draft of a malolosstyle constitution · pdf file · 2013-03-11is base largely...

Draft of

A MalolosStyle Constitution writtenexgratiabyKristianLigsayJensen

onbehalfofTheCoRRECT™Movement{RevisedFebruary2013}

Draft of a MalolosStyle Constitution 2

Introduction to the Draft ThedraftpresentedhereisaMalolos‐styleDraft.I’mattemptingtocreateaConstitutionforthePhilippinesasitmightlooklikehadwenotlostourparliamentaryheritagefromthe1899MalolosConstitutionoftheFirstPhilippineRepublicthatwassounjustlytakenawayfromusfollowing the aftermath of the Philippine‐AmericanWar. I have appropriated a lot of theterminologyusedintheMalolosConstitution‐aparliamentaryrepublic.Thesetermshavealongertraditionofuse inthePhilippines.Hence, themoreusualAnglo‐SaxonparliamentaryterminologylikeParliament,Cabinet,PrimeMinister,Minister,andMemberofParliamentarerespectivelyreplacedwithFil‐Hispanicparliamentaryterminology likeAssembly,CouncilofGovernment,Presidentof theCouncilofGovernment,Secretary,andRepresentative.Whereapplicable,IhavealsoincorporatedfeaturesfoundintheMalolosConstitution,mostnotablythe reintroductionof thePermanentCommission,whichwasan importantpartof theFirstPhilippineRepublic.TheMalolosConstitutionwasalso secular, so Ihave strengthened thatfeatureaswell.Unfortunately,theMalolosConstitutionisextremelyvagueinmanyportions,leavingit“tobedetermined by law”.Where there has been some doubt about the features of the MalolosConstitution,whetherinterminologyorprocedure,IhavehadtoextrapolatebylookingattheConstitutions of countries from which the Malolos Constitution drew inspiration from,namely:Mexico,Guatemala,CostaRica,Brazil,Belgium,andFrance.IhavealsolookedattheConstitutionofSpain,whichnodoubtmusthavealsoinfluencedtheFirstPhilippineRepublic.Amongthecountriesjustmentioned,Mexico’scurrentConstitutionfrom1917istheonethatresemblestheMalolosConstitutionmost,sothatistheoneIdrewfrommost.The following is base largely on the Amended 1987 Constitution as proposed by theConsultativeCommission(Con‐Com)onCharterChange,butarrangedinthesamemannerastheMalolos Constitution and appropriating the same terminology as the latter. Portions ofthis Draft Constitution are also borrowed from the Citizen’s Movement for a FederalPhilippines (CMFP) Draft Constitution, the We Citizens Advocates for Reforms Movement(WeCARe) Draft Constitution, the Con‐Com Minority Draft Constitution, as well asparliamentary Constitutions around the world, namely: Australian, Indian, Israeli, German,Danish,Swedish,andNorwegian.IhavealsoincorporatedprovisionsforaceremonialgeriatricHead‐of‐Stateasproposedbythe leaderof theCoRRECT™Movement,OrionPerezDumdum.Thewhole idea is tohaveapolitically neutral ceremonialHead‐of‐State,who can elicit a natural psychological reactionfromamongthepeopleofrespect,reverence,andaweforthepresidency,inthesamemannerasforaconstitutionalmonarch,throughhisoldageandaccomplishmentsinlife.AspertheCoRRECT™ThreePointAgenda,thisdraftfeatures:

1. Economic Liberalization: All citizenship restrictions for the ownership of alienableland, the exploitation of natural resources, the operation of public utilities, theownershipofmassmedia,advertisingcompanies,andeducationalinstitutions,andthepracticeofprofessionsareremoved.

2. Evolving Federalism: Local autonomy is enhance with provisions allowing for the


creationofautonomousterritoriesanywhereinthecountry,andforafederalsystemtobeimplementedupontheratificationofthepeoplewhenatleast60%ofthecountryiscomposedofautonomousterritories.

3. ParliamentarySystem:Thecurrentpresidentialformofgovernmentisreplacedwithaparliamentaryformofgovernment,wheretheexecutivebranchofgovernmentismadedirectlyresponsibletothelegislativebranchofgovernment,andthefunctionsofHeadofStateandHeadofGovernmentareseparated.

Otherfeaturesofthisdraftinclude:

1. Secularism is strengthened, with explicit provisions keeping the practice of religionandthefunctioningoftheStateseparate.

2. Thefundamentalrightsofcitizensarestrengthened.3. The existing two chambers of Congress are fused into a single chamber called the

NationalAssembly.4. Thecurrentparallel voting system that combines first‐past‐the‐post (mereplurality)

with semi‐proportionality is replaced with a mixed‐member proportional votingsystemcombiningpreferentialvotewithnearfullproportionality.

5. TermsofthemembersoftheNationalAssemblyshallbefouryearswithouttermlimitsasisusualinaparliamentarysystem.

6. Elective office, except that of the President and Vice President of the Republic (theHeadofStateandhisdeputy),willbeopentoallcitizens(notjustnatural‐bornones).

7. ThePresidentoftheRepublicwillnotbeelected,butwillascendintothepositionfromthe position of Vice Presidentwhen the former ends his term or dies in office. TheNationalAssemblywillelecttheVicePresidentoftheRepublic.

8. The Commission onHuman rights is reconstitutedwith additional powers as a newConstitutionalCommissioncalledtheRightsEnforcementCommission.

9. TheoldRegaliandoctrineunderwhich the Stateownsnatural resources is replacedwithadoctrineofStatestewardship.

10. Free enterprise, open market competition, and private initiative are enshrined asprinciplesofnationaleconomicpolicy.

11. ArticlesXII andXIII and certainprovisions ofArticle II of the1987Constitution aremerged for logical clarity and force, and those provisions of Article II of the 1987Constitutionthatweresuperfluous(givenotherprovisionsthatalreadyexist)orweremerelydeclarative(withnolegalmeaning)havebeendeleted.

12. Tostrengthenfederalism,therewillbenumerousofficialnativelanguages, insteadofjust one national language. English and Spanish are to be sustained and promotedrespectivelyasofficiallanguagesofcommunicationandinstructioninthecountry.


We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of the Sovereign Legislator of theUniverse, inorder toestablishasecularGovernmentof integrityandcompetence thatshallembodyourideals,promotethegeneralwelfareandsecuretoourselvesandourposteritytheblessingsofdemocracyandathrivingeconomyunderaregimeofjustice,peace,liberty,andequality,doordainandpromulgatethefollowing:

POLITICAL CONSTITUTION

Title I on

PreliminaryProvisions

ChapterITheRepublic

Article1Thepolitical associationof all Filipinos, regardlessof ethnicity, constitutes aNation,whoseStateshallbenamedtheRepublicofthePhilippines.Accordingly,theRepublic:

1. Recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples and cultural communities within theframeworkoftheindissolubleunityoftheFilipinoNation,thecommonandindivisiblehomelandofallFilipinos;

2. Guarantees the right to self‐government of the ethnicities and regions ofwhich it iscomposedandthesolidarityamongthemall;and

3. PromotestheeconomicviabilityoftheAutonomousTerritories.Article2The Republic of the Philippines is free and independent. Accordingly, the Republic shallpursue an independent foreignpolicy, and in its relationswith other states the paramountconsideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and therighttoself‐determination. However, the Republic renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts thegenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallawaspartofthelawofthelandandadherestothe policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations. Noweapons of mass destruction shall be installed in Philippine territory, nor existinginstallationsbeconvertedintosuch.ItisunderstoodthattheterritoryoftheRepubliccomprisesthePhilippinearchipelago,withall the islands andwaters embraced therein, and all the other territories belonging to thePhilippinesbyhistoricrightorlegaltitle,includingtheterritorialsea,airspace,subsoil,sea‐bed, insular shelves, and submarine areas over which the Philippines has sovereignty orjurisdiction. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago,irrespective of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of thePhilippines.


Article3Sovereignty resides exclusively in the Filipino people, who shall exercise it through theirrepresentativesandbymeansofreferendumandpetitions.

ChapterIITheGovernment

Article4The Government of the Republic is popular, representative, and responsible, and shall bedivided among three distinct powers,which shall be the legislative, executive, and judicial.Never can two ormore of these powers be given to a person or corporation, nor shall thepowerofthelegislativebevestedinanysingleindividual.TheprimedutyoftheGovernmentistoserve,protect,andrepresentthepeople.

ChapterIIIReligion

Article5TheStaterecognizesthefreedomandequalityofallbeliefs.Noreligionmaybeexaltedaboveanyother,andnolawshallbemaderespectinganestablishmentofreligion,orprohibitingitsfreeexercisethereof.Article6Thepracticeofanyreligionandthe functioningof theStateshallbekeptseparate,andthisseparation shall be inviolable. There shall be no interference whatsoever of religioussentimentsinStateaffairsandpolitics,norshalltherebeanyinterferencewhatsoeverbytheStateontheinternalaffairsofreligiousassociations.Accordingly:

1. Filipinoswhoareof legalageoroldershallbeallowed tobemembersof theclergy,whether as priests, preachers, ministers, other religious teachers or dignitaries assuch;

2. Members of the clergy shall not perform any governmental employment, except incasesfoundinParagraph3ofArticle70;

3. Members of the clergy shall not be allowed to enter into political associations,however,asFilipinocitizens,theyshallbeallowedtovote;

4. Membersoftheclergyshallneitherpromotenorattackanypoliticalcandidate,party,orassociationwhatsoever,norshalltheyattackthelawsorinstitutionsoftheRepublicinanypublicgathering,religiousactivityorthroughanyreligiouspublicity;and

5. Politicalgatheringsshallnevertakeplaceatchurches,mosques,ortemplesofanysort.Anyviolationofthisarticleshallbepunishableunderthelaw.


ChapterIVTheFlag

Article7The flagof thePhilippines shall be red,white, andblue,with a sunof eight rays and threestarsasrecognizedbylaw.FlagsofautonomousterritoriesmayberecognizedprovidedthattheyareusedtogetherwiththeflagofthePhilippinesonpublicbuildingsandofficialceremonies.

ChapterVSovereignImmunity

Article8The State may not be sued without its consent. The President and Vice President of theRepublicand thePresidentof theCouncilofGovernmentshallbe immune fromsuitduringtheir respective tenures. Thereafter, no suit shall lie for official acts done by them, or byotherspursuanttotheirspecificorderswhileinoffice.

ChapterVIMilitaryandPoliceForces

Article9TheGovernmentmaycalluponthepeopletodefendtheStateand,inthefulfillmentthereof,allcitizensmayberequired,underconditionsprovidedbylaw,torenderpersonal,militaryorcivilservice.TheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesshallbecomposedofacitizenarmedforcewhichshallundergomilitarytrainingandserve,asmaybeprovidedbylaw.ItshallkeeparegularforcenecessaryforthesecurityoftheState.Civilianauthorityshallatalltimesbesupremeoverthemilitary.Article10AllmembersofthearmedforcesshallmakeasolemnaffirmationtoupholdanddefendthisConstitution.Professionalisminthearmedforcesandadequateremunerationandbenefitsofitsmembersshall be a prime concern of the State. The armed forces shall be insulated from partisanpolitics.Nomemberofthemilitaryshallengagedirectlyorindirectlyinanypartisanpoliticalactivity,excepttovote.No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed ordesignated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government‐


ownedorcontrolledcorporationsoranyoftheirsubsidiaries.Lawsonretirementofmilitaryofficersshallnotallowextensionoftheirservice.The tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces shall not exceed three years.However,intimesofwarorothernationalemergencydeclaredbytheNationalAssembly,thePresident of the Republic, upon the binding advice of the President of the Council ofGovernment,mayextendsuchtourofduty.Article11TheStateshallprovideimmediateandadequatecare,benefits,andotherformsofassistancetowarveteransandveteransofmilitarycampaigns,theirsurvivingspousesandorphans.Article12TheStateshallestablishandmaintainonepoliceforce,whichshallbenationalinscopeandcivilianincharacter,tobeadministeredandcontrolledbyaNationalPoliceCommission.Theauthority of local and autonomous territorial executives over the police units in theirjurisdictionshallbeprovidedbylaw.

ChapterVIILanguage

Article13This Constitution shall be promulgated in English and Spanish and shall be translated intoautonomousterritoriallanguages,Arabic,Malay,andMandarin.ItsEnglishandSpanishdraftsshallbothbeauthoritative,andanyconflictbetweenthemshallberesolvedbyrecoursetotheEnglishdraft.

Title II on

TheFilipinosandtheirNationalandIndividualRightsandDuties

ChapterICitizenship

Article14ThefollowingarecitizensofthePhilippines:

1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of thisConstitution;

2. ThosewhosefathersormothersarecitizensofthePhilippines;and3. Thosewhoarenaturalizedinaccordancewithlaw.


Article15Natural‐borncitizensarethosewhoarecitizensofthePhilippinesfrombirthorthosewho,inaccordancewith law, reacquire such citizenship. Those born of Filipinomotherswho electFilipinocitizenshipshallbedeemednatural‐borncitizens.Article16Every citizen shall have the right against arbitrary deprivation of citizenship. Philippinecitizenshipmaybelostorreacquiredinthemannerprovidedbylaw,providedthat:

1. NocitizenofthePhilippinesmaybedeprivedofhiscitizenshipunlesshebecomesatthesametimeacitizenofanotherstatebyhisconsent,orbedeniedtherighttochangehisnationalityexceptintimesofwar;

2. Citizens of the Philippineswhomarry aliens shall retain their citizenship, unless byotheractsoromissionstheyaredeemed,underthelaw,tohaverenouncedit;and

3. Decreesofnaturalizationshallbe finalandunassailable twoyearsafter theirdateofpromulgationbycompetentauthority.

Theforegoingnotwithstanding,dualcitizenshipmaybeallowedunderconditionssetbylaw,provided that, inpursuanceofa treatywithanotherstate,apersonwhohasbeenacitizenalso of the other state from birth, andwho has his permanent domicile there, shall forfeitPhilippinecitizenshipatoraftertheageofeighteen.Thelawmayfurtherprovidethat,uponthedeclarationofastateofwarbetweenthePhilippinesandaforeigncountry,personswhoarecitizensofbothmustimmediatelymanifesttheirrenunciationofcitizenshipinthehostilestate.

ChapterIIRights

Article17Nopersonshallbedeprivedoflife,liberty,orpropertywithoutdueprocessoflaw,norshallanypersonbedeniedtheequalprotectionofthelaws.Article18Nohumanbeingshallbedeniedrecognitionasapersonunderthelaw.TheStateshallprotecttherightofeveryhumanbeingtophysical,mental,andmoralintegrity,andshallensurethatnopersonshallbesubjectedtotortureorotherinhumanordegradingtreatment.Article19Nobodycanentertheplaceofresidenceofanypersonwithouthisconsent,exceptinurgentcasesoffire,flood,earthquakeoranysimilardanger,orofunlawfulaggressioncomingfromwithin,orinordertohelpanypersonwhothereinasksforhelp.Other than the casesmentioned in the preceding paragraph, the right of the people to besecure in their persons, residences, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches andseizuresofwhatevernatureandforanypurposeshallbeinviolable,andnosearchwarrantorwarrantofarrestshallissueexceptuponprobablecausetobedeterminedpersonallybythe


judgeafter examinationunder solemnaffirmationof the complainant and thewitnesseshemayproduce,andparticularlydescribingtheplacetobesearchedandthepersonsorthingstobeseized.Thesearchofpapersandeffectsshallonlybeexecutedindaytime,andalwaysbemadeinthepresenceofthepersonconcernedoranymemberofhisfamilyand, intheirabsence,oftwowitnessesfromthesameneighborhood.However,shouldadelinquentcaughtin fragantiandpursuedbytheauthoritiesthroughtheiragents take refuge in his place of residence, these agents can enter therein for the solepurpose of carrying out the arrest. Should the delinquent seek refuge in another person’sresidence,permissionmustbefirstobtainedfromitsowner.Article20Theprivacyofcommunicationandcorrespondenceshallbeinviolable.However,uponlawfulorderofthecourt,orwhenpublicsafetyororderrequiresotherwiseasprescribedbylaw,acorrespondencemaybewithheld,andwhatevermessagesentmaybeopenedinthepresenceofthedefendant.Article21AnyevidenceobtainedinviolationofArticles19and20shallbeinadmissibleforanypurposeinanyproceeding.Anywarranttoarrest,tosearchaplaceofresidenceandtowithholdcorrespondencemustbeduly justified. Should the warrant lack this requisite, or when the motives on which suchwarranthasbeenbasedaredeclaredillegalornotoriouslyinsufficientbyacourt,thepersonthat has been imprisoned or whose imprisonment has not been ratifiedwithin the periodrequired in Article 31, or whose place of residence has been searched, or whosecorrespondencehasbeenwithheld,willhavetherighttofileforcorrespondingdamages.Article22No law shall be passed abridging the responsible exercise of the freedom of speech, ofexpression,orofthepress,ortherightofthepeoplepeaceablytoassembleandpetitiontheGovernmentforredressofgrievances.Article23Thelibertyofabodeandofchangingthesamewithinthelimitsprescribedbylawshallnotbeimpairedexceptuponlawfulorderofthecourt.AnyFilipino,whoisinfullenjoymentofhispoliticalandcivilrights,cannotbepreventedfromleavingPhilippineterritoryfreely,norcanhe be hindered from transferring his residence andproperties to a foreign country, exceptwhenheisrequiredtorendermilitaryserviceormaintainpubliccharges.Article24The right of the people to thewrit ofhabeas data and to information onmatters of publicconcern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and paperspertainingtoofficialacts, transactions,ordecisions,aswellastogovernmentresearchdatausedasbasisforpolicydevelopment,shallbeaffordedthecitizen,subjecttosuchlimitations


asmaybeprovidedbylaw.Article25Therightofthepeopletoformunions,associations,orsocietiesforpurposesnotcontrarytolawshallnotbeabridged.Article26Privatepropertyshallnotbetakenforpublicusewithoutjustcompensation.Article27Nolawimpairingtheobligationofcontractsshallbepassed.Article28Freeaccesstothecourtsandquasi‐judicialbodiesandadequatelegalassistanceshallnotbedeniedtoanypersonbyreasonofpoverty.Article29Anypersonunder investigation for the commissionof anoffense shall have the right tobeinformed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counselpreferableofhisownchoice.Ifthepersoncannotaffordtheservicesofcounsel,hemustbeprovidedwithone.These rights cannotbewaivedexcept inwritingand in thepresenceofcounsel.Notorture,force,violence,threat,intimidation,oranyothermeans,whichvitiatethefreewillshallbeusedagainsthim.Secretdetentionplaces,solitary, incommunicado,orothersimilarformsofdetentionareprohibited.Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Article 34 hereof shall beinadmissibleinevidenceagainsthim.The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this article as well ascompensationtotherehabilitationofvictimsoftortureorsimilarpractices,andtheirfamilies.Article30All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua whenevidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or bereleasedonrecognizanceasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Therighttobailshallnotbeimpairedevenwhentheprivilegeofthewritofhabeas corpusissuspended.Excessivebailshallnotberequired.Article31Nopersonshallbedetainedtoanswerforacriminaloffensewithoutdueprocessoflaw.Anydetainee shall either be set free, or be given judicial authoritywithin the next twenty‐fourhoursfollowingtheactofdetention.Anydetentionshalleitherberenderedwithouteffect,orberaisedtoimprisonmentwithinseventy‐twohoursofthedetaineebeinghandedovertoacompetent court. The interested party shall be dully notified within the same period ofwhateverdecisionpronounced.


Nopersoncanbeimprisonedexceptbyvirtueofawarrantissuedbyacompetentcourt.Theorder through which the warrant has been pronounced shall be ratified or revised, afterhavingheardtheaccused,withinseventy‐twohoursfollowingtheactofimprisonment.In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary isproved,andshall enjoy the right tobeheardbyhimself andcounsel, tobe informedof thenatureandcauseoftheaccusationagainsthim,tohaveaspeedy,impartial,andpublictrial,tomeetthewitnessesfacetoface,andtohavecompulsoryprocesstosecuretheattendanceofwitnessesandtheproductionofevidenceinhisbehalf.However,afterarraignment,trialmayproceednotwithstandingtheabsenceoftheaccusedprovidedthathehasbeendulynotifiedandhisfailuretoappearisunjustifiable.Article32Theprivilegeof thewritsofhabeas corpus,habeas data, oramparo shallnotbe suspendedexceptincasesofinvasionorrebellionwhenthepublicsafetyrequiresit.Article33Allpersonsshallhavetherighttoaspeedydispositionoftheircasesbeforealljudicial,quasi‐judicial,oradministrativebodies.Article34Nopersonshallbecompelledtobeawitnessagainsthimself.Article35Nopersonshallbedetainedsolelybyreasonofhispoliticalbeliefsandaspirations.Noinvoluntaryservitudeinanyformshallexistexceptasapunishmentforacrimewhereofthepartyshallhavebeendulyconvicted.Article36Excessivefinesshallnotbeimposed,norcruel,degradingorinhumanepunishmentinflicted.Nopersonshallbesubjectedtoanypenaltygreaterthanimprisonmentbeyondtwelveyearsoritsequivalentpunishment,exceptuponconvictionbycompetentcivilcourtforspecificactconstitutingacrimecommittedwithmaliciousintent.Capitalpunishmentshallneverbeimposedforanycrime.Theemploymentofphysical,psychological,ordegradingpunishmentagainstanyprisonerordetaineeortheuseofsubstandardorinadequatepenalfacilitiesundersubhumanconditionsshallbedealtwithbylaw.Article37Nopersonshallbeimprisonedfordebtornon‐paymentofapolltax.Article38Nopersonshallbetwiceputinjeopardyofpunishmentforthesameoffense.Ifalawandan


ordinancepunishanact,convictionoracquittalundereithershallconstituteabartoanotherprosecutionforthesameact.Article39No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted, and no person shall be detainedsolelybyreasonofhisreligious,ideological,political,orotherbeliefs.Article40Nolimitationintheextentorapplicationoftherightsinthischaptershallbepermittedexceptinsofar as thisConstitutionexpressly allows.A foreignnationalwithin thePhilippines shallexercisetherightsprovidedinthischaptertothesameextentasaPhilippinecitizen,exceptinsofaras theydirectlyrelate topoliticalandeconomicacts limitedbyexpressprovisionoflaw. Article41TherightsunderthischaptershallbeenforceableagainsttheState,itsorgans,anditsofficers,and as the law provides, against private parties; provided that, even without statutoryprovision, the rights guaranteed under Articles 17, 18, 36, 37, 38 shall in all cases beenforceableagainstprivatepersonsandconstitutegroundsforcivilliability.

ChapterIIIDuties

Article42ItshallbethedutyofthecitizentobeloyaltotheRepublicofthePhilippinesandtohonorthePhilippineflag,todefendtheStateandcontributetoitsdevelopmentandwelfare,toupholdthe Constitution and obey the laws, pay taxes, and to cooperate with the duly constitutedauthorities in the attainment and maintenance of the rule of law and of a peaceful, just,humaneandorderlysociety.Article43The rights of the individual impose upon him the correlative duty to exercise themresponsiblyandwithdueregardfortherightsofothers.Article44CitizensandtheStateshallatalltimesrespectthelifeanddignityofeveryhumanpersonandupholdhumanrights. Article45Citizensshall exercise their right toabalancedandhealthfulecology,andcontribute to themaintenanceofaclean,enjoyableandsustainableenvironment.Article46It shall be the duty of every citizen to engage in gainful work and toworkwell to assurehimselfandhisfamilyalifeworthyofhumandignity.


Article47Citizens shall participate actively in public and civic affairs, and contribute to goodgovernance, honesty and integrity in the public service and the vitality and viability ofdemocracy.

ChapterIVSuffrage

Article48SuffragemaybeexercisedbyallcitizensofthePhilippineswhoarenototherwisedisqualifiedbylaw,whoareatleasteighteenyearsofage,andwhoshallhaveresidedinthePhilippinesfor at least one year and in the place where they propose to vote for at least six monthsimmediatelypreceding the election.Noother substantive requirement shall be imposedontheexerciseofsuffrage.Article49TheStateshallprovideasystemforsecuringthesecrecyandsanctityoftheballotaswellasasystemforabsenteevotingbyqualifiedFilipinosabroad.Itshallalsodesignaprocedureforthedisabledtovotewithouttheassistanceofotherpersons.Untilthen,theyshallbeallowedtovoteunderexistinglawsandsuchrulesastheCommissiononElectionsmaypromulgatetoprotectthesecrecyoftheballot.

Title III on

LegislativePower

ChapterITheNationalAssembly

Article50LegislativepowershallbevestedinaunicameralNationalAssembly,excepttotheextentasotherwiseprovidedinArticles76and77ofthisConstitution.Article51TheNationalAssemblyshallbecomposedofasmanymembersasmaybeprovidedby law,two‐thirds of whom shall be District Representatives elected from legislative districtsapportionedamongtheprovinces,cities,andtheMetropolitanManilaareainaccordancewiththe number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressiveratio,andone‐thirdofwhomshallbeParty‐listRepresentatives,whoshallbechosenbythepoliticalpartiesonthebasisofproportionalrepresentationaccordingtothevoteseachpartyobtainedintheprecedingelections.Eachlegislativedistrictshallcomprise,asfaraspracticable,contiguous,compactandadjacentterritory. Each legislativedistrict and each citywith apopulationof at least threehundred


thousand,andeachprovince,shallhaveatleastoneDistrictRepresentative.Within three years following the return of every census,which shall be conducted at leastonce every ten years, theNationalAssembly shall pass a law to reapportion the legislativedistrictsbasedonthestandardsprovidedinthisarticle.Article52Votersshallcastonevotefortheircandidateinthelegislativedistrictandanothervoteforthepoliticalpartyoftheirchoice.Nonamesofcandidatesshallappearontheparty‐listportionoftheballot,butshall insteadindicateabriefofficialstatementoftheprinciplesandproposedpoliciesandprogramofgovernmentofthedifferentpoliticalparties.Districtcandidatesmustreceivethemajorityofentirevotescastintheirrespectivelegislativedistricts tobedeclareddulyelectedDistrictRepresentatives,otherwisea failureofelectionmust be declared. In legislative districtswhere there are three ormore candidates, votersshallranktwoormorecandidatesinorderofpreference.Ballotsshallinitiallybedistributedbasedon the firstpreferenceof eachvoter. If a candidate securesmore thanhalf thevotescast,thatcandidatewins.Otherwise,thecandidatewiththefewestvotesshallbeeliminated,andrecountedandassignedtooneoftheremainingcandidatesbasedonthenextpreferenceoneachballot.Thisprocessshallcontinueuntilonecandidatewinsbyobtainingmorethanhalfthevotes.The total number of seats in the National Assembly, including both the legislative districtseats and the party‐list ones, shall be allocated to political parties proportionally to thenumberofvotes theparty receive in theparty‐listportionof theballot.Thequotaofvotesrequiredtowinaseatshallbedeterminedbytheformula:(V/(S+1))+1,whereV=totalnumberofvalidparty‐listvotes,andS=totalnumberofseatstobefilled.Toallocateseats,thenumberofvalidparty‐listvotesforeachpartyshallbedividedbythequota,resultinginan integer anda fractional remainder.Eachparty shall first be allocatedanumberof seatsequaltotheinteger.Partiesshallthenberankedonthebasisofthefractionalremainders,andthepartieswiththelargestremaindersshalleachbeallocatedanadditionalseatuntilalltheseatshavebeenallocated.Onlyapoliticalpartythatreceivesatleasttwoper centumofthetotalvalidpartyvotescastisentitledto theshare in thedistributionofseats.However,apartythatreceives fewervotesshall still be entitled to keep any legislative district seats that it wins. Likewise, overhangseats,occurringwhenapartywinsmorelegislativedistrictseatsthanitisentitledtofromitsproportionoftheparty‐listvotes,shallbeallowed.Party‐listRepresentativesshallbeproclaimedbytheCommissiononElectionsbasedontheirranking in the list submitted by the respective parties in accordance with Article 165,provided that any candidate, who has been duly elected in a legislative district, shall becrossedoffthelistandreplacedwiththenextcandidatedown.MembersoftheNationalAssemblyshallrepresenttheentireNation,andnotonlythevoterswhoelectedthem.Theyshallnotreceiveanyimperativemandatefromtheirvoters.


Article53NopersonshallbeamemberoftheNationalAssemblyunlessheisacitizenofthePhilippines,isamemberofnoclergyorsimilarreligiousdignitaryasforbiddenbyArticle6,and,onthedayoftheelection,isatleasttwenty‐fiveyearsofage,and,exceptParty‐listRepresentatives,aregisteredvoterinthedistrictinwhichheshallbeelected,andaresidentthereofforaperiodofnotlessthanoneyearimmediatelyprecedingthedayofelection.Article54The office of Representatives shall be for a term of four years, which shall begin, unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,atnoononthethirtiethdayofJunenextfollowingtheirelection.Unless otherwise provided by law, the ordinary election of the members of the NationalAssemblyshallbeheldonthesecondMondayofMayandeveryfouryearsthereafter.In case the National Assembly is dissolved, the President of the Republic shall call anextraordinary electionon thedate setby thePresidentof theCouncil ofGovernment tobeheldnotearlierthanforty‐fivedaysnorlaterthansixtydaysfromthedateofthedissolutionoftheNationalAssembly.InthenewNationalAssembly,themembersshallserveforatermoffouryearsbeginningfromthetimethePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentconvokestheNational Assembly, which shall not be later than twenty days immediately following theelections.IncaseanyvacancyarisesamongtheDistrictRepresentatives,anextraordinaryelectionmaybecalled to fill suchvacancy in themannerprescribedby law,but theRepresentative thuselectedshallserveonlyfortheunexpiredterm.IncaseofvacancyinseatsreservedforParty‐listRepresentatives,thepartyconcernedshallautomatically fill the vacancy with the next Representative on their list submitted underArticle 165, who shall serve for the unexpired term. If the list is exhausted, the partyconcernedshallsubmitadditionalcandidatestothelist.Article55TheNational Assembly shall convene once every year on the fourthMonday of July for itsordinarysession,unlessadifferentdateisfixedbylaw,andshallcontinuetobeinsessionforsuch number of days as it may determine until thirty days before the opening of its nextregularsession,exclusiveofSaturdays,Sundays,andlegalholidays.Itmayrecessforperiodsnot exceeding thirty days each, and not more than ninety days during the year. ThePermanentCommissionmaycallanextraordinarysessionatanytime.Article56Initsfirstsession,theNationalAssemblyshallelectitsPresidentbyamajorityvoteofallitsmembers from among themselves. It shall choose such other officers as it may deemnecessary. The President of the Assembly, once elected, shall preside over sessions of theNationalAssemblyandshallcontinueinofficeatthepleasureoftheNationalAssembly,butuntilsuchelectionhasbeenmadetheNationalAssemblyshallbepresidedbytheFatheroftheAssembly,who is theoldestand longest‐servingmemberof theNationalAssembly.Theelection of the President of the Council of Government shall precede all other business


followingtheelectionofthePresidentoftheNationalAssembly.At leastone‐thirdofthemembersof theNationalAssemblyshallconstituteaquorumtodobusiness,butasmallernumbermayadjournfromdaytodayandmaycompeltheattendanceof absentmembers in amanner, and under such penalties, as the National Assemblymayprovide.Provided,however,thatatleastamajorityofthemembersoftheNationalAssemblyshallconstituteaquorumforvoting.TheNationalAssemblymaydetermine the rulesof itsproceedings,punish itsmembers fordisorderlybehavior, andwith the concurrenceof two‐thirdsof all itsmembers, suspendorexpelamember.Apenaltyofsuspension,whenimposed,shallnotexceedsixtydays.TheNational Assembly shall keep and publish a Journal of its proceedings, excepting suchpartsasmay,initsjudgment,affectnationalsecurity;andtheyeasandnaysonanyquestionshall,attherequestofone‐fifthofthememberspresent,beenteredintheJournal.Article57ThesalariesofthePresidentoftheNationalAssemblyanditsmembersshallbedeterminedbylaw.Noincreaseincompensationshalltakeeffectuntilaftertheexpirationofthefulltermofallitsmembersapprovingsuchincrease.Article58AllmembersoftheNationalAssemblyshall,uponassumptionofoffice,makeafulldisclosureof their financial and business interests. They shall strictly avoid conflict of interest in theconduct of their office. They shall notify the National Assembly of a potential conflict ofinterestthatmayarisefromthefilingofaproposedlegislationofwhichtheyareauthors.Article59TherecordsandbooksofaccountsoftheNationalAssemblyshallbepreservedandbeopentothepublicinaccordancewithlaw,andsuchbooksshallbeauditedbytheCommissiononAuditwhichshallpublishannuallyanitemizedlistofamountspaidtoandexpensesincurredforeachRepresentative.Article60No member of the National Assembly shall hold any other office or employment in theGovernment, or any of its subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including government‐ownedor‐controlledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries,duringhistermwithoutforfeitinghisseat except that of President or Secretary of the Council of Government. Neither shall aRepresentative be appointed to any office thatmay have been created or the emolumentsthereofincreasedduringthetermforwhichhewaselected.Article61Nomemberof theNationalAssemblyshall,duringhis tenure,directlyor indirectlypracticeanyotherprofession,participateinanybusiness,orbeinterestedfinanciallyinanycontractwith,orinanyfranchiseorspecialprivilegegrantedbytheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agencyor instrumentality, includinganygovernment‐ownedor–controlledcorporations,ortheirsubsidiaries.Heshallnot intervene inanymatterbeforeanyofficeof theGovernment


forhispecuniarybenefitorwherehemaybecalledupontoactonaccountofhisoffice.Article62Amember of the National Assembly shall, in all offenses punishable by notmore than sixyearsimprisonment,beprivilegedfromarrestwhiletheNationalAssemblyisinsession.NoRepresentative shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech ordebateintheNationalAssemblyorinanyofitscommittees.Article63Nomoneyshallbepaidoutofthetreasuryexceptinpursuanceofanappropriationmadebylaw.Article64The President of the Council of Government shall submit to the National Assembly withinthirty days from the opening of each regular session, as the basis of the generalappropriationsbill, abudgetof receiptsbasedonexistingandproposedrevenuemeasures,and of expenditures. The form, content, andmanner of preparation of the budget shall beprescribedbylaw.No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general appropriations bill unless itrelatesspecificallytosomeparticularappropriationtherein.Anysuchprovisionorenactmentshallbelimitedinitsoperationtotheappropriationtowhichitrelates.TheprocedureinapprovingappropriationsfortheNationalAssemblyshallstrictlyfollowtheprocedureforapprovingappropriationsforothersecretariatsandagencies.If by the endof the fiscal year, theNationalAssembly shall have failed to pass the generalappropriationsbillfortheensuingfiscalyear,thegeneralappropriationlawfortheprecedingfiscalyearshallremaininforceuntilthegeneralappropriationsbillshallhavebeenpassedbytheNationalAssembly.Article65A special appropriation bill shall specify the purpose for which it is intended, and besupportedbyfunds,actuallyavailableascertifiedbytheNationalTreasurer,ortoberaisedbyacorrespondingrevenueproposal.Article66Nolawshallbepassedauthorizinganytransferofappropriations.However,thePresidentofthe Republic, the President of the Council of Government, the President of the NationalAssembly, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the heads of constitutionalcommissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in the general or specialappropriationslawfortheirrespectiveoffices,fromsavingsinotheritemsoftheirrespectiveappropriations.Discretionaryfundsappropriatedforparticularofficialsshallbedisbursedonlyforthepublicpurposestobesupportedbyappropriatevouchers,andsubjecttoeachguidelineasmaybeprescribedbylaw.


Article67The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The National Assembly shall evolve aprogressivesystemoftaxation.Article68TheNationalAssemblymay,bylaw,authorizethePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmenttofix,withinspecified limitsandsubject tosuch limitationsandrestrictionsas itmay impose,tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and other duties orimposts,withintheframeworkofthenationaldevelopmentprogramoftheGovernment.Article69Allmoneycollectedonanytaxleviedforaspecialpurposeshallbetreatedasaspecialfundandpaidoutforsuchpurposeonly.Ifthepurposeforwhichaspecial fundwascreatedhasbeen fulfilled or abandoned, any balance shall be transferred to the general funds of theGovernment.Article70NolawgrantinganytaxexemptionshallbepassedwithouttheconcurrenceofamajorityofallRepresentatives.Charitableinstitutions,churchesandparsonagesorconvents,mosques,nonprofitcemeteries,and all lands, buildings, and improvements actually, directly and exclusively used forreligious,charitable,oreducationalpurposesshallbeexemptfromtaxation.Nopublicmoney or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or employed, directly orindirectly, for the use, benefit or support of any sect, church, denomination and sectarianinstitution, or any system of religion, or of any priest, preacher, minister, other religiousteacher, or dignitary as such except when such priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary isassignedtotheArmedForcesofthePhilippines.Article71No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by amajorityofallmembersoftheNationalAssembly.Article72TheNationalAssembly,byavoteoftwo‐thirdsofitsmembers,shallhavethesolepowertodeclaretheexistenceofastateofwar.Intimesofwarorothernationalemergency,theNationalAssemblymaybylawauthorizethePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,foralimitedperiodandsubjecttosuchrestrictionsas the lawmayprescribe, toexercisepowersnecessaryandproper to carryout adeclarednational policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution of the National Assembly, suchpowersshallceaseuponitsnextadjournment.Article73NolawshallbepassedincreasingtheappellatejurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeas


providedinthisConstitution,withoutitsadviceandconcurrence.Article74Therightsoflegitimateinstitutionsofindigenous,tribal,ornativenobilityshallbeprotected,providedthatnolawgrantinganewhereditarytitleofroyaltyornobilityshallbeenacted.Conspicuous services renderedby citizens of theRepublicmaybe rewarded in accordancewiththeHonorsCodeofthePhilippines.Article75No bill except those of local application shall be calendared without the priorrecommendationoftheCouncilofGovernment.Nobillshallbecomealawunlessithaspassedthreereadingsonseparatedays,andprintedcopiesinitsfinalformhavebeendistributedtothemembersoftheNationalAssemblythreedaysbeforeitspassage,exceptwhenthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentcertifiestothenecessityof its immediateenactment tomeetapubliccalamityoremergency.Uponthelastreadingofabill,noamendment theretoshallbeallowed,andthevote thereonshallbetakenimmediatelythereafter,andtheyeasandnaysenteredintheJournal.EverybillpassedbytheNationalAssemblyshallembraceonlyonesubjectmatter,whichshallbeexpressedinitstitle.EverybillpassedbytheNationalAssemblyshall,beforeitbecomesalaw,bepresentedtothePresident of the Council of Government. If the President of the Council of Governmentapproves the same, he shall forward it to the Council of State for promulgation by thePresidentoftheRepublic.ThePresidentoftheRepublicshallactoneverybill forwardedtohimwithintwentydaysafterthedateofreceiptthereof.IfwithinthisperiodthePresidentoftheRepublicshouldfailtopromulgateit,heshallreturnsametotheNationalAssemblywithhisreasonsforthereturn.IfrepassedbytheNationalAssemblybytwo‐thirdsofitsmemberspresent in quorum, the Council of Government shall promulgate it within ten days, with amanifestationofitsnon‐conformitywiththePresidentoftheRepublic.The promulgation of laws shall be made by publishing them in the Official Gazette of theRepublicof thePhilippines,andshallhave forceof lawnotmore than thirtydays followingsuchpublication. Article76Where a Bill has been passed by the National Assembly, one‐third of the members of theNationalAssemblymaywithinthreeweekdaysfromthefinalpassingoftheBillrequestofthePresidentoftheNationalAssemblythattheBillbesubjectedtoaReferendum.SuchrequestshallbemadeinwritingandsignedbytheRepresentativesmakingtherequest.ExceptintheinstancementionedinParagraph7ofthisarticle,noBillwhichmaybesubjectedto aReferendumunderParagraph6 shall bepromulgatedby thePresidentof theRepublicbefore the expiration of the time limitmentioned in Paragraph 1, or before a Referendumrequestedasaforesaidhastakeplace.


WhereaReferendumonaBillhasbeenrequestedtheNationalAssemblymaywithinaperiodoffiveweekdaysfromthefinalpassingoftheBillresolvethattheBillshallbewithdrawn.WheretheNationalAssemblyhasmadenoresolutioninaccordancewithParagraph3,noticeto the effect that the Bill will be put to a Referendum shall without delay be given to thePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,whoshallthencausetheBilltobepublishedtogetherwithastatementthataReferendumwillbeheld.TheReferendumshallbeheldinaccordancewiththedecisionofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentnotlessthantwelveandnotmorethaneighteenweekdaysafterthepublicationoftheBill.At the Referendum votes shall be cast for or against the Bill. For the Bill to be rejected amajorityoftheelectorstakingpartinthevoting,however,notlessthanthirtyper centumofallpersonsentitledtovote,shallhavevotedagainsttheBill.Finance Bills, Supplementary Appropriation Bills, Provisional Appropriation Bills,Government Loan Bills, Civil Servants (Amendment) Bills, Salaries and Pensions Bills,NaturalizationBills,ExpropriationBills,Taxation (Direct and Indirect)Bills, aswell asBillsintroducedforthepurposeofdischargingexistingtreatyobligationsshallnotbesubjecttoadecisionbyReferendum.AmendmentsofthisConstitutionshallbegovernedbytheruleslaiddowninTitleXofthisConstitution.Inanemergency,aBill thatmaybesubjected toaReferendummaybepromulgatedby thePresidentoftheRepublicimmediatelyafterithasbeenpassed,providedthattheBillcontainsaprovisiontothateffect.WhereundertherulesofParagraph1,one‐thirdofthemembersofthe National Assembly request a Referendum on the Bill or on the Act which has beenpromulgatedbythePresidentoftheRepublic,suchReferendumshallbeheldinaccordancewiththeaboverules.WheretheactisrejectedbytheReferendum,anannouncementtothateffectshallbemadebythePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentwithoutunduedelayandnot later than fourteen days after the Referendum was held. From the date of suchannouncementtheActshallbecomeineffective.TheNationalAssemblyshall,asearlyaspossible,provide forrules forReferenda, includingtheextent towhichReferendashallbeheld inanautonomous territory,and theexceptionstherefrom.Article77Thepeoplecandirectlyproposeandenact lawsorapproveorrejectanyactor laworpartthereofpassedbytheNationalAssemblyoralocallegislativebodyaftertheregistrationofapetitionsignedbyat least tenper centumof thetotalnumberofregisteredvoters,ofwhichevery legislativedistrictmustberepresentedbyat least threeper centum of theregisteredvotersthereof.Article78TheNationalAssemblyoranyofitscommitteesmayconductinquiriesinaidoflegislationinaccordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The dignity and rights of personsappearinginoraffectedbysuchinquiriesshallberespected.


Article79ThereshallbeaquestionhourasoftenasitsrulesmayprovideduringwhichthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentoranySecretaryofthesame,upontheirowninitiativeorasmayberequiredbytheNationalAssembly,canappearbeforeandbeheardtoanswerquestionsand interpellations bymembers of the National Assembly on anymatter pertaining to theGovernmentor itsSecretariats.WrittenquestionsshallbesubmittedtothePresidentoftheNationalAssemblyatleastthreedaysbeforetheirscheduledappearance.Interpellationsshallnotbelimitedtowrittenquestions,butmaycoverrelatedmatters.Theagendashallspecifythe subjects of the question hour.When the security of the state or the public interest sorequires,andthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentsostatesinwriting,theappearanceshallbeconductedinexecutivesession.Article80The National Assembly may withdraw its confidence from the President of the Council ofGovernmentonlybyelectingasuccessorbyamajorityvoteofitsmembers.Nomotionfortheelectionofsuchsuccessorshallbedebatedandvoteduponuntilafterthelapseofthreedaysfromthesubmittalofsuchmotion.ThePresident of theCouncil ofGovernment or anymember of theNationalAssemblymayrequestforapopularvoteofconfidencefromtheNationalAssemblyonfundamentalissueorageneraldeclarationofprogramorpolicywhichmustbevoteduponafterseventy‐twohourshaveelapsedfromitssubmission.Ifthevoteofconfidenceisnotcarriedbythemajorityofthemembers,thePresidentoftheRepublicuponwrittenadviceofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshalldissolve theNationalAssemblynotearlier than threedaysnor later thantendays fromreceiptof theadvice, andcall foranelection.However,nodissolutionof theNational Assembly or vote of confidence shall take place within one year immediatelyprecedingorfollowingageneralelection.Article81In case of dissolution of the National Assembly or the termination of its regular term, theCouncil ofGovernment and its incumbentPresident shall continue to conduct theaffairsofGovernmentuntil thenewNationalAssembly isconvokedby its incumbentPresidentandanewPresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentiselectedandqualified.Article82WithinthirtydaysaftertheNationalAssemblyshallhavebeenorganizedwiththeelectionofitsPresident, theElectoralTribunalshallbeconstituted,whichshallbethesole judgeofallcontests relating to the election, returns and qualifications of themembers of theNationalAssembly,andthesolecorporationresponsibleforsponsoringthenominationofcandidatesforVicePresidentoftheRepublic.TheElectoralTribunalshallbecomposedofninemembers,three of whom shall be Ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice to be designated by itsPresident, threetobechosenbythemajorityparty,andthreetobechosenbytheminorityparty from their respective members in the National Assembly. A majority vote of all itsmembers shall decide which of the three Ministers shall be its president. The ElectoralTribunalshallpromulgateitsownrulesofprocedures.ThedecisionoftheElectoralTribunalisfinalandnotsubjecttoanyappealinorreviewbytheSupremeCourtofJustice.


Article83WithinthirtydaysaftertheNationalAssemblyshallhavebeenorganizedwiththeelectionofits President, the Commission on Appointments shall be constituted consisting of thePresident of the National Assembly, as exofficio President, and not more than thirty‐sixmemberselectedbytheNationalAssemblyonthebasisofproportionalrepresentationfromthepoliticalparties represented therein.Nomemberof theCouncilofGovernment shallbeelectedintotheCommissiononAppointments.Article84TheCommissiononAppointmentsshallmeetonlywhentheNationalAssemblyisinsession.ThePresidentoftheCommissiononAppointmentsshallactonallappointmentssubmittedtoitwithinthirtysessiondaysoftheNationalAssembly.TheCommissiononAppointmentsshallrulebyamajorityvoteof all itsmembers.ThePresidentof theCommission shallnot vote,except in case of a tie. The rules of the Commission shall be approved by the NationalAssembly.

ChapterIIThePermanentCommission

Article85The National Assembly, one day before the ordinary period of sessions is officially closed,shallelectelevenofitsmembersonthebasisofproportionalrepresentationfromthepoliticalpartiesrepresentedthereintoconstitutethePermanentCommissionduringtheperiodthatitis in recess.Nomember of the Council of Government shall be elected into the PermanentCommission.Article86The Permanent Commission shall designate its President in its first session, and shallthereaftermeetwheneverconvenedby itsPresident.ThePermanentCommissionshallrulebyamajorityvoteofall itsmembers.ThePresidentofthePermanentCommissionshallnotvote, except in case of a tie. The Permanent Commission shall promulgate its own rules ofprocedures.Article87ThePermanentCommissionintheabsenceoftheNationalAssembly,shallbeempoweredto:

1. SubstitutefortheNationalAssemblyintheexerciseofitspowers,exceptinthepowerofcreatingandpassinglawsorvotesofconfidence;

2. Declare whether or not there is sufficient cause to take legal action against thePresidentoftheRepublic,thePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,theSecretariesofGovernment,theMembersoftheNationalAssembly,thePresidentoftheSupremeCourt of Justice, or theMinisters of the SupremeCourt in cases provided for in thisConstitution,andconvenetheNationalAssembly inextraordinarysessionswhentheTribunalofJusticemustbeconstituted;and

3. ActonmattersthathaveremainedunresolvedbytheNationalAssemblyinorderfor


them to be taken into consideration, and convene the National Assembly inextraordinarysessionswhentheexigencyoftheunresolvedmattersorequires.

Title IV on

ExecutivePower

ChapterICommonProvisions

Article88ExecutivepowerresidesinthePresidentoftheRepublic,whoshallexerciseitonlyuponthedirectionoftheCouncilofGovernmentandthebindingadviceofitspresident.Article89Theadministrationof theparticular interestsofbarangays,municipalities, cities,provinces,autonomous territories, and the State shall be entrusted respectively to their respectiveassemblies and councils in accordance with law, and shall be based on the broadestdecentralizationandautonomyofadministration.

ChapterIIThePresidentoftheRepublic

Article90ThePresidentoftheRepublic,astheHeadofState,symbolizesthesovereigntyofthepeopleand the unity and solidarity of the nation with its ethnic, linguistic, cultural, social andeconomic diversities. The civilian control of the military is vested in the President of theRepublicastheCaptain‐GeneralofalltheArmedForcesofthePhilippines.Article91ThePresidentof theRepublic shallnotbeelected,but shall serve for a single termofnineyears, or until he becomes incapacitated to discharge the duties of the Presidency,commencingfromthedateheascendsfromthepositionofVicePresidentoftheRepublicintotheofficeofthePresidencyimmediatelyuponitsvacancy.Article92TheelectionoftheVicePresidentoftheRepublicshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydaysnorlaterthanninetydaysfromthedateofthevacancyoftheVicePresidency.ThePresidentoftheNationalAssemblyshallfixthedayofelectionandshallnotifyitinwritingatleasttwentydaysinadvancetoallthemembersoftheElectoralAssembly,whichiscomposedofmembersof theNationalAssembly and all themembers of the assemblies of autonomous territoriesvotingtogetherasonebody.The Vice President of the Republic shall be elected from among three qualified candidates


nominated by the Electoral Tribunal. No person shall qualify for election as Vice Presidentunlesshe:

1. Isanatural‐borncitizenofthePhilippines;2. Isatleastfifty‐sixyearsofageandretiredonthedayofelection;3. Isa registeredvoterandresidentof thePhilippines foraperiodofnot less than ten

yearsimmediatelyprecedingthedateofelection;4. As required by Article 6, is a member of no clergy, whether as a priest, preacher,

minister,otherreligiousteacher,ordignitaryassuch;5. Isamemberofnopoliticalpartyorcoalitionforaperiodofnotlessthansixmonths

immediatelyprecedingthedateofelection;6. Is a well‐accomplished person with years of experience as a noted and recognized

leaderandexpertinhisfield;7. Has had his nomination sponsored by at least two‐thirds of the members of the

ElectoralTribunal;and8. Hasconsentedtothenominationinwriting.

TheVicePresidentshallbeelectedfromamongthethreequalifiedcandidatesthroughsecretballotwithout debate by the Electoral Assembly. The ballots shall be counted immediatelyafterthevotingandthenomineereceivingamajorityvoteofallthemembersoftheElectoralAssemblyshallthereuponbeimmediatelyproclaimed.Incasesuchmajorityisnotobtained,arun‐offelectionshallbeconductedbetweenthetwocandidatesobtainingthehighestnumberofvotes.Thepersonobtainingthehighernumbershallbedeclaredelected.Article93Onassumingoffice,theVicePresidentshallmakethefollowingsolemnAffirmationinwritingbeforetheCouncilofState:“I do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, and will continue to do so when I become the President of the Republic of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every person, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation.” TwoidenticaloriginalsoftheAffirmationshallbeexecuted,oneofwhichshallbehandedovertotheNationalAssemblytobepreservedinitsarchives,andtheotherbefiledintheNationalArchivesofthePhilippines.Article94ThePresidentandVicePresidentoftheRepublicshallbepoliticallyneutral,shallnotbecomemembersofanypoliticalpartyorcoalition,andshallforfeittheirrighttoexercisesuffrage.Article95ThePresident andVicePresident of theRepublic shall eachhave an official residence. ThesalariesandemolumentsofthePresidentandVicePresidentoftheRepublicshallforeachbedeterminedbylawandshallnotbeincreasednordecreasedduringtheirtenure.


Article96TheofficesofthePresidentandVicePresidentoftheRepublicshallenjoyfiscalindependence.Appropriationsforthesaidofficesshallbeperiodicallyincreasedbyasmuchastheprojectedrate of inflation for the current fiscal year and shall not, under any situation, bedecreasedbelow the amount appropriated for the previous year. After approval of the budget by theNational Assembly, the amounts so appropriated shall be automatically and regularlyreleased.Article97ThePresident andVicePresidentof theRepublic shall eachbe subject to theprovisionsofArticles60and61ofthisConstitution.Article98The President of the Republic shall address the National Assembly at the opening of itsordinarysession.HemayalsoaddressmessagestotheNationalAssemblyorappearbeforeitanyothertime.Article99ThePresidentoftheRepublicshallappointthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentwithinthreedaysfollowingthelatter’selectionbytheNationalAssembly. Article100The President of the Republic shall act on behalf of the Republic in international affairs.Provided thatwithout consentof theNationalAssembly thePresidentof theRepublic shallnotundertakeanyactwherebytheterritoryoftheRepublicwillbe increasedordecreased,nor shall he enter into anyobligationwhich for fulfillment requires the concurrenceof theNationalAssembly,orwhichotherwiseisofmajorimportance;norshallthePresidentoftheRepublic, except with the consent of the National Assembly, terminate any internationaltreatyenteredintowiththeconsentoftheNationalAssembly.ExceptforpurposesofdefenseagainstanarmedattackupontheRepublicorPhilippineforcesthePresidentoftheRepublicshallnotusemilitaryforceagainstanyforeignstatewithouttheconsentoftheNationalAssembly.AnymeasurethatthePresidentoftheRepublicmaytakeinpursuanceof thisprovisionshall immediatelybe submitted to theNationalAssembly,or tothePermanentCommissioniftheNationalAssemblyisnotinsession.Article101ThePresidentoftheRepublicshallreceivetheannualreportsoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeontheactivitiesof theJudiciarywithinthirtydaysof theopeningof theNationalAssembly.The President of the Republic shall also receive the annual reports of the ConstitutionalCommissions.Article102The President of the Republic shall accredit ambassadors and special envoys and receiveambassadors and diplomatic envoys duly accredited to the Republic of the Philippines. HeshallalsoappointallofficersandemployeesinhisofficeinaccordancewiththeCivilServiceLaw.


Article103The President of the Republic, upon the binding advice of the President of the Council ofGovernmentandwheneveritbecomesnecessary,maycalloutsucharmedforcestopreventorsuppresslawlessviolence,invasionorrebellion.Incaseofinvasion,rebellionorimminentdangerthereof,upontheadviceofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentandwhenthepublic safety requires it, he or shemay, for aperiodnot exceeding sixtydays, suspend theprivilegeofthewritsofhabeas corpus,habeas data,oramparo,orplacethePhilippinesoranypartthereofundermartiallaw.Withinforty‐eighthoursfromtheproclamationofmartiallaworthesuspensionofthewritsofhabeas corpus,habeas data,oramparo,thePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallsubmitareportinpersonorinwritingtotheNationalAssembly.TheNationalAssembly,byavoteofatleastamajorityofallitsRepresentatives,mayrevokesuchproclamationorsuspension,whichrevocationshallnotbesetasidebythePresidentoftheRepublicorthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment.Upon the initiative of the President of the Council of Government and approved by thePresident of the Republic, the National Assembly may, in the same manner, extend suchproclamationor suspension for aperiod tobedeterminedby theNationalAssembly, if theinvasion,rebellionorimminentdangerthereofshallpersistandpublicsafetyrequiresit.ThePermanentCommissionshall, followingsuchproclamationorsuspension,substitutefortheNationalAssemblyifnotinsession,andshallconvenewithintwelvehours.TheSupremeCourtofJusticemayreview,inanappropriateproceedingfiledbyanycitizen,thesufficiencyofthefactualbasisoftheproclamationofmartiallaworthesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewritsorextensionthereof,andmustrelease itsdecisionthereonwithinthirtydaysfromitsfiling.A stateofmartial lawdoesnot suspend theoperationof theConstitution,nor supplant thefunctioningofthecivilcourtsorlocallegislativeassemblies,norauthorizetheconfermentofjurisdictiononmilitarycourtsandagenciesoverwherecivilcourtsareabletofunction,norautomatically suspend theprivilege of thewrit. The suspensionof theprivilege of thewritshallapplyonlytopersonsjudiciallychargedforrebellionoroffensesinherentinordirectlyconnectedwithinvasion.Duringthesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewrits,anypersonthusarrested or detained shall be judicially charged or released within the period required inArticle31. Article104UponthebindingadviceofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,andnotwithoutsuchadvice,thePresidentoftheRepublicshallalsoexercisethefollowingpowersandfunctions:

1. Declareastateofwarornationalemergency;2. ConvenetheNationalAssemblyfollowingtheelectionofitsmembers;3. DissolvetheNationalAssemblywhentheGovernmentlosesavoteofconfidence;4. Call the National Assembly to an extraordinary sessionwith the concurrence of the

PermanentCommission;5. Promulgatealllaws,treatiesandinternationalagreements;6. AppointtheregularmembersoftheJudicialandBarCouncil;


7. AppointthePresidentandMinistersoftheSupremeCourtofJustice;8. AppointtheChairmanandMembersoftheConstitutionalCommissions;and9. AppointtheChiefofStaffandtheheadsofallthearmedservices.

Article105Exceptincasesofimpeachment,orasotherwiseprovidedinthisConstitution,thePresidentoftheRepublic,upontherecommendationofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,maygrant pardon, and, after conviction by final judgment, grant reprieves, commutations, andremitfinesandforfeitures.Heshall,upontherecommendationofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment,havethepowertograntamnestywiththeconcurrenceofamajorityofalltheRepresentativesintheNationalAssembly.Article106ThePresidentoftheRepublicmay,intheeventofhisillnessorabsence,delegatetemporarilysomeorallhisdutiestotheVicePresidentoftheRepublic.Temporarydelegationofalldutiesshallnot exceed threemonthswithoutbringing intoquestion in theNationalAssembly theincapacityof thePresidentof theRepublic. If thePresidentof theRepublic is judgedbytheNational Assembly to be incapacitated, he or she shall vacate the Presidency and the VicePresidentshallascendintotheofficeofthePresidency.Article107IftheboththePresidencyandtheVicePresidencyoftheRepublicisvacant,thefunctionsofaninterimPresidentoftheRepublicshallbeexercisedbythePresidentoftheSupremeCourtofJusticewhoseofficeshallbetakenoverbyoneoftheotherMinistersoftheSupremeCourtof Justiceinaccordancewithlaw.The interimPresidentoftheRepublicshallhavethesamepowers, functions, and limitations as the regular President of the Republic, but shall onlyserve until the regular Vice President has been elected and ascended into the position ofPresident,afterwhichheshallreturntobeingaMinisteroftheSupremeCourtpursuanttohispreviousappointment.

ChapterIIITheCouncilofState

Article108ThemembersoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallformtheCouncilofState,inwhichtheVicePresident of theRepublic shall have a seatwhenhe has been elected. The Council of StateshallbepresidedoverbythePresidentoftheRepublic.Article109All Bills and important government measures shall be discussed in the Council of State.However,ifthePresidentoftheRepublicshouldbepreventedfromholdingaCouncilofStatehemay entrust the discussion of amatter to the Council of Government. The vote of eachSecretary shall be entered in a Journal, and any question shall be decided by amajority ofvotes. The President of the Council of Government shall submit the Journal, signed by theSecretaries present, to the President of the Republic, who shall decide whether he willimmediatelyconsenttotherecommendationsoftheCouncilofGovernment,orreturnsamein


accordancewiththisConstitution.

ChapterIVTheCouncilofGovernment

Article110ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentistheHeadofGovernmentoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesandshallhavetheassistanceoftheSecretariesofthesameCouncil.Article111The President of the Council of Government shall be elected by the National Assembly bysecretballotandamajorityvoteofallitsmembersfromamongthemselvesandappointedbythePresidentof theRepublic.Bya systemofeliminationandsubsequent secretvoting, theonereceivingthehighestnumberofvotes,withamajority,shallbeelectedPresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentandappointedwithinthreedaysbythePresidentoftheRepublic.Article112The President of the Council of Government shall form the Council of Government byappointingtheVicePresidentwhoshallheadasecretariat,andtheSecretarieswhoshallbethe heads of the secretariats, at least three‐fourths of who shall come from the NationalAssembly. They may be removed at the discretion of the President of the Council ofGovernment.ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallalsoappointthecareerPermanentSecretaryfor each secretariatwho shall be the chief administrator of the secretariat. ThePermanentSecretary shall be appointed under the Career Civil Service rules and shall enjoy tenure ofofficeunlessremovedforcause.Husband andwife, parent and child or two siblingsmay never sit at the same time in theCouncilofGovernment.Article113Beforetheyenterontheexecutionoftheiroffice,thePresident,VicePresident,andtheotherSecretaries of the Council of Government shall make the following solemn Affirmation inwritingbeforetheCouncilofState:“I do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as (name of position) of the Republic of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every person, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation.” TwoidenticaloriginalsoftheAffirmationshallbeexecuted,oneofwhichshallbehandedovertotheNationalAssemblytobepreservedinitsarchives,andtheotherbefiledintheNationalArchivesofthePhilippines.Article114ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallhaveanofficialresidence.Thesalariesand


emoluments of the President and the Secretaries of the Council of Government shall bedetermined by law and shall not be increased nor decreased during their tenure. ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallreceiveanannualsalaryasthatofthePresidentoftheRepublic.Article115MembersoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallbesubjecttotheprovisionsofArticles60and61ofthisConstitution.Article116ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentmayresignfromhispositioninawrittennoticetothePresidentoftheRepublic.TheVicePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentoranyothermemberthereofmaytenderhisorherresignationinawrittennoticetothePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentwithoutvacatinghisseatintheNationalAssembly.Article117TheCouncilofGovernmentanditsPresidentshallberesponsibletotheNationalAssemblyforthe program of government and shall determine the guidelines of national policy. ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshall,atthebeginningofeachregularsessionoftheNationalAssemblyandfromtimetotimethereafter,presenttheprogramofgovernmentandrecommend for the consideration of the National Assembly such measures he may deemnecessaryandproper.Article118ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallhavecontrolofallsecretariats,bureaus,andoffices. He shall have supervision and administration over autonomous territories, localgovernments,andalloftheArmedForcesofthePhilippines.Heshallensurethatthelawsbefaithfullyexecuted.Article119Twomonthsimmediatelybeforethenextregularelectionsanduptotheendofhisterm,thePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallnotmakeappointments,excepttemporaryappointmentstoexecutivepositionswhencontinuedvacanciesthereinwillprejudicepublicserviceorendangerpublicsafety.Article120The President of the Council of Government shall, with the consent of the Commission onAppointments,recommendtothePresidentoftheRepublictheappointmentoftheMinistersof the Supreme Court of Justice and the magistrates of lower collegiate courts, theOmbudsmanandhisdeputies,theChairmanandMembersoftheconstitutionalcommissions,theChairmanandMembersoftheindependentconstitutionalbodies,Ambassadors,ChiefsofMissionandConsuls‐General,theChiefofStaff,theViceChiefofStaff,andthecommandersofthemajorservicesof theArmedForcesof thePhilippinesand theofficersof thePhilippineNationalPoliceofequivalentrankandgrade,andallotherofficersoftheGovernmentwhoseappointmentsmaybesubjectforconfirmationasprovidedinthisConstitutionorbylaw.The President of the Council of Government shall also recommend to the President of the


Republictheappointmentoftheheadsofthebureausandoffices,otherpublicsecretariesandconsuls,theofficersofthearmedforcesfromtherankofcolonelornavalcaptain,theofficersofthePhilippineNationalPolicefromtherankofseniorsuperintendent,andallotherofficersoftheGovernmentwhoseappointmentsarenototherwiseprovidedbylaw,andthosewhomhe may be authorized by law to appoint. The National Assembly may, by law, vest theappointment of other officers lower in rank in the heads of secretariats, courts agencies,commissions,orboards.The President of the Council of Government shall have the power to make appointmentsduring the recess of the National Assembly, whether voluntary or compulsory, but suchappointmentsshallbeeffectiveonlyuntilconcurrencebytheCommissiononAppointmentsoruntilthenextadjournmentofNationalAssembly.Article121ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentmaycontractorguaranteeforeignloansonbehalfof the Republic of the Philippines with the prior concurrence of the Monetary Board, andsubjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.TheMonetaryBoardshall,withinthirtydays fromtheendofeveryquarterof thecalendaryear,submit to theNationalAssemblyacompletereportof itsdecisionsonapplicationsfor loanstobecontractedorguaranteedbythe Government or government‐owned or ‐controlled corporations which would have theeffectofincreasingtheforeigndebtandcontainingothermattersprovidedbylaw.

Title V on

JudicialPowerArticle122ThejudicialpowershallbevestedinoneSupremeCourtofJusticeandinsuchlowercourtsasmaybeestablishedbylaw.Article123The National Assembly shall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion thejurisdiction of the various courts but may not deprive the Supreme Court of Justice of itsjurisdiction over cases enumerated inArticle 126.No law shall be passed reorganizing theJudiciarywhenitunderminesthesecurityoftenureofitsmembers.Article124The Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may not bereducedbytheNationalAssemblybelowtheamountappropriatedforthepreviousyearand,afterapproval,shallbeautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.Article125The Supreme Court of Justice shall be composed of fifteen Ministers appointed by thePresident of the Republic upon the binding advice of the President of the Council ofGovernment and subject to the confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. ThePresidentof theSupremeCourtof Justiceshallbeelected forasingle termof twoyearsby


secretballotandamajorityvoteofalltheMinistersfromamongthemselves.Byasystemofeliminationandsubsequentsecretvoting,theonereceivingthehighestnumberofvotes,withamajority, shallbeelectedPresidentof theSupremeCourtof JusticeandappointedwithinthreedaysbythePresidentoftheRepublic.TheSupremeCourtofJusticemaysiten bancorinitsdiscretion,indivisionofthree,five,orsevenMinisters.ExceptincasesdescribedinArticle107,anyvacancyshallbefilledwithinninetydaysfromsuchvacancy.All cases involving the constitutionality of a treaty, international or executive agreementwhichshallbeheardbytheSupremeCourtofJusticeen banc,andallothercaseswhichunderthe Rules of Court are required to be heard en banc, including those involving theconstitutionality, application, or operation of presidential decrees, proclamations, orders,instructions,ordinances,andotherregulations,shallbedecidedwiththeconcurrenceoftwothirdsoftheMemberswhoactuallytookpartinthedeliberationsontheissuesinthecaseandvotedthereon.Casesormattersheardbyadivisionshallbedecidedorresolvedwiththeconcurrenceofamajority of theMemberswho actually took part in the deliberations in the case and votedthereon,andinnocase,withouttheconcurrenceofatleastthreeofsuchMembers.Whentherequirednumberisnotobtained,thecaseshallbedecideden banc:Provided,thatnodoctrineorprincipleoflawlaiddownbythecourtinadecisionrendereden bancorindivisionmaybemodifiedorreversedexceptbyavoteoftwothirdsofalltheMembers.Article126TheSupremeCourtofJusticeshallhavethefollowingpowers:

1. Exerciseoriginaljurisdictionovercasesaffectingambassadors,otherpublicministersand consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition,mandamus,quowarranto,habeascorpus,habeasdata,andamparo.

2. Review,revise,reverse,modify,oraffirmonappealorcertiorariasthelawortheRulesofCourtmayprovide,finaljudgmentsandordersoflowercourtsin:

a. Allcasesinwhichtheconstitutionalityorvalidityofanytreaty,internationalorexecutiveagreement,law,presidentialdecree,proclamation,order,instruction,ordinance,orregulationisinquestion.

b. All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or anypenaltyimposedinrelationthereto.

c. Allcasesinwhichthejurisdictionofanylowercourtisinissue.d. All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or life

imprisonment.e. Allcasesinwhichonlyanerrororquestionoflawisinvolved.

3. Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest mayrequire.Suchtemporaryassignmentshallnotexceedsixmonthswithouttheconsentofthejudgeconcerned.

4. Orderachangeofvenueorplaceoftrialtoavoidamiscarriageofjustice.5. Promulgaterulesconcerningtheprotectionandenforcementofconstitutionalrights,

pleading,practiceandprocedureinallcourts,theadmissiontothepracticeoflaw,theIntegratedBar,andlegalassistancetotheunderprivileged.Suchrulesshallprovideasimplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of cases, shall be


uniform for all courts of the same grade, and shall not diminish, increase ormodifysubstantiverights.Rulesofprocedureofspecialcourtsandquasi‐judicialbodiesshallremaineffectiveunlessdisapprovedbytheSupremeCourtofJustice.

6. AppointallofficialsandemployeesoftheJudiciaryinaccordancewiththeCivilServiceLaw.

Article127The Supreme Court of Justice, through the Office of the Court Administrator, shall haveadministrativesupervisionoveralllowercourts.Article128NopersonshallbeappointedMinisterof theSupremeCourtof Justiceormagistrateofanycollegiatecourtunlesshe isacitizenof thePhilippines.AMinisterof theSupremeCourtofJusticemust be at least forty years of age andmust have been for fifteen years ormore amagistrateorjudgeofalowercourtorengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines.TheNationalAssemblyshallprescribe thequalificationsofmagistratesand judgesof lowercourts, but no person may be appointed magistrate or judge unless he is a citizen of thePhilippinesandamemberofthePhilippineBar.Amember of the Judiciarymust be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, andindependence.Article129A Judicial and Bar Council shall be composed of sevenmembers: a retiredMinister of theSupremeCourtof JusticeasPresident,with two representatives from the IntegratedBarofthe Philippines, two professors of law, and two representatives from the private sector asmembers.Themembers of the Council shall be appointed by the President of the Republic upon thebinding advice of the President of the Council of Government and confirmed by theCommissiononAppointmentsforatermoffiveyearswithoutreappointment.The Council shall enjoy fiscal autonomy and its approved annual appropriation shall beautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.TheCouncilshallhavethefollowingprincipalpowersandfunctions:

1. Recommendappointeestoallcollegiatecourtsandlowercourts;2. Discipline magistrates and judges of the said courts, or order their dismissal by a

majorityvoteofallthemembersofthecouncil;and3. Performotherpowersandfunctionsasmaybeauthorizedbylaw.

Article130The decision of the Judicial and Bar Council, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers asprovided in theprecedingarticle, shallbeappealableoncertiorari to theSupremeCourtofJustice.


Article131ThePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentshallappointmagistratesofallcollegiatecourtsand judges of lower courts from among the list submitted by the Judicial and Bar Councilwithinninetydaysfromthesubmissionofthelist.Suchappointmentneedsnoconfirmation.Article132The salary of the President and Ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice, magistrates ofcollegiatecourts,andjudgesoflowercourtsshallbefixedbylaw.Duringtheircontinuanceinoffice,theirsalaryshallnotbedecreasedanduponretirement,theyshallallbecoveredbyauniformretirementplanprescribedbylaw.Article133ThemembersoftheSupremeCourtofJustice,magistratesofcollegiatecourts,andjudgesoflowercourtsshallholdofficeduringgoodbehavioruntiltheyreachtheageofseventyyearsorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheiroffice.Article134ThemembersoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeandofothercourtsestablishedbylawshallnotbedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasi‐judicialoradministrativefunctions.Article135The conclusionsof theSupremeCourtof Justice in any case submitted to it fordecisionen bancor indivisionshallbereachedinconsultationbeforethecaseisassignedtoamemberforthewritingoftheopinionoftheCourt.AcertificationtothiseffectsignedbyitsPresidentshall be issued and a copy shall be attached to the recordof the case and servedupon theparties.Anymemberswhotooknopart,dissented,orabstainedfromadecisionorresolutionmuststatethereason.Thesamerequirementsshallbeobservedbyallcollegiateand lowercourts.Article136Nodecisionshallberenderedbyanycourtwithoutexpressingclearlyanddistinctlythefactsand the lawonwhich it isbased.Nopetition for reviewormotion for reconsiderationof adecisionofthecourtshallberefusedduecourseordeniedwithoutstatingthelegalbasisfortherefusalordenial.Article137AllcasesormattersfiledaftertheeffectivityofthisConstitutionmustbedecidedorresolvedwithin twelve months from the date of submission for the Supreme Court of Justice, and,unlessreducedbytheSupremeCourtofJustice,sixmonthsforallcollegiatecourts,andthreemonthsforallotherlowercourts.Acaseormattershallbedeemedsubmittedfordecisionorresolutionuponthefilingofthelastpleading,brief,ormemorandumrequiredbytheRulesofCourtorbythecourtitself.Upon the expirationof the correspondingperiod, a certification to this effect signedby thePresidentoftheSupremeCourtofJusticeorthepresidingMinistershallforthwithbeissuedandacopyofwhichshallbeattachedtotherecordofthecaseormatter,andserveduponthe


parties. The certification shall statewhy a decisionor resolutionhasnot been renderedorissuedwithinsaidperiod.Theunjustifiedfailuretorenderadecisionorresolutionwithinthemandatory periodsmaybe a ground for the impeachment of theMembers of the SupremeCourtof Justiceor the impositionof sanctions, including removal, againsta collegiate courtmagistrate.Despite the expiration of the applicablemandatory period, the court, without prejudice tosuch responsibility as may have been incurred as a consequence, thereof, shall decide orresolvethecaseormattersubmittedtothecourtfordetermination,withoutfurtherdelay.Article138The Supreme Court of Justice shall, within thirty days from the opening of each regularsessionoftheNationalAssembly,submittothePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentandtheNationalAssemblyanannualreportontheoperationsandactivitiesoftheJudiciary.

Title VI on

ConstitutionalCommissions

ChapterICommonProvisions

Article139The Constitutional Commissions, which shall be independent, are the Civil ServiceCommission, the Commission on Elections, the Commission on Audit, and the RightsEnforcementCommission.Article140NomemberofaConstitutionalCommissionshall,duringhistenure,holdanyotherofficeoremployment. Neither shall he engage in the practice of any profession or in the activemanagementorcontrolofanybusinesswhichinanywaymaybeaffectedbythefunctionsofhisoffice,norshallhebefinanciallyinterested,directlyorindirectly,inanycontractwith,orinanyfranchiseorprivilegegrantedbytheGovernment,anyofitssubdivisions,agencies,orinstrumentalities, including government‐owned or ‐controlled corporations or theirsubsidiaries.Article141ThesalaryoftheChairmanandtheMembersshallbefixedbylawandshallnotbedecreasedduringtheirtenure.Article142The Constitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials and employees in accordancewithlaw.


Article143TheCommissionsshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Theirapprovedannualappropriationsshallbeautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.Article144EachCommissionen bancmaypromulgate itsownrules concerningpleadingsandpracticebeforeitorbeforeanyofitsoffices.Suchruleshowevershallnotdiminish,increase,ormodifysubstantiverights.Article145Each Commission shall decide by a majority vote of all its Members any case or matterbrought before it within sixty days. A case ormatter is deemed submitted for decision orresolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by theCommission or its rules. Unless otherwise provided by this Constitution or by law, anydecision, order, or ruling of each Commissionmay be brought to the Court of Appeals oncertioraribytheaggrievedpartywithinthirtydaysfromreceiptofacopy.Article146EachCommissionshallperformsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedlaw.

ChapterIITheCivilServiceCommission

Article147The civil service shall be administered by the Civil Service Commission composed of aChairmanandtwoMemberswhoshallbecitizensofthePhilippinesand,atthetimeoftheirappointment,atleastthirty‐fiveyearsofage,withprovencapacityforpublicadministration,and must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediatelyprecedingtheirappointment.TheChairmanandtheMembersshallbeappointedbythePresidentoftheRepublicuponthebinding advice of the President of the Council of Government andwith the consent of theCommission on Appointments. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold office forseven years, a Member for five years, and another Member for three years, withoutreappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be for the unexpired term of thepredecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary oractingcapacity.Article148The Civil Service Commission, as the central personnel agency of the Government, shallestablishacareerserviceandadoptmeasurestopromoteefficiency,integrity,andmoraleinthecivilservice.Itshallstrengthenthemeritandrewardssystemforalllevelsandranks.The civil service shall embraceall branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities andagenciesoftheGovernment,includinggovernment‐ownedor‐controlledcorporations.


Article149AllpublicofficersandemployeesandmembersoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesshallmakeasolemnaffirmationinwritingtoupholdanddefendthisConstitution.Article150Appointments in the civil service shall be made only according to merit and fitness to bedeterminedbycompetitiveexaminations. Inexceptionalcasespertainingtopositionswhichare policy‐determining or highly technical, merit and fitness must be based on passingspecializedexaminations,ifany,givenforsuchpurpose.Civilservantsshallenjoyperformance‐basedsecurityoftenure.NoofficeroremployeeofthecivilserviceshallberemovedorsuspendedexceptforfailuretomeetperformancestandardssetbytheCivilServiceCommissionorforothercausesprovidedbylaw.No officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in anyelectioneeringorpartisanpoliticalcampaign.Therighttoself‐organizationshallnotbedeniedtoGovernmentemployees.Article151The National Assembly shall provide measures to ensure efficient and faithful delivery ofpublicserviceinGovernment.Article152No candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after such election, beappointed to any office in the Government or any government‐owned or ‐controlledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiaries.Article153No elective official shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to anypublicofficeorpositionduringhistenure.Unlessotherwiseallowedby laworby theprimary functionsofhisposition,noappointiveofficialshallholdanyotherofficeoremploymentintheGovernmentoranyofitssubdivision,agencyorinstrumentality,includinggovernment‐ownedor‐controlledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiaries.Article154No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double, orindirectcompensation,unlessspecificallyauthorizedbylaw,noracceptwithouttheconsentoftheNationalAssembly,anypresent,emolument,office,ortitleofanykindfromanyforeigngovernment.Pensionsorgratuitiesshallnotbeconsideredasadditional,double,orindirectcompensation.Article155TheNationalAssemblyshallprovideforthestandardizationofcompensationofGovernment


officials and employees, including those in government‐owned or ‐controlled corporations,andtheirsubsidiaries,takingintoaccountthenatureoftheresponsibilitiespertainingto,andthequalificationsrequiredfortheirpositions.

ChapterIIITheCommissiononElections

Article156ThereshallbeaCommissiononElectionscomposedofaChairmanand fourMemberswhoshallbe citizensof thePhilippinesand, at the timeof theirappointment, at least thirty‐fiveyearsofage,holdersofacollegedegree,mustnothavebeenmembersofapoliticalpartyorcoalitionforaperiodofnotlessthansixmonths,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectivepositionintheimmediatelyprecedingelections.However,amajorityoftheMembers,includingtheChairman,shallbemembersofthePhilippineBarwhohavebeenengagedinthepracticeoflawforatleasttenyears.TheChairmanandtheMembersshallbeappointedbythePresidentoftheRepublicuponthebinding advice of the President of the Council of Government andwith the consent of theCommissiononAppointmentsforatermofsevenyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirstappointed,threeMembersshallholdofficeforsevenyearsandtwoMembersforfiveyears,withoutreappointment.Appointmenttoanyvacancyshallbeonlyfortheunexpiredtermofthepredecessor.InnocaseshallanyMemberbeappointedordesignatedinatemporaryoractingcapacity.Article157TheCommissiononElectionsshallexercisethefollowingpowersandfunctions:

1. Enforceandadministeralllawsandregulationsrelativetotheconductofanelection,plebiscite,initiative,referendum,andrecallexceptallcontestsrelatingtotheelections,returns, andqualifications of all elective regional, provincial, and city officialswhichshall be within the original jurisdiction of the regional trial courts. Those involvingelective barangay officials shall be within the original jurisdiction of the city ormunicipaltrialcourts.

2. Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting elections,includingdeterminationofthenumberandlocationofpollingplaces,appointmentofelectionofficialsandinspectors,andregistrationofvoters.

3. Deputize, with the concurrence of the President of the Council of Government, lawenforcementagenciesand instrumentalitiesof theGovernment, including theArmedForcesof thePhilippines, for theexclusivepurposeofensuring free,orderly,honest,peaceful,andcredibleelections.

4. Accredit, after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations, or coalitionswhich, inaddition tootherrequirements,mustpresent theirplatformorprogramofgovernmentandassumepartyresponsibilitiesandaccountability ingovernance;andaccredit citizens' armsof theCommissiononElections.Religiousdenominationsandsectsshallnotberegistered.Thosewhichseektoachievetheirgoalsthroughviolenceorunlawfulmeans,orrefusetoupholdandadheretothisConstitution,orwhichare


supportedbyanyforeigngovernmentshalllikewiseberefusedregistration.5. File,uponaverifiedcomplaint,oronitsowninitiative,petitionsincourtforinclusion

or exclusion of voters, investigate, and, where appropriate, prosecute cases ofviolations of election laws, including acts or omissions constituting election frauds,offenses,andmalpractices.

6. Recommend to the National Assembly effective measures to minimize electionspending, including limitationofplaceswherepropagandamaterials shallbeposted,and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses,malpractices, andnuisancecandidacies.

7. RecommendtothePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmenttheremovalofanyofficeror employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, forviolationordisregardof,ordisobediencetoitsdirective,order,ordecision.

8. Submit to thePresidentof theRepublic, thePresidentof theCouncil ofGovernmentand theNational Assembly a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election,plebiscite,initiative,referendum,orrecall.

Article158The Commission on Elections shall promulgate its rules of procedure in order to expeditedispositionofelectioncases,withinitsadministrativejurisdiction.Article159The Commission may, during the election period, supervise or regulate the enjoyment orutilization of all franchises or permits for the operation of transportation and other publicutilities,mediaofcommunicationorinformation,allgrants,specialprivileges,orconcessionsgrantedbytheGovernmentoranyofitssubdivision,agency,orinstrumentality,includinganygovernment‐owned or ‐controlled corporation or its subsidiary. Such supervision orregulation shall aim to ensure equal opportunity and equal rates for public informationcampaigns and forums among candidates in connectionwith the objective of holding free,orderly,honest,peaceful,andcredibleelections.Article160Nopardon, amnesty, parole, or suspension of sentence for violation of election laws, rules,andregulationsshallbegrantedwithoutthefavorablerecommendationoftheCommission.Article161Unless otherwise fixed by the Commission in special cases, the election period shallcommenceninetydaysbeforethedayofelectionandshallendthirtydaysafter.Article162Bona fide candidates for any public office shall be free from any form of harassment anddiscrimination.Article163FundscertifiedbytheCommissionasnecessarytodefraytheexpensesforholdingordinaryandextraordinaryelections,plebiscites,initiatives,referenda,andrecalls,shallbeprovidedinthe ordinary or extraordinary appropriations and, once approved, shall be releasedautomaticallyuponcertificationbytheChairmanoftheCommission.


Article164TheNationalAssembly,upontherecommendationof theCommissiononElections,shallbylaw:

1. Promotethedevelopmentofapartysysteminwhichvariousinterestsandsectorsinsociety,exceptthereligioussector,shallberepresented, includingwomen, labor, thepoor,peasants,indigenouspeoples,personswithdisabilityandtheyouth;

2. Encouragethedevelopmentoftwomajorpoliticalpartiestoensurethatamajoritycanassumeresponsibilityandaccountabilityingovernance;and

3. Provide financial assistance to thepolitical parties on thebasis of their share of thevotescastforthepoliticalpartiesinthepreviouselection.

Article165PoliticalpartiesshallbeaccreditedbytheCommissiononElections,whichshallensurethatthe political party has duly adopted its program and platform of government before everyelection.Furthermore:

1. AccreditedpoliticalpartiesshallsubmittotheCommissiononElectionsnotlaterthanforty‐fivedaysbeforeelectiona listofnot less than thirtyparty‐list candidates fromwhichParty‐listRepresentativesshallbechosenincaseitobtainstherequirednumberofvotes;

2. Accredited political parties shall observe fair, honest, and democratic processes innominating,selecting,andrankingtheirparty‐listnomineesinthesaidlist;

3. Accredited political parties shall ensure the integrity, loyalty, and discipline of theirmembers;and

4. Accreditedpoliticalpartiesshallpubliclyaccountforthesourcesanduseoftheirfundsandfortheirassets.

Article166The two dominant political parties shall be represented in the voters’ registration boards,boardsofelectioninspectors,boardsofcanvassers,andsimilarbodies.Otherpoliticalpartiesshallbeentitledtoappointpollwatchersinaccordancewithlaw.Article167Anyelectiveofficialwholeaveshispoliticalpartybeforetheendofthetermshallforfeithisseat.

ChapterIVTheCommissiononAudit

Article168ThereshallbeaCommissiononAuditcomposedofaChairmanandtwoMembers,whoshallbecitizensofthePhilippinesand,atthetimeoftheirappointment,atleastthirty‐fiveyearsofage, certified public accountants with not less than ten years of auditing experience, ormembersofthePhilippineBarwhohavebeenengagedinthepracticeoflawforatleastten


years,andmustnothavebeenmembersofapoliticalpartyorcoalitionforaperiodofnotlessthansixmonths,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectivepositionintheelectionsimmediatelypreceding their appointment.At no time shall allMembersof theCommissionbelongtothesameprofession.TheChairmanandtheMembersshallbeappointedbythePresidentoftheRepublicuponthebinding advice of the President of the Council of Government andwith the consent of theCommissiononAppointmentsforatermofsevenyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirstappointed,theChairmanshallholdofficeforsevenyears,oneMemberforfiveyears,andtheotherMemberforthreeyears,withoutreappointment.Appointmenttoanyvacancyshallbeonlyfortheunexpiredportionofthetermofthepredecessor.InnocaseshallanyMemberbeappointedordesignatedinatemporaryoractingcapacity.Article169TheCommission onAudit shall have thepower, authority, andduty to examine, audit, andsettleallaccountspertainingtotherevenueandreceiptsofandexpendituresorusesoffundsand property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, or any of itssubdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government‐owned or ‐controlledcorporationswithoriginalcharters,andonapost‐auditbasis:

1. Constitutionalbodies,commissionsandofficesthathavebeengrantedfiscalautonomyunderthisConstitution;

2. Autonomousstatecollegesanduniversities;3. Othergovernment‐ownedor‐controlledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiaries;and4. Suchnon‐governmentalentitiesreceivingsubsidyorequity,directlyorindirectly,from

or through theGovernment,whicharerequiredby lawor thegranting institution tosubmittosuchauditasaconditionofsubsidyorequity.

However, where the internal control system of the audited agencies is inadequate, theCommission may adopt such measures, including temporary or special pre‐audit, as arenecessaryandappropriatetocorrectthedeficiencies.ItshallkeepthegeneralaccountsoftheGovernmentand,forsuchperiodasmaybeprovidedbylaw,preservethevouchersandothersupportingpaperspertainingthereto.The Commission shall have exclusive authority, subject to the limitations in this Title, todefinethescopeofitsauditandexamination,establishthetechniquesandmethodsrequired,and promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations, including those for theprevention and disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, orunconscionableexpenditures,orusesofGovernmentfundsandproperties.Article170NolawshallbepassedexemptinganyentityoftheGovernmentoritssubsidiaryinanyguisewhatever, or any investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the Commission onAudit.Article171TheCommissionshallsubmittothePresidentoftheRepublic,thePresidentoftheCouncilof


Government, and the National Assembly, within the time fixed by law, an annual reportcoveringthefinancialconditionandoperationoftheGovernment,itssubdivisions,agencies,and instrumentalities, including government‐owned or controlled corporations, and non‐governmental entities subject to its audit, and recommendmeasures necessary to improvetheir effectiveness and efficiency. It shall submit such other reports asmaybe requiredbylaw.

ChapterVTheRightsEnforcementCommission

Article172The Commission on Human Rights is hereby reconstituted as the Rights EnforcementCommission, to be composed of a Chairman and fourMembers. It shall be taskedwith theprotectionofcivilandpoliticalrightsandtheenforcementofthelawsofarmedconflict.Article173TheMembersoftheRightsEnforcementCommissionshallbecitizensofthePhilippines,andat the time of their appointment, at least forty years old, or recognized probity andindependence,membersofthePhilippineBar,andfortenyearsormoreajudgeorengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines,andmustnothavebeenmembersofapoliticalpartyorcoalitionforaperiodofnotlessthansixmonths,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectivepositionintheelectionsimmediatelyprecedingtheirappointment.Article174The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President of the RepublicuponthebindingadviceofthePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentandwiththeconsentoftheCommissiononAppointmentsforatermoftwelveyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirst appointed, theChairman shall holdoffice for twelveyears, oneCommissioner fornineyears,twoforsixyears,andthelastforthreeyears.Appointmenttoanyvacancyshallbeonlyfor the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor. In no case shall anyMember beappointedordesignatedinatemporaryoractingcapacity.Nomorethanonecommissionermay,underanycircumstance,beamilitary reservist, a retiredgeneralor flagofficerof thearmedforces,oraretiredmemberofthepolice.Article175The Rights Enforcement Commission shall investigate, on its own or on complaint by anyparty, any violations of civil and political rights, and of the laws of armed conflict, by anypublic or private entity within or, subject to the applicable norms of diplomatic relations,outsidethePhilippines.Itshallexerciseallpowersnecessaryandincidentaltothisfunction,including: the issuance of temporary protective orders, effective for ninety days, for thephysical protection of parties or the maintenance of status quo ante, including release ofprisoners or detainees to its custody, which shall not, unless otherwise provided by law,includethesuspensionoflegitimateoperationswithouttheconsentoftheSupremeCourtofJustice;theissuanceofregulationsprovidingforlegalmeasurestoprotectthehumanrightsofallpersonswithinthePhilippinesandofFilipinosresidingabroadandthesafeguardingtherightsandprivilegesofprotectedpersonsunderhumanitarianlaw,andtoensurecompliance


byallcombatantswiththelawsofarmedconflict;andtheprovisionforpreventivemeasuresandlegalaidservicestotheunderprivilegedwhosehumanrightsorrightsunderthelawsofarmedconflicthavebeenviolatedorneedprotection.Article176The Commission may directly file the appropriate criminal, administrative, or otherproceedingsincompetenttribunals,including,uponafindingoffourCommissionersthatallavailableremedieswithinthePhilippinesareineffective,internationalbodies.

Title VII on

LocalGovernmentandAutonomousTerritories

ChapterIGeneralProvisions

Article177TheterritorialandpoliticalsubdivisionsoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesaretheprovinces,cities,municipalities,andbarangays.ThereshallbeautonomousterritoriesinthecountryasprovidedinChapterIIofthisTitle.Article178The State shall ensure that the territorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy localautonomy.Article179TheNationalAssemblyshallstrengthentheexistingLocalGovernmentCodetoprovideforamoreresponsiveandaccountablelocalgovernmentstructureinstitutedthroughasystemofdecentralization and devolution with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, andreferendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers,responsibilities, and resources. The Code shall provide for the qualifications, election,appointmentand removal, term, salaries,powersand functionsanddutiesof localofficials,andallothermattersrelatingtotheorganizationandoperationofthelocalunits.Article180The President of the Council of Government shall exercise general supervision over localgovernments.Provinceswith respect to component citiesandmunicipalities, andcitiesandmunicipalities with respect to component barangays shall ensure that the acts of theircomponentunitsarewithinthescopeoftheirprescribedpowersandfunctions.Article181Each local government and autonomous territory shall have the power to create its ownsources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees and charges subject to such guidelines andlimitationsastheNationalAssemblymayprovide.Suchtaxes,fees,andchargesshallaccruetotheconcernedlocalgovernmentsorautonomousterritories.


Article182The National Government is mandated to provide local governments their just share, asdeterminedbylaw,inthenationaltaxes,whichshallbeautomaticallyreleasedtothem.Article183Local governments shall be entitled to an equitable share in theproceedsof theutilizationand development of the national wealth within their respective areas, including but notlimited to off‐shore sites beyondmunicipal waters, in themanner provided by law, whichshallbeautomatically released to them, includingsharing thesamewith the inhabitantsbywayofdirectbenefits.Localgovernmentsmaybeauthorizedby lawtocollect theproceedsandretaintheirequitableshare.Article184Thetermofofficeofelectivelocalofficialsshallbefouryearsexceptbarangayofficials,whichshallbedeterminedbylaw.Article185Noprovince,city,municipality,orbarangaymaybecreated,divided,merged,abolished,oritsboundarysubstantiallyaltered,exceptinaccordancewiththecriteriaestablishedintheLocalGovernmentCodeandsubjecttoapprovalbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteinthepoliticalunitsaffected.Article186The National Assembly may, by law, create special metropolitan subdivisions, subject toapproval by themajority of the votes cast in the areas affected. The component cities andmunicipalities shall retain their basic autonomy and shall be entitled to their own localexecutivesandlegislativebodies.Article187Highly urbanized cities, as determined by law, shall be independent of the province. Thevotersofcomponentcities,regardlessoftheprovisionsoftheirrespectivecharters,shallnotbedeprivedoftheirrighttovoteforelectiveprovincialofficials.Allcomponentcitiesshallbeunderthesupervisionoftheprovincialgovernment.

ChapterIIAutonomousTerritories

Article188Intheexerciseoftherighttoself‐governmentrecognizedinArticle1ofthisConstitution,anautonomousterritorymaybecreatedinanypartofthecountryuponapetitionaddressedtotheNationalAssemblyby amajorityof contiguous, compact andadjacentprovinces, highlyurbanizedandcomponentcities,andcitiesandmunicipalitiesinmetropolitanareasthrougharesolutionoftheirrespectivelegislativebodies.Inexceptionalcases,aprovincemaybeestablishedasanautonomousterritorybasedonarea,


population,necessity,geographicaldistance,environmental,economicandfiscalviabilityandotherspecialattributes.Article189Withinoneyearfromthefilingofthebillbaseduponthepetitionsandinitiatives,theNationalAssemblyshallpassanorganicact,whichshalldefinethebasicstructureofgovernmentforthe autonomous territory, consisting of a unicameral territorial assembly whose membersshall be elective and representativeof the constituentpolitical units.Theorganic acts shallprovideforcourtsconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheirconstitutionandnationallaws.Thecreationoftheautonomousterritoriesshallbeeffectivewhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastbytheirproposedconstituentunitsinaplebiscitecalledforthepurpose.Article190The autonomous territories shall support the National Government in maintaining theintegrity and independence of the Republic and shall comply with and enforce thisConstitutionandallnationallaws.Article191Whenalawofanautonomousterritoryoralocalgovernmentisinconsistentwithanationallaw,thelattershallprevail,andtheformershall,totheextentoftheinconsistency,beinvalid.Article192Within its territorial jurisdiction and subject to the provisions of this Constitution and thenational laws, the organic act of the autonomous territories shall provide for primarylegislativepowersoftheirassembliesoverthefollowing:

1. Administrativeorganization,planning,budget,andmanagement;2. Creationofsourcesofrevenuesandfinance;3. Agricultureandfisheries;4. Naturalresources,energy,environment,indigenousappropriatetechnologiesand

inventions;5. Trade,industry,andtourism;6. Laborandemployment;7. Publicworks,transportation,exceptrailways,shippingandaviation;8. Healthandsocialwelfare;9. Educationandthedevelopmentoflanguage,cultureandtheartsaspartofthecultural

heritage;10. Ancestraldomainandnaturalresources;11. Housing,landuseanddevelopment;12. Urbanandruralplanninganddevelopment;and13. Suchothermattersasmaybeauthorizedbylawforthepromotionofthegeneral

welfareofthepeopleoftheautonomousterritory.


Title VIII on

TheAccountabilityofPublicOfficers Article193Publicofficeisapublictrust.Publicofficersandemployeesmustatalltimesbeaccountabletothepeople,servethemwithutmostefficiency,integrity,andloyalty,actwithpatriotism,andleadmodestlives.Directors and trustees,who represent the interests of the State in government‐owned or ‐controlledcorporationsaswellaspersonsappointedtoofficialpositionsinsaidentities,arepublicofficers.Article194ThePresidentoftheRepublicandothermembersoftheCouncilofState,themembersoftheSupreme Court of Justice, the members of the Constitutional Commissions, and theOmbudsmanmay be removed from office, on impeachment for and conviction of, culpableviolation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption. TheNational Assemblyshallhavethepowertoinitiateallcasesofimpeachment,andtoconstituteitselfasaTribunalofJusticeinordertotryanddecidesuchcases.Allotherpublicofficersandemployeesmayberemovedfromofficeasprovidedbylawbutnotimpeachment.AverifiedcomplaintforimpeachmentmaybefiledbyanymemberoftheNationalAssemblyor by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any of itsmembers,which shall beincluded in the Order of Business within ten session days, and referred to the properCommitteewithinthreesessiondays.TheCommittee,afterhearing,andbyamajorityvoteofall itsmembers, shall submit its report to theNational Assemblywithin sixty session daysfrom such referral, together with the corresponding resolution. The resolution shall becalendared for consideration by the National Assembly within ten session days from itsreceipt.Avoteofatleastone‐thirdofallthemembersoftheNationalAssemblyshallbenecessarytoaffirmafavorableresolutionwiththeArticlesofImpeachmentoftheCommittee,oroverrideitscontraryresolution.Thevoteofeachmembershallbeenteredinthejournal.Incasetheverifiedcomplaintorresolutionofimpeachmentisfiledbyatleastone‐thirdofallthemembersoftheNationalAssembly,thesameshallconstitutetheArticlesofImpeachment,andtrialshallproceed.NoTribunalofJusticeproceedingsshallbeinitiatedagainstthesameofficialmorethanoncewithinaperiodofoneyear.Beforesitting for thatpurpose,eachmemberof theTribunalof Justiceshallmakeasolemnaffirmation in writing to do impartial justice according to the Constitution. Two identicaloriginalsofaffirmationshallbeexecuted,oneofwhichshallbehandedovertotheNationalAssemblytobepreservedinitsarchives,andtheotherbefiledintheNationalArchivesofthePhilippines.WhenthePresidentoftheRepublicisontrial,thePresidentoftheSupremeCourt


of Justice shall preside, but shall not vote. No person shall be convicted without theconcurrenceofthree‐fourthsofalltheTribunalofJustice.Judgment by the Tribunal of Justice shall not extend further than removal from office anddisqualification to hold any office under the Republic of the Philippines, but the partyconvicted shall alsobe liableand subject toprosecution, trial andpunishmentaccording tolaw.The National Assembly shall promulgate its rules for the Tribunal of Justice to effectivelycarryoutthepurposeofthissection.Article195InaccordancewithArticle234, theexistingSandiganbayan shallhereafterbeknownas theAnti‐CorruptionCourt.Itshallcontinuetofunctionandexerciseitsjurisdictionasprovidedbylaw.Article196TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanshallbecomposedoftheOmbudsman,oneoveralldeputy,andatleastonedeputyeachforLuzon,Visayas,andMindanao.Aseparatedeputyforthemilitaryestablishmentmaylikewisebeappointed.Article197TheofficialsandemployeesoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman,otherthanthedeputies,shallbeappointedbytheOmbudsmanaccordingtoCivilServiceLaw.Article198The Office of the Special Prosecutor shall continue to function and exercise its powers asprovidedbylaw,exceptthoseconferredontheOfficeoftheOmbudsman.Article199TheOmbudsmanandhisdeputiesshallbecitizensofthePhilippines,andatthetimeoftheirappointment, at least forty years old, of recognizedprobity and independence,members ofthe Philippine Bar, andmust not have beenmembers of a political party or coalition for aperiodofnotlessthansixmonths,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectiveofficein the immediatelyprecedingelection.TheOmbudsmanmusthaveat leastbeena judgeorengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines.Duringtheirtenure,theyshallbesubjecttodisqualificationsandprohibitionsasprovidedforinthisconstitution.Article200TheOmbudsmanandhisdeputiesshallbeappointedbytheNationalAssembly.Article201TheOmbudsmanandhisdeputiesshallhavetherankofchairmanandmembers,respectively,of the Constitutional Commissions, and they shall receive the same salary as themembers,whichshallnotbedecreasedduringtheirtermofoffice.


Article202The Ombudsman and his deputies shall serve for a term of seven years withoutreappointment.Theyshallnotbequalified to run foranyoffice in theelection immediatelysucceedingtheircessationfromoffice.Article203TheOmbudsmanandhisdeputies,asprotectorsofthepeople,shallactpromptlyonverifiedcomplaints filed against public officials or employees of the Government, or any of itssubdivision, agency or instrumentality, including government‐owned or ‐controlledcorporations,andshall,inappropriatecases,notifythecomplainantsoftheactiontakenanditsresult.Article204TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanshallhavethefollowingpowers,functions,andduties:

1. Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of anypublic official, employee, office or agency,when such act or omission appears to beillegal,unjust,improper,orinefficient.

2. Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, anypublic official or employee of theGovernment, or any of its subdivision, agency or instrumentality, as well as of anygovernment‐owned or ‐controlled corporationwith original charter, to perform andexpediteanyactordutyrequiredbylaw,ortostop,prevent,andcorrectanyabuseorimproprietyintheperformanceofduties.

3. Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official oremployeeatfault,andrecommendhisremoval,suspension,demotion,fine,censure,orprosecution,andensurecompliancewithsuchaction.

4. Directtheofficerconcerned,inanyappropriatecase,andsubjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw,tofurnishitwithcopiesofdocumentsrelatingtocontractsortransactions entered into by his office involving the disbursement or use of publicfunds or properties, and report any irregularity to the commission on audit forappropriateaction.

5. Request any Government agency for assistance and information necessary in thedischarge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records anddocuments.

6. Publishmatterscoveredbyitsinvestigationwhencircumstancessowarrantandwithdueprudence.

7. Determinethecausesofinefficiency,redtape,mismanagement,fraud,andcorruptionin the government and make recommendations for their elimination, and theobservanceofhighstandardsofethicsandefficiency.

8. Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform suchfunctionsordutiesasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

Article205TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Itsannualappropriationsshallbeautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.


Article206Apublicofficeroremployeeshall,uponassumptionofofficeandasoftenasmayberequiredby law, submit a solemn declaration of his assets, liabilities, networth and annual incomeincludingthesourcesandapplicationof funds. Inthecaseof theMembersof theCouncilofState, National Assembly, Supreme Court of Justice, constitutional commissions and otherconstitutionaloffices, andofficersof theArmedForcesgeneralor flag rank, thedeclarationshallbedisclosedtothepublicthroughpublicationinnewspapersofgeneralcirculation.Article207The right of the State to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public officials oremployees, from them or from their nominees or transferees, shall not be barred byprescription,laches,orestoppel.Article208No loan guarantee, or other form of financial accommodation may be granted, directly orindirectly,byanygovernment‐ownedor‐controlledbankorfinancialinstitutiontoanypublicofficials.

Title IX on

EconomicandSocialPoliciesArticle209TheStateshalladoptsoundeconomicpolicieswhosegoalsshallbefullemployment,amorebalanced distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth, a sustained increase in theamountofgoodsandservicesproducedbythenation,andtheimprovementofthequalityoflifeforall,especiallytheunderprivileged.TheStateshallpromotethegeneralgoodinallphasesofnationaldevelopment.Itshallenactmeasures that protect and enhance human liberty and dignity, reduce inequalities ofopportunity and promote a more balanced distribution of wealth, and create social andeconomicopportunitiesbasedonfreedomofinitiativeandself‐reliance.Article210The State shall protect freedom of private enterprise as the foundation of economicdevelopment,andeconomicdevelopmentasthefoundationoffullemploymentandimprovedquality of life. It shall not assume proprietary activities, or impose regulatory norms orcharges on economic activity, except to the extent directly necessary, if at all, to achieve acompellingpublicneed.Article211The State shall protect and provide incentives to private initiative. The right of privateindividualsandassociationstothefruitsoftheirlaborandinvestment,therighttoholdandtodistributeincome,andtherighttotransmitone’spropertytoone’sfamily,shallnotbeundulyinfringed. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors,artists,andcreators to their intellectualpropertyandcreations,consistentwith thegeneral


goodandapplicablenormsofinternationallaw.Article212All lands of the public domain, publicwaters,minerals, coal, petroleum, and othermineraloils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, and other naturalresourcesshallbeadministeredbytheStateintrustforthepeople.UnlessotherwisedefinedbytheNationalAssembly,landsofthepublicdomainareclassifiedintoagricultural,forestortimber,mineral landsandnationalparks.With theexceptionofagricultural lands,allothernaturalresourcesshallnotbealienated.The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under thesupervisionoftheState.TheStateshall,asappropriate,bidouttheprivilegeofundertakingsuch activities to private entities under co‐production, joint venture, concession, orproduction‐sharing arrangements beneficial to the nation under terms and conditionsprovidedbylaw.Thepreservationoftheenvironmentandthemaintenanceofahealthfulandbalancedecosystemshallbeaprimeconsiderationinallsucharrangements.The President of the Council of Government shall notify the National Assembly of everycontractenteredintoinaccordancewiththisprovision,withinthirtydaysfromitsexecution.Article213Landsofthepublicdomainareclassifiedintoagricultural,forestortimber,minerallands,andnational parks. Agricultural lands of the public domain may be further classified by lawaccording to the uses towhich theymay be devoted. Alienable lands of the public domainshallbelimitedtoagriculturallands.Privatecorporationsorassociationsmaynotholdsuchalienablelandsofthepublicdomainexceptbylease.CitizensofthePhilippinesmayleaseoracquirealienablelandsofthepublicdomainbypurchase,homestead,orgrant.Article214The National Assembly shall, as soon as possible, determine by law the specific limits offorestlandsandnationalparks,markingclearly theirboundarieson theground.Thereafter,such forestlands and national parks shall be conserved and may not be increased nordiminished, except by law. TheNational Assembly shall provide, for such period as itmaydetermine,measurestoprohibitlogginginendangeredforestsandwatershedareas.Article215TheState,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisConstitutionandnationaldevelopmentpoliciesandprograms,shallprotecttherightsofindigenousculturalcommunitiestotheirancestrallandstoensuretheireconomic,social,andculturalwell‐being.The National Assembly may provide for the applicability of customary laws governingpropertyrightsorrelationsindeterminingtheownershipandextentofancestraldomain.Article216TheNationalAssemblymayestablishanindependenteconomicandplanningagencyheadedby the President of the Council of Government, which shall, after consultations with theappropriatepublicagencies,variousprivatesectors,andlocalgovernmentunits,recommend


to theNational Assembly, and implement continuing integrated and coordinated programsandpoliciesfornationaldevelopment.Article217TheState shall regulate andexercise authorityover foreign investmentswithin itsnationaljurisdictionandinaccordancewithitsnationalgoalsandpriorities.Article218Nofranchise,certificate,oranyotherformofauthorizationfortheoperationofapublicutilityshallbeexclusive incharacteror fora longerperiodthanfiftyyears.Neithershallanysuchfranchiseorrightbegrantedexceptundertheconditionthatitshallbesubjecttoamendment,alteration,orrepealbytheNationalAssemblywhenthegeneralgoodsorequires.TheStateshallencourageequityparticipationinpublicutilitiesbythegeneralpublic.Article219Intimesofnationalemergency,whenthepublicinterestsorequires,theStatemay,duringtheemergencyandunderreasonabletermsprescribedbyit,temporarilydirectortakeovertheoperationofanyprivatelyownedpublicutilityorbusinessaffectedwithpublicinterest.Article220The National Assembly shall establish an independent central monetary authority, themembersofwhosegoverningboardmustbeFilipinocitizens,ofknownprobity,integrity,andpatriotism, the majority of whom shall come from the private sector. They shall also besubject to such other qualifications and disabilities as may be prescribed by law. Theauthority shall provide policy direction in the areas ofmoney, banking, and credit. It shallhavesupervisionovertheoperationsofbanksandexercisesuchregulatorypowersasmaybeprovidedbylawovertheoperationsoffinancecompaniesandotherinstitutionsperformingsimilarfunctions.In accordancewith Article 234, the existingBangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas shall hereafter beknownastheCentralBankofthePhilippines.UntiltheNationalAssemblyprovidesotherwise,theCentralBankofthePhilippines,operatingunderexistinglaws,shallfunctionasthecentralmonetaryauthority.Article221TheStateshallpromotethewelfareofworkers,fullemploymentandequalityofemploymentopportunities. It shallaffordallnecessaryprotection to labor, localandoverseas,organizedand unorganized. It shall protect the rights of all workers to self‐organization, collectivebargainingandnegotiations,andpeacefulconcertedactivities,includingtherighttostrikeinaccordancewithlaw.The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers andemployers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, includingconciliation,andshallensuretheirmutualcompliancetherewithtofosterindustrialpeace.Article222The State shall protect andpromote thehealth of thepeople and shall guarantee adequate


provisions for public health. It shall ensure the widest possible coverage for private andpublic health care, and shall encourage private medical programs through appropriateincentives and assistance. There shall be ample provisions for the needs of the under‐privilegedsick,theelderly,thedisabled,pregnantwomen,andchildren.Article223The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthfulecology.Article224TheStateshallensurethefundamentalequalitybeforethelawofwomenandmen.Article225The State recognizes the inviolability of the family as the foundation of society, and ofmarriage as the foundation of the family, with peremptory rights and duties prior andsuperior topositive law.Accordingly, it shallstrengthentheirsolidarityandrecognize theirautonomy.Article226The State shall ensure the equality in rights and responsibilities of husband andwife as tomarriage,duringmarriageandatitsdissolution.Article227Every child regardless of parentage, and every parent regardless ofmarital status, shall beequallyprotectedbylaw.Everychildshallhavetherighttoanameandanationality.Article228TheStateshallprotectandpromotetherightofallcitizenstoqualityeducationatalllevels,and take appropriate steps tomake such education accessible to all. It shall establish andsupportanadequate,andintegratedsystemofeducationrelevanttotheneedsofthepeopleandsociety;andencouragenon‐formal,informal,andindigenouslearningsystems,aswellasself‐learning,independent,andout‐of‐schoolstudyprogramsparticularlythosethatrespondtocommunityneeds.TheStateshallassignthehighestbudgetaryprioritytoeducation.Article229The State shall recognize the complementary roles of public and private institutions in theeducational system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of alleducationalinstitutions.InaccordancewithArticles5and6,publicschoolsshallbesecularandfreeofanyreligiousorientationand instruction,andshallbebasedonscientificprogressandshall fightagainsttheeffectsofignorance,fanaticism,andprejudice.Article230All revenues and assets of non‐stock, non‐profit educational institutions used actually,directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties.Uponthedissolutionorcessationofthecorporateexistenceofsuchinstitutions,theirassets


shallbedisposedofinthemannerprovidedbylaw.Proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned,may likewise beentitledtosuchexemptionssubjecttothelimitationsprovidedbylawincludingrestrictionsondividendsandprovisionsforreinvestment.Subjecttoconditionsprescribedbylaw,allgrants,endowments,donations,orcontributionsusedactually,directly,andexclusivelyforeducationalpurposesshallbeexemptfromtax.Article231Academic freedomshallbeenjoyed inall institutionsofhigher learning.Everycitizenhasaright to select a profession or course of study, subject to fair, reasonable, and equitableadmissionandacademicrequirements.Article232TheStateshallpromoteresearchanddevelopmentinscienceandtechnologyandensuretheapplication of scientific innovation to the promotion of public health and welfare and toindustrial and agricultural development and the production of goods and services. TheNationalAssemblymayprovideforincentives,includingtaxdeductions,toencourageprivateresearch and invention, and promote the transfer and adaptation of technology from allsourcesforsocialandeconomicbenefit.Article233The State shall conserve and promote the nation's historical and cultural heritage andresources, as well as artistic creations. It shall, by law, regulate the country's artistic andhistoricwealth.Article234Subject to provisions of law and as the National Assembly may deem appropriate, theGovernmentshalltakestepstoinitiateandsustaintheuseofEnglishandpromoteSpanishasamediumofofficialcommunicationandaslanguageofinstructionintheeducationalsystem.Forpurposesofcommunicationandinstruction,theofficial languagesofthePhilippinesareEnglishandSpanishthenotherwiseprovidedbyautonomousterritoriallaw,theautonomousterritorial language of the autonomous territory. The autonomous territorial languages arethe auxiliary official languages in the autonomous territories and shall serve as auxiliarymediaof instruction therein.Other indigenousPhilippine languagesshallbepromotedonavoluntary and optional basis within their native legislative districts. Arabic, Malay, andMandarinshallbepromotedonavoluntaryandoptionalbasis.

Title X on

ConstitutionalReformArticle235Anyamendmentto,orrevisionof,thisConstitutionmaybeproposedby:


1. TheNationalAssembly,uponavoteofthree‐fourthsofallitsMembers;or2. AConstitutionalCongress.

Article236Amendments to thisConstitutionmaybedirectlyproposedby thepeople through initiativeuponapetitionofatleasttwelveper centumofthetotalnumberofregisteredvoters,ofwhichevery legislative districtmust be represented by at least threeper centum of its registeredvotes.No amendment under this article shall be authorizedwithin five years following theratificationofthisConstitutionnormorethanonceeveryfiveyearsthereafter.TheNationalAssemblyshallprovidefortheimplementationoftheexerciseofthisright.Article237TheNationalAssemblymay,byavoteof two‐thirdsofall itsMembers,callaConstitutionalCongress, orbyamajorityvoteof all itsMembers, submit to theelectorate thequestionofcalling such a Congress. Members to the Constitutional Congress shall be elected fromlegislativedistrictsinthesamemannerasDistrictRepresentatives.Article238Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under Article 234 shall be validwhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydaysnorlaterthanninetydaysaftertheapprovalofsuchamendmentorrevision.AnyamendmentunderArticle235shallbevalidwhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydaysnorlaterthanninetydaysafterthecertificationbytheCommissiononElectionsofthesufficiencyofthepetition.

Transitory Provisions Article239Allexistinglaws,proclamations,orders,decrees,instructionsandactspromulgated,issuedordone not otherwise contrary to this Constitution shall remain valid, legal, binding, andeffectiveuntilamended,modifiedorrepealedbytheNationalAssembly.Article240All existing treaties or international agreements,which have not yet been ratified, shall besubmitted to theapproval andconcurrenceof at least two‐thirdsof all theMembersof theNationalAssembly.Article241AllcourtsexistingatthetimeoftheratificationofthisConstitutionshallcontinuetoexercisetheir jurisdiction, until otherwise provided by law. The provisions of the existing Rules ofCourt, judicial issuances, and procedural laws not inconsistent with this Constitution shallremainoperativeunlessamendedorrepealedbytheSupremeCourtofJustice.


Article242TheRightsEnforcementCommissionshallbedeemedcreated,andtheCommissiononHumanRightsshallbedeemeddissolved,oneyearafterthisConstitutiontakeseffect.Article243TheincumbentChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourtshallbecomethe interim PresidentoftheRepublicinaccordancewiththisConstitution.TheotherincumbentmembersoftheJudiciaryshallcontinue inofficeuntil theyreachtheageofseventyyearsorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheirofficeorareremovedforcause.Article244The incumbentmembersof theCivilServiceCommission, theCommissiononElections, theCommission on Audit, and the Ombudsman shall continue in office pursuant to theirrespective appointments, and subject to existing laws, rules and regulations theretoappertaining,unlesstheyaresoonerremovedforcauseorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheiroffice.Article245Allemployees,personnel,orworkersingovernmentservice,nationalorlocal,includingthosein government‐owned or –controlled corporations, shall continue in office pursuant toexisting laws, rules and regulations, unless they are sooner removed for cause or becomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheiroffice.Article246The first elections ofRepresentatives to theNationalAssembly and the first local electionsunderthisConstitutionshallbeheldonthesecondMondayofMay2016.Article247Upon ratification of this Constitution, the Senate and the House of Representatives arereplacedbyaninterimNationalAssemblythatshallexistimmediatelyandshallcontinueuntilthe Members of the regular National Assembly shall have been elected and shall haveassumed office following an election as provided in the preceding section. The interimNational Assembly shall have the same powers and its members shall have the samefunctions, responsibilities, rights, privileges, and disqualifications as the regular NationalAssemblyandthemembersthereof.Article248TheMembers of the interim National Assembly shall be the incumbent President and VicePresident, aswell as the incumbentMembers of the Cabinet, the Senate, and theHouse ofRepresentatives.Article249Upon ratification of this Constitution, the Cabinet shall immediately become the interimCouncilofGovernment,whichshallbepresidedbytheincumbentPresident,whoshallbetheinterim PresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment.TheincumbentVicePresidentshallbecomeinterim VicePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment.


Article250The interim National Assembly, by a majority vote of all its members, shall elect the VicePresidentoftheRepublicinaccordancewithArticle92ofthisConstitution.Article251The interimPresidentof theCouncilofGovernmentand the interimCouncilofGovernmentshall exerciseall thepowersand functionsanddischarge the responsibilitiesof the regularPresidentoftheCouncilofGovernmentandCouncilofGovernmentunderthisConstitution.Article252TheAutonomousRegioninMuslimMindanaoshallexercisethepowersandshallbeentitledtobenefitsgiventoautonomousterritories.Article253Withinoneyearandafteratleastsixtypercentoftheprovinces,highlyurbanizedcitiesandcomponent cities of the country shall have joined in the creation of different autonomousterritories,uponpetitionofmajorityofsuchautonomousterritoriesthroughtheirrespectiveregionalassemblies,theNationalAssemblyshallenactthebasiclawfortheestablishmentofaFederalRepublicofthePhilippines,wherebytheautonomousterritoriesshallbecomefederalstates.Article254To this end a constitutional Preparatory Commission shall be created that shall study anddetermine all constitutional, legal, financial, organizational, administrative, and otherrequirements necessary or appropriate and thereafter make its recommendations to theNationalAssemblysoastoassistthelatterintheenactmentofthebasiclawandinsuchothermeasuresaswouldprovideasmoothandorderlytransitionofthecountrytowardsaFederalRepublicofthePhilippines.ThePreparatoryCommissionshallbecomposedofnotmorethanelevenmemberstobeappointedbythePresidentoftheCouncilofGovernment.All powers, authority and functions not granted by this Constitution or by law to theautonomousterritoriesandlocalgovernmentsarereservedtothenationalGovernment.Article255Every provision liberalizing extent of foreign ownership of corporations in certain lines ofbusiness,andofindustrial,commercialandresidentiallandsshalltakeeffecttwoyearsafterratification of this Constitution or upon earlier passage of legislation implementing theprovision.Article256ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteheldforthepurpose.

draft of a malolos­style constitution · pdf file · 2013-03-11is base largely...

Documents

draft of a malolosstyle constitution · pdf file · 2013-03-11is base largely...