2.
Preamble (Memorize)
THE 1987 CONSTITUTION
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 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.
ARTICLE I: National Territory
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters
embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial
sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters
around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth
and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
ARTICLE II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies Principles
SECTION 1.
The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and
all government authority emanates from them.
SECTION2.
The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally
accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the
policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
SECTION 3.
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the
Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of
the State and the integrity of the national territory.
SECTION 4.
The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may
call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be
required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.
SECTION 5.
The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the
promotion of general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings
of democracy.
SECTION 6.
The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
State Policies
SECTION 7.
The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the
paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest,
and the right to self-determination.
SECTION 8.
The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom
from nuclear weapons in its territory.
SECTION 9.
The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide
adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an
improved quality of life for all.
SECTION 10.
The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.
SECTION 11.
The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human
rights. Cdpr
SECTION 12.
The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as
a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the
life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the
rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive
the support of the Government.
SECTION 13.
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in
the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic
affairs.
SECTION14.
The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental
equality before the law of women and men.
SECTION 15.
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.
SECTION 16.
The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
SECTION 17.
The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to
foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human
liberation and development.
SECTION 18.
The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of
workers and promote their welfare.
SECTION 19.
The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively
controlled by Filipinos.
SECTION 20.
The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private
enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
SECTION 21.
The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
SECTION22.
The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the
framework of national unity and development.
SECTION23.
The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations
that promote the welfare of the nation.
SECTION 24.
The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
SECTION25.
The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
SECTION 26.
The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit
political dynasties as may be defined by law.
SECTION 27.
The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and
effective measures against graft and corruption.
SECTION 28.
Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy
of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.
