Constitutional Education Act

• TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 21 ATO :29 SENATE RECLIVIN S. No. _ Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN 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 EXPLANATORY NOTE Article XIV, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines explicitly mandates all education institutions to include the study of the Constitution as part of their curricula. This bill aims to fulfill this constitutional mandate by integrating comprehensive education on the 1987 Constitution into the Grade 12 senior high school curriculum across all public and private educational institutions. The importance and necessity of its inclusion cannot be overemphasized. Their knowledge of the Constitution will (1) empower them to become informed and responsible citizens capable of participating in national affairs; (2) deepen their appreciation for the principle of Philippine democracy, and their understanding of the governance framework, separation of powers, and checks and balances; (3) inculcate in them patriotism, nationalism, understanding of national identity; and (4) teach them to hold public officials accountable and advocate for transparency and good governance.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN Senator

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AIO :29 JUL 21 SENATE RICATE S. No. 723 Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN 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 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

2 Education Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article XIV, Section 3(1) of the 1987 Constitution

4 of the Republic of the Philippines states that all educational institutions shall include 5 the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula. Moreover, Article XIV, Section 3(2) of the Constitution also states that 7 educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of & humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the 9 historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, 10 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

2 of Education (DepEd), with the assistance of concerned government agencies and 3 constitutional commissions and experts on the Constitution from the academe, shall 4 develop the Constitutional Education course that will be integrated in the Grade 12 5 curriculum in all public and private educational institutions. The instruction of this 6 particular subject matter shall be developed in a way that is suited and responsive to 7 the capacity of students in Grade 12. The course shall also be constructed in 8 accordance with the standards and principles in developing the enhanced basic 9 education curriculum stated in Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic 10 Education Act of 2013.

Sec. 5. Constitutional Education Course Objectives. - The Constitutional Education

course for Grade 12 students shall seek to accomplish the following: 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.

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) History and Overview of the 1987 Constitution b) Nationalism and Sovereignty c) State Principles and Policies d) Government Institutions 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

Sec. 7. Constitution Education Training for Teachers, - The training of teachers

2 in carrying out the Constitution Education course shall be incorporated in the teacher 3 education and training programs mandated by Republic Act No. 10533 or the 4 Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, with the assistance

6 of concerned government agencies and constitutional commissions and experts on the 7 Constitution from the academe, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations 8 to implement the provisions of the Act within ninety (90) days from the approval of 9 this Act.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 10. 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. 11. 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,