Declaration of Principles and State Policies

Overview
What

principles underlie state policy in the Philippines? is the content of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution? should Article II of the Constitution be understood?

What

How

Article II
Composed

of 28 sections Sections 1 through 6 discuss state principles Sections 7 through 28 outline state policies

PRINCIPLES

State Principles
Republican

democracy

Democracy

= periodic elections, etc. Republicanism = rule through elected representatives Overriding principle:

Sovereignty resides in the people.

State Principles
Renunciation
Philippines

of war and commitment to international law

cannot declare war on another country (offensive) The country can only declare an existing state of war (defensive) International law forms part of the countrys own laws

State Principles
Supremacy
Civilian

of civilian authority

authority takes precedence over military authority The President is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces The Armed Forces exist to protect the people and the state

State Principles
The

prime duty of government is to serve and protect the people of Church and State

Separation
The

government cannot establish, endorse or favor any religion This separation shall be inviolable

POLICIES

State Policies
Pursuit

policy Recognition of local government autonomy Equal access to public service Guarantee for human rights Non-absolute ban on nuclear weapons in the national territory

of an independent foreign

State Policies
Preference
Principle

for private-sector led economic development

of subsidiarity

Safeguarding

of labor rights Rural development and agrarian reform Commitment to social justice
Preferential

option for the poor

State Policies
Respect

for the sanctity of the family, protection of the unborn and support for youth development
Prohibition

on divorce Prohibition on abortion

Safeguarding

of the rights of indigenous communities

State Policies
Dedication
Taking

to maintaining the integrity of the public service

measures against graft and corruption

Freedom
Full

of information

public disclosure of government transactions involving the public interest

State Policies
Prohibition
To

of political dynasties

ensure equal access to public service As defined by law

Encourage

society

the development of civil

- end -