Rappler's latest stories on Constitution
What you need to know about people's initiative
People's initiative is an exercise of 'power of the people' to enact laws, but it entails a long and expensive process
Rex Robles, armed forces reformist, dies at 75
'He is one of the bright minds of the Philippine Navy. Everybody listens when he speaks,' says Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo
Putin triumphant as critics slam vote extending his rule
(UPDATED) Authorities claim that only the autonomous Nenets region in the Russian Arctic came out against the reforms, with 55.25% of voters opposing the changes
Russian voters back reforms allowing Putin to stay until 2036
(UPDATED) Top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny slams the results as a 'huge lie' that did not reflect real public opinion
Putin urges Russians to vote for security, prosperity
President Vladimir Putin says Russians should vote for the country 'we want to pass on to our children' but makes no mention of a controversial amendment that would allow him to potentially stay in power until 2036
Exit poll shows Russians strongly backing constitutional reforms
The poll shows that 76% of Russians are in favor of amending the constitution into a version that could possibly allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036
PARTLY FALSE: Cory Aquino to blame for media ownership provision in 1987 Constitution
The section that allows only Filipino citizens to own mass media in the country is also in the 1973 Constitution ratified under the Marcos administration
[ANALYSIS] On the Anti-Terror Bill: Beyond constitutionality
'The question is not only: is it constitutional? The question is also: does or will it serve its intended or at least declared purpose?'
Putin says 'majority' back plan to change Russian constitution
Russia readies for a vote on a constitution overhaul that could give President Vladimir Putin the option to run for two more terms
[OPINION] No charter change during pandemic
'It is tone deaf on the part of government to create campaigns that will further divide its populace, especially during a pandemic'
House panel chair to DILG: 'Cha-Cha can wait'
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez says lawmakers would rather focus on measures 'that will save lives and the livelihood of our people' during the pandemic
Framers: ABS-CBN shutdown order defies 1987 Constitution
The closure comes 'at the worst of times' as the nation battles the coronavirus pandemic
[OPINION] Constitutional basics in a pandemic
The actions being taken by the government to suppress dissenters are unconstitutional
Putin delays reforms vote, holds back on tough virus measures
President Vladimir Putin unveils a series of measures to support Russians and boost the economy
Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law
The reforms will be sent to the Russian Constitutional Court which has a week to rule on whether to approve the law
Putin proposes to enshrine God, heterosexual marriage in Russian constitution
Most Russians identify as Orthodox Christians, but Russia is officially a secular state
Rappler Talk: UP Professor Maria Ela Atienza on assessing the 1987 Philippine Constitution
On Tuesday, March 3, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug sits down with Professor Ela Atienza to discuss the future of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the changes it needs, and the ways these could be achieved
Lawmakers reject 'stupid' proposal to regulate campaign spending, contributions
Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel argues that it is 'restrictive' and 'unrealistic' for the state to regulate even the contributions given to candidates during the campaign
As allies jump ship, PDP-Laban stalwart wants 'balimbing' ban
(UPDATED) 'Nakakahiya na.... Hintuin na natin itong ugali na wala tayong mga prinsipyo, wala tayong pinapanindigan,' says House Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel
What are the IATF's proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution?
The House committee on constitutional amendments is voting on a draft resolution containing these proposals on Wednesday, February 19
‘Anti-democratic’ to ban dynasties, say lawmakers from political clans
'This is very anti-democratic because there are families elected democratically,' argues Isabela 1st District Representative Tonypet Albano
Lawmakers to recall Cha-Cha resolution they approved in secret
The House committee on constitutional amendments also plans to reopen public hearings after the executive branch submitted a new list of proposed changes to the charter
[EDITORIAL] Whatever happens to the Constitution, you and I share the blame
Did the opposition oppose responsibly? Did the watchdogs watch intelligently? Did the voters care enough?
Behind closed doors, lawmakers OK resolution amending Constitution
The House committee on constitutional amendments discreetly approves a resolution easing restrictions on foreign investments and extending the terms of House members and LGU officials to 5 years
Chile to vote on new constitution in response to protests
The current charter has been changed numerous times, but does not establish the state's responsibility to provide education and healthcare – two demands made by the millions of Chileans protesting
Chile to amend constitution, a key demand of protesters
The new constitution will be drafted by a body called a constituent assembly and then put to a referendum for ratification, says Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel
Syria government, opposition open 'historic' constitutional review
The United Nations-brokered constitutional review committee includes 150 delegates – divided equally among President Bashar al-Assad's government, the opposition, and civil society
DILG relaunches push for constitutional reforms
DILG Usec Jonathan Malaya says the new constitutional reform campaign includes equality provisions
Business groups in favor of easing restrictions on foreign investments
But ex-Ateneo School of Government dean Tony La Viña argues that lifting these constitutional restrictions would be 'very, very dangerous'
Sudan generals, protest leaders agree on constitutional declaration
The main points of contention concerned the powers of the proposed joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence
Thoughts about charter change
What I learned from following the initiative for decades
[OPINION | NEWSPOINT] Duterte’s word replaces the Constitution
How did we manage to descend so low?
Duterte ‘resolves’ Speakership race, but is that constitutional?
'The Constitution vests the choice in the members of the two houses not on anyone else. That’s what separation of powers means,' says law professor Ted Te
Not right for Palace to pit two constitutional provisions vs each other – law expert
The charter's order for the government to keep resources in the Philippines' EEZ for exclusive use of Filipinos is not in conflict with the provision requiring the government to 'serve and protect' Filipinos, says law professor Tony La Viña
Nograles: Despite 'verbal deal' with China, PH must still enforce laws
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, echoing Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, says the supposed deal is not yet enforceable since it lacks the necessary terms and conditions
[OPINION] Before it breaks down, we need to keep constitutional order
There are neither absolute rights nor absolute powers in the constitutional order. And a society which fails to observe these norms will ultimately decay from anarchy or atrophy.
'Thoughtless, senseless' to insist on mandate protecting PH waters – Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte also dares critics to impeach him: 'Kulungin ko silang lahat'
SC reiterates Filipino, Panitikan not required in college
The Supreme Court will no longer accept further pleadings and motions on the case
[OPINION] Last chance
In order to protect our Constitution and sovereignty, we need to keep the strength and independence of our Senate; and the Senate is only as strong and independent as its opposition bloc. If the opposition falls, so does our democracy.
Public officials legally required to be honest, says ex-ombudsman Morales
‘Honesty is, therefore, a matter of oath derived from legal sources, not a matter of option driven by market forces,’ says former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales
U.N. envoy discusses Syria constitution on Damascus visit
United Nations envoy for Syria says talks over the constitution should be 'led and owned' by Syrians
Thai court dissolves Shinawatra-linked party over princess PM bid
(3rd UPDATE) Thai Raksa Chart party executives – including two Shinawatra family members – are banned from politics for a decade
Cubans back new constitution affirming role of socialism
Some 6.8 million people, or more than 86% of voters, support the changes in Sunday's referendum, while only 766,400, or 9%, vote against
DR Congo court confirms Tshisekedi winner of disputed presidential election
The Constitutional Court says Felix Tshisekedi had won by a simple majority, paving the way for him to take over from longterm leader Joseph Kabila
DR Congo court to rule on disputed poll, snubbing African Union
The dispute over the December 30 presidential vote has raised fears that the political crisis could turn into a bloodbath
[OPINION] Constitutional reform in the Philippines is necessary
Most constitutional scholars agree that a constitution is never infallible or immortal. Our very own 1987 Constitution is no exception.
Cuba decides to scrap same-sex marriage law in new constitution – official
(UPDATED) It is a surprising twist given public popular support shown nationwide – and earlier remarks from lawmakers in the Americas' only one-party Communist regime
Philconsa asks Supreme Court: Declare BOL unconstitutional
In a 34-page petition, the Philippine Constitution Association also asks the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order on the implementation of the law
Ateneo presidents hit lawmakers for 'railroading' Charter Change process
The 5 Ateneo presidents urge lawmakers to include all sectors in dialogues to establish 'credibility and trust' in federalism debates
Malacañang warns House: Filipinos may reject your draft charter
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, who says he hasn't read the House's draft constitution, asks the chamber to be more 'open' to suggestions from sectors about controversial provisions in its version
