Six charters.
One country.

Every constitution the Philippines has lived under, from Malolos in 1899 to the charter written after EDSA — and what each one changed about who holds power.

6constitutions6with the full text here1899the first
  1. 1987

    1987 Constitution

    Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines    PresidentialBicameral

    The current and supreme law of the Philippines, ratified on February 2, 1987 following the People Power Revolution.

    What it changed
    • Restored the Presidential system and Bicameral Congress
    • Strengthened the Bill of Rights
    • Introduced strict limitations on declaring Martial Law
    Read the text
  2. 1986

    Freedom Constitution

    Provisional Constitution of 1986    TransitionalRevolutionary Govt

    A provisional constitution proclaimed by President Corazon Aquino on March 25, 1986, pending the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.

    What it changed
    • Suspended the 1973 Constitution
    • President exercised legislative power temporarily
    • Dismantled the Marcos dictatorial apparatus
    Read the text
  3. 1973

    1973 Constitution

    Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines    ParliamentaryUnicameral

    Enacted under President Ferdinand Marcos during martial law. It established a parliamentary-style government.

    What it changed
    • Shifted from Presidential to a Parliamentary system
    • Abolished the Senate and implemented a Unicameral Batasang Pambansa
    • Concentrated power in the Executive to support Martial Law
    Read the text
  4. 1943

    1943 Constitution

    Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines    PresidentialUnicameralPuppet State

    The constitution of the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic during World War II, in force from 1943 to 1945.

    What it changed
    • Drafted under Japanese occupation
    • Created a powerful Executive subject to Japanese oversight
    • Recognized only during WWII
    Read the text
  5. 1935

    1935 Constitution

    Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines    PresidentialBicameral

    Governed the Commonwealth period and served as the basis for the Third Republic after independence from the United States in 1946.

    What it changed
    • Modeled heavily after the U.S. Constitution
    • Established the Commonwealth in preparation for independence
    • Originally Unicameral, amended in 1940 to Bicameral
    Read the text
  6. 1899

    Malolos Constitution

    Constitución Política de la República Filipina    Parliamentary-LeaningUnicameral

    The first Philippine constitution, adopted by the Malolos Congress on January 21, 1899, establishing the First Philippine Republic.

    What it changed
    • First republican constitution in Asia
    • Established a Unicameral Assembly of Representatives
    • Explicitly provided for the separation of Church and State
    Read the text