Comprehensive pre-week notes and interactive practice questions for rapid retention.
1. Core Principles & Doctrines
General Principles
Supremacy & Scope: The Constitution is supreme. Unconstitutional acts are null and void. Standardly applies to state action, but extends to private conduct when: performing a public function, significantly entangled with government, or authorized by law.
Rules of Construction:Verba Legis (plain meaning), Ratio Legis Est Anima (framers' intent), Ut Magis Valeat Quam Pereat (interpreted as a whole).
Doctrine of Post-liminium: Suspended political laws automatically regain force upon liberation from an occupying power.
Amendments vs. Revisions
Amendment: Adds, changes, or deletes specific provisions without altering the basic constitutional structure. Initiated via Constituent Assembly (3/4 Congress vote), Constitutional Convention, or People's Initiative.
Revision: Alters basic constitutional principles or structure. Cannot be done via People's Initiative (only via Constituent Assembly or Constitutional Convention).
Legislative & Executive Highlights
Legislative Inquiries: Committee rules of procedure must be published in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation (website postings are invalid). Contempt detention ends when the Committee Report is approved/disapproved or the Congress term expires.
Executive Privileges: Presidential immunity covers the sitting President during incumbency. Presidential Communications Privilege applies to non-delegable presidential powers and operational proximity advisors.
2. Interactive Practice Quiz
1. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) required a private landowner to clear a 10-meter strip along a river bank for flood control. Does the MMDA have the authority to expropriate this strip?
2. [True or False] The Senate may enforce its inherent contempt power by detaining an uncooperative witness indefinitely until the witness answers the inquiry's questions.
3. Which of the following modes can be validly utilized to effect a REVISION of the Constitution?
4. [Fill-in-the-Blank] For a candidate to establish a change in domicile for election purposes, there must be physical presence coupled with both animus _______ (intent to remain) and animus _______ (intent to abandon).