Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
INCLUDING EDUCATION ON THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES IN THE GRADE 12 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of the
Philippines states that:

All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of
the curricula.

Moreover, Paragraph 2 of the same section states that:

They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect
for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical
development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen
ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline,
encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological
knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.

The inclusion of the 1987 Philippine Constitution in Senior High School of all Public and
Private Educational Institutions will nurture the knowledge of young Filipinos of the most
fundamental law of the land, which defines their rights, duties, and values as citizens of our
democracy. Furthermore, it is essential to equip our young Filipinos with a better
understanding of our Constitution.

‘At this crucial stage in basic education, young Filipinos will be empowered with the
knowledge of our Constitution, whether they enter the workforce or enroll in college


afterwards. In this particular phase of their socialization, they would be mature enough to
be able to comprehend concepts concerning the law and society, but they would still be
youthful enough to be infused with the idealism necessary for truly embracing their role as
stakeholders of this country's future.

This bill, when enacted into law, shall allow them to become citizens who are more informed,
active, and participative in the affairs that shape our society. Through this, we will be able to
mold the minds of citizens who have a deep appreciation of our democracy and know that
they have a role in further transforming it into a system that works for them and their fellow
Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, support for the passage and approval of this legislation is earnestly

sought.
es


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3620
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
INCLUDING EDUCATION ON THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES IN THE GRADE 12 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIO!

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Constitutional Education Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is the policy of the State to fulfill the provisions of
Paragraphs 1 and 2, Section 3, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution by including
education on the Constitution in the senior high school curriculum in all public and private
educational institutions.

SEC. 3. Coverage. — This Act shall cover the Grade 12 senior high school curricula of all
public and private educational institutions.

SEC. 4. Development of the Constitutional Education Course. — The Department of
Education (DepEd), with the assistance of concerned government agencies and
constitutional commissions and experts on the Constitution from the academe, shall develop
the Constitutional Education course that will be integrated in the Grade 12 curriculum in all
public and private educational institutions. The instruction of this particular subject matter
shall be developed in a way that is suited and responsive to the capacity of students in Grade
12. The course shall also be constructed in accordance with the standards and principles in
developing the enhanced basic education curriculum stated in Republic Act No. 10533 or the
Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.


SEC. 5. Constitutional Education Course Objectives. — The Constitutional Education
course for Grade 12 students shall seck to accomplish the following:

Raise their level of awareness and understanding of the history and provisions of the
1987 Constitution:

Develop their appreciation and exercise of democratic values, such as transparency,
accountability, and respect for human rights and dignity;

Foster their understanding and practice of active citizenship and people's
participation in government processes; and

Equip them with the knowledge of the Constitution that they can use in their analysis
and involvement in public issues.

SEC. 6. Constitutional Education Course Framework. — The Constitutional Education
course in the Grade 12 curriculum will cover topics including, but not limited to, the
following:

repose

&
h
i

History and Overview of the 1987 Constitution

Nationalism and Sovereignty

State Principles and Policies

Government Institutions and Processes

Rights and Duties of Citizens

Democratic Values, Social Justice, and Human Rights

Active Citizenship and People's Participation in Governance
Education, Science & Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports
Current Issues

SEC. 6. Constitution Education Training for Teachers. — The training of teachers in
carrying out the Constitution Education course shall be incorporated in the teacher
education and training programs mandated by Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced
Basic Education Act of 2013.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DepEd, with the assistance of
concerned government agencies and constitutional commissions and experts on the
Constitution from the academe, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of the Act within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part, section, or provision of this Act is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions notaffected thereby shall continue
to be in full force and effect.


SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,