Explain the similarities of the 1899, 1935, 1973, and 1987 Philippine Constitutions.
Answer (1)
The 1899, 1935, 1973, and 1987 Philippine Constitutions, despite being products of different historical contexts, share several similarities that reflect their common goal of establishing a democratic government and promoting the welfare of the Filipino people. Here are the key similarities among these constitutions:### 1. **Recognition of Sovereignty and Independence** - All four constitutions emphasize the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines. They assert that the Filipino people have the ultimate authority over their government and territory, free from external control.### 2. **Republican Form of Government** - Each constitution establishes a republican form of government, where power is derived from the people and exercised by elected representatives. The principle of popular sovereignty, where the government is by the people, for the people, and of the people, is a consistent feature.### 3. **Separation of Powers** - The doctrine of separation of powers is a fundamental aspect of all four constitutions. They divide the government into three branches—**Executive**, **Legislative**, and **Judicial**—each with distinct powers and functions to prevent the concentration of power in one branch and to ensure checks and balances.### 4. **Bill of Rights** - Each constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals against abuses by the government. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and due process, among others.### 5. **Protection of Civil Liberties** - All constitutions underscore the protection of civil liberties, ensuring that citizens are afforded basic rights and freedoms, such as the right to life, liberty, and property, as well as the rights to equal protection under the law and access to justice.### 6. **Provision for Amendments** - Each constitution provides a mechanism for its amendment or revision, recognizing the need for the constitution to evolve in response to changing circumstances and the will of the people.### 7. **Emphasis on Social Justice** - The constitutions include provisions aimed at promoting social justice and ensuring the equitable distribution of wealth and resources. They acknowledge the need to uplift the poor and marginalized sectors of society.### 8. **National Language** - The constitutions recognize the need for a national language to foster unity and identity among Filipinos. The 1935 Constitution established Filipino as the national language, a provision carried over and further developed in subsequent constitutions.### 9. **Framework for Government Institutions** - All four constitutions establish the basic framework for the organization and function of government institutions, including the presidency, the legislature (whether unicameral or bicameral), and the judiciary.### 10. **Territorial Integrity** - Each constitution asserts the territorial integrity of the Philippines, defining the country's territorial boundaries and ensuring that these are protected and respected.### Summary:These similarities across the 1899, 1935, 1973, and 1987 Philippine Constitutions highlight the enduring principles of democracy, sovereignty, and the protection of individual rights in the country's constitutional tradition. Despite differences in their specific provisions and the historical contexts in which they were enacted, these constitutions collectively reflect the Filipino people's aspirations for a just, free, and democratic society.
