]> 2026-05-05T14:13:57+00:00 Freedom of Expression/History/Country sources/Philippines 0 en The Philippines has had six different governing constitutions since their proclamation of independence in 1898. The first constitution was put into effect in 1899 and is commonly known as the Malolos Constitution(Constitution Day GOVPH n.d). Article 20 guarantees any Filipino the “the right to freely express his ideas or opinions, orally or in writing, through the use of the press or other similar means.” It is also important to note the succeeding statement in Article 21, “The exercise of the rights provided for in the preceding article shall be subject to general provisions regulating the same.” Article 4, Section 9 of the Republic of the Philippines 1973 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of speech in the country’s independent history. Sources: “Constitution Day GOVPH.” n.d. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/constitution-day/#:~:text=Th %20Philippines%20has%20had%20a. “899 CONSTITUTION of the REPUBLIC of the PHILIPPINES (the MALOLOS CONSTITUTION).” n.d. Accessed June 7, 2024. https://www.chanrobles.com/PDF.LAWS/1899%20CONSTITUTION%20OF %20THE%20REPUBLIC%20OF%20THE%20PHILIPPINES.pdf. “1973 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.” Official Gazette of the Philippines. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1973-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-2/ What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right? 2024-08-12T05:20:21Z 2460534.7224653 Freedom of Expression/History/Country sources/Philippines Page name 102 en Page name