Philippine Constitution & General Information - Revision Notes
As future elementary teachers, mastering the Philippine Constitution and general information is crucial for your LET success and civic education role. This comprehensive review covers the 1987 Constitution, government structure, national symbols, and key historical facts that frequently appear in examinations. Understanding these concepts enables you to fulfill your responsibility under RA 7836 to be an exemplary citizen and educator who promotes patriotism and national identity among Filipino students.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution - Structure and Key Articles
Exam tips
- Memorize Article III sections in order - due process, searches, privacy, speech, religion
- Focus on Articles VI-VIII (three branches) and Article XIV (education)
- Practice matching constitutional provisions to real-life scenarios
- Remember key phrases like 'sovereign Filipino people' from the Preamble
Key points
- Drafted after 1986 People Power Revolution by Constitutional Commission
- Ratified on February 2, 1987 through national plebiscite
- Contains 18 articles covering all aspects of governance and rights
- Preamble affirms sovereignty in the people and divine guidance
- Article XIV specifically addresses education, making it relevant to teachers
- Constitution establishes three co-equal branches of government
- Bill of Rights (Article III) contains 22 sections protecting individual freedoms
- Local Government Code (RA 7160) implements Article X provisions
Definitions
Preamble
Opening statement of the Constitution expressing the sovereign will of the Filipino people
Importance
Establishes the philosophical foundation and democratic principles of Philippine governance
Bill of Rights
Article III containing 22 sections that guarantee individual civil liberties and human rights
Importance
Most frequently tested constitutional topic in LET examinations
Due Process
Constitutional guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without lawful procedures
Importance
Fundamental right protecting citizens from arbitrary government action
Common mistakes
- Confusing the number of constitutional articles (18, not 17)
- Mixing up ratification date (February 2, 1987) with other historical dates
- Forgetting that Article XIV covers education - crucial for teachers
- Not memorizing the correct sequence of Bill of Rights provisions
Three Branches of Government and Constitutional Commissions
Exam tips
- Use memory devices: 'P-6-N' (President 6 years No reelection)
- Remember 'CSC-COMELEC-COA' as the three constitutional commissions
- Practice identifying which branch has specific powers (executive appointments, legislative lawmaking, judicial review)
- Focus on the impeachment process steps and grounds
Key points
- Executive Branch: President serves 6 years with no re-election allowed
- Legislative Branch: Bicameral Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
- Judicial Branch: Supreme Court with 15 justices led by Chief Justice
- Senate: 24 senators, 6-year terms, maximum 2 consecutive terms
- House: District and party-list representatives, 3-year terms, maximum 3 consecutive
- Constitutional Commissions: CSC, COMELEC, COA with fiscal autonomy
- Checks and balances system prevents abuse of power
- Impeachment process for high officials including President and justices
Definitions
Bicameral Legislature
Two-chamber legislative system consisting of Senate (upper house) and House of Representatives (lower house)
Importance
Ensures thorough deliberation of laws through dual review process
Constitutional Commissions
Independent bodies (CSC, COMELEC, COA) with constitutional mandate and fiscal autonomy
Importance
Provide checks on executive power and ensure government accountability
Impeachment
Constitutional process to remove high officials for culpable violation of Constitution, treason, bribery, or high crimes
Importance
Ultimate accountability mechanism for highest government officials
Common mistakes
- Confusing terms of office (President: 6 years no reelection, Senators: 6 years max 2 terms)
- Forgetting that House members have 3-year terms, not 6 years
- Missing the distinction between district and party-list representatives
- Not knowing the three constitutional commissions and their specific functions
National Symbols and Philippine Geography
Exam tips
- Memorize the '7,641 islands' current count used in official documents
- Remember flag positioning: blue up for peace, red up for war
- Connect symbols to their cultural significance for better retention
- Practice naming symbols by category: animal, bird, flower, tree, etc.
Key points
- Philippine Flag: Blue (peace) and red (war) fields with sun and 3 stars
- Sun has 8 rays representing provinces that first revolted in 1896
- Three stars represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
- National anthem: Lupang Hinirang (music by Julian Felipe, lyrics by Jose Palma)
- National language: Filipino, with English as co-official language
- 7,641 islands grouped into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
- Highest peak: Mount Apo (2,954 meters) in Mindanao
- National symbols: Carabao (animal), Philippine Eagle (bird), Sampaguita (flower)
Definitions
Philippine Archipelago
Chain of 7,641 islands in Southeast Asia divided into three major island groups
Importance
Understanding geography is essential for teaching social studies and developing national identity
National Symbols
Official emblems representing Philippine culture, history, and natural heritage
Importance
Teachers must promote appreciation of national symbols as mandated by education curriculum
Regional Divisions
17 administrative regions including NCR, CAR, and BARMM for governance purposes
Importance
Knowledge of regions helps teachers contextualize lessons about Philippine diversity
Common mistakes
- Confusing the number of islands (7,641, not 7,107 which is outdated)
- Mixing up flag symbolism (8 rays for provinces, not battles)
- Forgetting that Mount Apo is in Mindanao, not Luzon
- Not knowing the complete list of national symbols beyond flag and anthem
Philippine Presidents and Historical Timeline
Exam tips
- Create timeline mnemonics linking presidents to major historical events
- Focus on 'firsts': first president, first woman president, first post-EDSA president
- Remember key programs associated with each president
- Practice dating major events like independence, Martial Law, People Power
Key points
- Emilio Aguinaldo: First President of the First Philippine Republic (1899-1901)
- Manuel L. Quezon: Commonwealth President known for developing Filipino language
- Key dates: June 12, 1898 (Independence), July 4, 1946 (US recognition)
- Ferdinand Marcos Sr.: Martial Law (September 21, 1972-1981)
- People Power Revolution: February 22-25, 1986
- Current sequence includes presidents from Aguinaldo to current administration
- Each president associated with specific programs and historical periods
- Presidential terms evolved from 4 years (with reelection) to current 6 years (no reelection)
Definitions
People Power Revolution
Peaceful uprising in February 1986 that restored democracy and led to the 1987 Constitution
Importance
Demonstrates Filipino democratic values and peaceful resistance that teachers should exemplify
Martial Law
Military rule imposed by President Marcos from 1972-1981 suspending civil rights
Importance
Historical lesson on the importance of constitutional rights and democratic institutions
Commonwealth Period
Transitional government (1935-1946) preparing Philippines for independence under US guidance
Importance
Critical period establishing modern Philippine institutions and democratic practices
Common mistakes
- Confusing independence dates (June 12, 1898 declaration vs July 4, 1946 US recognition)
- Missing the distinction between presidents of different republics/periods
- Forgetting chronological order of presidents, especially recent ones
- Confusing Martial Law declaration date (September 21, 1972)
Education Provisions and Government Agencies
Exam tips
- Link constitutional education provisions to your future teaching practice
- Remember the acronym 'DCT' for DepEd-CHED-TESDA education agencies
- Focus on how Article XIV supports current educational policies
- Connect education provisions to RA 7836 (Magna Carta for Teachers)
Key points
- Article XIV mandates free and compulsory public elementary and high school education
- Constitution requires quality education accessible to all citizens
- Three languages policy: mother tongue, Filipino, and English
- Academic freedom guaranteed at all educational levels
- DepEd handles K-12 basic education implementation
- CHED oversees higher education institutions and programs
- TESDA manages technical-vocational education and training
- Government agencies have specific mandates serving different sectors
Definitions
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
Educational approach using learner's first language as medium of instruction in early grades
Importance
Constitutional and pedagogical foundation for K-12 curriculum implementation
Academic Freedom
Constitutional guarantee of freedom to teach, learn, and pursue knowledge without interference
Importance
Protects teachers' professional autonomy as stated in RA 7836
Quality Education
Constitutional mandate ensuring relevant, accessible, and effective education for all Filipinos
Importance
Guides teachers' professional responsibility to provide excellent instruction
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that education provisions are in Article XIV, not Article XIII
- Confusing roles of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA in education system
- Missing the three-language policy mandated by the Constitution
- Not connecting constitutional provisions to current K-12 implementation
Connections
- Constitutional education provisions (Article XIV) directly relate to RA 7836 (Teachers' Code of Ethics) and current K-12 curriculum
- Bill of Rights understanding helps teachers protect student rights under RA 7610 (Child Protection Act)
- Knowledge of government structure enables civic education instruction in Araling Panlipunan
- National symbols and history connect to values education mandated in DepEd curriculum
- Understanding of democratic principles supports teachers' role in developing informed citizens
- Constitutional provisions on local government relate to community-based learning approaches
- Three-language policy in Constitution aligns with mother tongue-based multilingual education in K-12
Quick review questions
Which article of the 1987 Constitution contains the Bill of Rights?
Answer
Article III
Article III contains 22 sections detailing individual rights and civil liberties, making it the most frequently tested constitutional topic in LET examinations.
How many years is the term of office for Philippine President with what reelection rules?
Answer
6 years with no reelection allowed
The Constitution limits presidential term to prevent abuse of power, unlike senators who can serve maximum 2 consecutive terms.
What do the 8 rays of the sun in the Philippine flag represent?
Answer
The eight provinces that first revolted against Spain in 1896
The rays commemorate Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas - the provinces under martial law during the revolution.
Which constitutional article specifically addresses education?
Answer
Article XIV
Article XIV covers Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports, establishing free public education and academic freedom.
Name the three Constitutional Commissions established in Article IX.
Answer
Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Commission on Audit (COA)
These independent commissions ensure government accountability and have fiscal autonomy to perform their constitutional duties.
Diagrams
Philippine Constitution Overview
Comprehensive overview showing the structure and key components of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, highlighting areas most relevant for LET examinations.
Bill of Rights Key Provisions Flowchart
Flowchart showing the most important sections of the Bill of Rights that frequently appear in LET examinations, organized by category.
Key Philippine Historical Dates
Timeline of crucial dates in Philippine history that are frequently tested in LET examinations, helping teachers understand the context of constitutional development.
Three Branches Government Powers Distribution
Visual representation of the balanced distribution of powers among the three co-equal branches of government as established by the Constitution.
Exam strategy
Focus intensively on Article III (Bill of Rights) as it appears in 60% of constitutional law questions. Memorize the exact terms of office for all major positions. Create timeline mnemonics for historical dates and presidential succession. Practice matching constitutional provisions to practical scenarios you might encounter as a teacher. Master the national symbols completely as these are frequently tested. Connect constitutional principles to current educational policies and your future role as an elementary teacher under RA 7836.