Isabella Carter
The preamble to the Philippine Constitution is important as it establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and implementing the constitution with God's aid. It expresses the people's desire to create a just and humane society and a government that embodies their ideals and aspirations, promotes the common good, and safeguards independence, democracy, and peace under the rule of law. The preamble also emphasizes the unity and sovereignty of the Filipino people, differentiating them from other inhabitants or aliens. It reflects the religious nature of Filipinos by acknowledging a Supreme Being that guides their individual and national destinies, with the entire preamble resembling a collective prayer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authority of the Filipino people | The Filipino people are the source of sovereignty |
| Belief in God | The Almighty God is the source of authority |
| Oneness and solidarity | The Filipino people are differentiated from the people of the Philippines, which may include other inhabitants or aliens |
| Sovereignty | The Filipino people are a sovereign people, without intervention from foreign powers |
| Building a just and humane society | Emphasizes the rule of law and love as a governing principle |
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What You'll Learn
The preamble establishes the Filipino people's authority
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution is important as it establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and promulgating the constitution. By beginning with the words "We, the sovereign Filipino people", the preamble signifies the oneness and solidarity of the Filipinos, indicating that they are the source of sovereignty.
The preamble recognises the Filipino people as a sovereign entity, separate from any foreign powers, and emphasises their authority to create and enforce the constitution without external intervention. This establishes the concept of popular sovereignty, where the people hold the highest power and are the ultimate source of legal authority.
The reference to "Almighty God" in the preamble also points to the religious nature of the Filipino people, acknowledging a Supreme Being that guides their individual and collective destinies. This appeal to God further reinforces the idea that the Filipino people derive their authority from a higher power, adding a spiritual dimension to their sovereignty.
Through the preamble, the Filipino people express their intention to build a just and humane society, governed by the rule of law, truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace. They aim to establish a government that embodies their ideals and aspirations, promotes the common good, and secures independence and democracy.
The preamble, therefore, serves as a powerful statement of the Filipino people's authority, unity, and aspirations, providing a foundation for the constitution and the principles upon which their nation is built.
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It aims to build a just and humane society
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution is important as it establishes the authority of the Filipino people in ordaining and implementing the constitution with God's aid.
The preamble's reference to "We, the sovereign Filipino people" signifies the oneness and solidarity of Filipinos, differentiating them from the broader group of "people of the Philippines," who may include other inhabitants or aliens. This statement emphasizes that the Filipino people possess the authority to ordain and promulgate the Constitution independently, without intervention from foreign powers.
The preamble's aim of building a just and humane society is fundamental to this goal. It seeks to establish a society where every individual, regardless of their social standing, is treated fairly and equally before the law. This aspect of justice and equality is a key tenet of a humane society, where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected and protected.
Furthermore, the preamble mentions the establishment of 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 independence, democracy, and peace under the rule of law. The rule of law is a critical component of a just society, ensuring that all citizens, including government officials, are held accountable to the same legal standards and that justice is administered impartially.
The inclusion of "love" as a governing principle in the 1987 Constitution amendment further underscores the importance of unity and compassion in the Filipino society. This amendment emphasizes the desire to foster a sense of community and mutual respect among the citizens, which is essential for maintaining social harmony and a just social order.
Overall, the preamble's vision of a just and humane society serves as a guiding principle for the Filipino government and people, ensuring that their actions and policies promote fairness, equality, and compassion for all.
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The constitution is a collective prayer to a Supreme Being
The preamble to the Philippine Constitution begins with an invocation of God, stating that the Filipino people are "imploring the aid of Almighty God" to help them "build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations". This appeal to a higher power is a reflection of the deeply held religious convictions of the Filipino people, who view their constitution as a collective prayer to a Supreme Being.
The inclusion of this preamble is significant as it underscores the importance of spiritual guidance and divine intervention in the nation's affairs. By invoking God's aid, the constitution acknowledges the Filipino people's belief in a higher power and their desire for divine assistance in creating a just and equitable society. This spiritual dimension adds a layer of depth and meaning to the constitution, elevating it beyond a mere legal document and infusing it with a sense of moral and spiritual purpose.
Throughout history, many nations have recognized the importance of prayer and spiritual guidance in their foundational documents. For instance, Benjamin Franklin, during the Constitutional Convention, emphasized the role of God in the affairs of men and advocated for the inclusion of prayer. Similarly, Ronald Reagan, in his message to Congress, proposed a constitutional amendment to restore the freedom to offer prayer in public schools and institutions, recognizing the public expression of faith in God as a fundamental part of American heritage.
The preamble to the Philippine Constitution serves as a reminder that the nation's laws and governance are rooted not only in legal and political principles but also in a deeper spiritual foundation. By invoking Almighty God, the preamble elevates the constitution from a purely secular document to one that acknowledges the Filipino people's religious beliefs and aspirations. This collective prayer reflects a shared desire for divine guidance and blessing as the nation establishes its government and strives to build a just and humane society.
In essence, the preamble to the Philippine Constitution is more than just an introductory statement; it is a solemn invocation of divine guidance and a reflection of the Filipino people's spiritual values. By appealing to a Supreme Being, the preamble adds a layer of moral and spiritual authority to the constitution, underscoring the belief that the nation's laws and governance are not solely the product of human endeavour but are also guided by a higher power.
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The preamble emphasises the sovereignty of the Filipino people
The preamble to the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines introduces the constitution and the Filipino people as the source of sovereignty. It reads:
> "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."
The preamble dictates that the Philippines and the Filipino people are the sovereign masters of the Philippine Islands. It emphasises the sovereignty of the Filipino people by stating that they are the source of sovereignty and that the government's purpose is to embody their ideals and aspirations. This emphasis on the sovereignty of the Filipino people is important because it establishes that sovereignty resides exclusively in the people, as stated in past constitutions. This is significant because it separates the church and state, and calls for the creation of an Assembly of Representatives to act as the legislative body.
The preamble also mentions the national territory of the Philippines, which includes the Philippine archipelago and all other territories over which the country has sovereignty or jurisdiction. This includes its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, as well as its territorial sea, seabed, subsoil, insular shelves, and other submarine areas.
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The constitution appeals to God for aid
The preamble of the Philippine Constitution begins with an appeal to God, stating:
> 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.
This appeal to God is a common feature of past constitutions, and it sets the tone for the rest of the document. By invoking God, the preamble emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical principles in the country's governance. It reflects the Filipino people's belief that their sovereignty and the legitimacy of their government are derived from a higher power.
The reference to "Almighty God" is significant as it recognizes a higher authority that the Filipino people believe will guide and protect them. This phraseology is consistent with the religious and cultural beliefs of the predominantly Christian population in the Philippines. The appeal to God expresses a desire for divine guidance and blessing in establishing a just and humane society.
The preamble's mention of "ideals and aspirations" highlights the Filipino people's desire to create a society that reflects their values and beliefs. By invoking God, they are seeking divine assistance in realizing these ideals, which include truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace. This part of the preamble underscores the importance of moral and spiritual values in shaping the nation's laws and governance.
The appeal to God in the preamble of the Philippine Constitution is a powerful statement of the Filipino people's faith and their desire for a just and humane society. It sets a moral tone for the entire document and reflects the belief that the nation's laws and governance should be aligned with divine principles of truth, justice, and equality.
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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.
The preamble is important because it establishes the sovereignty of the Filipino people and their authority to create and enforce the constitution without foreign intervention.
The preamble establishes key principles such as the promotion of the common good, the establishment of a just and humane society, and the importance of independence, democracy, and peace under the rule of law.
The reference to the "Almighty God" in the preamble highlights the religious nature of the Filipino people, who are predominantly Christian. It acknowledges their belief in a Supreme Being that guides their individual and national destinies.
No, the preamble has undergone changes over time. Notably, the 1987 Constitution included new phrases such as "building a just and human society," emphasizing the rule of law, and adding love as a governing principle to unite Filipinos.
