Filed on July 15, the measure mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to incorporate constitutional education beginning in Grade 1, with lessons designed according to the age and level of learners.
Go said the proposal aims to ensure that young Filipinos understand the country’s fundamental law, including the rights, freedoms, duties, and responsibilities of every citizen.
“Ang Konstitusyon ang pundasyon ng ating pamahalaan at ng ating mga karapatan bilang mamamayang Pilipino. Dapat maagang matutuhan ng ating mga kabataan kung paano sila pinoprotektahan nito at kung ano rin ang kanilang tungkulin sa bayan,” Go said.
He stressed that constitutional literacy has become increasingly important amid the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through digital platforms.
According to Go, teaching the Constitution should go beyond memorizing its provisions. He said students must understand how constitutional principles relate to their everyday lives, their communities, and their participation in nation-building.
“Sa panahon ngayon na napakadaling kumalat ng maling impormasyon, kailangang turuan natin ang ating mga kabataan na maging mapanuri, responsable, at may sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa kanilang mga karapatan at pananagutan,” he added.
Under the bill, the basic education curriculum shall cover the history and general principles of the Constitution, nationalism and sovereignty, national territory, state policies, national economy and patrimony, and the structure and processes of government.
Students will also study citizenship and suffrage, social justice and human rights, the rights and duties of citizens, local government, constitutional commissions, accountability of public officers, and relevant jurisprudence.
The proposed measure also emphasizes active citizenship and people’s participation in governance. It seeks to develop learners who understand democratic processes and recognize their role in protecting public institutions, promoting accountability, and contributing to national development.
To provide students with practical civic experience, all schools will be required to observe Constitution Day every February 2. Schools may conduct student-led activities such as forums, debates, mock elections, and other programs that encourage participatory democracy and deepen appreciation of constitutional principles.
“Hindi sapat na alam lamang ng mga estudyante kung ano ang nakasulat sa Konstitusyon. Dapat din nilang maintindihan kung paano ito isinasabuhay sa pamamagitan ng pakikilahok, paggalang sa karapatan ng iba, at pagiging responsableng mamamayan,” Go said.
The bill further directs DepEd to coordinate with the Supreme Court, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and legal educational institutions in developing training and certification programs for teachers who will handle constitutional education.
Go said providing teachers with proper training is essential to ensure that constitutional concepts are taught accurately, clearly, and in a manner that young learners can understand.
Once enacted, DepEd will be required to consult the Supreme Court, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and other relevant stakeholders to craft the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days of the law’s approval.
Go expressed hope that the measure would help cultivate a new generation of Filipinos who are aware of their rights, conscious of their responsibilities, and prepared to participate meaningfully in democratic governance.
“Nasa kamay ng kabataan ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Sa pamamagitan ng tamang edukasyon, makatutulong tayong humubog ng mga Pilipinong may pagmamahal sa bayan, paggalang sa batas, at malasakit sa kapwa,” Go concluded.
Senator Bong Go