Synopsis of Each Article of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
By: Justin 4/11/2025
The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines is the fundamental law of the land. It provides the legal framework for the government and outlines the rights of its citizens. For exam takers, especially those reviewing for the Civil Service Exam, it's essential to understand the basic purpose of each article.
Here’s a simplified synopsis of all 18 articles to help you review faster and smarter.
📜 Preamble
Introduces the Constitution and declares the intent of the Filipino people to build a just, humane, and democratic society under a government that promotes the common good, justice, peace, and independence.
🏝 Article I – National Territory
Defines the territory of the Philippines, including its land areas, internal waters, territorial sea, airspace, and maritime zones.
🧭 Article II – Declaration of Principles and State Policies
States the basic principles guiding the Philippine government and its policies, including sovereignty, democracy, peace, human rights, and environmental protection.
⚖️ Article III – Bill of Rights
Enumerates the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, such as the right to due process, freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and equal protection under the law.
🗳 Article IV – Citizenship
Defines who are citizens of the Philippines and the methods of acquiring or losing citizenship.
🏛 Article V – Suffrage
Establishes the right of Filipino citizens to vote and the requirements for voting in elections.
🏗 Article VI – Legislative Department
Creates the bicameral Congress of the Philippines (Senate and House of Representatives) and outlines its composition, powers, and responsibilities in lawmaking.
👤 Article VII – Executive Department
Describes the powers and functions of the President and Vice President, including terms of office, qualifications, and responsibilities in enforcing the law.
👩⚖️ Article VIII – Judicial Department
Defines the structure and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other lower courts. It grants them the authority to interpret laws and ensure justice.
🕊 Article IX – Constitutional Commissions
Creates three independent commissions:
- Civil Service Commission (CSC)
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- Commission on Audit (COA)
Each has its own mandate, powers, and independence from other branches of government.
📰 Article X – Local Government
Defines the structure, powers, and autonomy of local government units (LGUs), including provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
🏛 Article XI – Accountability of Public Officers
Provides that public officials must serve with integrity and can be held accountable through mechanisms such as impeachment and the Office of the Ombudsman.
📜 Article XII – National Economy and Patrimony
Emphasizes Filipino control over the national economy and the protection of natural resources, with provisions on foreign investment, trade, and development.
👨🔬 Article XIII – Social Justice and Human Rights
Focuses on labor, agrarian reform, urban land reform, health, women, and other sectors that require state protection and support.
🏫 Article XIV – Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports
Mandates free and accessible quality education, and promotes science, technology, and cultural preservation for national development.
🙏 Article XV – The Family
Recognizes the family as the foundation of the nation and mandates the protection of marriage, family life, and the rights of children and women.
🌍 Article XVI – General Provisions
Covers various matters such as the national flag, official language, armed forces, police, and mass media.
⚰️ Article XVII – Amendments or Revisions
Describes the methods for changing or revising the Constitution, either through Congress, a constitutional convention, or a people’s initiative.
🛡 Article XVIII – Transitory Provisions
Contains temporary measures for the smooth transition from the previous (1973) Constitution to the current (1987) Constitution.
Final Thoughts
Understanding each article of the Constitution helps you become a more informed citizen and increases your chances of passing exams like the Civil Service Exam. You don’t need to memorize every word — just focus on the purpose and structure of each article.
🧠 Study smart. Let Brevph help you master the essentials.