (Section 15)
GENERAL PROVISIONS (Article XV)
- Covers various general provisions, including:
• The Philippine flag, national anthem, and national seal (Sections 1-2)
• Official languages and development of a common national language (Section 3)
• Oath of public officers and employees to support the Constitution (Section 4)
• Restrictions on additional compensation and acceptance of presents or titles from foreign states (Section 5)
• Payment of income tax by public officers and employees (Section 6)
• Ownership and management of mass media and telecommunications entities (Section 7)
• Supervision and regulation of educational institutions by the State (Section 8)
• Promotion of scientific research, invention, and Filipino culture (Section 9)
• Responsibility of the State to maintain population levels conducive to national welfare (Section 10)
• Consideration of customs, traditions, and interests of national cultural communities (Section 11)
• Establishment of an integrated national police force (Section 12)
• Composition of the armed forces, including a citizen army (Section 13)
• Establishment of a central monetary authority (Section 14)
• Separation of church and state (Section 15)
• Consent required for suing the State (Section 16)
AMENDMENTS (Article XVI)
- Outlines the procedures for amending or revising the Constitution, including:
• Proposal of amendments by the National Assembly or a constitutional convention (Section 1)
• Ratification of amendments or revisions by a majority vote in a plebiscite (Section 2)
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS (Article XVII)
- Provides for the transition to the new constitutional system, including:
• Establishment of an Interim National Assembly and its composition (Sections 1-2)
• Powers and functions of the incumbent President during the transition (Section 3)
• Powers and functions of the interim Prime Minister and Cabinet (Section 4)
• Priorities of the Interim National Assembly (Section 5)
• Reapportionment of Assembly seats (Section 6)
• Continuity of existing laws, courts, officials, and employees (Sections 7-10)
• Termination of rights and privileges granted to U.S. citizens and corporations (Section 11)
• Recognition of treaties, contracts, and concessions (Section 12)
• Separation benefits for reorganized government personnel (Section 13)
• Transfer of records and properties of reorganized offices (Section 14)
• Proposal of amendments by the Interim National Assembly (Section 15)
• Effectivity and supersession of the 1935 Constitution (Section 16)
- Establishes the sovereign Filipino people as the source of government authority, with the goal of promoting general welfare, conserving national patrimony, and securing democracy, justice, peace, liberty, and equality.
NATIONAL TERRITORY (Article I)
- Defines the national territory, including the Philippine archipelago, territorial waters, airspace, and other areas under Philippine sovereignty or jurisdiction.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES (Article II)
- Outlines key principles and policies, including:
• The Philippines as a republican state with sovereignty residing in the people (Section 1)
• Defense of the state as the prime duty of government (Section 2)
• Renunciation of war and adherence to international law and peaceful relations (Section 3)
• Strengthening the family and supporting parental rights (Section 4)
• Promoting the well-being of youth (Section 5)
• Promoting social justice and equitable distribution of property ownership (Section 6)
• Ensuring adequate social services in education, health, housing, employment, and welfare (Section 7)
• Civilian authority over the military (Section 8)
• Protection of labor rights and promotion of full employment (Section 9)
• Promotion of local government autonomy (Section 10)
CITIZENS (Article III)
- Defines Philippine citizenship, including natural-born citizens, naturalized citizens, and those who elected Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution (Sections 1-4).
BILL OF RIGHTS (Article IV)
- Enumerates fundamental rights and freedoms, including:
• Due process and equal protection (Section 1)
• Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (Section 3)
• Privacy of communication and correspondence (Section 4)
• Freedom of abode and travel (Section 5)
• Right to information on public matters (Section 6)
• Freedom of association (Section 7)
• Freedom of religion (Section 8)
• Freedom of speech, press, and assembly (Section 9)
• Prohibition of ex post facto laws and bills of attainder (Sections 11-12)
• Prohibition of imprisonment for debt (Section 13)
• Prohibition of involuntary servitude (Section 14)
• Right to habeas corpus (Section 15)
• Right to speedy disposition of cases (Section 16)
• Rights of the accused in criminal prosecutions (Sections 17-20)
• Prohibition of excessive fines and cruel punishment (Section 21)
• Protection against double jeopardy (Section 22)
• Free access to courts (Section 23)
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF CITIZENS (Article V)
- Outlines the duties of citizens, including loyalty to the Republic, obedience to laws, gainful work, and voting (Sections 1-4).
SUFFRAGE (Article VI)
- Establishes the right to vote for citizens aged 18 and above, subject to residency requirements, and mandates a system for ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the vote (Section 1).
THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT (Article VII)
- Defines the roles, powers, and duties of the President and Vice-President, including:
• The President as the head of state and chief executive (Section 1)
• Qualifications and term of office for the President and Vice-President (Sections 2-3)
• Restrictions on the President's activities and financial interests (Section 4)
• Succession in case of permanent disability, death, removal, or resignation of the President (Section 5)
• Duties and functions of the President (Section 6)
• Immunity of the President from suit during tenure (Section 7)
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (Article VIII)
- Establishes the National Assembly as the legislative body, with provisions for:
• Composition, qualifications, and election of Members (Sections 1-5)
• Sessions, proceedings, and rules of the National Assembly (Section 7)
• Compensation and privileges of Members (Section 8)
• Legislative powers and procedures, including impeachment, declaration of war, and appropriations (Sections 9-19)
• Relationship between the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, including the election and removal of the Prime Minister (Section 13)
• Dissolution of the National Assembly and general elections (Section 13)
THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE CABINET (Article IX)
- Defines the roles, powers, and duties of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, including:
• The Prime Minister as the head of government (Section 1)
• Responsibility of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to the National Assembly (Section 2)
• Election of the Prime Minister by the National Assembly (Section 3)
• Appointment and removal of Cabinet members by the Prime Minister (Section 4)
• Appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Ministers (Section 5)
• Oath of office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 6)
• Salaries and emoluments of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Section 7)
• Restrictions on the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 8)
• Resignation of the Prime Minister and Cabinet members (Section 9)
• Presentation of the government program by the Prime Minister (Section 10)
• Control of ministries by the Prime Minister (Section 11)
• The Prime Minister as commander-in-chief of the armed forces (Section 12)
• Appointment powers of the Prime Minister (Section 13)
• Granting of reprieves, commutations, pardons, and amnesty by the Prime Minister (Section 14)
• Contracting and guaranteeing loans by the Prime Minister (Section 15)
• Vesting of powers not provided for in the President of the 1935 Constitution in the Prime Minister (Section 16)
THE JUDICIARY (Article X)
- Establishes the judicial system, including:
• Vesting of judicial power in the Supreme Court and inferior courts (Section 1)
• Composition, decision-making process, and en banc requirements of the Supreme Court (Section 2)
• Qualifications for Supreme Court Justices and judges of inferior courts (Section 3)
• Appointment of Supreme Court Justices and judges by the President (Section 4)
• Powers of the Supreme Court, including original and appellate jurisdiction, administrative supervision, and rule-making authority (Sections 5-6)
• Tenure and discipline of Supreme Court Justices and judges (Section 7)
• Consultation and dissenting opinions in court decisions (Section 8)
• Requirements for court decisions (Section 9)
• Salaries of Supreme Court Justices and judges (Section 10)
• Time limits for deciding cases (Section 11)
• Annual report by the Supreme Court (Section 12)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Article XI)
- Provides for the organization and powers of local government units, including:
• Territorial and political subdivisions (Section 1)
• Enactment of a local government code by the National Assembly (Section 2)
• Creation, division, merger, or abolition of local government units (Section 3)
• Relationship between provinces/cities and component municipalities/barrios (Section 4)
• Power of local government units to create sources of revenue and levy taxes (Section 5)
THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS (Article XII)
- Establishes the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections, and Commission on Audit, with provisions for:
• Common provisions, including salaries, restrictions, and appointment of officials and employees (Sections A1-A4)
• Civil Service Commission: administration of the civil service, merit-based appointments, and standardization of compensation (Sections B1-B6)
• Commission on Elections: powers and functions related to the conduct of elections, registration of political parties, and campaign regulations (Sections C1-C11)
• Commission on Audit: powers and functions related to auditing government accounts, deciding cases, and submitting financial reports (Sections D1-D2)
ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS (Article XIII)
- Outlines provisions for the accountability of public officers, including:
• Public office as a public trust and requirement of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency (Section 1)
• Impeachment and removal of the President, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of Constitutional Commissions (Sections 2-4)
• Establishment of the Sandiganbayan for cases involving graft and corrupt practices (Section 5)
• Establishment of the Tanodbayan (Ombudsman) to investigate complaints and prosecute cases (Section 6)
THE NATIONAL ECONOMY AND THE PATRIMONY OF THE NATION (Article XIV)
- Provides for the regulation and management of the national economy and natural resources, including:
• Establishment of the National Economic and Development Authority (Section 1)
• Regulation of private monopolies and unfair competition (Section 2)
• Reservation of certain investment areas for Filipino citizens or corporations (Section 3)
• Regulation of private corporations (Section 4)
• Restrictions on the granting of franchises and public utility operations (Section 5)
• State ownership and operation of industries, transportation, and communication (Section 6)
• Temporary state takeover of private utilities and businesses in national emergencies (Section 7)
• State ownership of natural resources and limitations on their alienation and utilization (Sections 8-9)
• Classification and limitations on the acquisition and holding of public lands (Sections 10-11)
• Implementation of an agrarian reform program (Section 12)
• Expropriation and subdivision of public lands (Section 13)
• Restrictions on the transfer of private lands (Section 14)
• Authority of the Prime Minister to enter into international treaties (Section 15)
GENERAL PROVISIONS (Article XV)
- Covers various general provisions, including:
• The Philippine flag, national anthem, and national seal (Sections 1-2)
• Official languages and development of a common national language (Section 3)
• Oath of public officers and employees to support the Constitution (Section 4)
• Restrictions on additional compensation and acceptance of presents or titles from foreign states (Section 5)
• Payment of income tax by public officers and employees (Section 6)
• Ownership and management of mass media and telecommunications entities (Section 7)
• Supervision and regulation of educational institutions by the State (Section 8)
• Promotion of scientific research, invention, and Filipino culture (Section 9)
• Responsibility of the State to maintain population levels conducive to national welfare (Section 10)
• Consideration of customs, traditions, and interests of national cultural communities (Section 11)
• Establishment of an integrated national police force (Section 12)
• Composition of the armed forces, including a citizen army (Section 13)
• Establishment of a central monetary authority (Section 14)
• Separation of church and state (Section 15)
• Consent required for suing the State (Section 16)
AMENDMENTS (Article XVI)
- Outlines the procedures for amending or revising the Constitution, including:
• Proposal of amendments by the National Assembly or a constitutional convention (Section 1)
• Ratification of amendments or revisions by a majority vote in a plebiscite (Section 2)
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS (Article XVII)
- Provides for the transition to the new constitutional system, including:
• Establishment of an Interim National Assembly and its composition (Sections 1-2)
• Powers and functions of the incumbent President during the transition (Section 3)
• Powers and functions of the interim Prime Minister and Cabinet (Section 4)
• Priorities of the Interim National Assembly (Section 5)
• Reapportionment of Assembly seats (Section 6)
• Continuity of existing laws, courts, officials, and employees (Sections 7-10)
• Termination of rights and privileges granted to U.S. citizens and corporations (Section 11)
• Recognition of treaties, contracts, and concessions (Section 12)
• Separation benefits for reorganized government personnel (Section 13)
• Transfer of records and properties of reorganized offices (Section 14)
• Proposal of amendments by the Interim National Assembly (Section 15)
• Effectivity and supersession of the 1935 Constitution (Section 16)