By Billy Begas
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos stressed the importance of ordinary Filipinos understanding their constitutional rights, saying that such knowledge can help them navigate the challenges of everyday life.
“The Constitution should not be a document that Filipinos encounter only in law school, government offices, or moments of national controversy. It should be something our young people grow up understanding because it shapes their rights, their opportunities, and their responsibilities as citizens,” Marcos said.
“When ordinary Filipinos understand the Constitution, they become better equipped to protect their rights, demand accountability, and participate meaningfully in public life. This is not simply about teaching legal concepts but about empowering every Filipino family through knowledge that can help them navigate the challenges of everyday life,” he added.
Before the sine die adjournment, the House of Representatives approved the proposed Constitutional Education Act (House Bill 9377) on third and final reading.
The measure aims to institutionalize the study of the Philippine Constitution in basic education, promoting constitutional literacy, democratic values, and active citizenship among learners.
Marcos pointed out that a stronger democracy begins with an informed citizenry capable of understanding both the powers and limits of government.
“Many of the issues that affect the lives of our people, from education and employment to public services and accountability, are rooted in principles found in the Constitution. By helping students understand these principles early, we help create citizens who are more engaged, more responsible, and more prepared to contribute to nation-building,” the solon said.
He said the long-term value of the measure goes beyond the classroom because it seeks to build a generation that understands both the privileges and obligations that come with citizenship.
“A democracy becomes stronger when its people understand not only what government can do for them, but also what they can do for their country. Through this measure, we hope to cultivate a generation of Filipinos who value truth, participation, accountability, and service, and who understand that democracy thrives when citizens are informed and engaged,” Marcos added.
