Preamble Of The 1987 Philippine Constitution

The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution: A Deep Dive

The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution serves as the introductory statement to the fundamental law of the land. It encapsulates the aspirations, principles, and ideals that the Filipino people hold dear. Understanding the Preamble is essential to grasping the spirit and intent of the Constitution itself. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the Preamble, its historical context, key components, significance, and enduring relevance in Philippine society.

Historical Context: From Colonialism to Constitutionalism

The journey toward the 1987 Constitution was shaped by centuries of colonial rule and the struggle for independence and self-determination. The Philippines endured over 300 years of Spanish colonization, followed by a brief period of American rule. These experiences deeply influenced the Filipino people's desire for a government that truly represented their interests and protected their rights.

• Spanish Colonial Period (1521-1898): The Spanish colonial era saw the imposition of foreign laws and governance structures that often marginalized the Filipino population. The desire for freedom and self-governance grew steadily during this period.
• American Colonial Period (1898-1946): While the American colonial period introduced some democratic institutions and principles, the Philippines remained under foreign control. The push for independence continued, leading to the eventual granting of independence in 1946.
• Post-Independence Era: The post-independence era was marked by political instability, corruption, and social unrest. The 1972 declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos led to a period of authoritarian rule, further highlighting the need for a Constitution that would safeguard against abuse of power and protect the rights of the people.

The 1986 People Power Revolution, which ousted President Marcos, paved the way for the drafting of the 1987 Constitution. The Constitutional Commission (ConCom), composed of representatives from various sectors of society, was tasked with creating a new Constitution that would reflect the aspirations of the Filipino people and prevent a repeat of the abuses of the past.

The Text of the Preamble

The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution reads as follows:

"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 justice, peace, equality, and liberty, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution."

Key Components of the Preamble: A Detailed Analysis

Each phrase and clause within the Preamble carries significant meaning and reflects the core values and principles underlying the Constitution. Let's examine each component in detail:

1. "We, the sovereign Filipino people..."

   • This opening phrase emphasizes that the Constitution derives its authority from the Filipino people themselves.
   • It underscores the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that the ultimate power resides in the people, and the government exists to serve them.
   • The phrase also highlights the collective identity and unity of the Filipino people, transcending regional, ethnic, and social differences.

2. "...imploring the aid of Almighty God..."

   • This acknowledges the role of faith and divine guidance in the nation's affairs.
   • It reflects the deep-seated religious beliefs of the majority of Filipinos.
   • The inclusion of this phrase recognizes the importance of moral and spiritual values in shaping a just and humane society.

3. "...in order to build a just and humane society..."

   • This expresses the fundamental goal of the Constitution: to create a society that is both just and humane.
   • Justice implies fairness, equity, and the protection of rights for all members of society.
   • Humane implies compassion, empathy, and the recognition of the inherent dignity of every human being.
   • This phrase underscores the commitment to social justice and the eradication of poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

4. "...and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations..."

   • This emphasizes that the government should be a reflection of the values, beliefs, and hopes of the Filipino people.
   • Ideals refer to the principles and standards that the nation strives to achieve, such as democracy, freedom, and equality.
   • Aspirations refer to the goals and ambitions that the Filipino people have for themselves and their country, such as progress, prosperity, and peace.
   • This phrase underscores the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in ensuring that the government serves the best interests of the people.

5. "...promote the common good..."

   • This highlights the importance of prioritizing the welfare and well-being of the entire community over individual or sectional interests.
   • Common good refers to the shared benefits and advantages that accrue to all members of society, such as public safety, health, education, and environmental protection.
   • This phrase underscores the need for policies and programs that promote social solidarity and reduce disparities in wealth and opportunity.

6. "...conserve and develop our patrimony..."

   • This emphasizes the responsibility to protect and enhance the nation's natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.
   • Patrimony refers to the resources, assets, and traditions that are inherited from our ancestors, including land, water, minerals, forests, and cultural artifacts.
   • This phrase underscores the importance of sustainable development, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural identity.

7. "...and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of justice, peace, equality, and liberty..."

   • This expresses the desire to ensure that the benefits of freedom and self-governance are enjoyed not only by the present generation but also by future generations.
   • Independence refers to the freedom from foreign domination and the right to self-determination.
   • Democracy refers to a system of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised through elected representatives.
   • Rule of law refers to the principle that everyone is subject to the law, and no one is above it.
   • Regime of justice, peace, equality, and liberty refers to a society in which rights are protected, conflicts are resolved peacefully, opportunities are equal for all, and individual freedoms are respected.
   • This phrase underscores the commitment to upholding the Constitution, promoting human rights, and building a society that is just, peaceful, and free.

8. "...do ordain and promulgate this Constitution."

   • This is the final declaration that formally establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
   • Ordain means to establish by law or authority.
   • Promulgate means to make known or put into effect.
   • This phrase signifies the solemn act of the Filipino people in adopting and ratifying the Constitution.

Significance of the Preamble

The Preamble is more than just a ceremonial introduction; it is a vital part of the Constitution that provides guidance for interpreting and applying its provisions. Its significance can be understood in several ways:

• Statement of Purpose: The Preamble articulates the fundamental purposes and objectives of the Constitution, providing a framework for understanding its specific provisions.
• Source of Interpretation: Courts often refer to the Preamble when interpreting ambiguous or unclear provisions of the Constitution. It serves as a guide to the intent of the framers and the values they sought to enshrine in the Constitution.
• Declaration of Principles: The Preamble embodies the core principles and values that the Filipino people cherish, such as democracy, justice, peace, equality, and liberty. These principles serve as a moral compass for the nation and guide the actions of government and citizens alike.
• Inspiration for Action: The Preamble inspires Filipinos to strive for a better society and to uphold the ideals and aspirations expressed in the Constitution. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a just and humane society for present and future generations.
• Basis for National Identity: The Preamble contributes to the formation of national identity by articulating the shared values and aspirations that bind the Filipino people together. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose, transcending regional, ethnic, and social differences.

The Preamble in Constitutional Interpretation

The Philippine Supreme Court has consistently recognized the importance of the Preamble in interpreting the Constitution. While the Preamble is not a source of substantive rights, it provides valuable context for understanding the meaning and scope of constitutional provisions.

• In several landmark cases, the Supreme Court has cited the Preamble to support its interpretation of constitutional provisions related to social justice, human rights, and environmental protection.
• The Court has emphasized that the Preamble should be read in conjunction with the other provisions of the Constitution to give effect to the intent of the framers and the aspirations of the Filipino people.
• The Preamble serves as a reminder that the Constitution should be interpreted in a manner that promotes the common good and upholds the dignity of every human being.

Challenges and Enduring Relevance

Despite its enduring significance, the Preamble faces challenges in its implementation and realization. These challenges include:

• Poverty and Inequality: The Preamble's call for a just and humane society is undermined by the persistence of poverty and inequality in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains wide, and many Filipinos lack access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
• Corruption and Inefficiency: Corruption and inefficiency in government hinder the achievement of the Preamble's goals of promoting the common good and establishing a government that embodies the ideals and aspirations of the people.
• Social Injustice: Social injustice, including discrimination, marginalization, and human rights violations, continues to plague Philippine society, undermining the Preamble's commitment to equality and liberty.
• Environmental Degradation: Environmental degradation threatens the Preamble's call to conserve and develop our patrimony. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change pose serious risks to the nation's natural resources and the well-being of its citizens.

Despite these challenges, the Preamble remains a relevant and inspiring document that guides the Filipino people in their quest for a better future. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to:

• Provide a Vision: The Preamble provides a clear vision of the kind of society that Filipinos aspire to create: a just, humane, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
• Inspire Action: The Preamble inspires Filipinos to take action to address the challenges facing their country and to work towards the realization of its ideals.
• Promote Unity: The Preamble promotes unity by articulating the shared values and aspirations that bind the Filipino people together.
• Serve as a Standard: The Preamble serves as a standard against which the actions of government and citizens can be measured.

Conclusion

The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is a powerful and enduring statement of the Filipino people's aspirations, principles, and ideals. It serves as a guide for interpreting the Constitution, a source of inspiration for action, and a foundation for national identity. While challenges remain in its implementation, the Preamble continues to be a relevant and vital document that guides the Philippines in its journey towards a just, humane, and prosperous society. By understanding and embracing the Preamble, Filipinos can work together to build a nation that truly embodies their ideals and aspirations and secures the blessings of independence and democracy for themselves and their posterity. The Preamble is not just a collection of words; it is a call to action, a promise to future generations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.