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THE 1987 CONSTITUTION
OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
ARTICLE I
NATIONAL TERRITORY
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with
all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other
territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial
domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the
insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around,
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
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican
State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government
authority emanates from them.
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument
of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the
policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity
with all nations.
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme
over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the
protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the
sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national
territory.
Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve
and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to
defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may
be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal,
military or civil service.
Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the
protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the
general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of
the blessings of democracy.
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be
inviolable.
STATE POLICIES
Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign
policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount
consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to self-determination.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national
interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear
weapons in its territory.
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic
social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the
nation and free the people from poverty through policies that
provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising
standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all
phases of national development.
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human
person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family
life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of
the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural
and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth
for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall
receive the support of the Government.
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the
youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their
physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It
shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and
encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in
nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before
the law of women and men.
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature.
Section 17. The State shall give priority to education,
science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster
patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote
total human liberation and development.
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social
economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote
their welfare.
Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and
independent national economy 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 implements a policy of full public disclosure of
all its transactions involving public interests.
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