1973 Constitution of the Philippines

The Constitution of the Philippines (Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas in Filipino) is the supreme law of the Philippines. The 1973 Constitution , composed of a preamble and 17 articles, provides for the shift from presidential to parliamentary system of government. The Constitution vests the legislative power in the National Assembly. A Prime Minister is elected from among the members of the National Assembly and serves as the head of government and commander-in-chief of the Philippine Armed Forces. A President is elected from among the members of the National Assembly and serves as the symbolic head of state with a six-year term. The judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court, composed of a Chief Justice and 14 Justices. The National Assembly exercises the power to define, prescribe and apportion the jurisdiction of the lower courts. All justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts are appointed by the Prime Minister.

This Constitution retains the independence of the Commission on Elections and establishes two independent Constitution al bodies [Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Audit] as well as the National Economic Development Authority [NEDA]. On 24 August 1970, Congress enacted RA No. 6132, otherwise known as the Constitution al Convention Act, for the purpose of convening a Constitution al Convention. The 320 delegates met from June 1971 until 30 November 1972, when they approved the draft of the new Charter. While in the process of drafting a new Constitution , President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law on 21 September 1972. The draft Constitution was submitted to the Citizen's Assemblies from January 10 to 17, 1973 for ratification. On 17 January 1973 , President Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1102, announcing the ratification of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. The above constitution was amended in 1976, 1980 and in 1981. There were minor amendments done in 1984.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the citizen to be loyal to the Republic and to honor the Philippine flag, to defend the State and

contribute to its development and welfare, to uphold the Constitution and obey the laws, and to cooperate with the duly constituted

authorities in the attainment and preservation of a just and orderly society.

Section 2. The rights of the individual impose upon him the correlative duty to exercise them responsibly and with due regard

for the rights of others.

Section 3. It shall be the duty of every citizen to engage in gainful work to assure himself and his family a life worthy of human dignity.Section 4. It shall be the obligation of every citizen qualified to vote to register and cast his vote.

PREAMBLE

“We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to establish a government that shall

embody our ideals, promote the general welfare, conserve and develop the patrimony of our Nation, and secure to ourselves

and our posterity the blessings of democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty, and equality, do ordain and promulgate

this Constitution. “