Ang Saligang Batas
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Explained.
Every Filipino is protected by the 1987 Constitution — but most have never read it. It governs your rights, the structure of your government, and the limits of state power. BatasKo breaks it down into plain language so every Filipino can understand the supreme law of their land.
Whether you're a student, a worker, a voter, or an OFW abroad, this is your guide to what the Constitution says — and what it means for you.
ELI5 — The short version
The Constitution is the supreme law of the Philippines. Every other law, every government action, every court decision — must follow it. Ratified on February 2, 1987, after the EDSA People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship. If a law contradicts the Constitution, that law is void.
What the Constitution covers
The 1987 Constitution has 18 Articles covering everything from your individual rights (Article III — Bill of Rights) to how the President is elected (Article VII), how laws are made (Article VI), and how the Constitution itself can be changed (Article XVII).
It also contains landmark social justice provisions: the right to quality education (Article XIV), the duty to protect labor rights (Article XIII), and the recognition of the family as the foundation of the nation (Article XV).
BatasKo has built full ELI5 analyses of all 18 Articles — with real Filipino scenarios, OFW implications, misconceptions, and action steps. Start with Article III — the Bill of Rights — which directly protects your daily life against government overreach.
All 18 Articles
National Territory
Defines what land, water, and airspace belongs to the Philippines — including all the islands and their surrounding seas.
Declaration of Principles and State Policies
The foundational values of the Philippine State — democracy, sovereignty, civilian supremacy, renunciation of war, and the duty to promote social justice.
Bill of Rights
Your 22 fundamental rights that the government cannot take from you — due process, free speech, Miranda rights, presumption of innocence, and more.
Citizenship
Who is a Filipino citizen, how citizenship is acquired and lost, and the rules for natural-born versus naturalized citizens.
Suffrage
The right to vote — who qualifies, minimum age (18), literacy requirements, and how Congress protects the secrecy of the ballot.
Legislative Department
How Congress works — the Senate, the House of Representatives, how laws are passed, and the limits on legislative power.
Executive Department
The President's powers and responsibilities — who can be President, term limits, the Cabinet, and emergency powers.
Judicial Department
The Supreme Court and lower courts — judicial independence, how judges are appointed, and the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Constitutional Commissions
The three independent constitutional bodies: Civil Service Commission, COMELEC (elections), and Commission on Audit.
Local Government
How barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces are governed — local autonomy, the Local Government Code, and regional governments.
Accountability of Public Officers
Public office is a public trust. This article covers the Ombudsman, impeachment, and how corrupt officials can be removed from power.
National Economy and Patrimony
Rules on who can own land and natural resources in the Philippines — why foreigners cannot own land and how the 60-40 ownership rule works.
Social Justice and Human Rights
The constitutional mandate for labor protections, agrarian reform, housing rights, and human rights — the foundation of workers' and farmers' rights.
Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports
The right to quality education, free public education, academic freedom, and the State's duty to promote Filipino culture and science.
The Family
The State's recognition of the family as the foundation of the nation — protection of marriage, children's rights, and family welfare.
General Provisions
Miscellaneous rules — the Philippine flag, the national anthem, the armed forces, and other general constitutional requirements.
Amendments or Revisions
How the Constitution can be changed — through Congress, a Constitutional Convention, or People's Initiative, followed by a nationwide plebiscite.
Transitory Provisions
The transition rules from the Marcos dictatorship to the new democratic government — applicable mainly to the 1987 transition period.
Mandatory section
For OFWs / Para sa OFW
The 1987 Constitution protects you the moment you set foot on Philippine soil. While you're abroad, your rights are primarily governed by your POEA Standard Employment Contract and the laws of your host country — but the Constitution never stops being your supreme law as a Filipino citizen.
- Article III (Bill of Rights) fully applies to you when you are in the Philippines — upon arrival, on balikbayan visits, or when you return for good.
- The State's duty to protect OFW rights is embedded in Article II (Sec. 12) and Article XIII (Social Justice) — mandating OWWA, POEA/DMW, and POLO offices to serve you abroad.
- If arrested or detained abroad, request contact with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate immediately — this is protected under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
- OWWA and DMW (formerly POEA) handle rights violations abroad. OFW hotline: 1348 (Philippines) or +632-8722-1144 (international).
- When you return to the Philippines permanently, all constitutional rights apply in full — including the right to vote, own property, and access free legal aid through PAO.
Sources
- 01.1987 Philippine Constitution — Official Gazette of the Philippines (Full text), officialgazette.gov.ph
Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. This content is for civic education only. For advice on your specific legal situation, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO).