President: Emilio Aguinaldo

The Malolos Constitution, ratified on January 21, 1899, was the first republican constitution in Asia. It established the First Philippine Republic and emphasized popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and civil liberties.

It created a parliamentary system with a President as the head of state and a National Assembly as the legislative body.

During wartime, Article 99 granted Aguinaldo the power to rule by decree for swift decision-making. The constitution was short-lived due to the Philippine-American War and Aguinaldo's eventual capture in 1901.

President: Manuel L. Quezon (Commonwealth Period)

Ratified on May 14, 1935, this constitution was created under American colonial rule to establish the Commonwealth of the Philippines. It introduced a presidential system with a bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives).

It included a Bill of Rights to protect civil liberties and laid down provisions for amending the constitution.

Amended in 1940, it extended presidential terms from four to six years and allowed re-election. This constitution remained in effect until the Japanese occupation and was revived after World War II.

President: Ferdinand Marcos

Ratified on January 17, 1973, during Marcos's regime, this constitution replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary government. The President became primarily a ceremonial figure while executive powers were vested in a Prime Minister (initially Marcos himself).

It centralized power under Marcos, especially during martial law (declared in 1972), allowing him to rule by decree and suppress civil liberties.

Amendments later restored some presidential powers, but the constitution remained controversial due to its association with authoritarian rule.

President: Corazon Aquino

Ratified on February 2, 1987, following the People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos, this constitution restored democratic governance and civil liberties.

It re-established a presidential system with checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The 1987 Constitution includes a comprehensive Bill of Rights and emphasizes social justice, human rights, local autonomy, and accountability of public officials. It remains the current fundamental law of the Philippines.