The national territory comprises the Philippine

archipelago, with all the islands and waters

ARTICLE XVI General Provisions embraced therein, and all other territories over
which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial,
ARTICLE XVII Amendments or Revisions and aerial domains, including its territorial sea,
the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and
other submarine areas. The waters around,
ARTICLE XVIII Transitory Provisions between, and connecting the islands of the
archipelago, regardless of their breadth and
dimensions, form part of the internal waters of
the Philippines.

ARTICLE II

Declaration of Principles and State Policies

Principles
Principles

SECTION 1. The Philippines is a democratic and

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION
republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
people and all government authority emanates
from them.
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES

SECTION 2. The Philippines renounces war as an

instrument of national policy, adopts the
PREAMBLE generally accepted principles of international
law as part of the law of the land and adheres
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the
to the policy of peace, equality, justice,
aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and
freedom, cooperation, and amity with all
humane society and establish a Government
nations.
that shall embody our ideals and aspirations,
promote the common good, conserve and SECTION 3. Civilian authority is, at all times,
develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of
and our posterity the blessings of independence the Philippines is the protector of the people
and democracy under the rule of law and a and the State. Its goal is to secure the
regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the
and peace, do ordain and promulgate this national territory.
Constitution.
SECTION 4. The prime duty of the Government
ARTICLE I is to serve and protect the people. The
Government may call upon the people to
National Territory
defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, SECTION 12. The State recognizes the sanctity
all citizens may be required, under conditions of family life and shall protect and strengthen
provided by law, to render personal military or the family as a basic autonomous social
civil service. institution. It shall equally protect the life of the
mother and the life of the unborn from
SECTION 5. The maintenance of peace and conception. The natural and primary right and
order, the protection of life, liberty, and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for
property, and the promotion of the general civic efficiency and the development of moral
welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all character shall receive the support of the
the people of the blessings of democracy. Government.
SECTION 6. The separation of Church and State SECTION 13. The State recognizes the vital role
shall be inviolable. of the youth in nation-building and shall
State Policies promote and protect their physical, moral,
spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It
SECTION 7. The State shall pursue an shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and
independent foreign policy. In its relations with nationalism, and encourage their involvement
other states the paramount consideration shall in public and civic affairs.
be national sovereignty, territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to self-
determination. SECTION 14. The State recognizes the role of
women in nation-building, and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of women
SECTION 8. The Philippines, consistent with the and men.
national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of
freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory. SECTION 15. The State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people and
SECTION 9. The State shall promote a just and instill health consciousness among them.
dynamic social order that will ensure the
prosperity and independence of the nation and SECTION 16. The State shall protect and
free the people from poverty through policies advance the right of the people to a balanced
that provide adequate social services, promote and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
full employment, a rising standard of living, and and harmony of nature.SECTION 17. The State
an improved quality of life for all. shall give priority toeducation, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster
SECTION 10. The State shall promote social patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
justice in all phases of national development. progress, and promote total human liberation
and development.
SECTION 11. The State values the dignity of
every human person and guarantees full SECTION 18. The State affirms labor as a
respect for human rights. primary social economic force. It shall protect
the rights of workers and promote their
welfare.
SECTION 19. The State shall develop a self- implements a policy of full public disclosure of
reliant and independent national economy all its transactions involving public interest.
effectively controlled by Filipinos.

SECTION 20. The State recognizes the

indispensable role of the private sector,
encourages private enterprise, and provides
incentives to needed investments.

SECTION 21. The State shall promote

comprehensive rural development and agrarian
reform.

SECTION 22. The State recognizes and promotes

the rights of indigenous cultural communities
within the framework of national unity and
development.

SECTION 23. The State shall encourage non-

governmental, community-based, or sectoral
organizations that promote the welfare of the
nation.

SECTION 24. The State recognizes the vital role

of communication and information in nation-
building.

SECTION 25. The State shall ensure the

autonomy of local governments.

SECTION 26. The State shall guarantee equal

access to opportunities for public service, and
prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by
law.

SECTION 27. The State shall maintain honesty

and integrity in the public service and take
positive and effective measures against graft
and corruption.

SECTION 28. Subject to reasonable conditions

prescribed by law, the State adopts and