House panel OKs Roman’s bill mandating constitution lessons in schools

Bataan 1st District Representative Tony Roman III has secured committee approval for the substitute bill of House Bill No. 1912, also known as the proposed Constitutional Literacy and Civic Engagement Act, which seeks to mandate the teaching of the Philippine Constitution in elementary and high school curricula. The measure was approved by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, moving it a step closer to plenary deliberations.

Rep. Roman said the bill aims to deepen students’ understanding of the 1987 Constitution and strengthen civic engagement among the youth. “Democracy is not merely inherited; it is understood, valued, and defended,” he emphasized, noting that constitutional education equips learners with knowledge of their rights, duties, and responsibilities as citizens.

If enacted, the measure would institutionalize age-appropriate instruction on the Constitution in both public and private schools, reinforcing lessons on accountability, the rule of law, and active citizenship. Roman described the proposal as “education in responsibility and patriotism,” adding that it would help mold a generation guided by principles and committed to nation-building.

Just on his first term as Bataan’s First District Representative, Congressman Roman has been pushing measures centered on education, civic awareness, and community development. The approval of the substitute bill marks a significant legislative milestone in his advocacy to promote informed participation in governance and strengthen democratic values at the grassroots level.