Philippine Constitution
A comprehensive Civil Service Exam reviewer covering Numerical, Philippine Constitution. Designed to test critical thinking with detailed explanations for Medium level questions. Time limit: 30 minutes.
Question 1
A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 96 meters. If the length of the garden is twice its width, what is the area of the garden in square meters?
- 384 square meters
- 512 square meters
- 256 square meters
- 480 square meters
Let 'w' be the width and 'l' be the length. The perimeter formula is P = 2(l + w). We are given P = 96 meters. We are also told that l = 2w. Substitute 'l' in the perimeter formula: 96 = 2(2w + w) => 96 = 2(3w) => 96 = 6w. Divide by 6: w = 16 meters. Now find the length: l = 2w = 2 * 16 = 32 meters. The area of a rectangle is A = l * w. So, A = 32 * 16 = 512 square meters.
Question 2
Under Article III, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, 'No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.' Which of the following scenarios primarily violates the 'due process of law' clause?
- A person is arrested and detained indefinitely without formal charges being filed or a proper hearing.
- A law is passed that imposes higher taxes on citizens residing in a particular province compared to others.
- A public official is prevented from expressing their political views on social media.
- A religious group is denied a permit to hold a peaceful assembly in a public park.
Due process of law requires that legal proceedings be fair and that individuals have the right to be heard before they are deprived of life, liberty, or property. Option A, a person being arrested and detained indefinitely without charges, directly violates this principle as it denies the individual the right to a fair legal process, including knowing the charges against them and having an opportunity to defend themselves. Option B relates more to equal protection. Option C relates to freedom of speech, and Option D to freedom of religion, both also covered in the Bill of Rights but not primarily by the due process clause in this specific context.
Question 3
A train travels at an average speed of 60 kilometers per hour. If it covers a distance of 300 kilometers, how many hours will it take to complete the journey, assuming there are no stops?
- 4 hours
- 5 hours
- 6 hours
- 5.5 hours
The formula for time is Time = Distance / Speed. Given Distance = 300 km and Speed = 60 km/h. So, Time = 300 km / 60 km/h = 5 hours.
Question 4
According to Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, what is the minimum age requirement for a Filipino citizen to exercise the right to suffrage?
- 16 years old
- 21 years old
- 18 years old
- 20 years old
Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that 'Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are eighteen years of age or over, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election.' Therefore, the minimum age is eighteen years old.
Question 5
A worker's salary was increased by 15%. If his new salary is Php 34,500, what was his original salary before the increase?
- Php 30,000
- Php 29,750
- Php 31,500
- Php 32,000
Let 'S' be the original salary. An increase of 15% means the new salary is 100% + 15% = 115% of the original salary. So, 1.15 * S = Php 34,500. To find the original salary, divide the new salary by 1.15: S = 34,500 / 1.15 = Php 30,000.
Question 6
Which of the following powers is exclusively vested in the Senate, according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- Initiating all appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of the public debt, bills of local application, and private bills.
- Concurring with treaties and international agreements.
- Declaring the existence of a state of war.
- Confirming the appointments of heads of executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain.
Under Article VII, Section 21 and Article VI, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution, the power to concur with treaties and international agreements entered into by the President is exclusively vested in the Senate. A vote of at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate is required. The House of Representatives does not share this power. The other options are either shared powers or powers primarily of the House of Representatives.
Question 7
A car consumes 1 liter of gasoline for every 12 kilometers traveled. If the car has a 45-liter fuel tank and starts with a full tank, how many kilometers can it travel before needing to refuel?
- 480 kilometers
- 500 kilometers
- 540 kilometers
- 600 kilometers
To find the total distance the car can travel, multiply the tank capacity by the kilometers per liter. Distance = Tank Capacity * Kilometers per Liter. Distance = 45 liters * 12 km/liter = 540 kilometers.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a fundamental duty of the government as outlined in the Declaration of Principles and State Policies (Article II) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- To serve and protect the people.
- To promote social justice in all phases of national development.
- To maintain peace and order, protect life, liberty, and property.
- To actively promote a vibrant arts and culture scene as its primary economic driver.
Article II outlines several fundamental duties and policies of the state. While promoting a vibrant arts and culture scene is a desirable societal goal, it is not explicitly listed as a fundamental duty or principle of the State in Article II in the same direct manner as protecting the life, liberty, and property of the people (Section 5), promoting social justice (Section 10), or maintaining peace and order (Section 4). The question asks what is NOT a fundamental duty as outlined in Article II. The promotion of arts and culture is more specifically addressed in Article XIV, Section 14.
Question 9
A sum of money is divided among three individuals A, B, and C in the ratio 2:3:5. If B receives Php 1,500, what is the total sum of money?
- Php 4,000
- Php 4,500
- Php 5,000
- Php 6,000
Let the shares be 2x, 3x, and 5x. We know that B receives Php 1,500, so 3x = 1,500. Divide by 3 to find x: x = 500. The total sum of money is the sum of all shares: 2x + 3x + 5x = 10x. Substitute x = 500: Total sum = 10 * 500 = Php 5,000.
Question 10
Under Article IV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which of the following is considered a citizen of the Philippines?
- A person born in the Philippines to foreign parents who are permanent residents.
- A person whose mother is a Filipino citizen.
- A person who has resided in the Philippines for ten consecutive years but has not undergone naturalization.
- A person who has acquired dual citizenship solely by birth in a foreign country to foreign parents.
Article IV, Section 1 enumerates who are citizens of the Philippines. It states: '(1) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution; (2) Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines; (3) Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and (4) Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.' Therefore, a person whose mother is a Filipino citizen is explicitly considered a citizen.
Question 11
If 3 men can paint a house in 8 days, how many days will it take for 6 men to paint the same house, assuming they work at the same rate?
- 2 days
- 4 days
- 12 days
- 16 days
This is an inverse proportion problem. The total work units remain constant. Work = Number of Men * Days. So, 3 men * 8 days = 24 'man-days' of work. If 6 men are working, let 'D' be the number of days: 6 men * D days = 24 man-days. D = 24 / 6 = 4 days. As the number of men doubles, the time taken is halved.
Question 12
Which of the following describes a key characteristic of the 'Bill of Rights' under Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- It grants absolute rights that cannot be limited by law under any circumstances.
- It serves as a limitation on the powers of the government and protects individual liberties.
- It exclusively applies to natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
- It primarily outlines the powers and responsibilities of the legislative branch.
The Bill of Rights (Article III) enumerates the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and serves as a limitation on the powers of the government. It protects citizens from potential abuses of power by the state, ensuring that specific actions are prohibited or require due process. Option A is incorrect as some rights can be limited by law. Option C is incorrect as it applies to all persons in the Philippines. Option D is incorrect as it is a core function of the Bill of Rights to restrict government power.
Question 13
A merchant buys an item for Php 800 and sells it for Php 1,000. What is the percentage profit based on the cost price?
- 20%
- 25%
- 30%
- 15%
Profit = Selling Price - Cost Price = 1,000 - 800 = Php 200. Percentage Profit = (Profit / Cost Price) * 100%. Percentage Profit = (200 / 800) * 100% = 0.25 * 100% = 25%.
Question 14
Which body is constitutionally mandated to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections?
- Department of Justice
- Supreme Court
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- Office of the Ombudsman
Article IX-C, Section 2(1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly grants the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) the power to 'Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.' This includes promulgating and enforcing rules for fair elections.
Question 15
The average of five numbers is 18. If one number is removed, the average of the remaining four numbers becomes 16. What was the number that was removed?
- 20
- 22
- 24
- 26
The sum of five numbers is 5 * 18 = 90. The sum of the remaining four numbers is 4 * 16 = 64. The removed number is the difference between the initial sum and the new sum: 90 - 64 = 26.
Question 16
A person is accused of a crime and is denied the right to counsel, despite repeatedly requesting for one. Which constitutional right under Article III, Section 14 is primarily being violated?
- Right against self-incrimination.
- Right to a speedy trial.
- Right to counsel.
- Right to bail.
Article III, Section 14 (1) and (2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees the right of the accused to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. The denial of the right to counsel is a direct violation of this specific provision, ensuring that every accused person has legal representation.
Question 17
A cylindrical tank has a radius of 3 meters and a height of 10 meters. If it is filled with water up to 80% of its capacity, what is the volume of water in the tank? (Use π ≈ 3.14)
- 282.6 cubic meters
- 226.08 cubic meters
- 188.4 cubic meters
- 314 cubic meters
The volume of a cylinder is V = π * r^2 * h. Given r = 3m and h = 10m. V = 3.14 * (3^2) * 10 = 3.14 * 9 * 10 = 3.14 * 90 = 282.6 cubic meters. The tank is filled to 80% capacity, so the volume of water is 0.80 * 282.6 = 226.08 cubic meters.
Question 18
The President of the Philippines holds office for a term of how many years, and is he eligible for re-election?
- Six years, eligible for one re-election.
- Four years, eligible for one re-election.
- Six years, not eligible for re-election.
- Four years, not eligible for re-election.
Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six years thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.'
Question 19
A principal amount of Php 10,000 is invested at an annual simple interest rate of 5%. How much will the investment be worth after 3 years?
- Php 11,000
- Php 11,250
- Php 11,500
- Php 12,000
Simple Interest (I) = Principal (P) * Rate (R) * Time (T). I = 10,000 * 0.05 * 3 = Php 1,500. The total amount (A) will be Principal + Interest. A = 10,000 + 1,500 = Php 11,500.
Question 20
Which constitutional body is primarily responsible for preventing and combating graft and corruption in the government and ensuring transparency and accountability?
- Commission on Audit (COA)
- Civil Service Commission (CSC)
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Sandiganbayan
Article XI, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes the Office of the Ombudsman, which 'shall act as the protector of the people and shall investigate on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.' Its primary role is to combat graft and corruption.
Question 21
A box contains 4 red balls, 3 blue balls, and 5 green balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is NOT a green ball?
- 5/12
- 7/12
- 1/3
- 1/2
Total number of balls = 4 (red) + 3 (blue) + 5 (green) = 12 balls. Number of non-green balls = 4 (red) + 3 (blue) = 7 balls. Probability of NOT a green ball = (Number of non-green balls) / (Total number of balls) = 7/12.
Question 22
According to Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. Which of the following state actions best exemplifies this principle?
- Implementing a nationwide scholarship program for deserving students from low-income families.
- Providing tax incentives for businesses that employ fresh graduates.
- Creating a national fund for the preservation of historical sites.
- Mandating strict environmental protection laws for industrial zones.
Article II, Section 13 focuses on the youth's role and well-being. Establishing youth development programs and leadership training directly promotes their intellectual and social well-being and prepares them for nation-building. Options A and B are related to economic policies, and Option D is about environmental protection, while important, they are not directly and primarily aimed at the youth's holistic development as described in Section 13.
Question 23
If x = 5 and y = -2, what is the value of the expression 2x^2 - 3xy + y^2?
- 64
- 74
- 84
- 94
Substitute the given values into the expression: 2(5)^2 - 3(5)(-2) + (-2)^2. Calculate each term: 2(25) - (-30) + 4. This becomes 50 + 30 + 4 = 84.
Question 24
Which of the following statements correctly describes the composition of the House of Representatives under the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- Composed of not more than 200 members, all elected from legislative districts.
- Composed of not more than 250 members, including district representatives and party-list representatives.
- Composed of 24 senators and district representatives only.
- Composed of not more than 300 members, with a fixed number of sectoral representatives.
Article VI, Section 5 (1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise provided by law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations.' The party-list representatives constitute twenty per centum of the total number of representatives.
Question 25
A car travels from City A to City B at an average speed of 80 km/h and returns from City B to City A at an average speed of 60 km/h. If the total travel time for the round trip is 7 hours, what is the distance between City A and City B?
- 210 km
- 240 km
- 280 km
- 300 km
Let D be the distance between City A and City B. Time to City B = D/80. Time to City A = D/60. Total time = D/80 + D/60 = 7 hours. Find a common denominator for 80 and 60, which is 240. (3D + 4D) / 240 = 7. 7D / 240 = 7. Multiply both sides by 240/7: D = 7 * (240/7) = 240 km.
Question 26
The provision 'No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed' is found in which article and section of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- Article II, Section 5
- Article III, Section 10
- Article VI, Section 23
- Article XII, Section 1
This important provision, which protects the sanctity of contracts from legislative interference, is explicitly stated in Article III, Section 10 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is part of the Bill of Rights, ensuring that private agreements are generally upheld.
Question 27
A square garden has an area of 144 square meters. If a fence is to be built around the entire garden, how many meters of fencing are needed?
- 36 meters
- 48 meters
- 60 meters
- 72 meters
The area of a square is side * side (s^2). If the area is 144 sq m, then s^2 = 144. Taking the square root, s = 12 meters. The perimeter of a square is 4 * side. So, the fencing needed is 4 * 12 = 48 meters.
Question 28
Which of the following is a specific right guaranteed under Article III, Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution regarding persons under custodial investigation?
- Right to refuse to provide any information, even if not self-incriminating.
- Right to be informed of the right to remain silent and to have counsel.
- Right to immediate release if no charges are filed within 24 hours.
- Right to confront all witnesses against them during the investigation.
Article III, Section 12 (1) states: 'Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.' Therefore, the right to remain silent is explicitly guaranteed.
Question 29
A sum of Php 2,400 is to be divided among three persons, A, B, and C, such that A gets twice as much as B, and B gets three times as much as C. How much does B receive?
- Php 480
- Php 720
- Php 1,440
- Php 800
Let C's share be x. Then B's share is 3x. A's share is 2 * (3x) = 6x. The total sum is A + B + C = 6x + 3x + x = 10x. We know 10x = 2,400. So, x = 240. B's share is 3x = 3 * 240 = Php 720.
Question 30
Which statement accurately reflects the constitutional provision on compulsory military or civil service?
- All citizens are automatically required to render military service upon reaching the age of majority.
- The government may call upon the people to defend the State, and all citizens may be required to render personal military or civil service under conditions provided by law.
- Only male citizens are required to render military service.
- Compulsory military or civil service is prohibited under all circumstances.
Article II, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: '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.' This means that while citizens may be required to render such service, it must be under conditions provided by law.
Question 31
A recipe calls for 2.5 cups of flour for every 1.5 cups of sugar. If you want to use 4.5 cups of sugar, how many cups of flour will you need?
- 6.5 cups
- 7 cups
- 7.5 cups
- 8 cups
Set up a proportion: Flour1 / Sugar1 = Flour2 / Sugar2. So, 2.5 / 1.5 = Flour2 / 4.5. Cross-multiply: 2.5 * 4.5 = 1.5 * Flour2. 11.25 = 1.5 * Flour2. Flour2 = 11.25 / 1.5 = 7.5 cups.
Question 32
Which of the following is NOT a fundamental right explicitly enumerated in the Bill of Rights (Article III) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- Freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press.
- Right to a clean and healthful environment.
- Right of the people to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law.
- Right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
While the right to a clean and healthful environment is a crucial aspect of state policy and is recognized by jurisprudence as an enforceable right (e.g., Oposa v. Factoran), it is not explicitly enumerated as a distinct section within the Bill of Rights (Article III) itself. The other options are direct provisions: freedom of speech (Sec. 4), right to form associations (Sec. 8), and right to privacy (Sec. 2 & 3).
Question 33
A car's fuel tank is 2/5 full. After adding 12 liters of fuel, it is 4/5 full. What is the total capacity of the fuel tank in liters?
- 20 liters
- 25 liters
- 30 liters
- 35 liters
The difference in fullness is 4/5 - 2/5 = 2/5. This 2/5 of the tank capacity corresponds to 12 liters. So, (2/5) * Total Capacity = 12 liters. To find the total capacity, divide 12 by 2/5: Total Capacity = 12 / (2/5) = 12 * (5/2) = 60 / 2 = 30 liters.
Question 34
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, who has the exclusive power to declare the existence of a state of war?
- The President, with the concurrence of the Cabinet.
- The Supreme Court, upon petition by the Executive.
- The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting separately.
- The National Security Council, upon recommendation of the President.
Article VI, Section 23 (1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war.' This power is explicitly vested in the Congress, not solely the President or the Supreme Court.
Question 35
If the price of an item is increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%, what is the net percentage change in the price?
- 0% change
- 4% increase
- 4% decrease
- 2% decrease
Let the original price be P. Increased by 20%: P * (1 + 0.20) = 1.20P. Decreased by 20% from the new price: 1.20P * (1 - 0.20) = 1.20P * 0.80 = 0.96P. The final price is 0.96P, which means it is 96% of the original price. The net change is P - 0.96P = 0.04P, which is a 4% decrease. It's a common mistake to think it's no change or 0%.
Question 36
The provision 'All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State. With the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated.' is found in which article of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- Article VI (Legislative Department)
- Article X (Local Government)
- Article XII (National Economy and Patrimony)
- Article XIII (Social Justice and Human Rights)
This fundamental principle regarding the State ownership of natural resources, often referred to as the Regalian Doctrine, is enshrined in Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which deals with National Economy and Patrimony.
Question 37
The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 147. What is the smallest of these integers?
- 45
- 47
- 49
- 51
Let the first odd integer be x. The next two consecutive odd integers will be x + 2 and x + 4. Their sum is x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 147. Combine like terms: 3x + 6 = 147. Subtract 6 from both sides: 3x = 141. Divide by 3: x = 47. The smallest integer is 47.
Question 38
A person is charged with libel. During the trial, the court refuses to allow the defense to present witnesses who could testify to the truth of the published statements. Which right under Article III, Section 14 is primarily violated?
- Right to confront witnesses.
- Right to a speedy trial.
- Right to present evidence and compel attendance of witnesses.
- Right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.
Article III, Section 14 (2) states that 'In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf.' Denying the defense the ability to present their witnesses directly violates the right 'to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf.'
Question 39
A certain job can be completed by 10 workers in 15 days. If 5 additional workers are hired, how many days will it take to complete the same job?
- 8 days
- 10 days
- 12 days
- 7.5 days
This is an inverse proportion problem. The total work units remain constant. Work = Number of Workers * Days. So, 10 workers * 15 days = 150 'worker-days' of work. If 5 additional workers are hired, the total number of workers becomes 10 + 5 = 15 workers. Let 'D' be the number of days: 15 workers * D days = 150 worker-days. D = 150 / 15 = 10 days.
Question 40
Which of the following is an example of a 'political right' guaranteed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, distinct from civil rights?
- Freedom of expression.
- Right to vote in elections.
- Right to liberty of abode.
- Right to own private property.
Political rights pertain to the right of citizens to participate in the establishment or administration of government. The right to suffrage (Article V) is the most direct example of a political right, allowing citizens to vote and choose their leaders. Freedom of expression, right to liberty, and right to property are generally considered civil rights, protecting individual freedoms and property from government interference.
Question 41
A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 5:3. If the total volume of the mixture is 40 liters, what is the volume of water in the mixture?
- 10 liters
- 15 liters
- 20 liters
- 25 liters
The ratio of milk to water is 5:3. The total ratio parts are 5 + 3 = 8 parts. Each part represents 40 liters / 8 parts = 5 liters/part. The volume of water is 3 parts * 5 liters/part = 15 liters.
Question 42
The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. How many senators comprise the Senate of the Philippines?
- 12
- 18
- 24
- 30
Article VI, Section 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly states: 'The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law.'
Question 43
If a certain amount of money triples itself in 10 years at simple interest, what is the annual interest rate?
- 10%
- 15%
- 20%
- 25%
Let the principal amount be P. After 10 years, the amount becomes 3P. The interest earned is A - P = 3P - P = 2P. Using the simple interest formula I = PRT, we have 2P = P * R * 10. Divide both sides by P: 2 = 10R. So, R = 2/10 = 0.20. As a percentage, the rate is 20%.
Question 44
Which of the following describes the 'power of eminent domain' as provided in the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- The power of the State to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation.
- The power of the State to impose taxes on persons and property to support the government.
- The power of the State to regulate the use of liberty and property for the promotion of the general welfare.
- The power of the State to confiscate private property for any reason without compensation.
The power of eminent domain is the inherent right of the State to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. This is enshrined in Article III, Section 9 of the Bill of Rights: 'Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.' Option A correctly defines this power. Option B describes taxation, Option C describes police power, and Option D is incorrect as it requires just compensation and public use.
Question 45
A tank can be filled by pipe A in 6 hours and by pipe B in 8 hours. If both pipes are opened simultaneously, how long will it take to fill the tank?
- 3 hours
- 3.43 hours (approx)
- 4 hours
- 7 hours
Let the tank's capacity be 1 unit. Pipe A fills 1/6 of the tank per hour. Pipe B fills 1/8 of the tank per hour. When both are open, their rates add up: 1/6 + 1/8 = (4/24) + (3/24) = 7/24 of the tank per hour. The time it takes to fill the tank is the reciprocal of their combined rate: 1 / (7/24) = 24/7 hours. 24/7 hours is approximately 3.43 hours.
Question 46
According to Article XIV, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, what is the primary medium of instruction in schools, and what role do regional languages play?
- English is the sole medium of instruction, while Filipino and regional languages are optional subjects.
- Filipino is the primary medium, and regional languages are auxiliary media of instruction in their respective regions.
- Regional languages are the primary medium of instruction, with Filipino as a secondary language.
- The Constitution does not specify a primary medium of instruction, leaving it to local government units.
Article XIV, Section 6 states: 'The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages. Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.' Section 7 adds: 'For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English. The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein.' So, Filipino and English are official, and regional languages are auxiliary media of instruction.
Question 47
A rectangular plot of land has a length that is 5 meters more than its width. If the area of the plot is 104 square meters, what is the width of the plot?
- 7 meters
- 8 meters
- 9 meters
- 13 meters
Let the width be w meters. Then the length is w + 5 meters. The area is length * width, so w * (w + 5) = 104. Expand: w^2 + 5w = 104. Rearrange into a quadratic equation: w^2 + 5w - 104 = 0. We need two numbers that multiply to -104 and add to 5. These numbers are 13 and -8. So, (w + 13)(w - 8) = 0. Possible values for w are -13 or 8. Since width cannot be negative, w = 8 meters.
Question 48
Which of the following best describes the principle of 'separation of church and state' as interpreted in the 1987 Philippine Constitution?
- The State shall not establish a religion, and no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
- Religious institutions are completely prohibited from participating in or influencing any aspect of government policy.
- The State may provide financial aid to religious schools as long as it benefits all religions equally.
- Religious leaders are barred from holding any public office.
Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.' This principle means that the government cannot establish or favor any religion, nor can it prohibit the free exercise of religion, but it does not mean that religious institutions are completely prohibited from influencing public policy or that individuals cannot express their faith. It means there should be no official state religion and no undue interference by one in the affairs of the other. Option A captures the essence of this separation, preventing the state from establishing or endorsing any religion while also ensuring religious freedom.
Question 49
A cylindrical water tank has a diameter of 4 meters and a height of 7 meters. If it is 3/4 full, how much more water (in cubic meters) is needed to fill it completely? (Use π ≈ 22/7)
- 11 cubic meters
- 22 cubic meters
- 33 cubic meters
- 44 cubic meters
Radius (r) = Diameter / 2 = 4m / 2 = 2m. Height (h) = 7m. Volume of cylinder (V) = π * r^2 * h. V = (22/7) * (2^2) * 7 = (22/7) * 4 * 7 = 22 * 4 = 88 cubic meters. If the tank is 3/4 full, it needs 1/4 more water to be completely full. Amount needed = (1/4) * 88 = 22 cubic meters.
Question 50
Under Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which of the following is NOT an explicitly enumerated right of workers?
- Right to security of tenure.
- Right to humane conditions of work.
- Right to a guaranteed annual bonus.
- Right to a living wage.
Article XIII, Section 3 enumerates the rights of workers: 'They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law. The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace.' The right to a guaranteed annual bonus is not explicitly listed as a constitutional right, although it may be provided by law or collective bargaining agreements.
Question 51
The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:5. If there are 12 more girls than boys, how many students are there in the class?
- 36
- 40
- 48
- 56
Let the number of boys be 3x and the number of girls be 5x. The difference between girls and boys is 5x - 3x = 2x. We are told this difference is 12, so 2x = 12. Therefore, x = 6. Number of boys = 3 * 6 = 18. Number of girls = 5 * 6 = 30. Total number of students = 18 + 30 = 48.
Question 52
According to Article VI, Section 16 (3) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, what is the maximum number of consecutive terms a Senator of the Philippines may serve?
- One consecutive term.
- Two consecutive terms.
- Three consecutive terms.
- No term limit, as long as they are re-elected.
Article VI, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'No Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.' Each term for a Senator is six years, as per Section 4. Therefore, a Senator may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Question 53
The population of a town increases by 10% every year. If the current population is 20,000, what will be the population after 2 years?
- 22,000
- 24,000
- 24,200
- 25,000
After 1 year: 20,000 * (1 + 0.10) = 20,000 * 1.10 = 22,000. After 2 years: 22,000 * (1 + 0.10) = 22,000 * 1.10 = 24,200. This is an example of compound growth.
Question 54
Which of the following describes the 'writ of habeas corpus' as a constitutional safeguard?
- A legal order requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a court to determine if the detention is lawful.
- A judicial order authorizing law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a person or property.
- A court order to compel a witness to appear and testify in court.
- A presidential decree suspending all legal proceedings for a specified period.
The writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a court or judge, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention. This is a fundamental right protecting against arbitrary arrest and detention. Option A accurately describes this. Option B refers to a search warrant, Option C to a subpoena, and Option D is incorrect as it is a remedy for unlawful detention.
Question 55
A recipe requires 3/4 cup of milk. If you want to make 2/3 of the recipe, how much milk (in cups) will you need?
- 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup
- 1/3 cup
- 2/3 cup
To find out how much milk is needed for 2/3 of the recipe, multiply the original amount of milk by 2/3: (3/4) * (2/3) = (3*2) / (4*3) = 6/12. Simplify the fraction: 6/12 = 1/2 cup.
Question 56
The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the creation of independent constitutional commissions. Which of the following is NOT one of these commissions?
- Civil Service Commission (CSC)
- Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- Commission on Audit (COA)
Article IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes three independent constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the Commission on Audit (COA). The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is also a constitutional body created under Article XIII, but it is not listed among the three 'Constitutional Commissions' under Article IX.
Question 57
If a car travels at a constant speed of 72 km/h, how many meters does it travel in 5 seconds?
- 80 meters
- 100 meters
- 120 meters
- 144 meters
First, convert the speed from km/h to m/s. 72 km/h = 72 * (1000 meters / 1 km) * (1 hour / 3600 seconds) = 72 * 1000 / 3600 m/s = 72000 / 3600 m/s = 20 m/s. Now, calculate the distance: Distance = Speed * Time = 20 m/s * 5 seconds = 100 meters.
Question 58
The 'Archipelagic Doctrine' is a fundamental principle in the 1987 Philippine Constitution that defines the national territory. Which of the following best describes this doctrine?
- The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
- The territorial sea of the Philippines extends 12 nautical miles from the low-water line of its coast.
- The Philippines claims all islands and territories within a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
- Each island of the Philippines has its own separate territorial waters.
The Archipelagic Doctrine, as reflected in Article I (National Territory) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, treats the archipelago as a single, integrated unit, and the waters around, between, and connecting the islands, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines. This means that the land and waters are considered one geographic entity. Option A accurately describes this principle.
Question 59
A salesperson earns a base salary of Php 15,000 per month plus a 5% commission on all sales exceeding Php 50,000. If her total sales for the month were Php 120,000, what is her total income for the month?
- Php 17,500
- Php 18,500
- Php 21,000
- Php 22,500
Commissionable sales = Total Sales - Sales Threshold = 120,000 - 50,000 = Php 70,000. Commission = 5% of 70,000 = 0.05 * 70,000 = Php 3,500. Total Income = Base Salary + Commission = 15,000 + 3,500 = Php 18,500.
Question 60
Which of the following constitutional provisions guarantees the right to form associations for purposes not contrary to law?
- Article II, Section 15
- Article III, Section 8
- Article XIII, Section 3
- Article XIV, Section 17
Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The right of the people to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.' This is a fundamental right under the Bill of Rights.
Question 61
A certain number increased by 15% is 207. What is the original number?
- 170
- 180
- 190
- 200
Let the original number be 'x'. 'Increased by 15%' means x + 0.15x = 1.15x. So, 1.15x = 207. To find x, divide 207 by 1.15: x = 207 / 1.15 = 180.
Question 62
The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution begins with 'We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society...' Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as one of the goals or aspirations in the Preamble?
- Establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations.
- Promote the common good.
- Ensure rapid economic prosperity for all citizens.
- Secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy.
The Preamble states the following goals: '...to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.' While economic prosperity is a desirable outcome of good governance, it is not explicitly listed as a direct goal in the Preamble itself, unlike 'promoting the common good' or 'conserving and developing our patrimony' which relate to resources and welfare.
Question 63
A pedestrian walks at an average speed of 5 km/h. How much time (in minutes) will it take him to walk a distance of 2.5 kilometers?
- 20 minutes
- 25 minutes
- 30 minutes
- 40 minutes
Time = Distance / Speed. Time = 2.5 km / 5 km/h = 0.5 hours. To convert hours to minutes, multiply by 60: 0.5 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 30 minutes.
Question 64
Which of the following is a constitutional requirement for a person to be qualified as a Senator of the Philippines?
- A naturalized citizen of the Philippines.
- At least 30 years of age on the day of the election.
- A natural-born citizen of the Philippines and at least 35 years of age on the day of the election.
- A resident of the Philippines for at least one year immediately preceding the election.
Article VI, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution specifies the qualifications for a Senator: 'No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election.' Being a natural-born citizen and at least 35 years old on election day are among these requirements.
Question 65
The ratio of the areas of two squares is 4:9. If the side length of the smaller square is 6 cm, what is the side length of the larger square?
- 8 cm
- 9 cm
- 12 cm
- 10 cm
Let the side lengths of the two squares be s1 and s2. The area of a square is side squared (s^2). So, Area1 / Area2 = (s1^2) / (s2^2). We are given Area1 / Area2 = 4/9. This means (s1^2) / (s2^2) = 4/9. Taking the square root of both sides gives s1 / s2 = sqrt(4/9) = 2/3. We know s1 = 6 cm. So, 6 / s2 = 2/3. Cross-multiply: 2 * s2 = 6 * 3 => 2 * s2 = 18. Divide by 2: s2 = 9 cm.
Question 66
Which provision of the 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy disposition of cases?
- Article III, Section 14
- Article III, Section 16
- Article VIII, Section 5
- Article XI, Section 12
Article III, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly states: 'All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.' This is distinct from the right to a speedy trial (Article III, Section 14) which applies specifically to criminal prosecutions.
Question 67
A car travels at 80 km/h for the first 2 hours and then at 60 km/h for the next 3 hours. What is the average speed of the car for the entire journey?
- 70 km/h
- 68 km/h
- 65 km/h
- 72 km/h
Distance for the first part = Speed * Time = 80 km/h * 2 h = 160 km. Distance for the second part = Speed * Time = 60 km/h * 3 h = 180 km. Total Distance = 160 km + 180 km = 340 km. Total Time = 2 h + 3 h = 5 h. Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time = 340 km / 5 h = 68 km/h.
Question 68
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a violation of the constitutional right against 'ex post facto' laws?
- A law is passed that retroactively criminalizes an act that was legal when it was committed.
- A new law increases the penalty for a crime committed after its enactment.
- A law reduces the age of criminal responsibility for offenses committed in the future.
- A law changes the procedure for appeal in ongoing court cases.
An 'ex post facto' law (Article III, Section 22) is one that makes an act punishable in a manner in which it was not punishable when committed, or which increases the punishment for an act already committed, or which deprives a person of a defense available at the time the act was committed. Option A describes a law that retroactively criminalizes an act that was legal when performed, which is a classic example of an ex post facto law. Options B, C, and D do not involve retroactively changing the legal consequences of past actions.
Question 69
If the dimensions of a rectangle are increased by 20%, by what percentage does its area increase?
- 20%
- 40%
- 44%
- 24%
Let the original length be L and the original width be W. Original Area = L * W. When dimensions are increased by 20%, the new length is 1.20L and the new width is 1.20W. New Area = (1.20L) * (1.20W) = 1.44LW. The increase in area is 1.44LW - LW = 0.44LW. Percentage increase = (0.44LW / LW) * 100% = 44%.
Question 70
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, who has the power to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus?
- The Supreme Court, by a majority vote of its members.
- The Congress, by a concurrent resolution.
- The President, in case of invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it, for a period not exceeding sixty days.
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with the consent of the Senate President.
Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: 'The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law.' The President has this power, subject to certain limitations and review by Congress and the Supreme Court.