SAN AGUSTIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

(SAIT-NSTP)
PROGRAM MODULE
 Introduction to NSTP
CHAPTER 2
CITIZENSHIP TRAINING
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION
Since June 12, 1898, Proclamation of Independence, there has been a total of six (6)
Philippine Constitution. Below is the evolution of the constitution:

1. Malolos Constitution (1898 – 1901) – First Philippine Constitution; First

republican constitution in
Asia

2. Philippine Organic Act of 1902 & Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916

(1902 – 1935) - The Phil. Organic Act of 1902 provided a Philippine
Assembly composed of Filipino citizen while the Phil. Autonomy Act of 1916
included the first pledge of Philippine Independence.

3. Commonwealth and Third Republic/1935 Constitution (1935 – 1943 &

1945 – 1972) – The United States Congress in 1934 passed the Philippine
Independence Act that paved way to the creation of a constitution for the
Philippines. Through the 1934 Constitutional Convention, a draft of the
Constitution for the Philippines was produced. It was ratified through a
national plebiscite on May 14, 1935. In November 15, 1935 with the
inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the constitution was
fully implemented and enforced. Part of its provision states that the said
constitution will remain in effect once independence was declared on July 4,
1946. In 1940, the National Assembly of the Philippines amended the
constitution from having a unicameral assembly to a bicameral congress and
changing the term limit of the president from six (6) years with no re-election
to four (4) years with a possibility of re-election for a second term. In 1945,
the constitution was again observed with the liberation of the country.

4. Japanese-Sponsored Republic/Second Republic/1943 Constitution

(1943 – 1945) – The Japanese-sponsored government nullified the
constitution during the World War II. The government created a Preparatory
Committee on Philippine Independence to replace the constitution. The new
constitution was used by the administration under President Jose P. Laurel.

5. Martial Law Constitution/1973 Constitution (1973 – 1986) – During the

regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, a Constitutional Convention was
formed to amend the 1935 Constitution. Through the Presidential Decree No.
86, s. 1972 – creation of a citizen assembly to ratify a drafted constitution by
means of a Viva Voce in place of secret ballots, President Marcos
announced the ratification and its effectivity on January 17, 1973. Although
there were several opposition to its ratification, the 1973 Constitution was
deemed valid and was enforced.

6. Freedom Constitution/1987 Constitution (1987 – Present) – After Martial

Law and the democracy was restored, President Corazon Aquino issued the
suspension of several provision in the 1973 Constitution and promulgated a
transitory constitution through Proclamation No. 3. The Constitutional
Commission was created by Proclamation No. 9, s. 1986 and was tasked to
write a new charter to replace the previous Constitution. The National
Plebiscite for the new Constitution was held on February 2, 1987. Then, on
February 11, 1987, by virtue of Proclamation No. 58 the new constitution was
ratified.
PREAMBLE
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to
build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody
our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our
patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of
independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice,
freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

SEC. 1 No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due

process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of
the laws.
SEC. 2 The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever
nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant
or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be
determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or
affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or
things to be seized.
SEC. 3 1. The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be
inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public
safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
2. Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section
shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.
SEC. 4 No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of
expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
SEC. 5 No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment
of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or
preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be
required for the exercise of civil or political rights.
SEC. 6 The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits
prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of
the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the
interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be
provided by law.
SEC. 7 The right of the people to information on matters of public concern
shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and
papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as
to government research data used as basis for policy development,
shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be
provided by law.
SEC. 8 The right of the people, including those employed in the public and
private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes
not contrary to law shall not be abridged.
SEC. 9 Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation.
SEC. 10 No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

SEC. 11 Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal
assistance shall not
be denied to any person by reason of poverty.
SEC. 12 1. Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense
shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and
to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own
choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he must
be provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in
writing and in the presence of counsel.
2. No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means
which vitiate the free will shall be used against him. Secret
detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of
detention are prohibited.
3. Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section
17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence against him.
4. The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions of violations of
this section as well
as compensation to and rehabilitation of victims of torture or similar
practices, and
their families.

SEC. 13 All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by

reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before
conviction, be bailable by sufficient securities, or be released on
recognizance as may be provided by law. The right to bail shall not be
impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is
suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.
SEC. 14 1. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due
process of law.
2. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed
innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be
heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and
cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial,
and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have
compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the
production of evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment,
trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused
provided that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is
unjustifiable.
SEC. 15 The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended
except in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety
requires it.
SEC. 16 All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases
before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.
SEC. 17 No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
 SEC. 18 1. No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs
and aspirations.
2. No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a
punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly
convicted.
SEC. 19 1. Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or
inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be
imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes,
the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any death penalty already
imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.
2. The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading
punishment against any prisoner or detainee or the use of
substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman
conditions shall be dealt with by law.
SEC. 20 No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.

SEC. 21 No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same
offense. If an act is punished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or
acquittal under either shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for
the same act.
SEC. 22 No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.
& RESPONSIBILITIES OF FILIPINO CITIZEN
1. It is the duty of every Filipino to respect, honor and give due accord to his
Filipino heritage, patrimony, values and tradition.
2. It is the duty of every Filipino to contribute to the development, welfare and
nation-building of its country.
3. It is the duty of every Filipino to engage in gainful work to assure himself and
his family a life of worthy of human dignity.
4. Loyalty to the federal republic and national consciousness, aspirations and
ideals shall be asked from every Filipino citizen.
5. Every Filipino citizen is asked to uphold this Constitution, obey the laws of the
land, pay taxes and duties, and to cooperate with the duly constituted
authorities in the attainment and preservation of a just and orderly society.
6. Every Filipino citizen must give due honor to the Philippine flag, National
Anthem, Philippine President and other national symbols and emblems.
7. It is the duty of very Filipino citizen to defend the national territory from
aggressive invaders, protect the sovereignty of its people, and preserve the
continuity of a just, human society and government.
8. It is the duty of every Filipino to report to the proper authorities all plots of
terrorism, plans of rebellion, subversion, or insurrection toward the duly and
legally acknowledge government, and other acts that will compromise the
union and sovereignty of the federal republic.
9. It is the obligation of every Filipino, to report corrupt, dishonest or fraudulent
government officials to the proper forum, courts and agencies. A Filipino shall
not tempt or bribe government officials, steal from the coffers of the
government, or escape or abandon his lawful responsibilities.
10. It is the responsibilities of every Filipino to elect officials of government as a
means of demonstrating his personal ideas and aspirations for the
motherland. Omission or abstention from this responsibility may indicate a
person’s renunciation of his rights of suffrage. No fine or inappropriate or
excessive penalty shall be asked from him as reparation for his choice not to
vote. People, who lost their social right of suffrage, may reclaim such rights
accordance of law.

REPUBLIC ACT 8491 – FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

For the implementation of the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the NSTP should
be guided with the following provisions:
SEC. 2 States that it is the policy of the state to prescribe the Code of the
National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items
and Devices of the Philippines, ensure the promotion and
implementation of its corresponding rules and regulations, and adopt
effective administrative, regulatory, coordinative and supervisory
programs and activities, where appropriate, in conformity with national
government policies.
SEC. 4 The Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines will promote or sustain
reverence and respect for the flag, the anthem and other national
symbols, and those which symbolizes the national ideals and
traditions.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

These are the terminologies used in these rules:

1. Military – means all the branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection
2. Festoon – to hang in a curved shape between two points as a decoration
3. National Flag – is the National Flag and Ensign of the Philippines, use on land
and sea by public, private and the military and shall refer to the flag or any
other design that resembles it as likely to cause any person to believe that it is
the flag or design stated
4. Fly – is the part of the flag outside the hoist or length
5. Symbol – any conventional sign that shows man’s achievement and heroism,
identification, authority and a sign of dignity
6. Half-mast – is the lowering of the flag to the middle of the pole
7. Halyard – the long rope used for raising and lowering the flag
8. Inclement Weather – when there is a typhoon signal raised in a locality
9. National Anthem – the “Lupang Hinirang”, Philippine National Anthem
10. Official Residences – is Malacanang and other government-owned structures
where the President lives, and other structures occupied by the Philippine
Consulate or Embassies abroad
11. Places of Frivolity – places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or
recreation
12. Advertisement or Infomercial – these are any information material, printed or
through radio, television and electronic media which seeks to promote
individuals, products or services, political purposes or information campaigns
13. Heraldic Items and Devices – are coat-of-arms, seals, logos, insignia, badges,
 14. flashes, patches, orders and decorations, medals, stars, citations, lapel pins,
trophies, dry, wax or wet seals, and imprints on letterheads, envelops and
cards
15. Government Entities – all branches of government, its bureaus and attached
agencies, constitutional offices, government owned and/or controlled
corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges,
Armed Forces of the Philippines and its basic units
16. Vexillary Items – national, local house flags or administrative and corporate
organization’s banner

A. HALF-MAST

SEC. 27 The National Flag should be at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all

the buildings and places where it is displayed on the official day of
announcement of the death of the following officials:

a. The President or former President (10 days);

b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives (7 days);
c. Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,
Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the
Director-General of the Philippine National Police (5 days);
d. Head of National Government Agencies, including Government
Owned and Control Corporations and Government Financial
Institutions (3 days)
e. The Commanding Generals of the Philippine Air Force and the
Philippine Army and the Flag Officer in Command of the
Philippine Navy (3 days)
f. Governors, Vice-Governors, city and municipal Mayor, city and
municipal Vice- Mayors (3 days)
g. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang
Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan (on the day of interment)
h. Barangay Chairmen and Barangay Councilmen on the day of
interment
i. Former National or Local Government Officials, appointive or
elective
 j. Regional Directors, Superintendents, Supervisors, Principals,
Teachers and other school officials

During calamities and disasters, National Flag shall also be flown at

half-mast.

RULE The flag must be raised to the top of the pole before it is lowered to
the half-mast position; and before it is lowered for the day it must be
raised to the top again.

Image courtesy of Gov.ph

B. CASKET

SEC. 28 The National Flag may be used to cover the caskets of the dead
honored men (military, veterans of previous wars, National Artists and
other civilians) who rendered noble service to our nation. It should not
touch the ground but must be folded solemnly and handed it to the
heirs of the deceased. No object must be placed on top of it except for
the religious objects that symbolizes “God above the country”.

RULE When positioning the flag, the white triangle must be at the head of
the casket while the blue field must cover the right side. To prevent
the flag from falling off, a black band may be wrapped along the side
of the casket.

Image courtesy of Gov.ph

C. PLEDGE TO THE NATIONAL FLAG

SEC. 29 The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag:

Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng

Pilipinas

Ako ay Pilipino
Buong Katapatang
nanunumpa Sa watawat
ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang
sinasagisag Na may dangal,
Katarungan at Kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng
sambayanang Maka-Diyos
Maka-Tao
Makakalikasan
at
Makabansa.

This pledge should be recited right after singing the National Anthem with
right palm open and shoulder raised high.
D. PROHIBITED ACTS

SEC. 39 It is prohibited:
a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, cast contempt, or
commit any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon
the National Flag or over its surface;
b. To dip the National Flag to any person or object by way of
compliment or salute;
c. To use National Flag
1. As drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor
vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
d. To display the National Flag:
1. Under any painting or picture;
2. Horizontally. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to
fall freely;
3. Below any platform; or
4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos,
gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.
 e. To wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or
uniform;
f. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design,
drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on
the National Flag;
g. To print, paint or attach representation of the National
Flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and articles
of merchandise;
h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in
embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and
in offices of international organizations;
i. To use or display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and
j. To display the National Flag in front of buildings or offices occupied
by aliens.

E. NATIONAL ANTHEM

SEC. 40 -41 The National Anthem should be interpreted in accordance with the musical arrangement
and composition of Julian Felipe with its original lyrics and tempo.

LUPANG HINIRANG

Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso
Sa Dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig.
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa may di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

F. NATIONAL MOTTO

SEC. 45 The Philippine National Motto is

G. NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS (SAGISAG NG PILIPINAS)

SEC. 46 The National Coat-of-Arms shall have:

Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent
studded with three (3) mullets equidistant from each other;
and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun
rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be
the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,”
inscribed thereon.

The eight-rayed sun symbolizes the eight provinces

(Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Manila, Laguna, Nueva Ecija,
Pampanga and Tarlac) which were placed under martial law
by Governor-General Ramón Blanco during the Philippine
Revolution, and the three five-pointed stars representing the
three primary geographic regions of Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao.

H. THE GREAT SEAL

The Great Seal should be in circular form with the same

descriptions with the National Coat-of-Arms but without the
scroll and the inscription “Republika ng Pilipinas”. It should
be surrounded by a double marginal circle which “Republika
ng Pilipinas” should appear. The Great Seal should also bear
the National Motto.

I. PENALTIES

Failure or refusal to adhere to the provisions of this act, and/or any violations of these
Rules shall be penalized as stipulated in R.A. 8491.

REPUBLIC ACT 9418 – VOLUNTEER ACT OF 2007

It should be the policy of the state to promote the participation of the different sectors of the
society, international and foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, and adopt and
strengthen the practice of volunteerism as an approach in order to reach national development
and international understanding. Every Filipino should be educated of volunteerism to foster
social justice, solidarity and sustainable development.

To achieve attainment, here are the goals and objectives of the policy:

a. To provide the policy framework that shall underscore the fundamental principles necessary to
harmonize the broad and diverse efforts of the voluntary sector,
b. To provide a conducive and enabling environment for the mobilization and nurturance of
volunteers and volunteer organizations,
c. To strengthen the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA)
as an effective institution to support volunteerism in the country.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Volunteerism – (A) act that involves different activities which includes traditional form of
mutual aid and interventions to provide an enabling and empowering both on the part of
the beneficiary and the volunteer; (B) a powerful means for bringing more people into the
fold. It strengthens civic engagement, safeguards social inclusion, deepens solidarity and
solidifies ownership of development results. It simply is not possible to attain the SDGs
without a wide range of people engaged at all stages, at all levels, at all times.
2. Volunteer – an individual or group who contribute time, service and resources whether on
full-time or part-time basis to a just and essential social development cause, mission or
endeavor in the belief that their activity is mutually meaningful and beneficial to public
interest as well as to themselves
3. Volunteer Service Organization – a local or foreign group that recruits, trains, deploys and
supports volunteer workers to programs and projects implemented by them or by other
organizations or any group that provides services and resources, information, capability
building, advocacy and networking for the attainment of the common good
4. Voluntary Sector – those sectors of Philippine society that organizes themselves into
volunteers to take advocacy and action primarily for local and national development as well
as international cooperation and understanding

ROLES AND MODALITIES OF VOLUNTEERISM IN PRIVATE SECTOR

a. Volunteerism in academe encourage academic institutions to continuously devise ways to
effectively teach and practice the value of volunteerism. Such integration provides students
with the volunteering arena by which they can channel their idealism and vigor into
something worthwhile.
b. In corporate sector, volunteerism serves as an expression of corporate social responsibility
and citizenship, which refers to the activities recognized by the company, where give their
time, skills and resources in the service of the company’s internal and/or external
communities.

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE COORDINATING AGENCY (PNVSCA)

PNVSCA was created under the Executive Order No. 134 to review and provide policies and
guidelines regarding the national volunteer service program. It establishes and maintains a
national network of volunteer organizations and serves as liaison between and among local.

Recognizing the important contributions of volunteerism in nation-building, the Philippine

National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) leads the promotion and coordination
volunteer programs and services in the Philippines, to maximize the benefits that may be
derived from volunteer assistance and properly gauge the contributions of volunteers to national
development and international cooperation.

MULTI-SECTORAL ADVISORY BODY (MSAB)

It was created under the Executive Order No. 365 to assist the PNVSCA. It composed of
different government agencies (NEDA, DepED, DFA, DOJ, DILG, DSWD, CHED and PMS) and
representative from the corporate sector, private academe sector and from the not-for-profit
sector.

MSAB functions to provide advice in the formulation of policies and guidelines for the national
volunteer service program, provide consultative and technical advisory services on volunteer
matters, and serves as forum to enhance and strengthen linkages between and among
volunteer groups and communities.