Philippine Constitution Summary: Civil Service Exam Guide

Introduction to the Philippine Constitution

The Philippine Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes the framework of the Philippine government, defines the powers and limitations of each branch, guarantees fundamental rights of the people, and sets guiding principles for governance and national development. For the Civil Service Exam, understanding the Constitution is essential because many questions test both factual knowledge and conceptual understanding of its provisions.

The current Constitution of the Philippines was ratified on February 2, 1987, following the People Power Revolution. It replaced the 1973 Constitution and restored democratic institutions after years of authoritarian rule. The 1987 Constitution is designed to prevent abuse of power, protect human rights, and promote social justice.

This guide provides a clear and structured summary of the Philippine Constitution, organized by its major articles, with emphasis on concepts frequently tested in the Civil Service Exam.

Article I: National Territory

Article I defines the national territory of the Philippines. It includes:

• The Philippine archipelago, with all islands and waters embraced therein

• All other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction

• Territorial waters, seabed, subsoil, insular shelves, and other submarine areas

• The airspace above these areas

The Constitution adopts the archipelagic doctrine, which treats the Philippines as a single integrated unit rather than separate islands connected by water. Internal waters are considered part of Philippine territory.

For exam purposes, remember that the national territory includes land, water, airspace, and underwater areas.

Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies

Article II outlines the fundamental principles that guide the Philippine government. These principles are not always self-executing but serve as policy guides.

Key principles include:

• The Philippines is a democratic and republican state

• Sovereignty resides in the people

• Civilian authority is supreme over the military

• Separation of Church and State

• The State renounces war as an instrument of national policy

• The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights

State policies emphasize social justice, protection of the environment, labor rights, family as a basic social institution, education, and public accountability.

Civil Service Exam questions often ask which provisions are principles versus policies, so careful reading is required.

Article III: Bill of Rights

Article III is one of the most important parts of the Constitution. It guarantees fundamental rights to protect individuals against abuse by the State.

Key rights include:

• Due process of law

• Equal protection of the laws

• Freedom of speech, expression, and the press

• Freedom of religion

• Right against unreasonable searches and seizures

• Right to privacy of communication

• Rights of the accused, including presumption of innocence

• Right against self-incrimination

• Right to bail (except for certain serious offenses)

• Right against cruel, degrading, or inhuman punishment

The Bill of Rights primarily protects individuals from government actions, not private individuals. Many exam questions focus on identifying which rights are protected and when they may be limited.

Article IV: Citizenship

Article IV defines who are considered citizens of the Philippines.

Citizens include:

• Those who are citizens at the time of the adoption of the 1987 Constitution

• Those whose father or mother is a citizen of the Philippines

• Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers who elect Philippine citizenship

• Those who are naturalized according to law

The Philippines follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship is based on parentage, not place of birth.

Questions often involve identifying citizenship status in hypothetical situations.

Article V: Suffrage

Article V provides the qualifications for voting in the Philippines.

To be a voter, a person must be:

• A citizen of the Philippines

• At least 18 years old

• A resident of the Philippines for at least one year

• A resident of the place where they intend to vote for at least six months

No literacy, property, or other substantive requirements may be imposed. The State must provide a system for absentee voting for overseas Filipinos.

This article reflects the principle of universal suffrage.

Article VI: Legislative Department

Article VI establishes the Legislative Department, which is vested in the Congress of the Philippines.

Congress is bicameral, consisting of:

• The Senate

• The House of Representatives

Senate

• Composed of 24 Senators

• Elected at large

• Term of six years

• Maximum of two consecutive terms

House of Representatives

• Composed of district representatives and party-list representatives

• Term of three years

• Maximum of three consecutive terms

Congress has the power to make laws, declare war, appropriate public funds, and conduct legislative investigations.

Civil Service Exam questions often test the differences between the Senate and the House, as well as term limits.

Article VII: Executive Department

Article VII vests executive power in the President of the Philippines.

Key points include:

• The President serves as both Head of State and Head of Government

• Term of six years, with no re-election

• Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, and a resident for at least 10 years

• The Vice President has the same qualifications and term length and may serve two consecutive terms

The President has powers such as appointing officials, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, granting pardons, and executing laws.

Emergency powers and martial law provisions are also found in this article and are frequently tested.

Article VIII: Judicial Department

Article VIII establishes the Judicial Department.

Judicial power is vested in:

• The Supreme Court

• Lower courts established by law

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.

Key judicial principles include:

• Judicial review, or the power to determine whether acts of government violate the Constitution

• Fiscal autonomy of the judiciary

• Security of tenure for judges

The judiciary serves as the final arbiter of constitutional questions.

Article IX: Constitutional Commissions

Article IX creates three independent constitutional commissions:

Civil Service Commission (CSC)

• Central personnel agency of the government

• Promotes merit and professionalism in public service

Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

• Enforces and administers election laws

• Ensures free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections

Commission on Audit (COA)

• Examines and audits government funds

• Ensures proper use of public resources

These commissions are independent to prevent political influence, a common exam topic.

Article X: Local Government

Article X provides for local autonomy.

Local government units include:

• Provinces

• Cities

• Municipalities

• Barangays

Local governments have the power to create their own sources of revenue, levy taxes, and manage local affairs, subject to national laws.

The Local Government Code implements these constitutional provisions.

Article XI: Accountability of Public Officers

Article XI emphasizes that public office is a public trust.

Public officers must:

• Be accountable to the people

• Serve with responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency

This article establishes impeachment for certain high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, and Supreme Court Justices.

Grounds for impeachment include culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Article XII: National Economy and Patrimony

Article XII regulates ownership and use of national resources.

Key provisions include:

• Natural resources are owned by the State

• Certain industries are reserved for Filipino citizens or corporations with at least 60% Filipino ownership

• Protection of Filipino labor and enterprises

This article aims to ensure economic independence and national control over strategic resources.

Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights

Article XIII promotes social justice in all phases of national development.

It covers:

• Labor rights

• Agrarian reform

• Urban land reform and housing

• Health services

• Women, youth, and marginalized sectors

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is created under this article to investigate human rights violations.

Article XIV: Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports

Article XIV emphasizes the role of education in national development.

Key points include:

• The State shall protect and promote the right to quality education

• Free public education at the elementary and high school levels

• Filipino as the national language

• Support for science, technology, and cultural preservation

Education-related questions are common in the Civil Service Exam.

Article XV: The Family

Article XV recognizes the family as the foundation of the nation.

The State shall:

• Protect marriage as an inviolable social institution

• Defend the right of children to assistance and care

• Support parents in child-rearing responsibilities

This article reflects the Constitution’s social values.

Article XVI: General Provisions

Article XVI includes miscellaneous provisions such as:

• The role of the Armed Forces

• National police force

• Prohibition against foreign military bases without treaty concurrence

• Ownership of mass media limited to Filipinos

These provisions reinforce national sovereignty and public accountability.

Article XVII: Amendments or Revisions

Article XVII outlines how the Constitution may be amended or revised.

Methods include:

• Congress acting as a Constituent Assembly

• Constitutional Convention

• People’s Initiative (with limitations)

Any amendment must be ratified through a plebiscite.

Article XVIII: Transitory Provisions

Article XVIII provides guidelines for the transition from the previous Constitution to the 1987 Constitution.

It addresses:

• Continuation of existing laws

• Reorganization of government offices

• Temporary measures during the transition period

These provisions were especially relevant immediately after ratification.

Conclusion

The Philippine Constitution serves as the foundation of the nation’s legal and political system. For Civil Service Exam takers, mastery of constitutional principles, structures of government, and fundamental rights is crucial. Understanding not just the provisions but also their purposes will help you analyze questions more effectively and apply concepts correctly in exam scenarios.

A solid grasp of the Constitution reflects readiness for public service and a commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

Problem Set 1: General Concepts of the Constitution

1. What is the nature of the Philippine State according to the Constitution?
A. Federal and parliamentary
B. Democratic and republican
C. Socialist and democratic
D. Monarchical and constitutional

2. Sovereignty in the Philippines resides in:
A. The President
B. Congress
C. The Constitution
D. The people

3. The Philippine Constitution currently in effect was ratified in:
A. 1935
B. 1973
C. 1986
D. 1987

4. Which principle emphasizes that the military is subject to civilian leadership?
A. Separation of powers
B. Rule of law
C. Civilian supremacy
D. Popular sovereignty

5. Which doctrine treats the Philippines as a single integrated unit of land and water?
A. Territorial sea doctrine
B. Archipelagic doctrine
C. Continental shelf doctrine
D. National domain doctrine

Answer Key – Problem Set 1

1. B

2. D

3. D

4. C

5. B

Problem Set 2: National Territory and State Policies

6. Which of the following is NOT included in the Philippine national territory?
A. Internal waters
B. Airspace above the archipelago
C. Exclusive Economic Zone only
D. Seabed and subsoil

7. The State renounces war as an instrument of national policy under which Article?
A. Article I
B. Article II
C. Article III
D. Article XII

8. Which provision reflects the separation of Church and State?
A. Article II
B. Article III
C. Article IV
D. Article V

9. Which of the following is a State policy rather than a self-executing right?
A. Freedom of speech
B. Right to due process
C. Promotion of social justice
D. Right against self-incrimination

10. The family is recognized as the foundation of the nation under which Article?
A. Article XIII
B. Article XIV
C. Article XV
D. Article XVI

Answer Key – Problem Set 2

6. C

7. B

8. A

9. C

10. C

Problem Set 3: Bill of Rights

11. Which right protects individuals from arbitrary government action?
A. Police power
B. Due process of law
C. Eminent domain
D. Taxation

12. The right against unreasonable searches and seizures requires:
A. A written confession
B. A lawful arrest
C. A valid warrant or lawful exception
D. Approval from the prosecutor

13. Which right applies only against the State and not private individuals?
A. Right to property
B. Freedom of contract
C. Constitutional rights under the Bill of Rights
D. Right to education

14. Which of the following is NOT a right of the accused?
A. Presumption of innocence
B. Right to remain silent
C. Right to double jeopardy
D. Right to vote

15. Cruel, degrading, or inhuman punishment is:
A. Allowed in serious crimes
B. Allowed during emergencies
C. Prohibited under the Constitution
D. Left to the discretion of courts

Answer Key – Problem Set 3

11. B

12. C

13. C

14. D

15. C

Problem Set 4: Citizenship and Suffrage

16. The Philippines follows which principle of citizenship?
A. Jus soli
B. Jus sanguinis
C. Dual allegiance
D. Territorial citizenship

17. A person whose father is a Filipino citizen is:
A. An alien
B. A naturalized citizen
C. A natural-born citizen
D. A permanent resident

18. Which is NOT a qualification for suffrage?
A. Citizenship
B. Age requirement
C. Literacy requirement
D. Residency requirement

19. The minimum voting age in the Philippines is:
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25

20. Overseas absentee voting is mandated by which Article?
A. Article IV
B. Article V
C. Article VI
D. Article IX

Answer Key – Problem Set 4

16. B

17. C

18. C

19. B

20. B

Problem Set 5: Legislative Department

21. Congress of the Philippines is composed of:
A. One chamber
B. Two chambers
C. Three chambers
D. Four chambers

22. How many Senators are elected nationwide?
A. 12
B. 18
C. 24
D. 36

23. The term of office of a Senator is:
A. 3 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 6 years

24. A member of the House of Representatives may serve a maximum of:
A. Two consecutive terms
B. Three consecutive terms
C. Four consecutive terms
D. Unlimited terms

25. Which power belongs exclusively to Congress?
A. Judicial review
B. Appointment of judges
C. Power of legislation
D. Execution of laws

Answer Key – Problem Set 5

21. B

22. C

23. D

24. B

25. C

Problem Set 6: Executive and Judicial Departments

26. The President of the Philippines serves a term of:
A. 4 years with re-election
B. 6 years with re-election
C. 6 years without re-election
D. 8 years without re-election

27. Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces?
A. Senate President
B. Chief Justice
C. Secretary of Defense
D. President

28. Judicial power is vested in:
A. Congress
B. The President
C. The Supreme Court and lower courts
D. Constitutional Commissions

29. Judicial review refers to the power of courts to:
A. Enforce laws
B. Make laws
C. Declare acts unconstitutional
D. Appoint judges

30. How many members compose the Supreme Court?
A. 11
B. 13
C. 15
D. 17

Answer Key – Problem Set 6

26. C

27. D

28. C

29. C

30. C

Problem Set 7: Constitutional Commissions and Accountability

31. Which body serves as the central personnel agency of the government?
A. COMELEC
B. COA
C. CSC
D. CHR

32. Which commission ensures the integrity of elections?
A. CSC
B. COMELEC
C. COA
D. DOJ

33. Public office is considered a:
A. Personal privilege
B. Government benefit
C. Public trust
D. Political reward

34. Which official may be impeached?
A. Barangay Captain
B. Bureau Director
C. Supreme Court Justice
D. Municipal Clerk

35. Which is NOT a ground for impeachment?
A. Treason
B. Graft and corruption
C. Inefficiency
D. Betrayal of public trust

Answer Key – Problem Set 7

31. C

32. B

33. C

34. C

35. C

Problem Set 8: Economy, Social Justice, and Amendments

36. Ownership of natural resources belongs to:
A. Private corporations
B. Foreign investors
C. The State
D. Local governments

37. Which Article promotes labor rights and agrarian reform?
A. Article XII
B. Article XIII
C. Article XIV
D. Article XV

38. The Commission on Human Rights is created under which Article?
A. Article XI
B. Article XII
C. Article XIII
D. Article XIV

39. Which body may propose constitutional amendments?
A. Congress acting as Constituent Assembly
B. Constitutional Convention
C. People’s initiative
D. All of the above

40. Constitutional amendments become effective only after:
A. Congressional approval
B. Supreme Court review
C. Ratification in a plebiscite
D. Presidential proclamation

Answer Key – Problem Set 8

36. C

37. B

38. C

39. D

40. C

Civil Service Exam Philippines: Complete Preparation and Passing Guide