The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, roles, and principles defined within the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

Preamble

The introductory part of the Constitution that declares the sovereign Filipino people are building a just and humane society and establishing a Government based on the rule of law and truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

National Territory

Comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, including terrestrial, fluvial, aerial domains, territorial sea, seabed, subsoil, and submarine areas.

Internal Waters

The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions.

Sovereignty

Resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them, establishing the Philippines as a democratic and republican State.

Separation of Church and State

A principle declared as inviolable under Article II, Section $6$ of the Constitution.

Due Process of Law

A constitutional guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without legal proceedings, nor denied equal protection of the laws.

Probable Cause

The required threshold for a judge to personally determine and issue a search warrant or warrant of arrest after examination under oath of the complainant and witnesses.

Inadmissible Evidence

Any evidence obtained in violation of the right against unreasonable searches and seizures or privacy of communication.

Eminent Domain

The power to take private property for public use, provided there is just compensation.

Miranda Rights

The rights of a person under investigation for an offense, including the right to remain silent and the right to have independent and competent counsel, preferably of their own choice.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal remedy that protects against illegal detention, which shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it.

Double Jeopardy

A constitutional protection stating that no person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions that were committed, or relationships that existed, before the enactment of the law, which is prohibited.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act that singles out an individual or group for punishment without a trial, which is prohibited.

Natural-born Citizens

Those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.

Suffrage

The right to vote exercised by all citizens not disqualified by law, who are at least $18$ years of age and meet specified residency requirements.

Congress of the Philippines

The legislative body comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate

Composed of $24$ Senators elected at large for a term of $6$ years, with a limit of $2$ consecutive terms.

House of Representatives

Composed of not more than $250$ members, including party-list representatives, elected for $3$ year terms with a limit of $3$ consecutive terms.

Party-list System

A mechanism where registered national, regional, and sectoral parties constitute $$20$%$ of the total number of representatives in the House.

Legislative Privilege from Arrest

A Senator or Member of the House is privileged from arrest for offenses punishable by not more than $6$ years imprisonment while Congress is in session.

Commission on Appointments

A body consisting of the President of the Senate ($ex$ $officio$ Chairman), $12$ Senators, and $12$ Members of the House to act on presidential appointments.

President of the Philippines

The head of state and government who exercises executive power, elected for a single term of $6$ years without eligibility for re-election.

Executive Veto

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, which can be overridden by a vote of $\frac{2}{3}$ of all the Members of each House.

Martial Law

The President may place the Philippines or any part thereof under this state for a period not exceeding $60$ days in case of invasion or rebellion.

Judicial Power

The duty of the courts to settle actual controversies and determine if there has been a grave abuse of discretion by any government branch.

Supreme Court

The highest court composed of a Chief Justice and $14$ Associate Justices who serve until the age of $70$, unless removed.

Judicial and Bar Council

A body under the supervision of the Supreme Court that recommends appointees to the Judiciary.

Civil Service Commission

The central personnel agency of the Government, composed of a Chairman and $2$ Commissioners serving a $7$ year term.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

The body responsible for the conduct of all elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recalls.

Commission on Audit (COA)

The body with the power and duty to examine and audit all accounts pertaining to the revenue, receipts, and expenditures of the Government.

Local Autonomy

The principle that territorial and political subdivisions (provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays) enjoy independence in managing their own affairs.

Autonomous Regions

Special regions created in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras sharing common historical and cultural heritage.

Impeachment

A process for removing high-ranking officials (President, VP, etc.) for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, or graft and corruption.

Ombudsman

Also known as the Tanodbayan, this official acts as the protector of the people and investigates illegal or inefficient acts of public officials.

Sandiganbayan

The anti-graft court of the Philippines that continues to function under the Constitution.

Filipino Ownership Rule

The requirement that at least $$60$%$ of capital in corporations developing natural resources or operating public utilities must be owned by Filipino citizens.

Regalian Doctrine

The principle that all lands of the public domain and all other natural resources are owned by the State.

Commission on Human Rights

An independent office tasked with investigating all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.

Filipino

Declared as the national language of the Philippines, which the Government must sustain as a medium of official communication and instruction.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

The protector of the people and the State, composed of a citizen armed force including military training for citizens.