Questions and Answers on Ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

When should the amendments or revision of the Philippines constitution be submitted to the people in a plebiscite ? (Section 4, paragraph 2, Article XVII)

            The amendments to the revision of the Constitution must be submitted to the people in a plebiscite called for the purpose not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the approval of such amendment or revision.

            Any amendments to the Constitution undertaken by virtue of the people’s right on initiative shall be submitted also within the same period after the certification by the Comelec of the sufficiency of the petition.

Can proposed amendments to the constitution be submitted as a plebiscite which is scheduled on the same day as the regular elections? (Gonzales vs Comelec 21 SCRA 774)

            In Gonzales vs Comelec, the Supreme Court stated that – The Circumstances that the previous amendment to the constitution had been submitted to the people for ratification in special election merely shows that Congress deemed it best to do so under the circumstances then obtaining. It does not negate its authority to submit proposed amendments for ratification in general elections.