1987 Philippine Constitution: Article III Bill of Rights and Citizenship

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms, Article III (Bill of Rights) sections, citizenship rules, and duties of citizens from the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Constitution of the Philippines

The written instrument by which fundamental powers of the government are established, limited, and defined and by which these powers are distributed among the several departments or branches for their safe and useful exercise for the benefit of the people.

Bill of Rights

Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, containing 22 sections; a list of the most important rights of the citizens of a country designed to protect those rights against infringement from public officials and private citizens.

Thomas Jefferson's View on Bill of Rights (1787)

Stated that 'it is what are people are entitled to against the government on earth, in general or particular, and what no government should refuse or rest in inference.'

Mr. Justice Laurel's View on Bill of Rights (October 5, 1986)

Stated that 'There is no Constitution worthy of its name without a bill or declaration of right.'

Article III, Section 1 (Due Process and Equal Protection)

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.

Article III, Section 2 (Search and Seizure)

Guarantees the right of people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires probable cause determined personally by a judge after examination under oath or affirmation to issue a search warrant or warrant of arrest.

Article III, Section 3(1) (Privacy of Communication)

Establishes that 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.

Article III, Section 3(2) (Exclusionary Rule)

States that any evidence obtained in violation of Section 2 or Section 3(1) shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

Article III, Section 4 (Freedom of Speech and Assembly)

Prohibits the passage of any law 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.

Article III, Section 5 (Freedom of Religion)

Prohibits laws respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and forbids requiring a religious test for the exercise of civil or political rights.

Article III, Section 6 (Liberty of Abode and Travel)

Protects the liberty of abode and changing the same except upon lawful order of the court, and the right to travel except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health.

Article III, Section 7 (Right to Information)

Recognizes the right of the people to information on matters of public concern and access to official records, documents, transactions, or government research data.

Article III, Section 8 (Right to Form Associations)

Guarantees the right of people in public and private sectors to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law.

Article III, Section 9 (Eminent Domain)

States that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

Article III, Section 10 (Non-Impairment Clause)

Mandates that no law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

Article III, Section 11 (Free Access to Courts)

Guarantees that free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

Article III, Section 12(1) (Miranda Rights)

Grants any person under investigation for an offense the right to be informed of their right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel, preferably of their own choice.

Article III, Section 12(2) (Prohibition of Torture and Secret Detention)

Prohibits torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or vitiation of free will, as well as secret detention places, solitary, or incommunicado detention.

Article III, Section 13 (Right to Bail)

Provides that all persons before conviction shall be bailable by sufficient sureties or released on recognizance, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong.

Article III, Section 14(2) (Rights of the Accused)

Presumes the accused innocent until proven contrary and guarantees rights to be heard, informed of accusations, have a speedy, impartial, public trial, and confront witnesses face to face.

Article III, Section 15 (Writ of Habeas Corpus)

States that 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.

Article III, Section 16 (Speedy Disposition of Cases)

Guarantees all persons the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

Article III, Section 17 (Right Against Self-Incrimination)

States that no person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Article III, Section 18(1) (Protection of Political Beliefs)

States that no person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations.

Article III, Section 19(1) (Prohibition of Cruel Punishment)

Prohibits excessive fines and cruel, degrading, or inhuman punishment, as well as the death penalty unless provided by Congress for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes.

Article III, Section 20 (Non-Imprisonment for Debt)

States that no person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.

Article III, Section 21 (Double Jeopardy)

Provides that no person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense.

Article III, Section 22 (Ex Post Facto Law)

Mandates that no ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

Citizens of the Philippines

Defined under Section 1 as: 1) Citizens at adoption of Constitution; 2) Those whose fathers or mothers are Filipino citizens; 3) Those born before January 17, 1973 of Filipino mothers who elect citizenship at majority age; 4) Those naturalized by law.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

Includes being loyal to the Republic, defending the State, contributing to development/welfare, upholding Constitution/laws, cooperating with authorities, exercising rights responsibly, engaging in gainful work, and registering and voting.