1987 Philippine Constitution: Article III Bill of Rights and Citizenship

Definition and Preamble of the Philippine Constitution

The Constitution is the written instrument establishing, limiting, defining, and distributing the fundamental powers of the government among several departments for public benefit.
Ordained and promulgated by the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, to establish a just and humane society and secure independence, democracy, truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

Article III: Bill of Rights

Article III contains 22 sections outlining the charter of rights protecting citizens against infringement from public officials and private citizens.
Thomas Jefferson (1787) defined it as what people are entitled to against the government on earth, which no government should refuse or rest in inference.
Mr. Justice Laurel (October 5, 1986) stated: "There is no Constitution worthy of its name without a bill or declaration of right."
Section 1: Protects against deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and ensures equal protection of the laws.
Section 2: Guarantees security against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause determined personally by a judge.
Section 3: Safeguards privacy of communication and correspondence; inadmissibility of evidence obtained in violation of privacy or search rights.
Section 4: Protects freedom of speech, expression, the press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning for redress of grievances.
Section 5: Protects free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or religious tests.
Section 6: Ensures liberty of abode, changing residence, and right to travel within legal limits.
Section 7: Recognizes the right to information on public concern, official records, and government research data.
Section 8: Protects the right to form unions, associations, or societies.
Section 9 & 10: Requires just compensation for private property taken for public use; prohibits laws impairing contractual obligations.
Section 11 & 12: Guarantees free access to courts; rights during criminal investigation (right to remain silent, competent independent counsel, prohibition of torture, secret detention, or coerced confessions).
Section 13 & 14: Protects the right to bail before conviction (except for offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong); presumes innocence and guarantees due process in criminal trials.
Section 15 & 16: Restricts suspension of the writ of habeas corpus except during invasion or rebellion; guarantees speedy disposition of cases.
Section 17 & 18: Forbids self-incrimination; prohibits detention based solely on political beliefs.
Section 19 & 20: Prohibits excessive fines, cruel, degrading, or inhuman punishment, death penalty (unless provided by Congress for heinous crimes), and imprisonment for debt or poll tax.
Section 21 & 22: Protects against double jeopardy; prohibits ex post facto laws and bills of attainder.

Citizenship of the Philippines

Citizens at the time of the adoption of the Constitution.
Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines.
Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
Those naturalized in accordance with law.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

Be loyal to the Republic and defend the State.
Contribute to the development and welfare of the State.
Uphold the Constitution and obey laws.
Cooperate with duly constituted authorities.
Exercise rights responsibly with due regard for the rights of others.
Engage in gainful work.
Register and vote.