Rewriting the 1987 Philippine Constitution to make it more concise involves a careful balance: preserving all essential rights, principles, and mechanisms while eliminating redundancies, outdated language, and verbose phrasing. Below is a streamlined version of key parts of the Constitution—focusing on clarity, modern language, and brevity.

PREAMBLE

We, the sovereign Filipino people, united under one nation, in pursuit of justice, peace, liberty, and the common good, do hereby establish this Constitution.

ARTICLE I — NATIONAL TERRITORY

The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, including all islands, waters, and territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consistent with international law.

ARTICLE II — DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people.

Section 2. The Philippines adopts and pursues an independent foreign policy.

Section 3. Civilian authority is supreme over the military.

Section 4. The prime duty of government is to serve and protect the people.

Section 5. The State guarantees the separation of Church and State.

Section 6. The State promotes social justice, human rights, education, and environmental sustainability.

ARTICLE III — BILL OF RIGHTS

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor denied equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. The right of people to be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall be inviolable.

Section 3. Privacy of communication shall be protected.

Section 4. Freedom of speech, expression, the press, assembly, and petition shall not be abridged.

Section 5. Freedom of religion shall be respected.

Section 6. Citizens shall have the right to travel and choose residence.

Section 7. The people shall have the right to access information on matters of public concern.

Section 8. Workers have the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.

Section 9. Private property shall not be taken without just compensation.

Section 10. No law shall impair the obligation of contracts.

ARTICLE IV — CITIZENSHIP

Section 1. Citizens of the Philippines include:

1. Those who are citizens at the time of ratification; 2. Those born to at least one Filipino parent; 3. Naturalized citizens.

Section 2. Dual allegiance is prohibited; dual citizenship may be allowed by law.

ARTICLE V — SUFFRAGE

Section 1. Suffrage is a right of citizens aged 18 and above, duly registered, and not otherwise disqualified by law.

ARTICLE VI — LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Section 1. Legislative power resides in a bicameral Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate: 24 Senators, elected at large, serving six-year terms. FIXME

House: District and party-list representatives, serving three-year terms.

ARTICLE VII — EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Section 1. The President is the Head of State and Government, serving a single six-year term. FIXME

Section 2. The Vice President shall have the same qualifications and term. FIXME

Section 3. The President appoints officials, commands the armed forces, and ensures the faithful execution of laws.

## ARTICLE VIII — JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Section 1. Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and lower courts established by law.

Section 2. The Judiciary interprets laws, ensures justice, and protects constitutional rights.

Section 3. Justices must be of proven competence, integrity, and independence.

ARTICLE IX — CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

Independent commissions:

* Civil Service Commission * Commission on Elections * Commission on Audit

Each has constitutional autonomy and fixed terms for its members.

ARTICLE X — LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local governments shall enjoy autonomy, including fiscal powers and administrative control, subject to national law.

ARTICLE XI — ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

Public officials are accountable to the people. The President, Vice President, and other high officials may be impeached for culpable violations of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, or other high crimes.

ARTICLE XII — NATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY

The State promotes equitable economic development and protects national patrimony. Filipino ownership shall be preferred in strategic industries unless otherwise provided by law.

ARTICLE XIII — SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The State shall reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, uphold labor rights, protect the environment, and ensure the welfare of marginalized sectors. FIXME or DELETEME

ARTICLE XIV — EDUCATION, SCIENCE, ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS

Education is a right. The State ensures quality, accessible education, promotes science and technology, and supports culture and sports. FIXME or DELETEME

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## ARTICLE XV — FAMILY

The State protects the family as the foundation of society and upholds the rights of children and women.

ARTICLE XVI — GENERAL PROVISIONS

* National symbols, language, and the Armed Forces shall be governed by law. * Media ownership and advertising shall be regulated to ensure fairness and Filipino control.

ARTICLE XVII — AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS

Amendments may be proposed by:

1. Congress with a three-fourths vote; 2. A constitutional convention; 3. People’s initiative.

Ratification requires a majority vote in a national plebiscite.

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Temporary rules to facilitate transition shall be established by law.

FINAL PROVISION

This Constitution takes effect immediately upon ratification by the people.