Constitution of the Philippines

The 1987 constitution rebuilt democracy after martial law.

Overview

Ratified by referendum in February 1987 after the People Power Revolution toppled the Marcos dictatorship, the current Philippine Constitution restored democratic institutions and deliberately constrained presidential power, limiting the chief executive to a single six year term and restricting martial rule. It contains a lengthy bill of rights, social justice provisions, and a party list system for marginalized sectors. It also embeds a nuclear free policy and land reform. Written under a constitutional commission chaired by Cecilia Munoz Palma, its length and policy detail have invited recurring amendment proposals, though none have succeeded.