Divine Providence and the Constitution

In 1896, we revolted against Spain knowing that a constitution is the best evidence that we are an independent nation, the Katipuneros in Tejeros and in Biak-na-Bato drafted a constitution. This became the Malolos Constitution decreed by Pres. Aguinaldo on January 21, 1899.

The most heated debates centered on religion. The anti-religion delegates did not want the word of God to be in the constitution. After weeks of debates, the delegates agreed on a compromise. The preamble stated “xx we the representative of the Filipino people, xx imploring the aid of the Supreme Legislator of the universe xx (underlining supplied) American Congress in 1934 passed the “Tydings-Mcduffie Law” (named after the law makers who were the principal sponsors) allowing us to hold a Constitutional Convention before independence will be given 10 years later. (This was postponed because of the 1941-1945 World War.) The first lines of the 1935 Constitution reads “xx The Filipino people, imploring the aid of divine providence xx. This is similar to the preamble/invocation of the 1789 U.S. Constitution because we were a U.S. Colony (politely called “Commonwealth”) from 1898 to 1946.

U.S. became independent in 1776. However, the 13 states repeatedly quarreled over political and economic powers. In 1789, eleven years after independence, American delegates met in Philadelphia and adopted a constitution which since then became a model for many nations.

The delegates made an important innovation. With humility they admitted their shortcomings and asked God, to help them in making the Constitution. We became independent in 1946. The 1946 Preamble states “xx The Filipino people, imploring the aid of divine providence xx”. There was a new Constitution during the 1972-86 Martial Law. Again the opening lines read “xx The Filipino people, imploring the aid of divine providence xx”. On March 25, 1986 Pres. Cory Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3 promulgating a provisional Constitution. There was no preamble/invocation imploring the aid of divine providence.

On October 12, 1987 the 1986 Constitutional Commission approved the present Constitution. The 1987 preamble reads “xx We the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the Aid of Almighty God xx”. This was the first time the word God appeared in our Constitution.