1. The Philippines is a democratic federal republic. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

The federal republic shall have its official name of “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan ng Pilipinas.” Her conventional names shall be “Las Islas Filipinas,” “Philippine Islands,” or “The Philippines.”

What happens to the “Republic of the Philippines”? The Philippines is still a republic as we still vote for people to govern us, however, the spotlight is given to its being an archipelago. Educating foreigners of the country’s topography may prove to be economically beneficial by promoting island tourism.

2. The Philippines is an indivisible country-nation composed of autonomous region-states (sambayan, kalahatan, bangsa), province-states, city-states, economic-states, island-states, and other territories, whose people have come together by virtue of a common national ideal and aspiration to create a just and humane society.

Creation, inclusion, division, merging, alteration of territory, and dissolution of states, provinces, cities, and municipalities shall be enacted by state law and affirmed by federal law upon the execution of a plebiscite among the constituents involved.

Although this Constitution only names 15 states (see Article 19), it predicts the creation of other states in the future. This includes the economic-state of Subic and Clark, province-state of Cebu, and island-state of Palawan, and other possible state-candidates. Note the term “and other territories,” to include the disputed Spratly’s Group of Islands and Sabah.

3. All laws of the land shall be inspired by truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, and directed for the common good of the Filipino people. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and federal law takes precedence over state law.

4. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.

5. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the federal republic. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the federal republic and the integrity of the national territory.

6. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the republic and, in the fulfillment thereof, all Filipino citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.

7. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment of all people under the blessings of a democracy.

8. The republic is prohibited from delving into matters of religion and Church hierarchy, unless on account of the common good, with virtues of propriety and prudence, it has to protect its people, and maintain peace and order in the land. The republic is not allowed to show favor to one religious body or institute a religion as its own. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Note the phrase “with virtues of propriety and prudence.” Given the scenario that a religious sect plans to commit mass suicide among its members, the government has the right to protect its citizens.