Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6554

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. KAKA BAG-AO

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.

Through the proper study of our Constitution, young Filipinos will be made more aware and
appreciative of the most fundamental law of the land, which defines their rights, duties, and
values as citizens of our democracy. Furthermore, many of the social issues that we face all
throughout our history are rooted in or related to our Constitution, as it contains provisions that
guide us as a country. This is why it is essential to equip our young Filipinos with a better
understanding of this important document.

This bill mandates all public and private schools to teach a Constitutional Education course in the
Grade 12 level to ensure that our students will be able to grasp the context and the contents of
our fundamental law. 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 the interest of empowering our young citizens, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6554

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. KAKA BAG-AO

AN ACT
INTEGRATING 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

8e 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. — Article XIV, Section 3(1) of the 1987 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, Article XIV, Section 3(2) of the Constitution also states that educational institutions
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. Such
topics or areas are connected to education about the Constitution, which is mandated by
the previous paragraph.

Thus, it is hereby declared a policy of the State to fulfill the said provision by integrating
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 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;

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

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:

. 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

rsearepangse

‘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 not affected 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,