Article III, Section 4

Communication is an integral part in our daily lives. It is the bridge that connects people
to each other. In fact, it is impossible to live a life without it because we have been using it since
before. Also it is the very basis, which drives the process of development in all aspects of the
State.
Article III, Section 4 states that, No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of
speech, of expression, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and
petition the government for redress of grievances.
There are four rights embodied in this section. First is the freedom of speech. Second, the
right to a free press. Third, the freedom of assembly. Lastly is the right of petition.
The freedom of speech means that an individual is free to speak or utter whatever he or
she wants without prior restraint. This right has been considered as a double-edged sword that
could change the course of the lives of people and even the society as a whole. It has been used
by people since ancient time to communicate their feelings, insights, and what they think was
right and wrong in order to transform the world into a better place. However. this right has also
its negative side. People, especially in this generation, have been using this liberty as an
opportunity to slander or insult other people and this only causes bigger and much more
complicated problems. That is why it is important that we should be cautious in exercising this
right.
The right to a free press means that an individual is free to write, publish, and circulate
whatever he pleases. This includes publications in newspapers, magazines, books, and leaflets.
Even radio and television are included.
The right to a free press has been deemed as one of the foundations and an organic
necessity in a society. It is the reason for the networking of information that forms the global
village. The press serves as a primary source of quick and actionable pieces of information and
without this the inhabitants and the leaders at large would remain ignorant. Also, the
philosophers during the Enlightenment period saw the printed word as a way to fight the abuse of
power making offenses known to a wide audience.
The freedom of assembly means that citizens have the right to gather peacefully in a
public meeting to hear and discuss matters that they are interested and especially those that are
related to the State.
The right of petition means that an individual has the right to take up his or her
grievances or complaints to any branch or office of the government without the fear of
persecution.
Both the freedom of assembly and the right of speech are related to the freedom of
expression. They go hand-in-hand together because without the freedom of assembly and the
right of speech, the freedom of expression becomes an empty right. Same as through with the

other rights, these two rights are also subjected to the rules of the State in order to ensure that the
exercise of these rights will not be harmful to the people and the society.
Article III, Section 5
Religion is a superstructure in our society. Throughout history, we have seen how
influential religion had been in our lives. It affects politics, economics, faith, and culture, almost
every aspect of our lives. It became the foundation on which the normative structure of society
stands
Article III, Section 5 states that, No law shall be made respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious
profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No
religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.
The first aspect of this section focuses on the implementation of the doctrine under
Article II, Section 6 which declares the separation between the church and the State. This means
that the church should not interfere in political matters and the State in religious matters.
The second aspect of this section focuses on the freedom of religious profession and
worship. This means that we have the right to choose whatever religion we wish to embrace
without the governments interference. Also, it is given in this section that we have the right to
practice whatever rituals in accordance with our religious belief. However, this is not absolute
and is always subjected to the rules of the state because the members of the religious
organization cannot use religious profession as a justification in committing crimes.
Based on my readings, the separation of the church and the state has generated several
conflicting opinions. There were solid evidences in favor of this separation. Some of these are
first, not all citizens are members of a Church although every individual is a citizen of a State.
Second, the States focus is in the realm of the temporal order while the fundamental concern of
the Church is in the spiritual domain. Third, the State follows a political structure while the
Church acts based on the ecclesiastical order. However, this does not mean that the church is
completely rejected and should remain silent. In fact, religion is considered to play an important
role in the democracy of the country. There is only one fundamental restriction that is the
prohibition on any governmental act that to promote one religion over the others or discriminate
against one in favor of the others. It is also a protection against any state-sponsored move
coercing people to act against their religious consciences.