Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 608

Introduced by HON. RESURRECCION MARRERO-ACOP, MD

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV, Section 3(1) of the 1987 Constitution requires all
educational institutions to include the study of the Constitution as part of
their curricula. A perusal of the text of the Constitutional Commission's
deliberations! reveals that it was indeed the intention for such to be
constitutionally mandated.

To fulfill the said provision, this Representation seeks to propose this
measure which would integrate the study of the Philippine Constitution in the
senior high school curriculum, particularly in the 12 Grade, of all public and
private educational institutions. It is at this level of learning, when students
are preparing for higher education and beyond, that they will be able to more
effectively grasp the teachings related to the fundamental law of the land.

This proposed legislation will enable the students to gain proper
understanding of the framework of the government as well as their
responsibilities, rights and the vital provisions that protect these rights, as
embodied in the Philippine Constitution.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RESURRECCION M. .0-ACOP, MD
Representative
24 District, Antipolo City

1. Record of the Constitutional Commission, September 5, 1986


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 608

Introduced by HON. RESURRECCION MARRERO-ACOP, MD

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

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Constitutional
Education Act of 2019.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article XIV, Section 3(1) of the 1987
Constitution states that all educational institutions shall include the study of
the Constitution as part of the curricula.

In view thereof, it is hereby declared a policy of the State to fulfill the
said provision by integrating education on the Constitution in the Grade 12
senior high school curriculum in all public and private educational
institutions.

SEC. 3. Integration of Constitutional Education. — Constitutional
Education is hereby integrated in the curricula of Grade 12 senior high school
students, in all educational institutions whether public or private.

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. 10553 or the Enhanced
Basic Education Act of 2013.

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

a) Raise their level of awareness and understanding of the history and
provisions of the 1987 Constitution;

b)

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

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d)

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:

a)
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c) State Principles and Policies;

History and Overview of the 1987 Constitution;

Nationalism and Sovereignty;

d) Government Institutions and Processes;

e)

Rights and Duties of Citizens;

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Democratic Values, Social Justice, and Human Rights;
g) Active Citizenship and People's Participation in Governance;

h) Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports; and
i) Current issues.

SEC. 7. 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. 8. Funding. - The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be included in the annual budget of the DepEd in accordance
with the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — The Department of
Education shall promulgate within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this
Act, the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this
Act.


SEC. 10. Separability Clause. — Should any provision of this Act or
any part hereof be declared invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provision
not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, rules and regulations
or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. - 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.

Approved,