What Is 1987 Constitution of the Philippines

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines was ratified on February 2, 1987, establishing a democratic republic with a presidential system. It replaced the 1973 Constitution and restored civil liberties after the Marcos dictatorship.

Key Facts

Ratified on February 2, 1987, with 76.3% voter approval
Establishes a presidential system with separation of powers
Replaced the 1973 Constitution under Ferdinand Marcos
Contains 18 Articles and 371 Sections
Restored the bicameral Congress abolished in 1972

Overview

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is the supreme law of the land, restoring democratic governance after the fall of the authoritarian Marcos regime. It was drafted by a 48-member Constitutional Commission appointed by President Corazon Aquino and finalized on October 12, 1986.

Approved by a national plebiscite on February 2, 1987, with 76.3% of voters in favor, the charter reestablished civil rights, judicial independence, and a system of checks and balances. It remains the foundational legal framework for Philippine governance.

Comprehensive Structure: The Constitution contains 18 Articles and 371 Sections, covering government structure, civil liberties, and economic policy.
Historical Context: Drafted after the 1986 People Power Revolution, it replaced the 1973 Constitution that had legitimized martial law under Ferdinand Marcos.
Democratic Restoration: It restored the presidential system and abolished the parliamentary-style government imposed during the Marcos era.
Bill of Rights: Article III guarantees fundamental freedoms, including speech, religion, due process, and protection against unlawful detention.
Constitutional Commission: President Aquino appointed 48 members to the commission, led by former Supreme Court Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma, to ensure impartial drafting.

How It Works

The 1987 Constitution establishes a tripartite government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with defined powers and responsibilities to prevent authoritarian overreach.

Term: The President serves a single six-year term without re-election, a key reform to prevent prolonged rule like Marcos’s 20-year tenure.
Executive Power: The President, elected by popular vote, holds authority over the entire executive branch and serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Legislative Structure: Congress is bicameral, composed of the Senate (24 members) and the House of Representatives (currently 316 members).
Judicial Independence: The Supreme Court has 15 justices, including one Chief Justice, appointed by the President from a list provided by the Judicial and Bar Council.
Term Limits: Senators serve six-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms, while House members serve three years, limited to three terms.
Amendment Process: Requires approval by two-thirds of Congress or a constitutional convention, followed by a national referendum.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1987 Constitution with its predecessors highlights key democratic advancements and structural changes.

Era	Constitution	Government Type	Executive	Legislature
1946–1972	1935 Constitution	Presidential	President (4-year term, renewable)	Bicameral Congress
1972–1981	1973 Constitution (amended)	Authoritarian	President Marcos (indefinite terms)	Unicameral interim Batasang Pambansa
1981–1986	1973 Constitution (as amended)	Parliamentary-style	President with expanded powers	Bicameral under Marcos control
1986–1987	Provisional “Freedom Constitution”	Transitional	President Aquino (extra-constitutional powers)	Abolished; replaced by executive rule
1987–Present	1987 Constitution	Democratic Republic	President (6-year single term)	Bicameral Congress restored

The 1987 Constitution reversed the centralization of power seen under Marcos, restoring legislative and judicial independence. It also introduced stronger safeguards for human rights and local autonomy, distinguishing it from prior charters shaped by authoritarian rule.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Constitution is vital for maintaining democratic stability, protecting civil liberties, and defining the relationship between citizens and the state in the Philippines.

Checks and Balances: It prevents power concentration by clearly separating the three branches and allowing each to limit the others’ authority.
Human Rights Protection: The Bill of Rights has been used to challenge extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests during national emergencies.
Local Autonomy: Article X mandates decentralization, empowering local government units to manage resources and services.
Anti-Impunity Measures: Independent constitutional bodies like the Ombudsman were strengthened to combat corruption.
Public Participation: It allows for initiatives and referenda, enabling citizens to propose laws or constitutional changes.
Legal Foundation: All laws, policies, and government actions must conform to the Constitution, making it the highest legal authority in the country.

Despite debates over federalism and charter change, the 1987 Constitution remains a cornerstone of Philippine democracy, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to rule of law and civic freedom after years of dictatorship.