AMENDED CONSTITUTION OF THE

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Vision
We, the Liberal Party, envision a just, prosperous, peaceful and caring civil society
anchored on social equity, a vigorous market economy, political openness, ecological
balance and an honest, effective government.
We are a responsive, accountable and broad-based political party, unleashing the
potential of an empowered citizenry through the Partys Liberal Democratic Ideals,
cohesive membership and courageous, principled leadership.
Mission
To attain that vision, we shall advance the Liberal Ideals of Society, Justice, Human
Rights, a free Market Economy, Participatory Democracy, and Solidarity with all Nations.
Objectives
1. Advance and institutionalize the Party political ideology and philosophy;
2. Broaden the Partys political constituency and expand the influence of its political
leaders, and;
3. Elevate the level of political consciousness and help create a strong pluralist
political system.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. MEMBERS OF THE PARTY The members of the Liberal Party are those
who are known to have affiliated themselves with it since its organization and continuously
maintained their loyalty to it, and those who, after being favorably considered for
admission or re-admission formally adhere to it by taking the oath of affiliation.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS Membership in the Party shall be open to all persons,
at least 15 years of age, who believe in the Party Vision, Mission and Platform of
Government and subscribe to the Constitution of the Party and follow fundamental Party
decisions and Party discipline.
SECTION 3. APPLICATION PROCEDURE An application for membership in the Party
shall be submitted to the Provincial, District, City or Municipal Committee of applicants
residence, which shall have the authority to recommend its approval or disproval to the
National Organizing and Membership Commission of the Party. Inaction by the National
Organizing and Membership Commission for a period of thirty (30) days from receipt shall
be considered as an approval of the recommendation. Applications may also be submitted
to, and approved directly by, the Party President, the General Secretary, the National
Political Council or the National Executive Council.
SECTION 4. OATH OF AFFLIATION New members of the Party shall first subscribe to
the following oath of affiliation:
I, ________________________________, of _____________________________
_________________________________________, ______________________________
(City or Municipality)
(Province)
Having been accepted as a member of the LIBERAL PARTY. Do hereby solemnly swear (or
affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will support and defend
its Constitution and its Vision, Mission and Program of Government; that I will work for its
victory in elections and for the realization of a free, just, democratic and progressive
society with a government that is clean, honest and responsive to the needs of the People;
that I will comply with such rules, regulations and decision as may be promulgated by the
duly-constituted Party authorities; and that I will serve the People and the Liberal Party
faithfully without any mental reservation whatsoever.
So help me God. (In the case of affiliation, this sentence will be omitted)

Sponsored by:
____________________
____________________
____________________

_____________________
(Signature)

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ____ day of ________, _____

at ___________________________.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

SECTION 5. ADMINISTERING OATHS Oaths of Affiliation may be administered by

any duly authorized Party officer. This authority may be issued by the President, the
National Political Council or the National Executive Council.
SECTION 6. EQUAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES AMONG MEMBERS All members of the
Party shall have equal rights and duties as follows:
1. To be heard and to vote in Party meetings
2. To choose or be chosen as a Party official
3. To be informed of Party meetings, plans, activities, finances and the use of Party
funds and property
4. To be accorded due process on complaints, investigations and decisions on matters
affecting membership and tenure
5. To support and defend the Constitution
6. To promote the Party Vision, Mission and Program of Government
7. To be actively involved in Party meetings, activities programs and projects
8. To pay dues and assessments
SECTION 7. GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION Any member of the Party may
be disciplined, suspended or removed from the Party on any of the following grounds:
1. Engaging in any act antagonistic to its objectives or inimical to its interest, or for
violation of or deliberate failure to support any of its fundamental decisions;
2. Failure to attend three (3) consecutive Party meetings or at least 2/3 of the
meetings duly convened within a given calendar year of the appropriate committee
or organ without valid reason duly communicated within a reasonable period prior
to the meeting and subsequently approved by the appropriate committee;
3. Non-participation and involvement in Party-sanctioned activities without valid
reason duly communicated within a reasonable period prior to the activity and
approved by the appropriate committee, and;
4. Membership in another political party, either by act or deed.
SECTION 8. PROCEDURE The appropriate committee or Party organ may, motu
propio or acting upon a complaint executed by any Party member, investigate and decide
on the case whose decision may be appealed to the National Executive Council, whose
decision(s) shall be final.
SECTION 9. SUSPENSION A Party member may be suspend for a period not
exceeding one (1) year.
SECTION 10. REINSTATEMENT A Party member duly removed may apply for
reinstatement to the Party Rolls upon written application to the appropriate committee.
Said member is deemed reinstated on the day the committee acts favorably on the matter
by 2/3 votes of the committee members present, there being a quorum.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE II. PARTY ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 11. GENERAL STATEMENT The Party shall be administered by the
following:
1. The National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political
Council, the National Board and the Party President
2. The Provincial Committee and their respective Executive Committees
3. The District Committees and their respective Executive Committees
4. The City or Municipal Committee and their respective Executive Committees
SECTION 12. AUTONOMY AND INTERDEPENDENCE Party administration, which
is fashioned so that in the conduct of the affairs of the Party only the will of the members
shall prevail, envisages autonomy in the various levels of the Party machinery, consistent
with the interdependence necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the Party as
provided for in this Constitution and in accordance with such decisions as from time to
time may be adopted by the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the
National Political Council or the Party President.
SECTION 13. THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS The Party shall establish and
maintain a National Headquarters that shall be headed by a Director General aided by a
functioning and effective staff complement that shall have the following functions:
1. To conduct seminars and facilitate the holding of National Party meetings and
activities
2. To keep, and act as direct custodian of, Party records and papers
3. To undertake or facilitate, by itself or in coordination with research and/or political
institutes, baseline and policy research for the purpose of data banking, Party
legislative work and proposals
4. To assist Party members whenever appropriate and feasible, especially during
elections
5. To assist the National Standing Commissions
6. To conduct such other functions as may be assigned to it by the National Executive
Council, the National Political Council, the Party President and/or the General
Secretary
ARTICLE III. THE LOCAL PARTY ORGANIZATIONS
SUB-ARTICLE 3.1. THE PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE
SECTION 14. COMPOSITION The Provincial Committee shall be composed of:
1. The member of the National Directorate voting in the Province

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

2. Incumbent members of the Provincial Board who belong to the Party and votes in
the Province
3. Incumbent City and Municipal Mayors belonging to the Party and votes in the
Province
4. One delegate, or his alternate, for each City or Municipality who shall be elected by
the respective City or Municipal Committees
5. Members of the different District Committees, should the Province consist of more
than one District
6. One delegate from each of the Allied Sectoral Groups in the Province, if so
established
SECTION 15. POWERS Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the
National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the
Party President the Provincial Committee shall be the governing body of the Party in the
Province and shall represent the Party before the people and the duly constituted
authorities of the province regarding Party matters therein.
SECTION 16. THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Upon call of the Party
President, the Provincial Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive
Committee which shall be composed of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a
Treasurer and such other officers as it may deem necessary, provided that each District
into which a Province is divided shall have at least one representative therein. The
Provincial Executive Committee shall exercise the power of the Provincial Committee when
the latter is not in session.
SUB-ARTICLE 3.2. THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE
SECTION 17. COMPOSITION The District Committee shall be composed of:
1. The members of the National Directorate and the Provincial Committee voting in the
Congressional District
2. Incumbent City and Municipal Mayors voting in the District who belong to the Party
3. One regular delegate or his alternate, for each City or Municipal Committee
4. One delegate from each of the Allied Sectoral Groups in the District, if so
established
When a Province comprises one Legislative District, the Provincial Committee shall also
be the District Committee, with the Provincial Chairperson acting as District Chairperson.
SECTION 18. POWERS Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the
National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the
Party President, and in coordination with the Provincial Committee, the District Committee
shall be the governing body of the Party in the Congressional District and shall represent
the Party before the people and the duly-constituted authorities in the District regarding
Party matters.
SECTION 19. THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Upon the call of the Party
President, the District Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

Committee composed of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such

other officers as it may consider necessary. It shall exercise the powers of the District
Committee when the latter is not in session.
SUB-ARTICLE 3.3. THE MUNICIPAL OR CITY COMMITTEE
SECTION 20. COMPOSITION The Municipal or City Committee shall be composed of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Members of the National Directorate voting in the Municipality or City

Members of the Provincial and District Committees voting in the Municipality or City
The incumbent Municipal or City Mayor who belongs to the Party
The incumbent Vice Mayor and Councilors belonging to the Party
The incumbent Barangay Captains belonging to the Party
One delegate from each Allied Sectoral Group, if so established in the Municipality
or City
7. One regular delegate from each precinct to be named in accordance with rules to
be promulgated by the National Organizing and Membership Commission
SECTION 21. POWERS Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the
Provincial or District Committee, the National Directorate, the National Executive Council,
the National Political Council or the Party President, the Municipal or City Committee shall
be the governing body of the Party in the Municipality or City and shall represent the Party
before the people and duly constituted authorities of the Municipality or City on Party
matters.
SECTION 22. THE MUNICIPAL OR CITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Municipal
or City Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive Committee that shall
be composed of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other
officers as it may deem necessary. It shall exercise the powers of the Municipal or City
Committees when the latter is not in session.
ARTICLE IV. THE NATIONAL DIRECTORATE
SECTION 23. COMPOSITION The National Directorate shall be composed of
delegates elected by the General Assemblies of the Party chapters from each of the four
major geographical areas of the country, namely: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the
National Capital Region.
Each General Assembly shall be convened on the call of the Party President. The General
Assemblies shall be convened at least once every six (6) years. The composition and
procedures of each General Assembly shall be governed by such rules and guidelines
issued by the National Executive Council (NECO) for the purpose of the Assembly, subject
to the provisions of this Constitution.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

The General Assemblies shall choose, in a free and open election, the delegates to the
National Directorate, which shall not be more than one hundred (100) members unless
otherwise established by the NECO, with equal representation to wit:
of the delegates to come from Luzon
of the delegates to come from Visayas
of the delegates to come from Mindanao
of the delegates to come from the National Capital Region
SECTION 24. FUNCTIONS The National Directorate shall exercise the following
functions:
1. It shall set the general policies and guidelines for the Party, which shall be executed
and administered by all Party organs under the direct supervision of the NECO.
2. It shall be responsible for electing the following:
Party Chairperson
Party Vice-Chairperson
Party President
Party Executive Vice President
Party Vice President for
Policy, Platform and Advocacy
External Affairs
Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
National Capital Region
Sectors
Party Secretary General
Party Deputy Secretary General
Party Treasurer
Party Deputy Treasurer
Party Legal Counsel
Party Spokesperson
Party Deputy Spokesperson
Party Director General
SECTION 25. SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS The National Directorate shall meet at
least once every three (3) years or as often as is necessary upon the call of the Party
President. It may meet at any time upon the agreement of of all its members as certified
by the Party General Secretary.
SECTION 26. POWERS The National Directorate shall have overall administration,
direction, control and supervision of the Party and its organs either directly or, when not in
session, through the Party President. Upon his refusal, failure to do so, or death such
powers will be exercised by the NECO, or the National Political Council when the NECO is
not in session.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE V. THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

SECTION 27. COMPOSITION The National Executive Council (NECO) shall be
composed of the following members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Party Chairperson

The Party Vice-Chairperson
The Party President
The Party Executive Vice President
The Party Vice Presidents for Policy, Platform and Advocacy, External Affairs,
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region and Sectors
6. The Party Secretary General
7. The Party Deputy Secretary General
8. The Party Treasurer
9. The Party Deputy Treasurer
10. The Party Legal Counsel
11. The Party Spokesperson
12. The Party Deputy Spokesperson
13. The Party Director General
14. All incumbent Senators and members of the House of Representatives who are
members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
15. All incumbent Governors of Provinces who are members of the Party in good
standing for at least six (6) months
16. All incumbent Mayors of Cities who are members of the Party in good standing for at
least six (6) months
17. All former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic who are members of the
Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
18. All Past Presidents of the Party
19. The National Presidents of all established Allied Sectoral Groups (Youth, Women,
Urban Poor, Labor, etc.)
20. Such other persons of National Stature nominated by the Party President and
approved by the National Directorate
Interim vacancies for these offices shall be filled by the NECO but only for the remaining
portion of the term.
SECTION 28. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS The NECO, upon formal call of the Party
President, shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National
Directorate when the latter is not in session. All powers exercised and functions performed
by the NECO shall have the same force and effect as that of the National Directorate
unless revoked or altered by the latter at the first opportunity.
SECTION 29. TENURE All Party officers and members of the NECO shall hold office
for three (3) years and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or
unless sooner removed for cause.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

SECTION 30. SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS The NECO shall meet at least once a year
on the call of the Party President. The time, place and agenda of the session shall be
specified in the call. It may meet at any time on the call of the Party President or with the
agreement of 2/3 of all its members, or by a simple majority of the members of the
National Political Council, as certified by the Party General Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. THE NATIONAL POLITICAL COUNCIL
SECTION 31. COMPOSITION There shall be a National Political Council composed of
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Party Chairperson

The Party Vice-Chairperson
The Party President
The Party Executive Vice President
The Party Vice Presidents for Policy, Platform and Advocacy, External Affairs, Luzon,
Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region and Sectors
6. The Party Secretary General
7. The Party Deputy Secretary General
8. The Party Treasurer
9. The Party Deputy Treasurer
10. The Party Legal Counsel
11. The Party Spokesperson
12. The Party Deputy Spokesperson
13. The Party Director General
14. The Immediate Past President
15. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus
16. The Chairperson of the Caucus of Local Chief Executives
17. The Chairperson of the Liberal League of Local Legislators
SECTION 32. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS The National Political Council shall
exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National Executive Council
when the latter is not in session. It shall meet at least twice a year or as often as is
necessary at such time and place as the Party President may designate.
ARTICLE VII. THE PARTY NATIONAL BOARD
SECTION 33. THE NATIONAL BOARD. There shall be a National Board of the Party
composed of the seven (7) principal officers of the Party: the Chairperson, the ViceChairperson, President, Executive Vice President, Vice President for Policy, Platform and
Advocacy, Secretary-General and the Treasurer. It shall exercise all the powers and
perform all the functions of the National Political Council and National Executive Council
when these are not in session. It shall meet regularly.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE VII. THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

SECTION 34. COMPOSITION There shall be established an Advisory Council
composed of not less than nine (9) members, chosen by the NECO from among members
of the Party of known probity, integrity and independence. They shall all have been persons
of national standing who have served the Party and the Republic. It shall be chaired by the
Immediate Past President of the Party and may choose such other officers as it sees fit,
subject to the approval of the Party President.
SECTION 35. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS The Advisory Council shall serve as the
principal source of advice to the Party organs on matters involving the dynamics of internal
Party organization as well as external political development. It shall regularly monitor
development in and outside of the Party that it believes will have an impact on Party work.
It shall also undertake a regular review of the activities of the Party and its officers and the
operations of the National Headquarters and its Staff with the view to making specific
recommendations for improvement of the performance of the Party. These
recommendations shall be submitted to the Party President in a written report. The Party
President shall meet with the Advisory Council at least once a year.
ARTICLE VIII. PARTY OFFICERS
SECTION 36. THE PARTY CHAIRPERSON The Party Chairperson shall be the titular
head of the Liberal Party. As such, he shall preside over all the Area General Assemblies
and conventions convened by the Party, as well as all the meetings of the Party National
Directorate.
SECTION 37. THE PARTY VICE-CHAIRPERSON. The Party Vice-Chairperson shall
exercise such powers and perform such functions as the Party Chairperson may from time
to time assign. In case of any vacancy in the position of the Party Chairperson, the Party
Vice-Chairperson shall assume the office for the remaining period of the term. In such an
instance, the National Executive Council shall elect a new Party Vice-Chairperson to serve
for the remaining period of the term.
SECTION 38. THE PARTY PRESIDENT The Party President shall be the principal
leader and Chief Executive Officer of the Party. He shall also be the Partys Spokesperson
unless he designates otherwise. He shall exercise all the powers and perform all the
functions of the National Board, National Executive Council and National Political Council
when the urgency of the matter cannot wait for the action of the National Board, National
Executive Council or the National Political Council. The exercise of such powers or the
performance of such functions shall be reported to the NECO at its next session. He may
delegate any of his powers to any Party officer.
He shall preside over meetings of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council
and the National Political Council

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

10

SECTION 39. VACANCY IN THE PARTY PRESIDENCY In case of any vacancy of

the Party Presidency or permanent disability of the incumbent, the Party Executive Vice
President shall assume the office for the remaining period of the term.
Should the Executive Vice President for whatever reason fails to assume the Party
Presidency, the National Political Council shall meet not later than 15 days from the
occurrence of the vacancy to elect from among themselves a Party President to serve for
the remaining period of the term. In the meantime, the Secretary General shall
concurrently act as Party President.
SECTION 40. THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT The Executive Vice President
shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as the Party President may from
time to time assign.
In case of any vacancy in the position of Executive Vice President, the National Political
Council shall elect the Executive Vice President from the incumbent Vice Presidents.
SECTION 41. THE VICE PRESIDENT the Vice President shall assist the Party
President as councilor and executives in all matters pertaining to their jurisdiction.
SECTION 42. THE SECRETARY GENERAL The Secretary General shall be the Chief
Administrative and Liaison Officer of the Party, coordinating the activities of the various
Party organs at all levels. He shall be the custodian of all Party records and documents and
shall be the official recorder of all meetings of the National Directorate, the National
Executive Council and the National Political Council. Furthermore, he shall oversee and
direct the operations of the National Headquarters and other Party support organizations
with the assistance of the Deputy Secretary General.
Subject to approval by the Party President, he shall appoint all subordinate officials and
staff for his office. He shall fix their compensation and prescribe their duties and
responsibilities.
SECTION 43. THE DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL The Deputy Secretary General
succeeds to the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Secretary General in case of
failure, disability or inability of the former to perform the same. He shall exercise such
powers and perform such functions as the President and/or Secretary General may from
time to time assign him.
SECTION 44. THE TREASURER The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of
the Party and, with the assistance of the Economic, Development and Finance
Commission, shall raise funds that shall be disbursed upon authority of the Party
President. He shall be the custodian of Party funds and properties.
Subject to approval by the Party President, he shall appoint all subordinate officials and
staff for his office. He shall fix their compensation and prescribe their duties and
responsibilities.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

11

SECTION 45. THE DEPUTY TREASURER The Deputy Treasurer succeeds to the
powers, duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer in case of failure, disability or inability
to perform the same. He shall be responsible for assisting the Treasurer in implementing
fund-raising programs for the Party.
SUB-ARTICLE 8.2. DISCIPLINARY ACTION REGARDING OFFICERS
SECTION 46. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Any officer of the Party may be removed or
suspended on the following grounds:
1. Commission of any act antagonistic to the Party objectives or inimical to its
interests, or for violation of or deliberate failure to support any of its fundamental
decisions
2. Membership in another political party, either by act or deed
3. Dishonesty, oppression or misconduct while in office, gross negligence, abuse of
authority or dereliction of duty
4. Failure to attend two (2) consecutive Party meetings or at least of the meetings
duly convened within a calendar year of the appropriate committee or Party organ.
Any officer of the Party may be subjected to disciplinary actions, including suspension from
effective exercise of his Party rights for a period of one year or less for the same or less
serious cause as may be established by the National Executive Council or the National
Political Council.
SECTION 47. PROCEDURE The National Executive Council, if so convened for the
purpose, may, motu proprio or acting upon a complaint for disciplinary action against any
Party member, investigate the case and decide on the matter. The decision of the National
Executive Council shall be final.
Municipal, City and Provincial committees, acting upon a complaint, may impose the
appropriate disciplinary action on the local Party officer concerned.
ARTICLE X. THE NATIONAL STANDING COMMISSIONS
SECTION 48. CREATION There shall be created a number of National Standing
Commissions, each to be composed of not more than five (5) members, namely:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

National Organizing and Membership

Economic Development and Finance
Political and Electoral Affairs
Public Policy and Advocacy
International Affairs
Media and Public Relations

The National Executive Council upon recommendation by the President shall appoint the
Chairperson and members of the Standing Commissions.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

12

SECTION 49. FUNCTIONS The functions of each National Standing Commissions

shall be the following:
1. The National Organizing and Membership Commission shall be responsible
for the overall recruitment and expansion program of the Party and its local
branches, and shall act on recommendations for memberships submitted by the
appropriate Party committees. It shall endeavor to resolve conflicts among Party
members referred to it by the National Executive Council or by the Party President.
2. The Economic Development and Finance Commission shall formulate an
overall financial and resource-generation program and facilitate and oversee
national fund-raising activities. It shall also explore different approaches for
Business Development, Entrepreneurship and other self-help schemes for the
benefit of the Party and its members.
3. The Political and Electoral Affairs Commission shall oversee the Partys
overall electoral organizing program and strategies. It shall likewise be responsible
for developing a candidate pool and the conduct of appropriate training for
candidates and their supporters. It shall regularly conduct political analysis of
national and local situations and undertake alliance-building and unified-front work
with other political forces promoting similar goals, subject to guidelines established
by the Party President.
4. The Public Policy and Advocacy Commission shall be responsible for the
public education and policy research program of the Party.
5. The International Affairs Commission shall be responsible for the
international liaison and political work with other Liberal Parties and organizations
in the world. It shall represent the Party in international meetings and conferences,
whenever specifically designated by the Party President. It shall also monitor
international developments that may have significance for the Partys political work.
6. The Media and Public Relations Commission shall have responsibility for the
overall media exposure of the Party and for the maintenance of a good public image
with the general population.
All policies and regulations adopted by the Standing Commissions shall be subject to the
approval of the National Political Council and shall be disseminated to all Party branches
and Commissions.
ARTICLE XI
CHOICE OF PARTY CANDIDATES
FOR ELECTIVE GOVERNMENT POSITIONS
SECTION 50. CHOICE OF PARTY CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE GOVERNMENT
POSITIONS The choice of Party candidates shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of
the appropriate Party structure, ensuring the broadest participation from the general Party
membership when appropriate and feasible, as follows:

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

13

1. Candidates for President, Vice President and Senator shall be chosen by the
National Executive Council subject to the approval of the National Directorate
2. Candidates for member of the House of Representatives shall be chosen by the
appropriate District committees subject to the approval of the National Executive
Council
3. Candidates for Local Chief Executives and Vice Chief Executives and members of
Local Legislative Councils of Provinces, highly urbanized Cities and Chartered Cities
shall be chosen by the respective Party committees subject to the approval of the
National Executive Council
4. Candidates for Councilor shall be chosen by the Provincial, City and Municipal
Committees
When the appropriate committee or organ has not been convened and constituted or has
become inoperative the Party President may, upon consultation with those affected,
choose and nominate candidates for the area affected.
Appeals from decisions of the committees shall be elevated to the next highest committee.
SECTION 51. CERTIFICATES OF NOMINATION Certificates shall be issued by the
Party President or the General Secretary upon authorization by the former, for candidates
for President, Vice President, Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
The Party President or the General Secretary may authorize in writing other Party officers to
issue Certificates of Nomination to candidates for local elective offices.
Certificates of Nomination as guest candidates may only be issued by the Party President
or the General Secretary, upon the latters authorization.
SECTION 52. QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES Aside from the qualifications of candidates as provided by law, an official candidate of the
Party must:
1. Be a member in good standing of the Party at the time of consideration of his
nomination by the appropriate Party committee, AND
2. Has been a member of the Party for at least one (1) year from the date of the
Election. However, the appropriate Party committee may decide, by 2/3 vote of the
members present, there being a quorum, to waive said requirement.
ARTICLE XII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 53. PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES The President of the Philippines,
when belonging to the Party, shall be the titular head of the Party.

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION

14

SECTION 54. RULES OF LOWER PARTY ORGANS Every organ or unit of the Party
shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal such local rules for its internal government as
are not inconsistent with this Constitution or with the rules, regulations, decisions or
issuances of the National Directorate, National Executive Council, National Political Council
or the Party President.
SECTION 55. RECORDS Every organ or unit of the Party shall keep a roll of its
members. In case of controversy, the records of its proceedings shall be considered final
and binding when certified by the Party President or his duly authorized representative. It
may place at its offices a signboard containing the name of the Party and the designation
of the organ or unit.
SECTION 56. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS OF DISTRICT, PROVINCIAL, CITY,
MUNICIPAL OR BARANGAY COMMITTEES Resolutions adopted by a Provincial,
District, City, Municipal or Barangay Committees shall be registered with the Offices of the
General Secretary and shall be binding as of the date of registration, subject to the
limitations in Section 50.
SECTION 57. SUPPLETORY REGULATIONS In the absence of specific provisions in
this Constitution the rules, regulations, decisions or issuances of the National Directorate,
the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President shall
govern.
SECTION 58. INCUMBENT LOCAL PARTY OFFICERS All incumbent local Party
officers, whether Regional, Provincial, District, City, Municipal or Barangay shall continue to
serve as such until their successors shall have been duly chosen and qualified in
accordance with this Constitution.
SECTION 59. NATIONAL PARTY OFFICERS In accordance with the authority vested
in the Party President [given 5 October 1985 by the National Executive Committee], all
incumbent national Party officers, as duly certified by him in each case, shall continue to
serve as such until their successors shall have been duly chosen and qualified in
accordance with this Constitution.
SECTION 60. QUORUM For the purpose of transacting business, the presence of of
all members of any Party organ or unit shall constitute a quorum. However, the National
Executive Council or National Political Council may adopt its own rules respecting quorum.
SECTION 61. VACANCIES Vacancies in the National Political Council, the National
Executive Council, Provincial, District, City or Municipal Committees shall be filled by the
corresponding committee or Party organ unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution.
SECTION 62. OFFICERS OF THE PARTY The officers and members of the National
Executive Council, National Political Council and those of the Provincial, District, City or
Municipal Committees are Party officers.
SECTION 63. CAUCUSES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS Members of the Party who are
elected to Congress shall constitute themselves into a caucus, with a Chairperson, for

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15

purposes of defining specific policies and approaches to be pursued in each Session of

Congress. All Local Chief Executives shall likewise be convened by the Party into a caucus,
which shall also elect its Chairperson, to determine common concerns for promoting local
autonomy and good governance.
SECTION 64. OATH OF OFFICE OF PARTY OFFICERS Before entering upon the
performance of their duties and assumption of their responsibilities, Party officers shall
subscribe to the following Oath, the original of which shall be kept on file with the Office of
the General Secretary:
I, _______________, having been elected _______________, of the Liberal Party, do hereby solemnly
swear (or affirm) that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of said office to the best of my ability; that I
will uphold and defend the ideals and principles of the Liberal Party as embodied in its Vision and Program of
Government; that I will maintain my unswerving loyalty to the Liberal Party, its Constitution, rules and
decisions; and that I will serve the People and the Liberal Party with utmost fidelity without any mental
reservation whatsoever.
So help me God. (In case of affirmation, this sentence will be omitted)
________________
(Signature)
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me this ___ day of _____, 20___ at ____________
________________________
Administering Party Officer

SECTION 65. COMMEMORATIONS The Party shall publicly commemorate the

following occasions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

19 January, the Founding Anniversary of the Party

National Heroes Day
10 December, Human Rights Day
30 November, Bonifacio Day
30 December, Rizal Day
Such other days as the National Executive Council shall designate
ARTICLE XIII
PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

SECTION 66. PROMULGATION This Constitution shall be promulgated by the

Executive Committee at a meeting called for the purpose by the President.
SECTION 67. AMENDEMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION this Constitution may be
amended by the vote of 2/3 of all members of the National Executive Council at a meeting
called for the purpose by the President, provided that the members of the National
Executive Council present for said meeting are in quorum, which is defined as fifty percent
plus one of the total membership of the National Executive Council.

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ARTICLE XIV
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
SECTION 68. The Executive Committee convened on 20 September 1999, for the
purpose of amending the Party Constitution, shall elect the new set of Party officers
provided for by these amendments.
SECTION 69. The term of office of the new set of Party officers elected by the Executive
Committee shall be until 30 September 2001.
SECTION 70. The Executive Council convened on 28 November 2003 for the purpose of
amending the Party Constitution shall elect the new Party Chairperson and ViceChairperson who shall have the same term as all other Party Officers previously elected.

Amendments in italics were adopted during the 30 November 2004 meeting of the NECO
held at Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan, M.M
Definitions for the positions of Party Legal Counsel, Party Spokesperson and Deputy
Spokesperson have not yet been transmitted for inclusion into this version. Three
additional sections should follow Sec. 45 for the three positions.

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