BY: Jocelyn M. Gallegos

What principles underlie state policy in the Philippines?

What is the content of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

How should Article II of the Constitution be understood?

Composed of 28 sections Sections 1 through 6 discuss state principles

Sections 7 through 28 outline state policies

PRINCIPLESPRINCIPLES

Republican democracy› Democracy = periodic elections, etc.› Republicanism = rule through elected

representatives› Overriding principle:

“Sovereignty resides in the people.”

Renunciation of war and commitment to international law› Philippines cannot declare war on another

country (offensive)› The country can only declare an existing state

of war (defensive)› International law forms part of the country’s

own laws

Supremacy of civilian authority› Civilian authority takes precedence over

military authority› The President is the Commander in Chief of

the Armed Forces› The Armed Forces exist to protect the

people and the state

The prime duty of government is to serve and protect the people

Separation of Church and State› The government cannot establish, endorse or

favor any religion› This separation shall be inviolable

POLICIESPOLICIES

Pursuit of an independent foreign policy Recognition of local government

autonomy Equal access to public service Guarantee for human rights Non-absolute ban on nuclear weapons in

the national territory

Preference for private-sector led economic development› Principle of subsidiarity

Safeguarding of labor rights Rural development and agrarian reform Commitment to social justice

› “Preferential option for the poor”

Respect for the sanctity of the family, protection of the unborn and support for youth development › Prohibition on divorce› Prohibition on abortion

Safeguarding of the rights of indigenous communities

Dedication to maintaining the integrity of the public service› Taking measures against graft and corruption

Freedom of information› Full public disclosure of government

transactions involving the public interest

Prohibition of political dynasties› To ensure equal access to public service› As defined by law

Encourage the development of civil society

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