Constitutional High-Yield Topics

A companion piece to The Philippine Constitution, Explained Simply, going deeper into the topics most emphasized on the exam.

1. 1. Bill of Rights (Article III)

   Fundamental freedoms protected from government infringement: due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, protection against unreasonable searches, right against double jeopardy, right to bail (with exceptions).

2. 2. Constitutional Commissions

   Three independent bodies: CSC (civil service), COMELEC (elections), COA (audit). None answers to the other branches — that independence is the point.

3. 3. Three Branches of Government

   Executive, Legislative, Judicial. Judicial review (declaring laws unconstitutional) is a key Judicial power worth remembering specifically.

4. 4. Qualifications of Public Officials

   Age and residency requirements vary by position (President: 40+, 10-year residency; Senator: 35+; House member: 25+). Learn these as a set, since exam questions often test one against another.

5. 5. State Principles and Policies (Article II)

   Includes civilian supremacy over the military, an independent foreign policy, and the promotion of general welfare, among others.

6. 6. "Public Office is a Public Trust" (Article XI)

   The foundational principle behind official accountability — officials serve the people, they don't own their position.

7. 7. How a Bill Becomes a Law

   Introduced → committee review → three readings in each chamber → bicameral reconciliation if needed → President signs, vetoes, or it lapses into law after 30 days unsigned. Veto override needs two-thirds of each chamber, separately.

8. 8. Constitutional Amendments (Article XVII)

   Three modes: Congress as a Constituent Assembly, a Constitutional Convention, or People's Initiative (direct citizen petition).

9. 9. Local Government (RA 7160)

   The Local Government Code devolved many national functions to LGUs. Know the hierarchy: barangay → municipality/city → province.

10. 10. National Territory (Article I)

    Defines Philippine territory, including the archipelagic doctrine — waters connecting the islands are treated as internal Philippine territory, not international waters.

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