Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution outlines the Philippines is the protector of the people

the fundamental principles and state policies that and the State. Its goal is to secure the
guide the nation's governance. Below is a sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the
comprehensive analysis of this article: national territory."

Full Article Text: Explanation: This section underscores civilian

supremacy over the military and defines the primary
Article II: Declaration of Principles and State Policies
role of the Armed Forces as protectors of the people,
Full Section Texts and Explanations: state sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

1. Section 1: "The Philippines is a democratic and 4. Section 4: "The prime duty of the Government
republican State. Sovereignty resides in the is to serve and protect the people. The
people and all government authority emanates Government may call upon the people to
from them." defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof,
all citizens may be required, under conditions
Explanation: This section establishes the Philippines
provided by law, to render personal military or
as both a democracy and a republic, emphasizing that
civil service."
the ultimate power rests with the people, from whom
all governmental authority is derived. Explanation: It highlights the government's
responsibility to its citizens and acknowledges that
2. Section 2: "The Philippines renounces war as
citizens may be obligated to defend the state through
an instrument of national policy, adopts the
military or civil service as prescribed by law.
generally accepted principles of international
law as part of the law of the land, and adheres 5. Section 5: "The maintenance of peace and
to a policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, order, the protection of life, liberty, and
cooperation, and amity with all nations." property, and the promotion of the general
welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all
Explanation: This declares the country's commitment
the people of the blessings of democracy."
to peace, the incorporation of international law into
domestic law, and the pursuit of harmonious relations Explanation: This emphasizes that peace, order, and
with other nations. the safeguarding of fundamental rights are crucial for
the full realization of democratic benefits.
3. Section 3: "Civilian authority is, at all times,
supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of
 6. Section 6: "The separation of Church and State Explanation: This section emphasizes the state's role
shall be inviolable." in fostering social justice, economic growth, poverty
alleviation, and enhancing the quality of life for its
Explanation: This asserts the strict division between
citizens.
religious institutions and government affairs, ensuring
that neither influences the other unduly. 10. Section 10: "The State shall promote
social justice in all phases of national
7. Section 7: "The State shall pursue an
development."
independent foreign policy. In its relations with
other states, the paramount consideration shall Explanation: This underscores the state's
be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, commitment to ensuring fairness and equity
national interest, and the right to self- throughout all aspects of national progress.
determination."
11. Section 11: "The State values the dignity
Explanation: This mandates that the Philippines' of every human person and guarantees full
foreign relations prioritize sovereignty, territorial respect for human rights."
integrity, national interests, and self-determination.
Explanation: This affirms the state's dedication to
8. Section 8: "The Philippines, consistent with the upholding human dignity and protecting human
national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of rights.
freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory."
12. Section 12: "The State recognizes the
Explanation: This declares the nation's commitment sanctity of family life and shall protect and
to keeping its territory free from nuclear weapons, strengthen the family as a basic autonomous
aligning with national interests. social institution. It shall equally protect the life
of the mother and the life of the unborn from
9. Section 9: "The State shall promote a just and
conception. The natural and primary right and
dynamic social order that will ensure the
duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for
prosperity and independence of the nation and
civic efficiency and the development of moral
free the people from poverty through policies
character shall receive the support of the
that provide adequate social services, promote
Government."
full employment, a rising standard of living, and
an improved quality of life for all." Explanation: This highlights the importance of the
family unit, the protection of life from conception, and
the pivotal role of parents in child-rearing, with and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
government support. and harmony of nature."

13. Section 13: "The State recognizes the Explanation: This emphasizes the state's obligation to
vital role of the youth in nation-building and ensure environmental protection
shall promote and protect their physical, moral,
Sources
spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It
shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and 4o
nationalism, and encourage their involvement
You said:
in public and civic affairs."
Can you continue with this and get all sections now?
Explanation: This section emphasizes the youth's
crucial contribution to nation-building and the state's ChatGPT said:
responsibility to foster their holistic development and
Here is the continuation of Article II of the 1987
civic engagement.
Philippine Constitution, covering all its sections with
14. Section 14: "The State recognizes the explanations:
role of women in nation-building and shall
ensure the fundamental equality before the law
of women and men." 17. Section 17

Explanation: This asserts the state's commitment to "The State shall give priority to education, science
gender equality and acknowledges women's and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster
significant contributions to national development. patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total human liberation and
15. Section 15: "The State shall protect and
development."
promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them." Explanation:
This section underscores the importance of education,
Explanation: This mandates the state to safeguard
science, culture, and sports in nation-building. The
public health and encourage health awareness among
government is mandated to prioritize these sectors to
its citizens.
cultivate national identity, drive social and economic
16. Section 16: "The State shall protect and progress, and uplift people's overall well-being.
advance the right of the people to a balanced
 "The State recognizes the indispensable role of the
private sector, encourages private enterprise, and
18. Section 18
provides incentives to needed investments."
"The State affirms labor as a primary social economic
Explanation:
force. It shall protect the rights of workers and
While emphasizing a self-reliant economy, this
promote their welfare."
provision also acknowledges the vital role of private
Explanation: enterprises. The government is tasked with creating
The Constitution recognizes the critical role of labor in an environment conducive to business investments
the country’s economy and social development. It and economic development.
mandates the government to safeguard workers'
rights, ensure fair wages, and promote job security
and safe working conditions. 21. Section 21

"The State shall promote comprehensive rural

development and agrarian reform."
19. Section 19
Explanation:
"The State shall develop a self-reliant and
This section commits the government to address rural
independent national economy effectively controlled
poverty by implementing land reforms, improving
by Filipinos."
agricultural productivity, and enhancing the livelihood
Explanation: of rural communities.
This provision highlights economic nationalism,
ensuring that the country’s economy remains under
Filipino control. It seeks to prevent excessive foreign 22. Section 22
influence in the economy while promoting local
"The State recognizes and promotes the rights of
industries and businesses.
indigenous cultural communities within the
framework of national unity and development."

20. Section 20 Explanation:

This provision ensures that indigenous peoples (IPs)
have the right to their ancestral lands, cultural
identity, and self-determination. The government
must implement programs that integrate IPs into Explanation:
national development without erasing their traditions This mandates the decentralization of powers,
and heritage. allowing local governments to exercise self-
governance, fiscal independence, and development
planning suited to their communities' needs.
23. Section 23

"The State shall encourage non-governmental,

26. Section 26
community-based, or sectoral organizations that
promote the welfare of the nation." "The State shall guarantee equal access to
opportunities for public service and prohibit political
Explanation:
dynasties as may be defined by law."
This encourages civic engagement and recognizes the
importance of NGOs and people's organizations in Explanation:
social development and governance. This aims to prevent the concentration of political
power in families and ensure that public office is open
to all qualified individuals. However, the
24. Section 24 implementation of the anti-political dynasty provision
requires an enabling law, which remains absent.
"The State recognizes the vital role of communication
and information in nation-building."

Explanation:
This provision highlights the importance of free and
27. Section 27
responsible communication in governance, economic
development, and public awareness. It supports press "The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the
freedom and responsible media practices. public service and take positive and effective
measures against graft and corruption."

Explanation:
25. Section 25
This mandates transparency and accountability in
"The State shall ensure the autonomy of local government transactions. The government is required
governments." to adopt strict anti-corruption policies, strengthen
institutions like the Ombudsman, and penalize erring
public officials.

28. 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."

Explanation:
This provision supports transparency in governance
by ensuring that government transactions and
decisions affecting public interest are open to
scrutiny. It lays the foundation for the Freedom of
Information (FOI) movement.

Summary of Article II

Article II of the 1987 Constitution establishes the

fundamental principles guiding the government.
These principles include democracy, sovereignty,
peace, social justice, human rights, economic self-
reliance, environmental protection, education, and
the fight against corruption.