Ask AI: give the brief summary of the 1973 Constitution of the philippines

The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines was the constitution that represented a significant shift from the earlier 1935 Constitution. It was enacted during the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos and marked a transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government. Key features of the 1973 Constitution include: 1. **Shift to a Parliamentary System**: The 1973 Constitution replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one. This meant the President, who was previously the head of government and head of state, became largely a ceremonial figure, while executive power was vested in a Prime Minister. 2. **National Assembly**: It established a unicameral National Assembly which assumed legislative authority, replacing the bicameral Congress. Members of the National Assembly were referred to as Assemblymen. 3. **Strengthened Executive Powers**: Although the Prime Minister was the head of government, during the implementation and in practice, the executive powers were still largely held by President Ferdinand Marcos. He retained significant control over the government through various amendments and the imposition of Martial Law, which had been declared in 1972. 4. **Judiciary**: The 1973 Constitution provided for an independent judiciary, but during this period, the judiciary faced challenges concerning its independence due to the political climate. 5. **Bill of Rights**: Similar to the previous constitution, it included a Bill of Rights that enumerated the fundamental rights of citizens, although in practice, many rights were curtailed during the martial law period. 6. **Procedures for Amending the Constitution**: It allowed for different methods of constitutional amendment, including direct citizen participation through referendum. The 1973 Constitution was in force until it was replaced by the 1987 Constitution after the 1986 People Power Revolution, which led to the ousting of President Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

The 1973 Constitution of the Philippines, also known as the Marcos Constitution, was drafted in response to the call for constitutional reform under the Ferdinand Marcos regime. It was ratified through a nationwide plebiscite held on January 17, 1973, and replaced the 1935 Constitution. This new constitution played a significant role in the establishment of the autocratic rule of President Marcos, who declared Martial Law in 1972. Key features of the 1973 Constitution include: 1. Presidential System: Just like its predecessor, the 1973 Constitution established a presidential system where the President served as the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. 2. Unicameral Legislature: The 1973 Constitution replaced the bicameral Congress, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a unicameral National Assembly or Batasang Pambansa. 3. Shift to Parliamentary System: The 1973 Constitution provided for a shift towards a parliamentary system by establishing a Prime Minister position. The Prime Minister would be elected by a majority vote in the National Assembly and would serve as the head of government. 4. Expansion of Presidential Powers: The constitution greatly expanded the powers of the President, who was given the authority to legislate, dissolve the National Assembly, and appoint top-ranking officials. 5. Legal System: The judiciary was headed by the Supreme Court, with the Chief Justice leading the court, and the lower courts composed of regional trial courts, metropolitan trial courts, and other inferior courts. 6. Affirmation of National Sovereignty and Human Rights: The 1973 Constitution sought to reinforce national sovereignty and uphold human rights by emphasizing social justice, freedom, and equality. 7. Amendments and Martial Law: A key feature of the 1973 Constitution was the ease by which it could be amended or revised. This allowed the declaration of Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos to gain legal basis, paving the way for his autocratic rule. The 1973 Constitution was a controversial legal document, which critics argue enabled Marcos to consolidate power leading to human rights abuses and widespread corruption. The constitution was in force until its replacement by the 1987 Constitution, which was enacted following the peaceful People Power Revolution that resulted in Marcos' ousting.