REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1937

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ENRICO A. PINEDA and
MICHAEL ODYLON L. ROMERO, PhD.

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.”

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued Memorandum Order No.
20 (s. 2013) that removed the Constitutional education from tertiary education curricula.
The supposed memorandum order raised reservations from various sectors and was
questioned before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Accordingly, the Supreme
Court resolved that “while the Constitution mandates the inclusion of the study of the
Constitution, Filipino and Panitikan in the curriculum of educational institutions, the
mandate was general and did not specify the educational level in which it must be
taught”.

This bill seeks to satisfy the aforesaid Supreme Court resolution by integrating
education on our Constitution to the Grade 12 Senior High School curricula. 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. This measure mandates all public and private schools to teach a
Constitutional Education course in the Grade 12 level. Likewise, this bill mandates the
Department of Education (DepEd) to develop the Constitutional Education course that
will be integrated in the Grade 12 curriculum in a way that is suited and responsive to
their capacity. At this crucial stage in basic education, young Filipinos will be
empowered with the knowledge of our Constitution, whether they enter the workforce
or pursue a degree in college afterwards.

Early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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EI ‘O A. PINEDA MICHAEL ODyLON L. ROMERO, PhD
1PACMAN / TPACMAN

/


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES ENRICO A. PINEDA and
MICHAEL ODYLON L. ROMERO, PhD.

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

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

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

SECTION 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 likewise states that
educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of
humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the national heroes in the historical
development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, encourage critical
and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote
vocational efficiency. Such topics or areas ate 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.

SECTION 3. Coverage. This Act shall cover the Grade Twelve (12) senior high school
curricula of all public and private educational institutions.

SECTION 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, otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act
of 2013.


SECTION 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

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

SECTION 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) History and Overview of the 1987 Constitution

b) Nationalism and Sovereignty

©) State Principles and Policies

a) Government Institution and Processes

e) Rights and Duties of Citizens

£) 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
i) Current Issues

SECTION 7. Constitution Education Training for Teachers. The training for teacher in
carrying out the Constitution Education course shall be incorporated in the teacher
education and training programs mandated by Republic No. 10533.

SECTION 8. 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 this Act within ninety (90) days from the approval of this
Act.

SECTION 9. 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.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,