1897 Biak Na Bato

Article XXVI. Every Filipino is obliged to serve the Revolution with his services, and property to
the extent of his capacity.

1899 Malolos Constitution

Title 2: Article 27. All Filipinos are obliged to defend his country with arms when called upon
by law, and to contribute to the expenses of the State in proportion to his means.

1935 Commonwealth Constitution

Title 2: Section 2. The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in the
fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to render personal military or civil service.

1973 Constitutional Authoritarianism

Title 2: Section 2. The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in the
fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to render personal military or civil service.

1987 Constitution After Martial law

Title 2: Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The
Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens
may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.

Among the five Constitutions, this provision remains because it imbues the whole citizenry with a
spirit of heroic patriotism. For a country a small and with such limited wealth as the Philippines, ordinary
patriotism is not enough to ensure security that is why heroic patriotism is necessary. Therefore, citizens
should take compulsory participation in developing democracy that should balance the emphasis and
individual rights and privileges with a much stronger sense of individual, collective and communitarian
duties and obligations.