CHAPTER IV

Citizens Training
Objectives:

1. To explain the significance of the constitution

2. To create awareness and understanding on the Bill of Rights
3. To identify and deepen one’s personal values
4. To understand he Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines
5. To promote nationalism and enhance community spirit among the youth.

Lesson 4.1
The Philippine Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The constitution serves as the fundamental law of the land. It is a charter that
creates a government and it also speaks for the entire people from whom it derives its
claim to obedience. It establishes basic framework and underlying principles of
government. It refers to the “body of rules and principles in accordance with which the
powers of sovereignty are regularly exercised.” (de Leon, 2005)

The 1987 Philippine Constitution was ratified by the Filipino people in a

plebiscite held on February 2, 1987.

The Preamble is the prologue of the Constitution. It provides an introduction to

the main subject. It sets the origin and purpose of the constitution and serves as an aid in
its interpretation.

The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

“We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty

God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a
Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the
common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy
under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love,
equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”

Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution provides that the following are the
citizens of the Philippines:

1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the

adoption of the constitution;

2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;

3. Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who

elect the Philippines Citizenship upon reaching the age of
majority; and

4. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

For every right, there is always a corresponding responsibility. The

following are the important duties and obligations of every person who lives in a
constitutional democracy like the Philippines, (de la Cruz et.al, 2005)

a. To be loyal to the Republic

b. To defend the State
c. To contribute to the development and welfare of the state.
e. To uphold the Constitution and obey the laws
f. To cooperate with duly constituted authorities
g. To exercise rights responsibly and with due regard for the rights of
others
h. To engage in gainful work
I. To register and vote
Article III of the Philippine Constitution is the Bill of Rights. This is an
enumeration of the people’s rights and privileges which the Constitution is designed to
protect against violations and abuses. The following sections present the
summary of these rights.

Sec. 1. The right to life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and
equal protection of the laws.
Sec. 2.The right of the people to be secured in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Sec. 3. The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable
except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
otherwise as prescribed by law.
Sec. 4. The freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, and the right to
peaceful assembly.
Sec. 5. Freedom of religion
Sec. 6.The liberty of abode and travel.
Sec. 7.The right to information on matters of public concern.
Sec. 8.The right to form unions, associations, or societies.
Sec. 9.Right to private property and just compensation.
Sec. 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.
Sec. 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal
assistance
Sec. 12 The right of a person to know his rights ; right to have a competent
lawyer; right against torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; right against illegal
detention
Sec. 13. Right to bail
 Sec. 14. The right of the accused ; right to due process of law; to be informed of
the nature, cause of the accusation against him; right to speedy and impartial trial;
meet the witness face to face
Sec. 15.The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except
in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.
Sec. 16. The right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-
judicial, or administrative bodies.
Sec. 17. The right against self-incrimination.
Sec. 18. Right against involuntary servitude
Sec. 19. Right of prisoner/ detainee; right against degrading treatment
Sec. 20. The right not to be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.
Sec. 21. Right against double jeopardy
Sec. 22. Right against ex post facto law

In cases of violation of such rights and prior to any questioning during custodial
investigation, the person must be warned that he has corresponding rights. This is called
the “Miranda Doctrine.” However, the defendant may waive effectuation of these rights,
provided the waiver is voluntary, knowingly, and intelligently.
Exercises 1

I. True or False. Write T if the statement is correct and F if the statement is wrong.
_____________1. The Philippine Constitution is the fundamental law of the land.
_____________2. All rights are absolute.
_____________3. Every person has the right to speedy trial.
_____________4. The Preamble sets the origin and purpose on the constitution.
_____________5. Due process deprives the right of a person to hear and to be heard.
_____________6. Political detainees have no rights.
_____________7. No person can be forced to be a witness against himself.
_____________8. The government provides a free legal counsel to those who cannot
afford to have one.
_____________10. The freedom of expression is absolute.
_____________11. An accused can be detained as long as one desires.
_____________12. The right to life is a derogable right.
_____________13. The freedom of choice is considered as the most dangerous right of a
person.
_____________14. The right to travel can be curtailed especially in times of emergency.
_____________15. Pieces of evidence which are acquired through unlawful means are
inadmissible in court.

II. What is the Miranda Doctrine? Analyze its significance.

III. Draw a picture of the Lady Justice. Describe the picture and explain why she is
called such.
Lesson 4.2

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8491)

This law is otherwise known as the “Act Prescribing the Code of the National
Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat- of- Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devises of the
Philippines.”

The National Flag shall be blue, white with an eight rayed golden- yellow sun and
three stars that are five- pointed, as consecrated and honored by the people. It shall be
displayed in public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of
learning every day.

The National Flag shall be permanently hoisted in front of the following:

a. Malacañang Palace
b. Senate of the Philippines building
c. Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
d.Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City
e. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
f. Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos, Bulacan
g. Marcela Agoncillo Historical Landmark in Taal, Batangas
h. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig, Metro
Manila
I. Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, North Cemetery, Manila
j. all international ports of entry
k. all other places as maybe designated by the National Historical Institute

The National Flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or
raised in the open flag- staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ng
Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); (National Flag Days) May 28- June 12 ( Independence
Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and
December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared or approved by the
President and/or local chief executives.

It shall be raised and displayed at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It should not be
raised in inclement weather. If already raised, it shall not be lowered for the whole day.
A worn out flag should not be thrown away. It should be burned solemnly, ashes
collected and buried. The national Flag shall be repleced immediately when it begins to
show signs of wear and tear.

The National Flag shall be flown at half- mast as a sign of mourning on all the
buildings and places where it is displayed, as provided, on the day of the official
announcement of the death of any of the following officials:

a. The president or a former president, for ten (10) days;

b. The Vice- President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Presedent of
the Senate and the Speaker of the House of representatives, for seven (7) days;
 c. Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Members of the
Senate and House of Representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and the Director General of the Philippine National Police, or equivalent in
rank for five (5) days;

d. Heads of National Government Agencies, including Government Owned and

Controlled Corporations and Government Financial Institutions, or equivalent in rank, for
three (3) days;

e. the Commanding Generals of the Philippine Airforce and the Philippine Army
and the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, or equivalent in rank, for three
(3) days;

f. Governors, Vice- Governors, city and municipal Mayors, city and municipal
Vice Mayors, for three (3) days;

g. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panglungsod and

Sangguniang Bayan, on the day of the interment;

h. Veterans of the previous wars, Barangay Chairmen and Barangay Councilmen

on the day of interment;

I. Former National or Local Government Officials, appointed or elected, other

than tose specified above, on the day of interment, within their former respective
territorial jurisdiction and by resolution of the respective Sanggunians;

j. Regional Directors, Superintendent, Supervisors, Primcipals, Teachers and

other school officials, on the day of interment and by order of the proper school
authorities concerned;

k. Recipients of national orders and decorations, on the day of the interment and
by order of the President of the Congress; and

l. Other persons to be determined by the Institute, including the former Vice-

President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Senate, and the
Speaker of the Gouse of representatives for a period of less than seven (7) days.

The National Flag shall also be flown at half- mast during the deatrh anniversary
of heroes and heroines, calamities or grave adversary of national or international
solemnity as ordered by the Office of the President, as may be recommended by the
Institute. It shall be permanently hoisted at half- mast day and night throughout the year
at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig,
Metro Manila; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, North Cemetery, Manila;
and in all memorial cemeteries dedicated to war veterans. The National Flag of these
declared sites shall be properly illuminated at night.

The following are prohibited acts:

1. To mutilate, deface, trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act of omission
casting dishonor or ridicule upon the National Flag or over in surface;
 2. To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;

3. To use the National Flag as drapery; tablecloth; as covering for ceilings; walls;
statues or other objects; as pennant in the hood, side, bak and top of motor vehicles; as a
staff or whip; for unveiling monuments or statues; and as trademarks, or for industrial,
commercial or agricultural labels or designs;

4.To display the National Flag under any painting or picture; horizontally, it shall
always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely; below any flatform; to discotheques,
cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where
frivolity prevails; to use or display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial;

5. To wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;

6. To add any figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint

of any nature; to print or attach representation of the National Flag on
handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and articles of merchandise;

7. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other

diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations; to
display in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
Exercise 2
Lesson 2
The Philippine Flag Places where the National Prohibited Acts
Flag is Permanently Hoisted

Lesson 4.3
The Volunteer Act of 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed on April 10, 2007 Republic Act 9418
also known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007” institutionalizing volunteerism as a strategy
for national development and international cooperation. It aims to promote the
participation of various sectors of the Filipino society in public and civic affairs and
“adopt and strengthen the practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national
development and understanding” (Sec. 2)

SEC. 2 further asserts that It shall be the policy of the State to promote the
participation of the various sectors of the Filipino society, and as necessary,
international and foreign volunteer organizations in pubic and civic affairs, and
adopt and strengthen the practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain
national development and International understanding.

What is Volunteerism?

It refers to an act involving a wide range of activities, including traditional forms

of mutual aid and development interventions that provides an enabling and empowering
environment both on the part of the beneficiary receiving and the volunteer rendering the
act, undertaken for reasons arising from socio-developmental, business or corporate
orientation, commitment or conviction, for the attainment of public good, where
monetary and other incentives or reward are not the primary motivating factor. (Sec. 4)

What is a Volunteer?

It refers to an individual or group who for reasons arising from their

sociodevelopmental, business and corporate orientation, commitment or conviction,
contribute time, service and resources whether in full-time or part-time basis to a just and
essential social development cause, mission or endeavor in the belief that their activity is
mutually meaningful and beneficial to public interest as well as to themselves.

What is a Volunteer Service Organization?

It refers to a local or foreign group that recruits, trains, deploys and supports
volunteer workers to programs and projects implemented by them or by other
organizations or any group that provides services and resources, including but not limited
to, information, capability building, advocacy and networking for the attainment of the
common good.

What is a Volunteer Sector?

It refers to those sectors of Philippine society that organizes themselves into

volunteers to take advocacy and action primarily for local and national development as
well as international cooperation and understanding.

Role and Modalities of Volunteerism in the Private Sector (Sec.5)

 a. Volunteerism in the academe includes, but is not limited to, provision of
technical assistance and sharing of technology within the academic circle, target
communities and other clienteles and the upgrading of the quality of education and
curriculum methodologies while providing career enhancement and exposure to the
volunteers;

b. Volunteerism in the corporate sector as an expression of corporate social

responsibility and citizenship, refers to activities recognized by the company, where
employees give their time, skills and resources in the service of the company's internal
and/or external communities. These volunteering activities include, but are not limited to,
employee giving of material resources to specific causes; employee-led fund-raising;
one-time outreach activities; environmental campaign; medical and health related
advocacies; knowledge and change management; scholarship programs; and sharing of
expertise, particularly of business and developmental skills through mentoring, tutoring,
training, business, consulting/advising and rendering of pro bono services on a case-to-
case basis; and

c. Volunteerism by not-for-profit organizations includes, but is not limited to,

provision of complementary service delivery and human resource development in
underserved communities as well as advocacy and articulation of the cause of the
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Volunteerism by foreign volunteer organizations includes, but is not limited to,

provision of technical assistance not locally accessible in priority development areas
within the framework of technical cooperation and socio cultural exchange.

The government shall coordinate, facilitate and encourage the participation of the
voluntary sector in the promotion, utilization and recognition of volunteerism in national
development and international cooperation. This shall be achieved through the provision
of enabling and conducive environment for volunteer work.

Exercise 3
Lesson 3
As a student, what voluntary acts can you do in the following: Explain briefly.

Church Community School