Simone Lawson
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution establishes the authority of the Filipino people in creating and enforcing the constitution with God's aid. The document aims to build a just and humane society through a government that embodies the ideals and aspirations of its people. It promotes the common good, conserves and develops the patrimony of the Philippines, and secures the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace. The preamble also establishes the national territory of the Philippines, which includes the Philippine archipelago and all other territories over which the country has sovereignty or jurisdiction. Throughout its history, the Philippines has been governed by several constitutions, including the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution, the 1973 Constitution, and the 1986 Freedom Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authority | The preamble establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and promulgating the constitution. |
| Aim | To build a just and humane society through a government. |
| Oneness | The Filipino people signify oneness and solidarity as differentiated from the words "people of the Philippines". |
| Sovereignty | Emphasizes that the Filipino people ordain and promulgate the Constitution without intervention from foreign powers. |
| Religion | The reference to Almighty God points to the religious nature of the Filipino people. |
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What You'll Learn
The Filipino people are the source of sovereignty
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution establishes the Filipino people as a sovereign entity, with the authority to ordain and promulgate the constitution. The use of the word "We" in the preamble signifies the oneness and solidarity of the Filipino people, indicating that they are the source of sovereignty.
The Filipino people are referred to as "sovereign" to emphasize their authority in creating and implementing the Constitution without intervention from foreign powers. This statement of sovereignty is a common feature of constitutions worldwide, asserting the power of the people over their government and the laws that govern them.
The recognition of the Filipino people as sovereign is a crucial aspect of the country's democracy and self-governance. It means that the people collectively hold the highest power and authority in the land, and they have the right to establish a government that represents their ideals and aspirations. This government is expected to promote the common good, conserve and develop the country's patrimony, and secure for its citizens the blessings of independence and democracy, including values such as truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.
By acknowledging the sovereignty of the Filipino people, the preamble establishes the fundamental principle that the government derives its power from the people and exists to serve their interests and well-being. This concept is a cornerstone of democratic societies, where the will and consent of the people are paramount.
The preamble's reference to "Almighty God" or "Divine Providence" underscores the religious nature of the Filipino people, acknowledging a higher power that guides their destinies. This appeal to God is also a feature of past constitutions, reflecting the country's spiritual foundations. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of God's principles and values can vary among individuals, potentially impacting the collective understanding of the constitution's intent.
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Building a just and humane society
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and promulgating the constitution with God's aid. The Filipino people, as a sovereign entity, emphasise their authority to create and enforce the Constitution without intervention from foreign powers.
The preamble aims to build a just and humane society through a government that embodies the ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people. This includes promoting the common good, conserving and developing the patrimony of the nation, and securing the blessings of independence and democracy for the present and future generations.
The just and humane society envisioned in the preamble is one that upholds the rule of law and values such as truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace. It seeks to establish a government that reflects these values and works towards the betterment of all its citizens.
To achieve this vision, the Constitution establishes three independent constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the Commission on Audit (COA). Each of these bodies enjoys fiscal autonomy and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of a just and humane society.
The preamble, with its appeal to God, reflects the religious nature of the Filipino people, acknowledging a Supreme Being that guides their individual and collective destinies. It serves as a collective prayer for the nation, invoking divine guidance in the pursuit of a just and humane society.
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Establishing a government that embodies ideals
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and promulgating the constitution with God's aid. The Filipino people, as a sovereign entity, emphasise their authority to create and enforce the Constitution without intervention from foreign powers.
The preamble also expresses the collective desire to establish a government that embodies the ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people. This includes promoting the common good, conserving and developing the country's patrimony, and securing the blessings of independence and democracy.
The specific ideals and aspirations mentioned in the preamble include truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace. These values are to be upheld under the rule of law, with an acknowledgement of the existence of a Supreme Being that guides the destinies of the people and the nation.
By appealing to God, the preamble follows past constitutions and reflects the religious nature of the Filipino people. This reference to Almighty God or Divine Providence signifies the importance of spiritual guidance and the belief in a higher power that influences their path toward a just and humane society.
The preamble's mention of "a Government that shall embody our ideals" underscores the intention to establish a government that reflects the values and beliefs of the sovereign Filipino people. It signifies their unity and solidarity as a nation, striving towards a shared vision of a just, independent, and democratic society.
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Promoting the common good
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution is a statement by the sovereign Filipino people, who are the source of sovereignty. The preamble establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and promulgating the constitution with God's aid.
The Filipino people are differentiated from the words "people of the Philippines", which may include other inhabitants or aliens. The use of the word "sovereign" emphasises that the Filipino people are ordaining and promulgating the Constitution without intervention from foreign powers and on their own authority.
The preamble aims to build a just and humane society through a government that embodies the ideals and aspirations of the people. This includes promoting the common good, conserving and developing the patrimony of the nation, and securing the blessings of independence and democracy.
The preamble's reference to the "common good" can be understood as encompassing various aspects of societal well-being, including economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It implies a commitment to social justice, where the benefits of society are shared equitably among its members. This may involve policies and initiatives that address inequality, poverty, and social issues, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential.
Additionally, promoting the common good can also extend beyond the domestic realm and involve contributions to the international community. This may include cooperation on global issues, such as environmental sustainability, human rights, and international peace. By promoting the common good on a global scale, the Philippines can contribute to a more just and equitable world, fostering positive relationships and collaborations with other nations.
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Securing independence and democracy
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution is a statement that establishes the authority of the Filipino people in creating and enforcing their constitution with God's help. The phrase "We, the sovereign Filipino people" emphasizes the unity and sovereignty of the Filipino people, indicating that they are the source of sovereignty and are acting independently without foreign intervention. The reference to "Almighty God" or "Divine Providence" acknowledges the religious nature of the Filipino people and their belief in a higher power guiding their nation.
The preamble sets out the aspirations of the Filipino people in establishing a government that embodies their ideals and promotes the common good. It expresses their desire to build a just and humane society, conserve and develop their patrimony, and secure the blessings of independence and democracy for themselves and future generations. This includes values such as truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, under the rule of law.
The emphasis on securing independence and democracy reflects the historical context of the Philippines' struggle for self-governance and freedom from foreign rule. The country has been governed by several constitutions, each reflecting the political and ideological shifts of the time. For example, the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution established the current presidential system, while the 1973 Constitution initially reintroduced a parliamentary system before adopting a semi-presidential model.
The preamble's mention of independence and democracy can also be understood in the context of the Philippines' complex colonial history. The country has experienced periods of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonial rule, with each occupation leaving an imprint on the nation's political development. For instance, during World War II, the Japanese promised the Filipinos "the honor of independence," leading to the drafting of a new constitution by the Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence. However, this promise of independence was limited and fell short of true self-governance.
The preamble's assertion of sovereignty and the desire to secure independence and democracy reflect the Filipino people's determination to shape their own destiny and establish a nation founded on the principles of freedom, self-determination, and democratic ideals. It serves as a reminder of their collective aspirations and the importance of safeguarding their hard-won independence.
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Frequently asked questions
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution is an introductory statement that establishes the authority of the Filipino people in creating and enforcing the constitution with God's help. It expresses the people's desire to establish a fair and humane society and a government that embodies their ideals and aspirations, promotes the common good, and safeguards their independence and democracy.
The phrase "the sovereign Filipino people" emphasizes that the Filipino people possess the authority to enact and promulgate the Constitution without interference from external powers. It signifies the oneness and solidarity of Filipinos as a distinct group, excluding other inhabitants or aliens.
The reference to "Almighty God" or "Divine Providence" acknowledges the religious nature of the Filipino people and their belief in a Supreme Being that guides their individual and national destinies. It follows a tradition in past constitutions of appealing to a higher power.
