Republic of the Philippines

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nGfaresacen
‘Quezon City TIME: 98009 of
BY: RY,
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS Ss eS
Second Regular Session INDEXES

House Bill No. 8413

Introduced by the Honorable Precious Hip Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The importance of the rights of the people as enshrined in our Constitution is often brushed
aside, as Constitutional Law or even the narrower subject of Bill of Rights, is not even
considered as a mandatory subject in all levels of education in the Philippines. Constitutional
Law is only required in some courses in the tertiary level when it is considered as vital to the
curriculum.

It is thus the overarching intent of this humble measure to inculcate among the youth,
specifically to Senior High School students, a basic understanding of what the Constitution is.
Everyone should be able to appreciate the importance of the Constitution as itis the basic and
paramount law to which all the other laws must conform.

In Article 3 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, itis provided that: “Ignorance of the law excuses
no one from compliance therewith.” Nevertheless, this legal provision is not an excuse for the
perpetuation of ignorance. To be able to live and breathe the essence of the Constitution, itis
vital for every Filipino to at least comprehend it.

This proposal strives to empower the youth to be active, engaged, and socially aware citizens.
Itis thus the intent of this bill to add a Constitutional Law subject in the curriculum of Senior
High School students.

The immediate passage of this bills eamestly sought.

AG (6

IWAAW
PRECIOUS HIPOLITO CASTELO

Ze ve? RESEN

RECEIVED
DATE: YAN 19 2nd



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 8419

Introduced by the Honorable Precious Castelo

AN ACT
INTEGRATING INTO THE CURRICULUM OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL OF THE
PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, A MANDATORY
SUBJECT ON CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be referred to as the “Constitutional Law 101
Act”.

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in
nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being. it shail inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their
involvement in public and civic affairs. Towards this end, itis important to inculcate to the youth
a basic understanding of the Constitution as it is the supreme law of the land.

SEC. 3. Constitutional Law 101 in Senior High School Level. - The Department of
Education (DepEd) shall prescribe a mandatory subject in Constitutional Law for senior high
school students.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from its approval,
DepEd shall formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the
provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part, section or provision of this
Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall
continue to be in force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All ws, 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. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes
earlier.

Approved,