CSE
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Practice Exams

Philippine Constitution Reviewer (Professional)

Reviewer's Note: Article III (Bill of Rights) is the most critical for the CSE. Pay close attention to the Miranda Rights (Section 12) and the protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

The 1987 Constitution is the fundamental law of the Philippines. It was ratified on February 2, 1987.

Sa madaling salita: Ito ang pinakamataas na batas ng ating bansa. Walang ibang batas ang dapat kumontra rito.

1. The Preamble

The Preamble is the introduction. It states the goals of the Filipino people. (Ito ang pambungad na nagpapahayag ng mithiin nating mga Pilipino.)

2. Article III: Bill of Rights (Katipunan ng mga Karapatan)

This article protects citizens from government abuse.

  • Section 1: Due Process. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. (Hindi ka pwedeng parusahan nang walang tamang proseso sa batas.)
  • Section 2: Search and Seizure. Protection against unreasonable searches. Requires a warrant based on probable cause. (Kailangan ng warrant bago kapkapan o pasukin ang bahay mo.)
  • Section 4: Freedom of Speech. (Karapatang magpahayag ng saloobin.)
  • Section 12: Rights of Person Under Investigation (Miranda Rights). Right to remain silent and have a lawyer. (Karapatang manahimik at magkaroon ng abogado kapag iniimbestigahan.)

3. Three Branches of Government

The Philippines follows the "Separation of Powers" and "Checks and Balances".

  1. Legislative Branch (Article VI): Makes the laws. (Tagagawa ng batas.)
    • Congress: Senate (24 Senators) and House of Representatives.
  2. Executive Branch (Article VII): Carries out/Enforces the laws. (Tagapagtupad ng batas.)
    • Led by the President and Vice-President (6-year term).
  3. Judicial Branch (Article VIII): Interprets the laws. (Tagapagpaliwanag ng batas.)
    • Composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts.

4. The Three Constitutional Commissions (Article IX)

These are independent bodies:

  1. Civil Service Commission (CSC): The central personnel agency.
  2. Commission on Elections (COMELEC): Handles elections.
  3. Commission on Audit (COA): Checks how government money is spent.

Practice Questions

  1. When was the current Philippine Constitution ratified?

    • A. 1935
    • B. 1973
    • C. 1987
    • D. 1945
    • Answer: C.
    • Hack: Ang 1987 Constitution ang kasalukuyang batas natin.

  2. Which article contains the Bill of Rights?

    • A. Article I
    • B. Article II
    • C. Article III
    • D. Article IV
    • Answer: C.
    • Hack: Article III ang pinaka-importante para sa proteksyon ng ating mga karapatan.

  3. What is the maximum term of a Philippine President?

    • A. 4 years
    • B. 6 years
    • C. 10 years
    • D. 12 years
    • Answer: B (One 6-year term).
    • Hack: Isang beses lang pwedeng maging Presidente sa loob ng 6 na taon (no re-election).

Tip: Focus your review on the Bill of Rights and the general structure of the government branches.