PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION ARTICLES 1 & 2

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 1

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 Section 1

The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

Article II Section 2

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.

Article II 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.

Article II 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.

Article II Section 5

The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.

Article II Section 6

The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Article II 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.

Article II Section 8

The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.

Article II 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.

Article II Section 10

The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.

Article II Section 11

The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

Article II 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.

Article II 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.

Article II Section 14

The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.

Article II Section 15

The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Article II 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.

Article II 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.

Article II Section 18

The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

Article II Section 19

The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

Article II Section 20

The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.

Article II Section 21

The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.

Article II Section 22

The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

Article II Section 23

The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

Article II Section 24

The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.

Article II Section 25

The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

Article II Section 26

The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Article II Section 27

The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.

Article II 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.