Philippine Constitutions
The fundamental laws that have governed the Filipino nation from 1899 to the present.
6 of 6 documents available
1987 Constitution
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
The current and supreme law of the Philippines, ratified on February 2, 1987 following the People Power Revolution.
Key Developments:
- Restored the Presidential system and Bicameral Congress
- Strengthened the Bill of Rights
- Introduced strict limitations on declaring Martial Law
Freedom Constitution
Provisional Constitution of 1986
A provisional constitution proclaimed by President Corazon Aquino on March 25, 1986, pending the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.
Key Developments:
- Suspended the 1973 Constitution
- President exercised legislative power temporarily
- Dismantled the Marcos dictatorial apparatus
1973 Constitution
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
Enacted under President Ferdinand Marcos during martial law. It established a parliamentary-style government.
Key Developments:
- 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
1943 Constitution
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
The constitution of the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic during World War II, in force from 1943 to 1945.
Key Developments:
- Drafted under Japanese occupation
- Created a powerful Executive subject to Japanese oversight
- Recognized only during WWII
1935 Constitution
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines
Governed the Commonwealth period and served as the basis for the Third Republic after independence from the United States in 1946.
Key Developments:
- Modeled heavily after the U.S. Constitution
- Established the Commonwealth in preparation for independence
- Originally Unicameral, amended in 1940 to Bicameral
Malolos Constitution
Constitución Política de la República Filipina
The first Philippine constitution, adopted by the Malolos Congress on January 21, 1899, establishing the First Philippine Republic.
Key Developments:
- First republican constitution in Asia
- Established a Unicameral Assembly of Representatives
- Explicitly provided for the separation of Church and State