ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM Barangays the only form of government know to Filipinos before

re the Spanish sover eignty was introduced to the country. 1869 libertarian ideas came to the Philippines because of the opening of the sue z canal First Constitution framed by the Revolutionary Congress of the Philippines but i t was shortlived document was more of a historical document only. Fall of Malolos after the American troops came to the country in March 31, 1899 marked the demise of the first Philippine Republic Treaty of Paris generally regarded as the establishing foundation of the constit utional system of the county. Early American Government 1. Although the Philippines was ceded to the US through the Treaty of Paris in 1899, the Constitution of the US did not extend to the Phil. 2. Philippines was considered an unincorporated territory of the US. Admini stration was first by the President of US then later by the US Congress establis hed in the country. 3. Organic laws were derived from the formally and legally express will of the President and the Congress. 4. The organic laws were in nature charters by which the US governed the Ph il. They served as Constitution from 1900-1935. President McKinleys Instructions: April 7 1900, William Howard Taft was commissioned to head the team that will pe rfect the work of organizing and establishing a civil government in the Philippi nes. Second Philippine Commission The following, described as Magna Carta of the Philippines served as guidance f or the PSC: o Give priority to the establishment of municipal and provincial governmen ts giving Filipinos the opportunity to manage their local affairs subject to the least degree of supervision and control o Recommend the form of the central government o Effective September 1, legislative authority was given to the commission from the Military Governor. o In the enactment of laws, habits and even prejudices were to be respecte d o Certain great principles and practical rules must be maintained for the sake of liberty and happiness No person shall be deprived of life, liberty. o Military Governor was to remain the chief executive head of the governme nt o In 1901 Military Governor was replaced by a Civil Governor who was also a member of the legislature, being its president. o Spooner Amendment commenced the establishment f a civil government o From 1901 t0 1907 the government of Philippine islands was organized o The Philippine Bill By means of Act of July 1, 1902 the US Congress assu med the administration of the islands. o Cayetano Arellano First Chief Justice as appointed by the US President o n June 11, 1901. o October 16, 1907 by virtue of Act of Congress on Juky 1, 1902, the origi nal members of the PSC became the upper chamber and a lower chamber composed of all-Filipino 80 members was constituted. o March 1905 census was completed o March 1907 a call for general election was order by Roosevelt o James Smith was proclaimed Governor General o Sergio Osmena became the first speaker o Philippine Autonomy Act August 1916 the US formally announced their inte

ntion to withdraw from the Philippines, hence, all domestic concerns were now un der the control of the Filipinos o Autonomy Act gave powers to the president including the suspension of wr it of habeas corpus without the concurrence of the legislature