The 1987 Philippine Constitution, ratified after the fall of Ferdinand Marcos and the People Power Revolution, was designed to restore democracy, prevent authoritarianism, and safeguard civil liberties. Nearly 40 years later, its legacy is mixed—marked by significant strengths but also serious limitations.
—
### Strengths and Achievements
1. Restoration and Preservation of Democracy
- The Constitution successfully reestablished democratic institutions after two decades of authoritarian rule.
- It enshrined civil liberties, checks and balances, and separation of powers.
- Term limits and independent constitutional commissions (e.g., Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, and COMELEC) have helped prevent absolute power.
2. Peaceful Transfers of Power
- Despite political turmoil, the Philippines has had relatively peaceful transfers of power in most elections since 1987, reflecting a maturing democratic process.
3. Human Rights Protections
- The Bill of Rights is expansive and modeled in part on international standards.
- Courts have ruled on key human rights issues with reference to constitutional guarantees, even during periods of executive overreach.
4. Empowerment of Local Governments
- The Local Government Code (1991), grounded in the Constitution, promoted decentralization, giving LGUs more autonomy and resources.
5. People Participation
- Provisions for people’s initiative, referendum, and recall signal a commitment to participatory governance, even if underutilized.
—
### Shortcomings and Criticisms
1. Weak Political Party System
- The Constitution's silence on political party reforms led to a fragmented, personality-driven political landscape, undermining long-term policymaking and accountability.
2. Overly Rigid Economic Provisions
- Restrictions on foreign ownership (e.g., 60-40 rule favoring Filipino citizens in key industries) have discouraged foreign investment and limited economic growth.
- Critics argue these provisions belong in statutes, not a constitution, as they limit flexibility in responding to global economic trends.
3. Judicial Overreach and Inefficiency
- The Supreme Court’s power to review “grave abuse of discretion” has often been seen as too broad, politicizing the judiciary.
- Slow judicial processes and case backlogs persist, eroding confidence in rule of law.
4. Persistent Inequality and Corruption
- Despite constitutional aspirations toward social justice and equitable development, poverty, land inequality, and systemic corruption remain endemic.
- The Constitution's social justice provisions often lack effective enforcement mechanisms.
5. Challenges to Accountability
- While term limits prevent political entrenchment, they also result in short-term policymaking and a “musical chairs” dynamic among political families.
- Impeachment mechanisms have been politicized, with few successful removals based on genuine accountability.
6. Calls for Charter Change
- Repeated calls to revise the Constitution—especially to shift to a federal or parliamentary system—indicate dissatisfaction with the current structure, though attempts have often been viewed with suspicion due to timing or political motives.
—
### Final Assessment
The 1987 Constitution has been largely successful in restoring and maintaining democracy, protecting civil liberties, and avoiding authoritarian relapse. However, it has struggled to address deeper structural issues: political dynasties, economic stagnation, and weak institutions.
In essence:
* As a democratic safeguard: It has been resilient. * As a vehicle for deep socio-political reform: It has fallen short.
As the country approaches 40 years under this charter, a growing number of voices call for measured, transparent, and participatory constitutional reform—not to undo the past, but to prepare the Philippines for a more inclusive and globally competitive future.