ARTICLE II DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND

STATE POLICIES (EXPLANATION)

PRINCIPLES
SECTION 1
The Philippines, a democratic and republican state
A republican government is a democratic government by representatives chosen by the people at
large.The essence therefore, of a republican state is indirect rule.

The Philippines, a democratic and republican state. It embodies some features of a pure or direct
democracy such as initiative, referendum, and recall.
The existence of a bill of right.The observance of the rule of majority. The observance of the
principle that ours is a government of laws, and not of men.The presence of election through
popular will. The observance of the principle of separation of powers and the system of checks
and balances.Manifestations of a democratic and republican state.
Manifestations of a democratic and republican state. The observance of the principle that the
legislation cannot pass irrepealable laws. The observance of the law on public officers.The
observance of the principle that the State cannot be sued without its consent.
Sovereignty implies the supreme authority to govern, thus the Filipino people, being sovereign
people have the right to constitute their own government, to change it, and define its jurisdiction
and powers.Exercised indirectly through public officials.Exercised directly through
suffrage.Manifestations of a democratic and republican state
Section1 above impliedly recognizes that the people, as the ultimate judges of their destiny, can
resort to revolution as a matter of right.A provision in the Constitution, however, expressly
recognizing the people’s right to revolt against an oppressive or tyrannical government is not
necessary and proper Right of the people to revolt.

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.

With the conflict in the claim of Spratleys intensifying, China decided to launch an all out attack to
the Philippines. Can the Philippines engage in war?
The declaration refers only to the renunciation by the Philippines of aggressive war, not a war in
defense of her national honor and integrity. Thus, when provoked and attacked the Philippines
can retaliate and engage into war.Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy
Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our International law
refers to the body of rules and principles which governs the relations of nations and their respective
peoples in their intercourse with one another
Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our law. The doctrine
of incorporation is the automatic adoption of international law as part of the law of the Philippines.
The Philippines seeks only peace and friendship with her neighbors and all countries of the world,
regardless of race, creed, ideology, and political system, on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and
cooperation.Adherence to the policy of peace, etc., 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.
Supremacy of civilian authority over the military inherent in a republican system safeguard against
military dictatorship
.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 the foremost duty of
the government is to serve and protect the people. The government exist for the people and not
the people for the government.Prime duty of the Government
Defense of the State by the people against foreign aggression the government may call upon the
people to defend the State.For self-preservation and to defend its territorial honor and integrity,
the Philippines can engage in a defensive war.The defense of the State is one of the duties of a
citizen.

Section 4
Defense of the State performed through an army Compulsory Personal By law Military and civil
service by the people.
The term refers to any service for the defense of the State other than as soldiers, like as workers
in munition factories.Meaning of “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.
Only when peace and order, security, and a life of dignity are established and maintained, will
political stability and economic prosperity become attainable and the people truly enjoy the
“blessings of independence and democracy.Maintenance of peace and order, etc.

Section 6.
The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
Principle of separation of the church and State.The principle simply means that the Church is not
to interfere in purely political matters or temporal aspects of man’s life and the State, in purely
matters of religion and morals, which are the exclusive concerns of the other.
The State shall have no official religionThe State cannot set up a church, whether or not supported
with funds; nor aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.Every person
is free to profess belief or disbelief in any religion.Meaning of “establishment of religion clause.
Every religious minister is free to practice his calling;The State cannot punish a person for
entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs.Meaning of “establishment of religion
clause.”
Preamble – The command that Church and State be separate is not to be interpreted to mean
hostility to religion.Other provisions/lawsOur Constitution and laws exempt from taxation,
properties devoted exclusively to religious purposes;No hostility towards religion
The use of public money or property is not prohibited when a priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary
as such is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or government orphanage or
leprosarium;Optional religious instruction in public elementary and high school is by constitutional
mandate allowed.No hostility towards religion
Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, Christmas Day and Sundays are made legal holidays because
of the idea that their observance is conducive to beneficial moral results; andThe law punishes
polygamy and bigamy, and certain crimes against worship are considered crimes against the
fundamental laws of the State.No hostility towards religion

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.
Foreign policy is a set of guideline followed by a government of a country in order to promote its
national interest through the conduct of its relations with other countries.Foreign Policy of the
Philippines
Formulation and conduct of foreign policy. The president formulates our foreign policy principally
with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs.An instrument of domestic policy. Foreign policy
is but a reflection and an instrument of domestic policy, the former being dictated by the latter.
They are not only mutually consistent but complementary.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
Pursuit of an independent foreign policy.An independent foreign policy means one that is not
subordinate or subject to nor dependent upon the support of another government.An independent
foreign policy, however, it is not one that completely rejects advice or assistance from
without.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
In general , our basic foreign policy objective is to establish friendly relations with all countries of
the world regardless of race, religion, ideology and social system and to promote as much
beneficial relationship with them particularly in economic and trade activities.Foreign Policy of the
Philippines
Paramount consideration. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration of the
Philippines shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-
determination.Foreign Policy of the Philippines.

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.
Policies necessary to be pursued – adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising
standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.Just and dynamic social order Solving the
problem of mass poverty – The goal is to reduce that political and economic power of privileged
few by equalizing widely differing standards and opportunities for advancement and raise the
masses of our people from a life of misery and deprivation to a qualitative life worthy of human
dignity and respect.Just and dynamic social order.

Section 10
The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.In the fulfillment of
this duty, the State must give preferential attention to the welfare of the less fortunate members of
the community, those who have less in life

Section 11
The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

The individual enjoy certain rights which cannot be modified or taken away by the lawmaking
body.These rights are protected or guaranteed because of the belief in the inherent dignity and
basic moral worth of every human person<br />Human dignity and human rights..the human
person is the end of every social organization…<br />The value accorded to human dignity is
measured by the extent of respect for human rights, principally the rights to life, liberty , and
property Human dignity and 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.

Filipino women are noted to have low participation at all levels. The Civil Service Commission
reported that few women candidates - who ran for public office - succeeded in securing public
posts. In 2004, the average proportion of women in key elected posts was no more than 17%. The
dismal performance of women in the 2004 elections registered a sharp drop after an increasing
trend beginning 1995.

Section 15.
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.

The state shall oblige its self to promote and protect the right of the people to health by
instilling health consciousness among the people.
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.

The state shall promote and protect the rights of the people about a balanced and healthful
environment.

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.
The state shall provide education to all citizens to have a general and broader understanding
about knowledge.

Section 18.
The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers
and promote their welfare.
In this provision, the state protects the rights of each and every workers.

Section 19
The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by
Filipinos.
It states that the constitutional guidelines in the development of the economy: economic self-
reliance,independent national economy, and effective Filipino control of the economy.

Section 20.
The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise,
and provides incentives to needed investments.

The state is mandated to encourage private enterprise and to provide incentives to needed
investments,whether local or foreign

Section 21.
The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.

The state must develop rural and agrarian reform for the benefits of the country

Section 22.
The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the
framework of national unity and development.
The provision also directs the State to promote their rights within the framework of national
unity and development

Section 23.
The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based,orsectoral organizations that
promote the welfare of the nation.

The state is required to encourage these organizations because recent events have shown that,
under responsible leadership, they can be active contributors to the political, social, and economic
growth of the country

Section 24.
The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.
The state must keep abreast of communication innovations but at the same time be selective and
discriminating to insure that only those ³suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation´
areadapted

Section 25.
The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
Local affairs can best be regulated by the people in the locality.

Section 26.
The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political
dynasties as may be defined by law.
This does not allow the existence of political dynasties or the practice of keeping political
power within the control of select families

Section 27.
The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective
measures against graft and corruption.
Honesty and integrity in public service  Undermines the quality of life for people especially in
poor qualities The constitution seeks to minimize and find completely to eliminate graft
and corruption, a way to attack problem.
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 interest.
The Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a
policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involvingpublic interests. • Section 7 of the
Bill of Rights Guarantees the people’s right to know any transaction entered into by the
government.  Limited to things which involves public concerns .