The Constitution of The Republic of The Philippines - Official Gazette of The Republic of The Philippines

1/18/2017 TheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines|OfficialGazetteoftheRepublicofthePhilippines
TheConstitutionoftheRepublic
ofthePhilippines
PREAMBLE
ARTICLEINationalTerritory
ARTICLEIIDeclarationofPrinciplesandStatePolicies
ARTICLEIIIBillofRights
ARTICLEIVCitizenship
ARTICLEVSuffrage
ARTICLEVILegislativeDepartment
ARTICLEVIIExecutiveDepartment
ARTICLEVIIIJudicialDepartment
ARTICLEIXConstitutionalCommissions
ARTICLEXLocalGovernment
ARTICLEXIAccountabilityofPublicOfficers
ARTICLEXIINationalEconomyandPatrimony
ARTICLEXIIISocialJusticeandHumanRights
ARTICLEXIVEducation,ScienceandTechnology,Arts,CultureandSports
ARTICLEXVTheFamily
ARTICLEXVIGeneralProvisions
ARTICLEXVIIAmendmentsorRevisions
ARTICLEXVIIITransitoryProvisions
http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987constitution/ 1/73
Principles
THE1987CONSTITUTION
THECONSTITUTIONOFTHEREPUBLICOFTHEPHILIPPINES
PREAMBLE
We,thesovereignFilipinopeople,imploringtheaidofAlmightyGod,in
ordertobuildajustandhumanesocietyandestablishaGovernmentthat
shallembodyouridealsandaspirations,promotethecommongood,
conserveanddevelopourpatrimony,andsecuretoourselvesandour
posteritytheblessingsofindependenceanddemocracyundertheruleof
lawandaregimeoftruth,justice,freedom,love,equality,andpeace,do
ordainandpromulgatethisConstitution.
ARTICLEI
NationalTerritory
ThenationalterritorycomprisesthePhilippinearchipelago,withallthe
islandsandwatersembracedtherein,andallotherterritoriesoverwhichthe
Philippineshassovereigntyorjurisdiction,consistingofitsterrestrial,fluvial,
andaerialdomains,includingitsterritorialsea,theseabed,thesubsoil,the
insularshelves,andothersubmarineareas.Thewatersaround,between,
andconnectingtheislandsofthearchipelago,regardlessoftheirbreadth
anddimensions,formpartoftheinternalwatersofthePhilippines.
ARTICLEII
DeclarationofPrinciplesandStatePolicies
Principles
SECTION1.ThePhilippinesisademocraticandrepublicanState.
Sovereigntyresidesinthepeopleandallgovernmentauthorityemanates
fromthem.
SECTION2.ThePhilippinesrenounceswarasaninstrumentofnational
policy,adoptsthegenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallawaspart
ofthelawofthelandandadherestothepolicyofpeace,equality,justice,
freedom,cooperation,andamitywithallnations.
SECTION3.Civilianauthorityis,atalltimes,supremeoverthemilitary.The
ArmedForcesofthePhilippinesistheprotectorofthepeopleandthe
State.ItsgoalistosecurethesovereigntyoftheStateandtheintegrityof
thenationalterritory.
SECTION4.TheprimedutyoftheGovernmentistoserveandprotectthe
people.TheGovernmentmaycalluponthepeopletodefendtheStateand,
inthefulfillmentthereof,allcitizensmayberequired,underconditions
providedbylaw,torenderpersonalmilitaryorcivilservice.
SECTION5.Themaintenanceofpeaceandorder,theprotectionoflife,
liberty,andproperty,andthepromotionofthegeneralwelfareareessential
fortheenjoymentbyallthepeopleoftheblessingsofdemocracy.
SECTION6.TheseparationofChurchandStateshallbeinviolable.
StatePolicies
SECTION7.TheStateshallpursueanindependentforeignpolicy.Inits
relationswithotherstatestheparamountconsiderationshallbenational
sovereignty,territorialintegrity,nationalinterest,andtherighttoself
determination.
SECTION8.ThePhilippines,consistentwiththenationalinterest,adopts
andpursuesapolicyoffreedomfromnuclearweaponsinitsterritory.
SECTION9.TheStateshallpromoteajustanddynamicsocialorderthat
willensuretheprosperityandindependenceofthenationandfreethe
peoplefrompovertythroughpoliciesthatprovideadequatesocialservices,
promotefullemployment,arisingstandardofliving,andanimproved
qualityoflifeforall.
SECTION10.TheStateshallpromotesocialjusticeinallphasesof
nationaldevelopment.
SECTION11.TheStatevaluesthedignityofeveryhumanpersonand
guaranteesfullrespectforhumanrights.
SECTION12.TheStaterecognizesthesanctityoffamilylifeandshall
protectandstrengthenthefamilyasabasicautonomoussocialinstitution.It
shallequallyprotectthelifeofthemotherandthelifeoftheunbornfrom
conception.Thenaturalandprimaryrightanddutyofparentsintherearing
oftheyouthforcivicefficiencyandthedevelopmentofmoralcharactershall
receivethesupportoftheGovernment.
SECTION13.TheStaterecognizesthevitalroleoftheyouthinnation
buildingandshallpromoteandprotecttheirphysical,moral,spiritual,
intellectual,andsocialwellbeing.Itshallinculcateintheyouthpatriotism
andnationalism,andencouragetheirinvolvementinpublicandcivicaffairs.
SECTION14.TheStaterecognizestheroleofwomeninnationbuilding,
andshallensurethefundamentalequalitybeforethelawofwomenand
men.
SECTION15.TheStateshallprotectandpromotetherighttohealthofthe
peopleandinstillhealthconsciousnessamongthem.
SECTION16.TheStateshallprotectandadvancetherightofthepeopleto
abalancedandhealthfulecologyinaccordwiththerhythmandharmonyof
nature.
SECTION17.TheStateshallgiveprioritytoeducation,scienceand
technology,arts,culture,andsportstofosterpatriotismandnationalism,
acceleratesocialprogress,andpromotetotalhumanliberationand
development.
SECTION18.TheStateaffirmslaborasaprimarysocialeconomicforce.It
shallprotecttherightsofworkersandpromotetheirwelfare.
SECTION19.TheStateshalldevelopaselfreliantandindependent
nationaleconomyeffectivelycontrolledbyFilipinos.
SECTION20.TheStaterecognizestheindispensableroleoftheprivate
sector,encouragesprivateenterprise,andprovidesincentivestoneeded
investments.
SECTION21.TheStateshallpromotecomprehensiveruraldevelopment
andagrarianreform.
SECTION22.TheStaterecognizesandpromotestherightsofindigenous
culturalcommunitieswithintheframeworkofnationalunityand
development.
SECTION23.TheStateshallencouragenongovernmental,community
based,orsectoralorganizationsthatpromotethewelfareofthenation.
SECTION24.TheStaterecognizesthevitalroleofcommunicationand
informationinnationbuilding.
SECTION25.TheStateshallensuretheautonomyoflocalgovernments.
SECTION26.TheStateshallguaranteeequalaccesstoopportunitiesfor
publicservice,andprohibitpoliticaldynastiesasmaybedefinedbylaw.
SECTION27.TheStateshallmaintainhonestyandintegrityinthepublic
serviceandtakepositiveandeffectivemeasuresagainstgraftand
corruption.
SECTION28.Subjecttoreasonableconditionsprescribedbylaw,theState
adoptsandimplementsapolicyoffullpublicdisclosureofallits
transactionsinvolvingpublicinterest.
ARTICLEIII
BillofRights
SECTION1.Nopersonshallbedeprivedoflife,liberty,orpropertywithout
dueprocessoflaw,norshallanypersonbedeniedtheequalprotectionof
thelaws.
SECTION2.Therightofthepeopletobesecureintheirpersons,houses,
papers,andeffectsagainstunreasonablesearchesandseizuresof
whatevernatureandforanypurposeshallbeinviolable,andnosearch
warrantorwarrantofarrestshallissueexceptuponprobablecausetobe
determinedpersonallybythejudgeafterexaminationunderoathor
affirmationofthecomplainantandthewitnesseshemayproduce,and
particularlydescribingtheplacetobesearchedandthepersonsorthingsto
beseized.
SECTION3.(1)Theprivacyofcommunicationandcorrespondenceshall
beinviolableexceptuponlawfulorderofthecourt,orwhenpublicsafetyor
orderrequiresotherwiseasprescribedbylaw.
(2)Anyevidenceobtainedinviolationofthisortheprecedingsectionshall
beinadmissibleforanypurposeinanyproceeding.
SECTION4.Nolawshallbepassedabridgingthefreedomofspeech,of
expression,orofthepress,ortherightofthepeoplepeaceablyto
assembleandpetitionthegovernmentforredressofgrievances.
SECTION5.Nolawshallbemaderespectinganestablishmentofreligion,
orprohibitingthefreeexercisethereof.Thefreeexerciseandenjoymentof
religiousprofessionandworship,withoutdiscriminationorpreference,shall
foreverbeallowed.Noreligioustestshallberequiredfortheexerciseof
civilorpoliticalrights.
SECTION6.Thelibertyofabodeandofchangingthesamewithinthelimits
prescribedbylawshallnotbeimpairedexceptuponlawfulorderofthe
court.Neithershalltherighttotravelbeimpairedexceptintheinterestof
nationalsecurity,publicsafety,orpublichealth,asmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION7.Therightofthepeopletoinformationonmattersofpublic
concernshallberecognized.Accesstoofficialrecords,andtodocuments,
andpaperspertainingtoofficialacts,transactions,ordecisions,aswellas
togovernmentresearchdatausedasbasisforpolicydevelopment,shallbe
affordedthecitizen,subjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION8.Therightofthepeople,includingthoseemployedinthepublic
andprivatesectors,toformunions,associations,orsocietiesforpurposes
notcontrarytolawshallnotbeabridged.
SECTION9.Privatepropertyshallnotbetakenforpublicusewithoutjust
compensation.
SECTION10.Nolawimpairingtheobligationofcontractsshallbepassed.
SECTION11.Freeaccesstothecourtsandquasijudicialbodiesand
adequatelegalassistanceshallnotbedeniedtoanypersonbyreasonof
poverty.
SECTION12.(1)Anypersonunderinvestigationforthecommissionofan
offenseshallhavetherighttobeinformedofhisrighttoremainsilentandto
havecompetentandindependentcounselpreferablyofhisownchoice.If
thepersoncannotaffordtheservicesofcounsel,hemustbeprovidedwith
one.Theserightscannotbewaivedexceptinwritingandinthepresenceof
counsel.
(2)Notorture,force,violence,threat,intimidation,oranyothermeans
whichvitiatethefreewillshallbeusedagainsthim.Secretdetention
places,solitary,incommunicado,orothersimilarformsofdetentionare
prohibited.
(3)AnyconfessionoradmissionobtainedinviolationofthisorSection17
hereofshallbeinadmissibleinevidenceagainsthim.
(4)Thelawshallprovideforpenalandcivilsanctionsforviolationsofthis
sectionaswellascompensationtoandrehabilitationofvictimsoftortureor
similarpractices,andtheirfamilies.
SECTION13.Allpersons,exceptthosechargedwithoffensespunishable
byreclusionperpetuawhenevidenceofguiltisstrong,shall,before
conviction,bebailablebysufficientsureties,orbereleasedon
recognizanceasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Therighttobailshallnotbe
impairedevenwhentheprivilegeofthewritofhabeascorpusis
suspended.Excessivebailshallnotberequired.
SECTION14.(1)Nopersonshallbeheldtoanswerforacriminaloffense
withoutdueprocessoflaw.
(2)Inallcriminalprosecutions,theaccusedshallbepresumedinnocent
untilthecontraryisproved,andshallenjoytherighttobeheardbyhimself
andcounsel,tobeinformedofthenatureandcauseoftheaccusation
againsthim,tohaveaspeedy,impartial,andpublictrial,tomeetthe
witnessesfacetoface,andtohavecompulsoryprocesstosecurethe
attendanceofwitnessesandtheproductionofevidenceinhisbehalf.
However,afterarraignment,trialmayproceednotwithstandingtheabsence
oftheaccusedprovidedthathehasbeendulynotifiedandhisfailureto
appearisunjustifiable.
SECTION15.Theprivilegeofthewritofhabeascorpusshallnotbe
suspendedexceptincasesofinvasionorrebellionwhenthepublicsafety
requiresit.
SECTION16.Allpersonsshallhavetherighttoaspeedydispositionof
theircasesbeforealljudicial,quasijudicial,oradministrativebodies.
SECTION17.Nopersonshallbecompelledtobeawitnessagainst
himself.
SECTION18.(1)Nopersonshallbedetainedsolelybyreasonofhis
politicalbeliefsandaspirations.
(2)Noinvoluntaryservitudeinanyformshallexistexceptasapunishment
foracrimewhereofthepartyshallhavebeendulyconvicted.
SECTION19.(1)Excessivefinesshallnotbeimposed,norcruel,
degradingorinhumanpunishmentinflicted.Neithershalldeathpenaltybe
imposed,unless,forcompellingreasonsinvolvingheinouscrimes,the
Congresshereafterprovidesforit.Anydeathpenaltyalreadyimposedshall
bereducedtoreclusionperpetua.
(2)Theemploymentofphysical,psychological,ordegradingpunishment
againstanyprisonerordetaineeortheuseofsubstandardorinadequate
penalfacilitiesundersubhumanconditionsshallbedealtwithbylaw.
SECTION20.Nopersonshallbeimprisonedfordebtornonpaymentofa
polltax.

SECTION21.Nopersonshallbetwiceputinjeopardyofpunishmentfor
thesameoffense.Ifanactispunishedbyalawandanordinance,
convictionoracquittalundereithershallconstituteabartoanother
prosecutionforthesameact.
SECTION22.Noexpostfactolaworbillofattaindershallbeenacted.
ARTICLEIV
Citizenship
SECTION1.ThefollowingarecitizensofthePhilippines:
(1)ThosewhoarecitizensofthePhilippinesatthetimeoftheadoptionof
thisConstitution
(2)ThosewhosefathersormothersarecitizensofthePhilippines
(3)ThosebornbeforeJanuary17,1973,ofFilipinomothers,whoelect
Philippinecitizenshipuponreachingtheageofmajorityand
(4)Thosewhoarenaturalizedinaccordancewithlaw.
SECTION2.Naturalborncitizensarethosewhoarecitizensofthe
Philippinesfrombirthwithouthavingtoperformanyacttoacquireorperfect
theirPhilippinecitizenship.ThosewhoelectPhilippinecitizenshipin
accordancewithparagraph(3),Section1hereofshallbedeemednatural
borncitizens.
SECTION3.Philippinecitizenshipmaybelostorreacquiredinthemanner
providedbylaw.

SECTION4.CitizensofthePhilippineswhomarryaliensshallretaintheir
citizenship,unlessbytheiractoromissiontheyaredeemed,underthelaw,
tohaverenouncedit.
SECTION5.Dualallegianceofcitizensisinimicaltothenationalinterest
andshallbedealtwithbylaw.
ARTICLEV
Suffrage
SECTION1.SuffragemaybeexercisedbyallcitizensofthePhilippinesnot
otherwisedisqualifiedbylaw,whoareatleasteighteenyearsofage,and
whoshallhaveresidedinthePhilippinesforatleastoneyearandinthe
placewhereintheyproposetovoteforatleastsixmonthsimmediately
precedingtheelection.Noliteracy,property,orothersubstantive
requirementshallbeimposedontheexerciseofsuffrage.
SECTION2.TheCongressshallprovideasystemforsecuringthesecrecy
andsanctityoftheballotaswellasasystemforabsenteevotingby
qualifiedFilipinosabroad.
TheCongressshallalsodesignaprocedureforthedisabledandthe
illiteratestovotewithouttheassistanceofotherpersons.Untilthen,they
shallbeallowedtovoteunderexistinglawsandsuchrulesasthe
CommissiononElectionsmaypromulgatetoprotectthesecrecyofthe
ballot.
ARTICLEVI
TheLegislativeDepartment
SECTION1.ThelegislativepowershallbevestedintheCongressofthe
PhilippineswhichshallconsistofaSenateandaHouseof
Representatives,excepttotheextentreservedtothepeoplebythe
provisiononinitiativeandreferendum.
SECTION2.TheSenateshallbecomposedoftwentyfourSenatorswho
shallbeelectedatlargebythequalifiedvotersofthePhilippines,asmay
beprovidedbylaw.
SECTION3.NopersonshallbeaSenatorunlessheisanaturalborn
citizenofthePhilippines,and,onthedayoftheelection,isatleastthirty
fiveyearsofage,abletoreadandwrite,aregisteredvoter,andaresident
ofthePhilippinesfornotlessthantwoyearsimmediatelyprecedingtheday
oftheelection.
SECTION4.ThetermofofficeoftheSenatorsshallbesixyearsandshall
commence,unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,atnoononthethirtiethdayof
Junenextfollowingtheirelection.
NoSenatorshallserveformorethantwoconsecutiveterms.Voluntary
renunciationoftheofficeforanylengthoftimeshallnotbeconsideredas
aninterruptioninthecontinuityofhisserviceforthefulltermforwhichhe
waselected.
SECTION5.(1)TheHouseofRepresentativesshallbecomposedofnot
morethantwohundredandfiftymembers,unlessotherwisefixedbylaw,
whoshallbeelectedfromlegislativedistrictsapportionedamongthe
provinces,cities,andtheMetropolitanManilaareainaccordancewiththe
numberoftheirrespectiveinhabitants,andonthebasisofauniformand
progressiveratio,andthosewho,asprovidedbylaw,shallbeelected
throughapartylistsystemofregisterednational,regional,andsectoral
partiesororganizations.
(2)Thepartylistrepresentativesshallconstitutetwentypercentumofthe
totalnumberofrepresentativesincludingthoseunderthepartylist.For
threeconsecutivetermsaftertheratificationofthisConstitution,onehalfof
theseatsallocatedtopartylistrepresentativesshallbefilled,asprovided
bylaw,byselectionorelectionfromthelabor,peasant,urbanpoor,
indigenousculturalcommunities,women,youth,andsuchothersectorsas
maybeprovidedbylaw,exceptthereligioussector.
(3)Eachlegislativedistrictshallcomprise,asfaraspracticable,contiguous,
compactandadjacentterritory.Eachcitywithapopulationofatleasttwo
hundredfiftythousand,oreachprovince,shallhaveatleastone
representative.
(4)Withinthreeyearsfollowingthereturnofeverycensus,theCongress
shallmakeareapportionmentoflegislativedistrictsbasedonthestandards
providedinthissection.
SECTION6.NopersonshallbeaMemberoftheHouseofRepresentatives
unlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthePhilippinesand,onthedayofthe
election,isatleasttwentyfiveyearsofage,abletoreadandwrite,and,
exceptthepartylistrepresentatives,aregisteredvoterinthedistrictin
whichheshallbeelected,andaresidentthereofforaperiodofnotless
thanoneyearimmediatelyprecedingthedayoftheelection.
SECTION7.TheMembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesshallbe
electedforatermofthreeyearswhichshallbegin,unlessotherwise
providedbylaw,atnoononthethirtiethdayofJunenextfollowingtheir
election.
NomemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesshallserveformorethan
threeconsecutiveterms.Voluntaryrenunciationoftheofficeforanylength
oftimeshallnotbeconsideredasaninterruptioninthecontinuityofhis
serviceforthefulltermforwhichhewaselected.
SECTION8.Unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,theregularelectionofthe
SenatorsandtheMembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesshallbeheld
onthesecondMondayofMay.
SECTION9.IncaseofvacancyintheSenateorintheHouseof
Representatives,aspecialelectionmaybecalledtofillsuchvacancyinthe
mannerprescribedbylaw,buttheSenatororMemberoftheHouseof
Representativesthuselectedshallserveonlyfortheunexpiredterm.
SECTION10.ThesalariesofSenatorsandMembersoftheHouseof
Representativesshallbedeterminedbylaw.Noincreaseinsaid
compensationshalltakeeffectuntilaftertheexpirationofthefulltermofall
theMembersoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesapproving
suchincrease.
SECTION11.ASenatororMemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesshall,
inalloffensespunishablebynotmorethansixyearsimprisonment,be
privilegedfromarrestwhiletheCongressisinsession.NoMembershallbe
questionednorbeheldliableinanyotherplaceforanyspeechordebatein
theCongressorinanycommitteethereof.
SECTION12.AllMembersoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentatives
shall,uponassumptionofoffice,makeafulldisclosureoftheirfinancialand
businessinterests.TheyshallnotifytheHouseconcernedofapotential
conflictofinterestthatmayarisefromthefilingofaproposedlegislationof
whichtheyareauthors.
SECTION13.NoSenatororMemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesmay
holdanyotherofficeoremploymentintheGovernment,oranysubdivision,
agency,orinstrumentalitythereof,includinggovernmentownedor
controlledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries,duringhistermwithout
forfeitinghisseat.Neithershallhebeappointedtoanyofficewhichmay
havebeencreatedortheemolumentsthereofincreasedduringthetermfor
whichhewaselected.
SECTION14.NoSenatororMemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesmay
personallyappearascounselbeforeanycourtofjusticeorbeforethe
ElectoralTribunals,orquasijudicialandotheradministrativebodies.
Neithershallhe,directlyorindirectly,beinterestedfinanciallyinany
contractwith,orinanyfranchiseorspecialprivilegegrantedbythe
Government,oranysubdivision,agency,orinstrumentalitythereof,
includinganygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporation,oritssubsidiary,
duringhistermofoffice.Heshallnotinterveneinanymatterbeforeany
officeoftheGovernmentforhispecuniarybenefitorwherehemaybe
calledupontoactonaccountofhisoffice.
SECTION15.TheCongressshallconveneonceeveryyearonthefourth
MondayofJulyforitsregularsession,unlessadifferentdateisfixedbylaw,
andshallcontinuetobeinsessionforsuchnumberofdaysasitmay
determineuntilthirtydaysbeforetheopeningofitsnextregularsession,
exclusiveofSaturdays,Sundays,andlegalholidays.ThePresidentmay
callaspecialsessionatanytime.
SECTION16.(1)TheSenateshallelectitsPresidentandtheHouseof
RepresentativesitsSpeaker,byamajorityvoteofallitsrespective
Members.
EachHouseshallchoosesuchotherofficersasitmaydeemnecessary.
(2)AmajorityofeachHouseshallconstituteaquorumtodobusiness,buta
smallernumbermayadjournfromdaytodayandmaycompelthe
attendanceofabsentMembersinsuchmanner,andundersuchpenalties,
assuchHousemayprovide.
(3)EachHousemaydeterminetherulesofitsproceedings,punishits
Membersfordisorderlybehavior,and,withtheconcurrenceoftwothirdsof
allitsMembers,suspendorexpelaMember.Apenaltyofsuspension,
whenimposed,shallnotexceedsixtydays.
(4)EachHouseshallkeepaJournalofitsproceedings,andfromtimeto
timepublishthesame,exceptingsuchpartsasmay,initsjudgment,affect
nationalsecurityandtheyeasandnaysonanyquestionshall,atthe
requestofonefifthoftheMemberspresent,beenteredintheJournal.
EachHouseshallalsokeepaRecordofitsproceedings.
(5)NeitherHouseduringthesessionsoftheCongressshall,withoutthe
consentoftheother,adjournformorethanthreedays,nortoanyother
placethanthatinwhichthetwoHousesshallbesitting.
SECTION17.TheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesshalleach
haveanElectoralTribunalwhichshallbethesolejudgeofallcontests
relatingtotheelection,returns,andqualificationsoftheirrespective
Members.EachElectoralTribunalshallbecomposedofnineMembers,
threeofwhomshallbeJusticesoftheSupremeCourttobedesignatedby
theChiefJustice,andtheremainingsixshallbeMembersoftheSenateor
theHouseofRepresentatives,asthecasemaybe,whoshallbechosenon
thebasisofproportionalrepresentationfromthepoliticalpartiesandthe
partiesororganizationsregisteredunderthepartylistsystemrepresented
therein.TheseniorJusticeintheElectoralTribunalshallbeitsChairman.
SECTION18.ThereshallbeaCommissiononAppointmentsconsistingof
thePresidentoftheSenate,asexofficioChairman,twelveSenatorsand
twelveMembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives,electedbyeachHouse
onthebasisofproportionalrepresentationfromthepoliticalpartiesand
partiesororganizationsregisteredunderthepartylistsystemrepresented
therein.TheChairmanoftheCommissionshallnotvote,exceptincaseofa
tie.TheCommissionshallactonallappointmentssubmittedtoitwithin
thirtysessiondaysoftheCongressfromtheirsubmission.TheCommission
shallrulebyamajorityvoteofalltheMembers.
SECTION19.TheElectoralTribunalsandtheCommissionon
AppointmentsshallbeconstitutedwithinthirtydaysaftertheSenateand
theHouseofRepresentativesshallhavebeenorganizedwiththeelection
ofthePresidentandtheSpeaker.TheCommissiononAppointmentsshall
meetonlywhiletheCongressisinsession,atthecallofitsChairmanora
majorityofallitsMembers,todischargesuchpowersandfunctionsasare
hereinconferreduponit.
SECTION20.TherecordsandbooksofaccountsoftheCongressshallbe
preservedandbeopentothepublicinaccordancewithlaw,andsuch
booksshallbeauditedbytheCommissiononAuditwhichshallpublish
annuallyanitemizedlistofamountspaidtoandexpensesincurredforeach
Member.
SECTION21.TheSenateortheHouseofRepresentativesoranyofits
respectivecommitteesmayconductinquiriesinaidoflegislationin
accordancewithitsdulypublishedrulesofprocedure.Therightsofpersons
appearinginoraffectedbysuchinquiriesshallberespected.
SECTION22.Theheadsofdepartmentsmayupontheirowninitiative,with
theconsentofthePresident,orupontherequestofeitherHouse,asthe
rulesofeachHouseshallprovide,appearbeforeandbeheardbysuch
Houseonanymatterpertainingtotheirdepartments.Writtenquestions
shallbesubmittedtothePresidentoftheSenateortheSpeakerofthe
HouseofRepresentativesatleastthreedaysbeforetheirscheduled
appearance.Interpellationsshallnotbelimitedtowrittenquestions,but
maycovermattersrelatedthereto.WhenthesecurityoftheStateorthe
publicinterestsorequiresandthePresidentsostatesinwriting,the
appearanceshallbeconductedinexecutivesession.
SECTION23.(1)TheCongress,byavoteoftwothirdsofbothHousesin
jointsessionassembled,votingseparately,shallhavethesolepowerto
declaretheexistenceofastateofwar.
(2)Intimesofwarorothernationalemergency,theCongressmay,bylaw,
authorizethePresident,foralimitedperiodandsubjecttosuchrestrictions
asitmayprescribe,toexercisepowersnecessaryandpropertocarryouta
declarednationalpolicy.Unlesssoonerwithdrawnbyresolutionofthe
Congress,suchpowersshallceaseuponthenextadjournmentthereof.
SECTION24.Allappropriation,revenueortariffbills,billsauthorizing
increaseofthepublicdebt,billsoflocalapplication,andprivatebillsshall
originateexclusivelyintheHouseofRepresentatives,buttheSenatemay
proposeorconcurwithamendments.
SECTION25.(1)TheCongressmaynotincreasetheappropriations
recommendedbythePresidentfortheoperationoftheGovernmentas
specifiedinthebudget.Theform,content,andmannerofpreparationofthe
budgetshallbeprescribedbylaw.
(2)Noprovisionorenactmentshallbeembracedinthegeneral
appropriationsbillunlessitrelatesspecificallytosomeparticular
appropriationtherein.Anysuchprovisionorenactmentshallbelimitedinits
operationtotheappropriationtowhichitrelates.
(3)TheprocedureinapprovingappropriationsfortheCongressshallstrictly
followtheprocedureforapprovingappropriationsforotherdepartmentsand
agencies.
(4)Aspecialappropriationsbillshallspecifythepurposeforwhichitis
intended,andshallbesupportedbyfundsactuallyavailableascertifiedby
theNationalTreasurer,ortoberaisedbyacorrespondingrevenue
proposedtherein.
(5)Nolawshallbepassedauthorizinganytransferofappropriations
however,thePresident,thePresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakerofthe
HouseofRepresentatives,theChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt,andthe
headsofConstitutionalCommissionsmay,bylaw,beauthorizedto
augmentanyiteminthegeneralappropriationslawfortheirrespective
officesfromsavingsinotheritemsoftheirrespectiveappropriations.
(6)Discretionaryfundsappropriatedforparticularofficialsshallbe
disbursedonlyforpublicpurposestobesupportedbyappropriatevouchers
andsubjecttosuchguidelinesasmaybeprescribedbylaw.
(7)If,bytheendofanyfiscalyear,theCongressshallhavefailedtopass
thegeneralappropriationsbillfortheensuingfiscalyear,thegeneral
appropriationslawfortheprecedingfiscalyearshallbedeemedreenacted
andshallremaininforceandeffectuntilthegeneralappropriationsbillis
passedbytheCongress.
SECTION26.(1)EverybillpassedbytheCongressshallembraceonlyone
subjectwhichshallbeexpressedinthetitlethereof.
(2)NobillpassedbyeitherHouseshallbecomealawunlessithaspassed
threereadingsonseparatedays,andprintedcopiesthereofinitsfinalform
havebeendistributedtoitsMembersthreedaysbeforeitspassage,except
whenthePresidentcertifiestothenecessityofitsimmediateenactmentto
meetapubliccalamityoremergency.Uponthelastreadingofabill,no
amendmenttheretoshallbeallowed,andthevotethereonshallbetaken
immediatelythereafter,andtheyeasandnaysenteredintheJournal.
SECTION27.(1)EverybillpassedbytheCongressshall,beforeit
becomesalaw,bepresentedtothePresident.Ifheapprovesthesame,he
shallsignitotherwise,heshallvetoitandreturnthesamewithhis
objectionstotheHousewhereitoriginated,whichshallentertheobjections
atlargeinitsJournalandproceedtoreconsiderit.If,aftersuch
reconsideration,twothirdsofalltheMembersofsuchHouseshallagreeto
passthebill,itshallbesent,togetherwiththeobjections,totheother
Housebywhichitshalllikewisebereconsidered,andifapprovedbytwo
thirdsofalltheMembersofthatHouse,itshallbecomealaw.Inallsuch
cases,thevotesofeachHouseshallbedeterminedbyyeasornays,and
thenamesoftheMembersvotingfororagainstshallbeenteredinits
Journal.ThePresidentshallcommunicatehisvetoofanybilltotheHouse
whereitoriginatedwithinthirtydaysafterthedateofreceiptthereof
otherwise,itshallbecomealawasifhehadsignedit.
(2)ThePresidentshallhavethepowertovetoanyparticularitemoritems
inanappropriation,revenue,ortariffbill,butthevetoshallnotaffectthe
itemoritemstowhichhedoesnotobject.
SECTION28.(1)Theruleoftaxationshallbeuniformandequitable.The
Congressshallevolveaprogressivesystemoftaxation.
(2)TheCongressmay,bylaw,authorizethePresidenttofixwithinspecified
limits,andsubjecttosuchlimitationsandrestrictionsasitmayimpose,tariff
rates,importandexportquotas,tonnageandwharfagedues,andother
dutiesorimpostswithintheframeworkofthenationaldevelopmentprogram
oftheGovernment.
(3)Charitableinstitutions,churchesandparsonagesorconvents
appurtenantthereto,mosques,nonprofitcemeteries,andalllands,
buildings,andimprovements,actually,directly,andexclusivelyusedfor
religious,charitable,oreducationalpurposesshallbeexemptfromtaxation.
(4)Nolawgrantinganytaxexemptionshallbepassedwithoutthe
concurrenceofamajorityofalltheMembersoftheCongress.
SECTION29.(1)NomoneyshallbepaidoutoftheTreasuryexceptin
pursuanceofanappropriationmadebylaw.
(2)Nopublicmoneyorpropertyshallbeappropriated,applied,paid,or
employed,directlyorindirectly,fortheuse,benefit,orsupportofanysect,
church,denomination,sectarianinstitution,orsystemofreligion,orofany
priest,preacher,minister,orotherreligiousteacher,ordignitaryassuch,
exceptwhensuchpriest,preacher,minister,ordignitaryisassignedtothe
armedforces,ortoanypenalinstitution,orgovernmentorphanageor
leprosarium.
(3)Allmoneycollectedonanytaxleviedforaspecialpurposeshallbe
treatedasaspecialfundandpaidoutforsuchpurposeonly.Ifthepurpose
forwhichaspecialfundwascreatedhasbeenfulfilledorabandoned,the
balance,ifany,shallbetransferredtothegeneralfundsoftheGovernment.
SECTION30.Nolawshallbepassedincreasingtheappellatejurisdiction
oftheSupremeCourtasprovidedinthisConstitutionwithoutitsadviceand
concurrence.
SECTION31.Nolawgrantingatitleofroyaltyornobilityshallbeenacted.
SECTION32.TheCongressshall,asearlyaspossible,providefora
systemofinitiativeandreferendum,andtheexceptionstherefrom,whereby
thepeoplecandirectlyproposeandenactlawsorapproveorrejectanyact
orlaworpartthereofpassedbytheCongressorlocallegislativebodyafter
theregistrationofapetitionthereforsignedbyatleasttenpercentumofthe
totalnumberofregisteredvoters,ofwhicheverylegislativedistrictmustbe
representedbyatleastthreepercentumoftheregisteredvotersthereof.
ARTICLEVII
ExecutiveDepartment
SECTION1.TheexecutivepowershallbevestedinthePresidentofthe
Philippines.
SECTION2.NopersonmaybeelectedPresidentunlessheisanatural
borncitizenofthePhilippines,aregisteredvoter,abletoreadandwrite,at
leastfortyyearsofageonthedayoftheelection,andaresidentofthe
Philippinesforatleasttenyearsimmediatelyprecedingsuchelection.
SECTION3.ThereshallbeaVicePresidentwhoshallhavethesame
qualificationsandtermofofficeandbeelectedwithandinthesame
mannerasthePresident.Hemayberemovedfromofficeinthesame
mannerasthePresident.
TheVicePresidentmaybeappointedasaMemberoftheCabinet.Such
appointmentrequiresnoconfirmation.
SECTION4.ThePresidentandtheVicePresidentshallbeelectedby
directvoteofthepeopleforatermofsixyearswhichshallbeginatnoonon
thethirtiethdayofJunenextfollowingthedayoftheelectionandshallend
atnoonofthesamedatesixyearsthereafter.ThePresidentshallnotbe
eligibleforanyreelection.NopersonwhohassucceededasPresidentand
hasservedassuchformorethanfouryearsshallbequalifiedforelectionto
thesameofficeatanytime.
NoVicePresidentshallserveformorethantwoconsecutiveterms.
Voluntaryrenunciationoftheofficeforanylengthoftimeshallnotbe
consideredasaninterruptioninthecontinuityoftheserviceforthefullterm
forwhichhewaselected.
Unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,theregularelectionforPresidentand
VicePresidentshallbeheldonthesecondMondayofMay.
ThereturnsofeveryelectionforPresidentandVicePresident,dulycertified
bytheboardofcanvassersofeachprovinceorcity,shallbetransmittedto
theCongress,directedtothePresidentoftheSenate.Uponreceiptofthe
certificatesofcanvass,thePresidentoftheSenateshall,notlaterthan
thirtydaysafterthedayoftheelection,openallcertificatesinthepresence
oftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesinjointpublicsession,and
theCongress,upondeterminationoftheauthenticityanddueexecution
thereofinthemannerprovidedbylaw,canvassthevotes.
Thepersonhavingthehighestnumberofvotesshallbeproclaimedelected,
butincasetwoormoreshallhaveanequalandhighestnumberofvotes,
oneofthemshallforthwithbechosenbythevoteofamajorityofallthe
MembersofbothHousesoftheCongress,votingseparately.
TheCongressshallpromulgateitsrulesforthecanvassingofthe
certificates.
TheSupremeCourt,sittingenbanc,shallbethesolejudgeofallcontests
relatingtotheelection,returns,andqualificationsofthePresidentorVice
President,andmaypromulgateitsrulesforthepurpose.
SECTION5.Beforetheyenterontheexecutionoftheiroffice,the
President,theVicePresident,ortheActingPresidentshalltakethe
followingoathoraffirmation:
Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillfaithfullyandconscientiouslyfulfill
mydutiesasPresident(orVicePresidentorActingPresident)ofthe
Philippines,preserveanddefenditsConstitution,executeitslaws,do
justicetoeveryman,andconsecratemyselftotheserviceoftheNation.So
helpmeGod.(Incaseofaffirmation,lastsentencewillbeomitted.)
SECTION6.ThePresidentshallhaveanofficialresidence.Thesalariesof
thePresidentandVicePresidentshallbedeterminedbylawandshallnot
bedecreasedduringtheirtenure.Noincreaseinsaidcompensationshall
takeeffectuntilaftertheexpirationofthetermoftheincumbentduring
whichsuchincreasewasapproved.Theyshallnotreceiveduringtheir
tenureanyotheremolumentfromtheGovernmentoranyothersource.
SECTION7.ThePresidentelectandtheVicePresidentelectshallassume
officeatthebeginningoftheirterms.
IfthePresidentelectfailstoqualify,theVicePresidentelectshallactas
PresidentuntilthePresidentelectshallhavequalified.
IfaPresidentshallnothavebeenchosen,theVicePresidentelectshallact
asPresidentuntilaPresidentshallhavebeenchosenandqualified.
IfatthebeginningofthetermofthePresident,thePresidentelectshall
havediedorshallhavebecomepermanentlydisabled,theVicePresident
electshallbecomePresident.
WherenoPresidentandVicePresidentshallhavebeenchosenorshall
havequalified,orwherebothshallhavediedorbecomepermanently
disabled,thePresidentoftheSenateor,incaseofhisinability,theSpeaker
oftheHouseofRepresentativesshallactasPresidentuntilaPresidentora
VicePresidentshallhavebeenchosenandqualified.
TheCongressshall,bylaw,provideforthemannerinwhichonewhoisto
actasPresidentshallbeselecteduntilaPresidentoraVicePresidentshall
havequalified,incaseofdeath,permanentdisability,orinabilityofthe
officialsmentionedinthenextprecedingparagraph.
SECTION8.Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability,removalfromoffice,or
resignationofthePresident,theVicePresidentshallbecomethePresident
toservetheunexpiredterm.Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability,removal
fromoffice,orresignationofboththePresidentandVicePresident,the
PresidentoftheSenateor,incaseofhisinability,theSpeakeroftheHouse
ofRepresentatives,shallthenactasPresidentuntilthePresidentorVice
Presidentshallhavebeenelectedandqualified.
TheCongressshall,bylaw,providewhoshallserveasPresidentincaseof
death,permanentdisability,orresignationoftheActingPresident.Heshall
serveuntilthePresidentortheVicePresidentshallhavebeenelectedand
qualified,andbesubjecttothesamerestrictionsofpowersand
disqualificationsastheActingPresident.
SECTION9.WheneverthereisavacancyintheOfficeoftheVice
Presidentduringthetermforwhichhewaselected,thePresidentshall
nominateaVicePresidentfromamongtheMembersoftheSenateandthe
HouseofRepresentativeswhoshallassumeofficeuponconfirmationbya
majorityvoteofalltheMembersofbothHousesoftheCongress,voting
separately.
SECTION10.TheCongressshall,attenoclockinthemorningofthethird
dayafterthevacancyintheofficesofthePresidentandVicePresident
occurs,conveneinaccordancewithitsruleswithoutneedofacalland
withinsevendaysenactalawcallingforaspecialelectiontoelecta
PresidentandaVicePresidenttobeheldnotearlierthanfortyfivedaysnor
laterthansixtydaysfromthetimeofsuchcall.Thebillcallingsuchspecial
electionshallbedeemedcertifiedunderparagraph2,Section26,ArticleVI
ofthisConstitutionandshallbecomelawuponitsapprovalonthirdreading
bytheCongress.Appropriationsforthespecialelectionshallbecharged
againstanycurrentappropriationsandshallbeexemptfromthe
requirementsofparagraph4,Section25,ArticleVIofthisConstitution.The
conveningoftheCongresscannotbesuspendednorthespecialelection
postponed.Nospecialelectionshallbecalledifthevacancyoccurswithin
eighteenmonthsbeforethedateofthenextpresidentialelection.
SECTION11.WheneverthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentofthe
SenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativeshiswritten
declarationthatheisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhis
office,anduntilhetransmitstothemawrittendeclarationtothecontrary,
suchpowersanddutiesshallbedischargedbytheVicePresidentasActing
President.
WheneveramajorityofalltheMembersoftheCabinettransmittothe
PresidentoftheSenateandtotheSpeakeroftheHouseof
RepresentativestheirwrittendeclarationthatthePresidentisunableto
dischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,theVicePresidentshall
immediatelyassumethepowersanddutiesoftheofficeasActing
President.
Thereafter,whenthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentoftheSenateand
totheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativeshiswrittendeclarationthat
noinabilityexists,heshallreassumethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice.
Meanwhile,shouldamajorityofalltheMembersoftheCabinettransmit
withinfivedaystothePresidentoftheSenateandtotheSpeakerofthe
HouseofRepresentativestheirwrittendeclarationthatthePresidentis
unabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,theCongressshall
decidetheissue.Forthatpurpose,theCongressshallconvene,ifitisnotin
session,withinfortyeighthours,inaccordancewithitsrulesandwithout
needofcall.
IftheCongress,withintendaysafterreceiptofthelastwrittendeclaration,
or,ifnotinsession,withintwelvedaysafteritisrequiredtoassemble,
determinesbyatwothirdsvoteofbothHouses,votingseparately,thatthe
Presidentisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,the
VicePresidentshallactasthePresidentotherwise,thePresidentshall
continueexercisingthepowersanddutiesofhisoffice.
SECTION12.IncaseofseriousillnessofthePresident,thepublicshallbe
informedofthestateofhishealth.TheMembersoftheCabinetinchargeof
nationalsecurityandforeignrelationsandtheChiefofStaffoftheArmed
ForcesofthePhilippines,shallnotbedeniedaccesstothePresident
duringsuchillness.
SECTION13.ThePresident,VicePresident,theMembersoftheCabinet,
andtheirdeputiesorassistantsshallnot,unlessotherwiseprovidedinthis
Constitution,holdanyotherofficeoremploymentduringtheirtenure.They
shallnot,duringsaidtenure,directlyorindirectly,practiceanyother
profession,participateinanybusiness,orbefinanciallyinterestedinany
contractwith,orinanyfranchise,orspecialprivilegegrantedbythe
Governmentoranysubdivision,agency,orinstrumentalitythereof,including
governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries.They
shallstrictlyavoidconflictofinterestintheconductoftheiroffice.
Thespouseandrelativesbyconsanguinityoraffinitywithinthefourthcivil
degreeofthePresidentshallnotduringhistenurebeappointedas
membersoftheConstitutionalCommissions,ortheOfficeofthe
Ombudsman,orasSecretaries,Undersecretaries,chairmenorheadsof
bureausoroffices,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations
andtheirsubsidiaries.
SECTION14.AppointmentsextendedbyanActingPresidentshallremain
effective,unlessrevokedbytheelectedPresidentwithinninetydaysfrom
hisassumptionorreassumptionofoffice.
SECTION15.Twomonthsimmediatelybeforethenextpresidential
electionsanduptotheendofhisterm,aPresidentorActingPresidentshall
notmakeappointments,excepttemporaryappointmentstoexecutive
positionswhencontinuedvacanciesthereinwillprejudicepublicserviceor
endangerpublicsafety.
SECTION16.ThePresidentshallnominateand,withtheconsentofthe
CommissiononAppointments,appointtheheadsoftheexecutive
departments,ambassadors,otherpublicministersandconsuls,orofficers
ofthearmedforcesfromtherankofcolonelornavalcaptain,andother
officerswhoseappointmentsarevestedinhiminthisConstitution.Heshall
alsoappointallotherofficersoftheGovernmentwhoseappointmentsare
nototherwiseprovidedforbylaw,andthosewhomhemaybeauthorized
bylawtoappoint.TheCongressmay,bylaw,vesttheappointmentofother
officerslowerinrankinthePresidentalone,inthecourts,orintheheadsof
departments,agencies,commissions,orboards.
ThePresidentshallhavethepowertomakeappointmentsduringthe
recessoftheCongress,whethervoluntaryorcompulsory,butsuch
appointmentsshallbeeffectiveonlyuntilafterdisapprovalbythe
CommissiononAppointmentsoruntilthenextadjournmentofthe
Congress.
SECTION17.ThePresidentshallhavecontrolofalltheexecutive
departments,bureaus,andoffices.Heshallensurethatthelawsbe
faithfullyexecuted.
SECTION18.ThePresidentshallbetheCommanderinChiefofallarmed
forcesofthePhilippinesandwheneveritbecomesnecessary,hemaycall
outsucharmedforcestopreventorsuppresslawlessviolence,invasionor
rebellion.Incaseofinvasionorrebellion,whenthepublicsafetyrequiresit,
hemay,foraperiodnotexceedingsixtydays,suspendtheprivilegeofthe
writofhabeascorpusorplacethePhilippinesoranypartthereofunder
martiallaw.Withinfortyeighthoursfromtheproclamationofmartiallawor
thesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewritofhabeascorpus,thePresident
shallsubmitareportinpersonorinwritingtotheCongress.TheCongress,
votingjointly,byavoteofatleastamajorityofallitsMembersinregularor
specialsession,mayrevokesuchproclamationorsuspension,which
revocationshallnotbesetasidebythePresident.Upontheinitiativeofthe
President,theCongressmay,inthesamemanner,extendsuch
proclamationorsuspensionforaperiodtobedeterminedbytheCongress,
iftheinvasionorrebellionshallpersistandpublicsafetyrequiresit.
TheCongress,ifnotinsession,shall,withintwentyfourhoursfollowing
suchproclamationorsuspension,conveneinaccordancewithitsrules
withoutanyneedofacall.
TheSupremeCourtmayreview,inanappropriateproceedingfiledbyany
citizen,thesufficiencyofthefactualbasisoftheproclamationofmartiallaw
orthesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewritortheextensionthereof,and
mustpromulgateitsdecisionthereonwithinthirtydaysfromitsfiling.
AstateofmartiallawdoesnotsuspendtheoperationoftheConstitution,
norsupplantthefunctioningofthecivilcourtsorlegislativeassemblies,nor
authorizetheconfermentofjurisdictiononmilitarycourtsandagenciesover
civilianswherecivilcourtsareabletofunction,norautomaticallysuspend
theprivilegeofthewrit.
Thesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewritshallapplyonlytopersons
judiciallychargedforrebellionoroffensesinherentinordirectlyconnected
withtheinvasion.
Duringthesuspensionoftheprivilegeofthewrit,anypersonthusarrested
ordetainedshallbejudiciallychargedwithinthreedays,otherwiseheshall
bereleased.
SECTION19.Exceptincasesofimpeachment,orasotherwiseprovidedin
thisConstitution,thePresidentmaygrantreprieves,commutationsand
pardons,andremitfinesandforfeitures,afterconvictionbyfinaljudgment.
Heshallalsohavethepowertograntamnestywiththeconcurrenceofa
majorityofalltheMembersoftheCongress.
SECTION20.ThePresidentmaycontractorguaranteeforeignloanson
behalfoftheRepublicofthePhilippineswiththepriorconcurrenceofthe
MonetaryBoard,andsubjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
TheMonetaryBoardshall,withinthirtydaysfromtheendofeveryquarter
ofthecalendaryear,submittotheCongressacompletereportofits
decisionsonapplicationsforloanstobecontractedorguaranteedbythe
Governmentorgovernmentownedandcontrolledcorporationswhichwould
havetheeffectofincreasingtheforeigndebt,andcontainingothermatters
asmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION21.Notreatyorinternationalagreementshallbevalidand
effectiveunlessconcurredinbyatleasttwothirdsofalltheMembersofthe
Senate.
SECTION22.ThePresidentshallsubmittotheCongresswithinthirtydays
fromtheopeningofeveryregularsession,asthebasisofthegeneral
appropriationsbill,abudgetofexpendituresandsourcesoffinancing,
includingreceiptsfromexistingandproposedrevenuemeasures.
SECTION23.ThePresidentshalladdresstheCongressattheopeningof
itsregularsession.Hemayalsoappearbeforeitatanyothertime.
ARTICLEVIII
JudicialDepartment
SECTION1.ThejudicialpowershallbevestedinoneSupremeCourtand
insuchlowercourtsasmaybeestablishedbylaw.
Judicialpowerincludesthedutyofthecourtsofjusticetosettleactual
controversiesinvolvingrightswhicharelegallydemandableand
enforceable,andtodeterminewhetherornottherehasbeenagraveabuse
ofdiscretionamountingtolackorexcessofjurisdictiononthepartofany
branchorinstrumentalityoftheGovernment.
SECTION2.TheCongressshallhavethepowertodefine,prescribe,and
apportionthejurisdictionofvariouscourtsbutmaynotdeprivetheSupreme
CourtofitsjurisdictionovercasesenumeratedinSection5hereof.
NolawshallbepassedreorganizingtheJudiciarywhenitunderminesthe
securityoftenureofitsMembers.
SECTION3.TheJudiciaryshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Appropriationsfor
theJudiciarymaynotbereducedbythelegislaturebelowtheamount
appropriatedforthepreviousyearand,afterapproval,shallbe
automaticallyandregularlyreleased.
SECTION4.(1)TheSupremeCourtshallbecomposedofaChiefJustice
andfourteenAssociateJustices.Itmaysitenbancorinitsdiscretion,in
divisionsofthree,five,orsevenMembers.Anyvacancyshallbefilledwithin
ninetydaysfromtheoccurrencethereof.
(2)Allcasesinvolvingtheconstitutionalityofatreaty,internationalor
executiveagreement,orlaw,whichshallbeheardbytheSupremeCourten
banc,andallothercaseswhichundertheRulesofCourtarerequiredtobe
heardenbanc,includingthoseinvolvingtheconstitutionality,application,or
operationofpresidentialdecrees,proclamations,orders,instructions,
ordinances,andotherregulations,shallbedecidedwiththeconcurrenceof
amajorityoftheMemberswhoactuallytookpartinthedeliberationsonthe
issuesinthecaseandvotedthereon.
(3)Casesormattersheardbyadivisionshallbedecidedorresolvedwith
theconcurrenceofamajorityoftheMemberswhoactuallytookpartinthe
deliberationsontheissuesinthecaseandvotedthereon,andinnocase,
withouttheconcurrenceofatleastthreeofsuchMembers.Whenthe
requirednumberisnotobtained,thecaseshallbedecidedenbanc:
Provided,thatnodoctrineorprincipleoflawlaiddownbythecourtina
decisionrenderedenbancorindivisionmaybemodifiedorreversed
exceptbythecourtsittingenbanc.
SECTION5.TheSupremeCourtshallhavethefollowingpowers:
(1)Exerciseoriginaljurisdictionovercasesaffectingambassadors,other
publicministersandconsuls,andoverpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibition,
mandamus,quowarranto,andhabeascorpus.
(2)Review,revise,reverse,modify,oraffirmonappealorcertiorari,asthe
lawortheRulesofCourtmayprovide,finaljudgmentsandordersoflower
courtsin:
(a)Allcasesinwhichtheconstitutionalityorvalidityofanytreaty,
internationalorexecutiveagreement,law,presidentialdecree,
proclamation,order,instruction,ordinance,orregulationisinquestion.
(b)Allcasesinvolvingthelegalityofanytax,impost,assessment,ortoll,or
anypenaltyimposedinrelationthereto.
(c)Allcasesinwhichthejurisdictionofanylowercourtisinissue.
(d)Allcriminalcasesinwhichthepenaltyimposedisreclusionperpetuaor
higher.
(e)Allcasesinwhichonlyanerrororquestionoflawisinvolved.
(3)Assigntemporarilyjudgesoflowercourtstootherstationsaspublic
interestmayrequire.Suchtemporaryassignmentshallnotexceedsix
monthswithouttheconsentofthejudgeconcerned.
(4)Orderachangeofvenueorplaceoftrialtoavoidamiscarriageof
justice.
(5)Promulgaterulesconcerningtheprotectionandenforcementof
constitutionalrights,pleading,practice,andprocedureinallcourts,the
admissiontothepracticeoflaw,theIntegratedBar,andlegalassistanceto
theunderprivileged.Suchrulesshallprovideasimplifiedandinexpensive
procedureforthespeedydispositionofcases,shallbeuniformforallcourts
ofthesamegrade,andshallnotdiminish,increase,ormodifysubstantive
rights.Rulesofprocedureofspecialcourtsandquasijudicialbodiesshall
remaineffectiveunlessdisapprovedbytheSupremeCourt.
(6)AppointallofficialsandemployeesoftheJudiciaryinaccordancewith
theCivilServiceLaw.
SECTION6.TheSupremeCourtshallhaveadministrativesupervisionover
allcourtsandthepersonnelthereof.
SECTION7.(1)NopersonshallbeappointedMemberoftheSupreme
Courtoranylowercollegiatecourtunlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthe
Philippines.AMemberoftheSupremeCourtmustbeatleastfortyyearsof
age,andmusthavebeenforfifteenyearsormoreajudgeofalowercourt
orengagedinthepracticeoflawinthePhilippines.
(2)TheCongressshallprescribethequalificationsofjudgesoflowercourts,
butnopersonmaybeappointedjudgethereofunlessheisacitizenofthe
PhilippinesandamemberofthePhilippineBar.
(3)AMemberoftheJudiciarymustbeapersonofprovencompetence,
integrity,probity,andindependence.
SECTION8.(1)AJudicialandBarCouncilisherebycreatedunderthe
supervisionoftheSupremeCourtcomposedoftheChiefJusticeasex
officioChairman,theSecretaryofJustice,andarepresentativeofthe
CongressasexofficioMembers,arepresentativeoftheIntegratedBar,a
professoroflaw,aretiredMemberoftheSupremeCourt,anda
representativeoftheprivatesector.
(2)TheregularMembersoftheCouncilshallbeappointedbythePresident
foratermoffouryearswiththeconsentoftheCommissionon
Appointments.OftheMembersfirstappointed,therepresentativeofthe
IntegratedBarshallserveforfouryears,theprofessoroflawforthree
years,theretiredJusticefortwoyears,andtherepresentativeoftheprivate
sectorforoneyear.
(3)TheClerkoftheSupremeCourtshallbetheSecretaryexofficioofthe
Councilandshallkeeparecordofitsproceedings.
(4)TheregularMembersoftheCouncilshallreceivesuchemolumentsas
maybedeterminedbytheSupremeCourt.TheSupremeCourtshall
provideinitsannualbudgettheappropriationsfortheCouncil.
(5)TheCouncilshallhavetheprincipalfunctionofrecommending
appointeestotheJudiciary.Itmayexercisesuchotherfunctionsandduties
astheSupremeCourtmayassigntoit.
SECTION9.TheMembersoftheSupremeCourtandjudgesoflower
courtsshallbeappointedbythePresidentfromalistofatleastthree
nomineespreparedbytheJudicialandBarCouncilforeveryvacancy.Such
appointmentsneednoconfirmation.
Forthelowercourts,thePresidentshallissuetheappointmentswithin
ninetydaysfromthesubmissionofthelist.
SECTION10.ThesalaryoftheChiefJusticeandoftheAssociateJustices
oftheSupremeCourt,andofjudgesoflowercourtsshallbefixedbylaw.
Duringtheircontinuanceinoffice,theirsalaryshallnotbedecreased.
SECTION11.TheMembersoftheSupremeCourtandjudgesoflower
courtsshallholdofficeduringgoodbehavioruntiltheyreachedtheageof
seventyyearsorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheir
office.TheSupremeCourtenbancshallhavethepowertodiscipline
judgesoflowercourts,orordertheirdismissalbyavoteofamajorityofthe
Memberswhoactuallytookpartinthedeliberationsontheissuesinthe
caseandvotedthereon.
SECTION12.TheMembersoftheSupremeCourtandofothercourts
establishedbylawshallnotbedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasi
judicialoradministrativefunctions.
SECTION13.TheconclusionsoftheSupremeCourtinanycasesubmitted
toitfordecisionenbancorindivisionshallbereachedinconsultation
beforethecaseisassignedtoaMemberforthewritingoftheopinionofthe
Court.AcertificationtothiseffectsignedbytheChiefJusticeshallbe
issuedandacopythereofattachedtotherecordofthecaseandserved
upontheparties.AnyMemberwhotooknopart,ordissented,orabstained
fromadecisionorresolutionmuststatethereasontherefor.Thesame
requirementsshallbeobservedbyalllowercollegiatecourts.
SECTION14.Nodecisionshallberenderedbyanycourtwithout
expressingthereinclearlyanddistinctlythefactsandthelawonwhichitis
based.
Nopetitionforreviewormotionforreconsiderationofadecisionofthecourt
shallberefusedduecourseordeniedwithoutstatingthelegalbasis
therefor.
SECTION15.(1)Allcasesormattersfiledaftertheeffectivityofthis
Constitutionmustbedecidedorresolvedwithintwentyfourmonthsfrom
dateofsubmissionfortheSupremeCourt,and,unlessreducedbythe
SupremeCourt,twelvemonthsforalllowercollegiatecourts,andthree
monthsforallotherlowercourts.
(2)Acaseormattershallbedeemedsubmittedfordecisionorresolution
uponthefilingofthelastpending,brief,ormemorandumrequiredbythe
RulesofCourtorbythecourtitself.
(3)Upontheexpirationofthecorrespondingperiod,acertificationtothis
effectsignedbytheChiefJusticeorthepresidingjudgeshallforthwithbe
issuedandacopythereofattachedtotherecordofthecaseormatter,and
servedupontheparties.Thecertificationshallstatewhyadecisionor
resolutionhasnotbeenrenderedorissuedwithinsaidperiod.
(4)Despitetheexpirationoftheapplicablemandatoryperiod,thecourt,
withoutprejudicetosuchresponsibilityasmayhavebeenincurredin
consequencethereof,shalldecideorresolvethecaseormattersubmitted
theretofordetermination,withoutfurtherdelay.
SECTION16.TheSupremeCourtshall,withinthirtydaysfromtheopening
ofeachregularsessionoftheCongress,submittothePresidentandthe
CongressanannualreportontheoperationsandactivitiesoftheJudiciary.
ARTICLEIX
ConstitutionalCommissions
A.CommonProvisions
SECTION1.TheConstitutionalCommissions,whichshallbeindependent,
aretheCivilServiceCommission,theCommissiononElections,andthe
CommissiononAudit.
SECTION2.NoMemberofaConstitutionalCommissionshall,duringhis
tenure,holdanyotherofficeoremployment.Neithershallheengageinthe
practiceofanyprofessionorintheactivemanagementorcontrolofany
businesswhichinanywaybeaffectedbythefunctionsofhisoffice,nor
shallhebefinanciallyinterested,directlyorindirectly,inanycontractwith,
orinanyfranchiseorprivilegegrantedbytheGovernment,anyofits
subdivisions,agencies,orinstrumentalities,includinggovernmentownedor
controlledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries.
SECTION3.ThesalaryoftheChairmanandtheCommissionersshallbe
fixedbylawandshallnotbedecreasedduringtheirtenure.
SECTION4.TheConstitutionalCommissionsshallappointtheirofficials
andemployeesinaccordancewithlaw.
SECTION5.TheCommissionshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Theirapproved
annualappropriationsshallbeautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.
SECTION6.EachCommissionenbancmaypromulgateitsownrules
concerningpleadingsandpracticebeforeitorbeforeanyofitsoffices.Such
ruleshowevershallnotdiminish,increase,ormodifysubstantiverights.
SECTION7.EachCommissionshalldecidebyamajorityvoteofallits
Membersanycaseormatterbroughtbeforeitwithinsixtydaysfromthe
dateofitssubmissionfordecisionorresolution.Acaseormatterisdeemed
submittedfordecisionorresolutionuponthefilingofthelastpleading,brief,
ormemorandumrequiredbytherulesoftheCommissionorbythe
Commissionitself.UnlessotherwiseprovidedbythisConstitutionorbylaw,
anydecision,order,orrulingofeachCommissionmaybebroughttothe
SupremeCourtoncertioraribytheaggrievedpartywithinthirtydaysfrom
receiptofacopythereof.
SECTION8.EachCommissionshallperformsuchotherfunctionsasmay
beprovidedbylaw.
B.TheCivilServiceCommission
SECTION1.(1)TheCivilServiceshallbeadministeredbytheCivilService
CommissioncomposedofaChairmanandtwoCommissionerswhoshall
benaturalborncitizensofthePhilippinesand,atthetimeoftheir
appointment,atleastthirtyfiveyearsofage,withprovencapacityforpublic
administration,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectiveposition
intheelectionsimmediatelyprecedingtheirappointment.
(2)TheChairmanandtheCommissionersshallbeappointedbythe
PresidentwiththeconsentoftheCommissiononAppointmentsforaterm
ofsevenyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirstappointed,the
Chairmanshallholdofficeforsevenyears,aCommissionerforfiveyears,
andanotherCommissionerforthreeyears,withoutreappointment.
Appointmenttoanyvacancyshallbeonlyfortheunexpiredtermofthe
predecessor.InnocaseshallanyMemberbeappointedordesignatedina
temporaryoractingcapacity.
SECTION2.(1)Thecivilserviceembracesallbranches,subdivisions,
instrumentalities,andagenciesoftheGovernment,includinggovernment
ownedorcontrolledcorporationswithoriginalcharters.
(2)Appointmentsinthecivilserviceshallbemadeonlyaccordingtomerit
andfitnesstobedetermined,asfaraspracticable,and,excepttopositions
whicharepolicydetermining,primarilyconfidential,orhighlytechnical,by
competitiveexamination.
(3)Noofficeroremployeeofthecivilserviceshallberemovedor
suspendedexceptforcauseprovidedbylaw.
(4)Noofficeroremployeeinthecivilserviceshallengage,directlyor
indirectly,inanyelectioneeringorpartisanpoliticalcampaign.
(5)Therighttoselforganizationshallnotbedeniedtogovernment
employees.
(6)TemporaryemployeesoftheGovernmentshallbegivensuchprotection
asmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION3.TheCivilServiceCommission,asthecentralpersonnel
agencyoftheGovernment,shallestablishacareerserviceandadopt
measurestopromotemorale,efficiency,integrity,responsiveness,
progressiveness,andcourtesyinthecivilservice.Itshallstrengthenthe
meritandrewardssystem,integrateallhumanresourcesdevelopment
programsforalllevelsandranks,andinstitutionalizeamanagement
climateconducivetopublicaccountability.ItshallsubmittothePresident
andtheCongressanannualreportonitspersonnelprograms.
SECTION4.Allpublicofficersandemployeesshalltakeanoathor
affirmationtoupholdanddefendthisConstitution.
SECTION5.TheCongressshallprovideforthestandardizationof
compensationofgovernmentofficialsandemployees,includingthosein
governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationswithoriginalcharters,taking
intoaccountthenatureoftheresponsibilitiespertainingto,andthe
qualificationsrequiredfortheirpositions.
SECTION6.Nocandidatewhohaslostinanyelectionshall,withinone
yearaftersuchelection,beappointedtoanyofficeintheGovernmentor
anygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsorinanyoftheir
subsidiaries.
SECTION7.Noelectiveofficialshallbeeligibleforappointmentor
designationinanycapacitytoanypublicofficeorpositionduringhistenure.
Unlessotherwiseallowedbylaworbytheprimaryfunctionsofhisposition,
noappointiveofficialshallholdanyotherofficeoremploymentinthe
Governmentoranysubdivision,agencyorinstrumentalitythereof,including
governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries.
SECTION8.Noelectiveorappointivepublicofficeroremployeeshall
receiveadditional,double,orindirectcompensation,unlessspecifically
authorizedbylaw,noracceptwithouttheconsentoftheCongress,any
present,emolument,office,ortitleofanykindfromanyforeigngovernment.
Pensionsorgratuitiesshallnotbeconsideredasadditional,double,or
indirectcompensation.
C.TheCommissiononElections
SECTION1.(1)ThereshallbeaCommissiononElectionscomposedofa
ChairmanandsixCommissionerswhoshallbenaturalborncitizensofthe
Philippinesand,atthetimeoftheirappointment,atleastthirtyfiveyearsof
age,holdersofacollegedegree,andmustnothavebeencandidatesfor
anyelectivepositionintheimmediatelyprecedingelections.However,a
majoritythereof,includingtheChairman,shallbeMembersofthePhilippine
Barwhohavebeenengagedinthepracticeoflawforatleasttenyears.
ofsevenyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirstappointed,three
Membersshallholdofficeforsevenyears,twoMembersforfiveyears,and
thelastMembersforthreeyears,withoutreappointment.Appointmentto
anyvacancyshallbeonlyfortheunexpiredtermofthepredecessor.Inno
caseshallanyMemberbeappointedordesignatedinatemporaryoracting
capacity.
SECTION2.TheCommissiononElectionsshallexercisethefollowing
powersandfunctions:
(1)Enforceandadministeralllawsandregulationsrelativetotheconduct
ofanelection,plebiscite,initiative,referendum,andrecall.
(2)Exerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoverallcontestsrelatingtothe
elections,returns,andqualificationsofallelectiveregional,provincial,and
cityofficials,andappellatejurisdictionoverallcontestsinvolvingelective
municipalofficialsdecidedbytrialcourtsofgeneraljurisdiction,orinvolving
electivebarangayofficialsdecidedbytrialcourtsoflimitedjurisdiction.
Decisions,finalorders,orrulingsoftheCommissiononelectioncontests
involvingelectivemunicipalandbarangayofficesshallbefinal,executory,
andnotappealable.
(3)Decide,exceptthoseinvolvingtherighttovote,allquestionsaffecting
elections,includingdeterminationofthenumberandlocationofpolling
places,appointmentofelectionofficialsandinspectors,andregistrationof
voters.
(4)Deputize,withtheconcurrenceofthePresident,lawenforcement
agenciesandinstrumentalitiesoftheGovernment,includingtheArmed
ForcesofthePhilippines,fortheexclusivepurposeofensuringfree,
orderly,honest,peaceful,andcredibleelections.
(5)Register,aftersufficientpublication,politicalparties,organizations,or
coalitionswhich,inadditiontootherrequirements,mustpresenttheir
platformorprogramofgovernmentandaccreditcitizensarmsofthe
CommissiononElections.Religiousdenominationsandsectsshallnotbe
registered.Thosewhichseektoachievetheirgoalsthroughviolenceor
unlawfulmeans,orrefusetoupholdandadheretothisConstitution,or
whicharesupportedbyanyforeigngovernmentshalllikewiseberefused
registration.
Financialcontributionsfromforeigngovernmentsandtheiragenciesto
politicalparties,organizations,coalitions,orcandidatesrelatedtoelections
constituteinterferenceinnationalaffairs,and,whenaccepted,shallbean
additionalgroundforthecancellationoftheirregistrationwiththe
Commission,inadditiontootherpenaltiesthatmaybeprescribedbylaw.
(6)File,uponaverifiedcomplaint,oronitsowninitiative,petitionsincourt
forinclusionorexclusionofvotersinvestigateand,whereappropriate,
prosecutecasesofviolationsofelectionlaws,includingactsoromissions
constitutingelectionfrauds,offenses,andmalpractices.
(7)RecommendtotheCongresseffectivemeasurestominimizeelection
spending,includinglimitationofplaceswherepropagandamaterialsshall
beposted,andtopreventandpenalizeallformsofelectionfrauds,
offenses,malpractices,andnuisancecandidacies.
(8)RecommendtothePresidenttheremovalofanyofficeroremployeeit
hasdeputized,ortheimpositionofanyotherdisciplinaryaction,forviolation
ordisregardof,ordisobediencetoitsdirective,order,ordecision.
(9)SubmittothePresidentandtheCongressacomprehensivereporton
theconductofeachelection,plebiscite,initiative,referendum,orrecall.
SECTION3.TheCommissiononElectionsmaysitenbancorintwo
divisions,andshallpromulgateitsrulesofprocedureinordertoexpedite
dispositionofelectioncases,includingpreproclamationcontroversies.All
suchelectioncasesshallbeheardanddecidedindivision,providedthat
motionsforreconsiderationofdecisionsshallbedecidedbythe
Commissionenbanc.
SECTION4.TheCommissionmay,duringtheelectionperiod,superviseor
regulatetheenjoymentorutilizationofallfranchisesorpermitsforthe
operationoftransportationandotherpublicutilities,mediaof
communicationorinformation,allgrants,specialprivileges,orconcessions
grantedbytheGovernmentoranysubdivision,agency,orinstrumentality
thereof,includinganygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationorits
subsidiary.Suchsupervisionorregulationshallaimtoensureequal
opportunity,time,andspace,andtherighttoreply,includingreasonable,
equalratestherefor,forpublicinformationcampaignsandforumsamong
candidatesinconnectionwiththeobjectiveofholdingfree,orderly,honest,
peaceful,andcredibleelections.
SECTION5.Nopardon,amnesty,parole,orsuspensionofsentencefor
violationofelectionlaws,rules,andregulationsshallbegrantedbythe
PresidentwithoutthefavorablerecommendationoftheCommission.
SECTION6.Afreeandopenpartysystemshallbeallowedtoevolve
accordingtothefreechoiceofthepeople,subjecttotheprovisionsofthis
Article.
SECTION7.Novotescastinfavorofapoliticalparty,organization,or
coalitionshallbevalid,exceptforthoseregisteredunderthepartylist
systemasprovidedinthisConstitution.
SECTION8.Politicalparties,ororganizationsorcoalitionsregisteredunder
thepartylistsystem,shallnotberepresentedinthevotersregistration
boards,boardsofelectioninspectors,boardsofcanvassers,orothersimilar
bodies.However,theyshallbeentitledtoappointpollwatchersin
accordancewithlaw.
SECTION9.UnlessotherwisefixedbytheCommissioninspecialcases,
theelectionperiodshallcommenceninetydaysbeforethedayofthe
electionandshallendthirtydaysafter.
SECTION10.Bonafidecandidatesforanypublicofficeshallbefreefrom
anyformofharassmentanddiscrimination.
SECTION11.FundscertifiedbytheCommissionasnecessarytodefray
theexpensesforholdingregularandspecialelections,plebiscites,
initiatives,referenda,andrecalls,shallbeprovidedintheregularorspecial
appropriationsand,onceapproved,shallbereleasedautomaticallyupon
certificationbytheChairmanoftheCommission.
D.CommissiononAudit
SECTION1.(1)ThereshallbeaCommissiononAuditcomposedofa
ChairmanandtwoCommissioners,whoshallbenaturalborncitizensofthe
Philippinesand,atthetimeoftheirappointment,atleastthirtyfiveyearsof
age,certifiedpublicaccountantswithnotlessthantenyearsofauditing
experience,ormembersofthePhilippineBarwhohavebeenengagedin
thepracticeoflawforatleasttenyears,andmustnothavebeen
candidatesforanyelectivepositionintheelectionsimmediatelypreceding
theirappointment.AtnotimeshallallMembersoftheCommissionbelong
tothesameprofession.
ofsevenyearswithoutreappointment.Ofthosefirstappointed,the
Chairmanshallholdofficeforsevenyears,oneCommissionerforfive
years,andtheotherCommissionerforthreeyears,withoutreappointment.
Appointmenttoanyvacancyshallbeonlyfortheunexpiredportionofthe
termofthepredecessor.InnocaseshallanyMemberbeappointedor
designatedinatemporaryoractingcapacity.
SECTION2.(1)TheCommissiononAuditshallhavethepower,authority,
anddutytoexamine,audit,andsettleallaccountspertainingtotherevenue
andreceiptsof,andexpendituresorusesoffundsandproperty,ownedor
heldintrustby,orpertainingto,theGovernment,oranyofitssubdivisions,
agencies,orinstrumentalities,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolled
corporationswithoriginalcharters,andonapostauditbasis:(a)
constitutionalbodies,commissionsandofficesthathavebeengrantedfiscal
autonomyunderthisConstitution(b)autonomousstatecollegesand
universities(c)othergovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsand
theirsubsidiariesand(d)suchnongovernmentalentitiesreceivingsubsidy
orequity,directlyorindirectly,fromorthroughtheGovernment,whichare
requiredbylaworthegrantinginstitutiontosubmittosuchauditasa
conditionofsubsidyorequity.However,wheretheinternalcontrolsystemof
theauditedagenciesisinadequate,theCommissionmayadoptsuch
measures,includingtemporaryorspecialpreaudit,asarenecessaryand
appropriatetocorrectthedeficiencies.Itshallkeepthegeneralaccountsof
theGovernmentand,forsuchperiodasmaybeprovidedbylaw,preserve
thevouchersandothersupportingpaperspertainingthereto.
(2)TheCommissionshallhaveexclusiveauthority,subjecttothelimitations
inthisArticle,todefinethescopeofitsauditandexamination,establishthe
techniquesandmethodsrequiredtherefor,andpromulgateaccountingand
auditingrulesandregulations,includingthoseforthepreventionand
disallowanceofirregular,unnecessary,excessive,extravagant,or
unconscionableexpenditures,orusesofgovernmentfundsandproperties.
SECTION3.Nolawshallbepassedexemptinganyentityofthe
Governmentoritssubsidiaryinanyguisewhatever,oranyinvestmentof
publicfunds,fromthejurisdictionoftheCommissiononAudit.
SECTION4.TheCommissionshallsubmittothePresidentandthe
Congress,withinthetimefixedbylaw,anannualreportcoveringthe
financialconditionandoperationoftheGovernment,its
subdivisions,agencies,andinstrumentalities,includinggovernmentowned
orcontrolledcorporations,andnongovernmentalentitiessubjecttoits
audit,andrecommendmeasuresnecessarytoimprovetheireffectiveness
andefficiency.Itshallsubmitsuchotherreportsasmayberequiredbylaw.
ARTICLEX
LocalGovernment
GeneralProvisions
SECTION1.TheterritorialandpoliticalsubdivisionsoftheRepublicofthe
Philippinesaretheprovinces,cities,municipalities,andbarangays.There
shallbeautonomousregionsinMuslimMindanaoandtheCordillerasas
hereinafterprovided.
SECTION2.Theterritorialandpoliticalsubdivisionsshallenjoylocal
autonomy.
SECTION3.TheCongressshallenactalocalgovernmentcodewhichshall
provideforamoreresponsiveandaccountablelocalgovernmentstructure
institutedthroughasystemofdecentralizationwitheffectivemechanismsof
recall,initiative,andreferendum,allocateamongthedifferentlocal
governmentunitstheirpowers,responsibilities,andresources,andprovide
forthequalifications,election,appointmentandremoval,term,salaries,
powersandfunctionsanddutiesoflocalofficials,andallothermatters
relatingtotheorganizationandoperationofthelocalunits.
SECTION4.ThePresidentofthePhilippinesshallexercisegeneral
supervisionoverlocalgovernments.Provinceswithrespecttocomponent
citiesandmunicipalities,andcitiesandmunicipalitieswithrespectto
componentbarangaysshallensurethattheactsoftheircomponentunits
arewithinthescopeoftheirprescribedpowersandfunctions.
SECTION5.Eachlocalgovernmentunitshallhavethepowertocreateits
ownsourcesofrevenuesandtolevytaxes,fees,andchargessubjectto
suchguidelinesandlimitationsastheCongressmayprovide,consistent
withthebasicpolicyoflocalautonomy.Suchtaxes,fees,andchargesshall
accrueexclusivelytothelocalgovernments.
SECTION6.Localgovernmentunitsshallhaveajustshare,asdetermined
bylaw,inthenationaltaxeswhichshallbeautomaticallyreleasedtothem.
SECTION7.Localgovernmentsshallbeentitledtoanequitablesharein
theproceedsoftheutilizationanddevelopmentofthenationalwealthwithin
theirrespectiveareas,inthemannerprovidedbylaw,includingsharingthe
samewiththeinhabitantsbywayofdirectbenefits.
SECTION8.Thetermofofficeofelectivelocalofficials,exceptbarangay
officials,whichshallbedeterminedbylaw,shallbethreeyearsandnosuch
officialshallserveformorethanthreeconsecutiveterms.Voluntary
renunciationoftheofficeforanylengthoftimeshallnotbeconsideredas
aninterruptioninthecontinuityofhisserviceforthefulltermforwhichhe
waselected.
SECTION9.Legislativebodiesoflocalgovernmentsshallhavesectoral
representationasmaybeprescribedbylaw.
SECTION10.Noprovince,city,municipality,orbarangaymaybecreated,
divided,merged,abolished,oritsboundarysubstantiallyaltered,exceptin
accordancewiththecriteriaestablishedintheLocalGovernmentCodeand
subjecttoapprovalbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteinthe
politicalunitsdirectlyaffected.
SECTION11.TheCongressmay,bylaw,createspecialmetropolitan
politicalsubdivisions,subjecttoaplebisciteassetforthinSection10
hereof.Thecomponentcitiesandmunicipalitiesshallretaintheirbasic
autonomyandshallbeentitledtotheirownlocalexecutivesandlegislative
assemblies.Thejurisdictionofthemetropolitanauthoritythatwillherebybe
createdshallbelimitedtobasicservicesrequiringcoordination.
SECTION12.Citiesthatarehighlyurbanized,asdeterminedbylaw,and
componentcitieswhosechartersprohibittheirvotersfromvotingfor
provincialelectiveofficials,shallbeindependentoftheprovince.Thevoters
ofcomponentcitieswithinaprovince,whosecharterscontainnosuch
prohibition,shallnotbedeprivedoftheirrighttovoteforelectiveprovincial
officials.
SECTION13.Localgovernmentunitsmaygroupthemselves,consolidate
orcoordinatetheirefforts,services,andresourcesforpurposescommonly
beneficialtotheminaccordancewithlaw.
SECTION14.ThePresidentshallprovideforregionaldevelopment
councilsorothersimilarbodiescomposedoflocalgovernmentofficials,
regionalheadsofdepartmentsandothergovernmentoffices,and
representativesfromnongovernmentalorganizationswithintheregionsfor
purposesofadministrativedecentralizationtostrengthentheautonomyof
theunitsthereinandtoacceleratetheeconomicandsocialgrowthand
developmentoftheunitsintheregion.
AutonomousRegion
SECTION15.ThereshallbecreatedautonomousregionsinMuslim
MindanaoandintheCordillerasconsistingofprovinces,cities,
municipalities,andgeographicalareassharingcommonanddistinctive
historicalandculturalheritage,economicandsocialstructures,andother
relevantcharacteristicswithintheframeworkofthisConstitutionandthe
nationalsovereigntyaswellasterritorialintegrityoftheRepublicofthe
Philippines.
SECTION16.ThePresidentshallexercisegeneralsupervisionover
autonomousregionstoensurethatthelawsarefaithfullyexecuted.
SECTION17.Allpowers,functions,andresponsibilitiesnotgrantedbythis
Constitutionorbylawtotheautonomousregionsshallbevestedinthe
NationalGovernment.
SECTION18.TheCongressshallenactanorganicactforeach
autonomousregionwiththeassistanceandparticipationoftheregional
consultativecommissioncomposedofrepresentativesappointedbythe
Presidentfromalistofnomineesfrommultisectoralbodies.Theorganicact
shalldefinethebasicstructureofgovernmentfortheregionconsistingof
theexecutivedepartmentandlegislativeassembly,bothofwhichshallbe
electiveandrepresentativeoftheconstituentpoliticalunits.Theorganic
actsshalllikewiseprovideforspecialcourtswithpersonal,family,and
propertylawjurisdictionconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisConstitution
andnationallaws.
Thecreationoftheautonomousregionshallbeeffectivewhenapprovedby
majorityofthevotescastbytheconstituentunitsinaplebiscitecalledfor
thepurpose,providedthatonlyprovinces,cities,andgeographicareas
votingfavorablyinsuchplebisciteshallbeincludedintheautonomous
region.
SECTION19.ThefirstCongresselectedunderthisConstitutionshall,
withineighteenmonthsfromthetimeoforganizationofbothHouses,pass
theorganicactsfortheautonomousregionsinMuslimMindanaoandthe
Cordilleras.
SECTION20.Withinitsterritorialjurisdictionandsubjecttotheprovisions
ofthisConstitutionandnationallaws,theorganicactofautonomous
regionsshallprovideforlegislativepowersover:
(1)Administrativeorganization
(2)Creationofsourcesofrevenues
(3)Ancestraldomainandnaturalresources
(4)Personal,family,andpropertyrelations
(5)Regionalurbanandruralplanningdevelopment
(6)Economic,social,andtourismdevelopment
(7)Educationalpolicies
(8)Preservationanddevelopmentoftheculturalheritageand
(9)Suchothermattersasmaybeauthorizedbylawforthepromotionofthe
generalwelfareofthepeopleoftheregion.
SECTION21.Thepreservationofpeaceandorderwithintheregionsshall
betheresponsibilityofthelocalpoliceagencieswhichshallbeorganized,
maintained,supervised,andutilizedinaccordancewithapplicablelaws.
Thedefenseandsecurityoftheregionsshallbetheresponsibilityofthe
NationalGovernment.
ARTICLEXI
AccountabilityofPublicOfficers
SECTION1.Publicofficeisapublictrust.Publicofficersandemployees
mustatalltimesbeaccountabletothepeople,servethemwithutmost
responsibility,integrity,loyalty,andefficiency,actwithpatriotismandjustice,
andleadmodestlives.
SECTION2.ThePresident,theVicePresident,theMembersofthe
SupremeCourt,theMembersoftheConstitutionalCommissions,andthe
Ombudsmanmayberemovedfromoffice,onimpeachmentfor,and
convictionof,culpableviolationoftheConstitution,treason,bribery,graft
andcorruption,otherhighcrimes,orbetrayalofpublictrust.Allotherpublic
officersandemployeesmayberemovedfromofficeasprovidedbylaw,but
notbyimpeachment.
SECTION3.(1)TheHouseofRepresentativesshallhavetheexclusive
powertoinitiateallcasesofimpeachment.
(2)AverifiedcomplaintforimpeachmentmaybefiledbyanyMemberofthe
HouseofRepresentativesorbyanycitizenuponaresolutionof
endorsementbyanyMemberthereof,whichshallbeincludedintheOrder
ofBusinesswithintensessiondays,andreferredtotheproperCommittee
withinthreesessiondaysthereafter.TheCommittee,afterhearing,andbya
majorityvoteofallitsMembers,shallsubmititsreporttotheHousewithin
sixtysessiondaysfromsuchreferral,togetherwiththecorresponding
resolution.Theresolutionshallbecalendaredforconsiderationbythe
Housewithintensessiondaysfromreceiptthereof.
(3)AvoteofatleastonethirdofalltheMembersoftheHouseshallbe
necessaryeithertoaffirmafavorableresolutionwiththeArticlesof
ImpeachmentoftheCommittee,oroverrideitscontraryresolution.Thevote
ofeachMembershallberecorded.
(4)Incasetheverifiedcomplaintorresolutionofimpeachmentisfiledbyat
leastonethirdofalltheMembersoftheHouse,thesameshallconstitute
theArticlesofImpeachment,andtrialbytheSenateshallforthwithproceed.
(5)Noimpeachmentproceedingsshallbeinitiatedagainstthesameofficial
morethanoncewithinaperiodofoneyear.
(6)TheSenateshallhavethesolepowertotryanddecideallcasesof
impeachment.Whensittingforthatpurpose,theSenatorsshallbeonoath
oraffirmation.WhenthePresidentofthePhilippinesisontrial,theChief
JusticeoftheSupremeCourtshallpreside,butshallnotvote.Noperson
shallbeconvictedwithouttheconcurrenceoftwothirdsofalltheMembers
oftheSenate.
(7)Judgmentincasesofimpeachmentshallnotextendfurtherthan
removalfromofficeanddisqualificationtoholdanyofficeunderthe
RepublicofthePhilippines,butthepartyconvictedshallneverthelessbe
liableandsubjecttoprosecution,trial,andpunishmentaccordingtolaw.
(8)TheCongressshallpromulgateitsrulesonimpeachmenttoeffectively
carryoutthepurposeofthissection.
SECTION4.ThepresentantigraftcourtknownastheSandiganbayanshall
continuetofunctionandexerciseitsjurisdictionasnoworhereaftermaybe
providedbylaw.
SECTION5.ThereisherebycreatedtheindependentOfficeofthe
Ombudsman,composedoftheOmbudsmantobeknownasTanodbayan,
oneoverallDeputyandatleastoneDeputyeachforLuzon,Visayas,and
Mindanao.AseparateDeputyforthemilitaryestablishmentmaylikewisebe
appointed.
SECTION6.TheofficialsandemployeesoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsman,
otherthantheDeputies,shallbeappointedbytheOmbudsmanaccording
totheCivilServiceLaw.
SECTION7.TheexistingTanodbayanshallhereafterbeknownasthe
OfficeoftheSpecialProsecutor.Itshallcontinuetofunctionandexerciseits
powersasnoworhereaftermaybeprovidedbylaw,exceptthoseconferred
ontheOfficeoftheOmbudsmancreatedunderthisConstitution.
SECTION8.TheOmbudsmanandhisDeputiesshallbenaturalborn
citizensofthePhilippines,andatthetimeoftheirappointment,atleastforty
yearsold,ofrecognizedprobityandindependence,andmembersofthe
PhilippineBar,andmustnothavebeencandidatesforanyelectiveofficein
theimmediatelyprecedingelection.TheOmbudsmanmusthaveforten
yearsormorebeenajudgeorengagedinthepracticeoflawinthe
Philippines.
Duringtheirtenure,theyshallbesubjecttothesamedisqualificationsand
prohibitionsasprovidedforinSection2ofArticleIXAofthisConstitution.
SECTION9.TheOmbudsmanandhisDeputiesshallbeappointedbythe
PresidentfromalistofatleastsixnomineespreparedbytheJudicialand
BarCouncil,andfromalistofthreenomineesforeveryvacancythereafter.
Suchappointmentsshallrequirenoconfirmation.Allvacanciesshallbe
filledwithinthreemonthsaftertheyoccur.
SECTION10.TheOmbudsmanandhisDeputiesshallhavetherankof
ChairmanandMembers,respectively,oftheConstitutionalCommissions,
andtheyshallreceivethesamesalary,whichshallnotbedecreasedduring
theirtermofoffice.
SECTION11.TheOmbudsmanandhisDeputiesshallserveforatermof
sevenyearswithoutreappointment.Theyshallnotbequalifiedtorunfor
anyofficeintheelectionimmediatelysucceedingtheircessationfromoffice.
SECTION12.TheOmbudsmanandhisDeputies,asprotectorsofthe
people,shallactpromptlyoncomplaintsfiledinanyformormanneragainst
publicofficialsoremployeesoftheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agency
orinstrumentalitythereof,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolled
corporations,andshall,inappropriatecases,notifythecomplainantsofthe
actiontakenandtheresultthereof.
SECTION13.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanshallhavethefollowing
powers,functions,andduties:
(1)Investigateonitsown,oroncomplaintbyanyperson,anyactor
omissionofanypublicofficial,employee,officeoragency,whensuchactor
omissionappearstobeillegal,unjust,improper,orinefficient.
(2)Direct,uponcomplaintoratitsowninstance,anypublicofficialor
employeeoftheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agencyorinstrumentality
thereof,aswellasofanygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationwith
originalcharter,toperformandexpediteanyactordutyrequiredbylaw,or
tostop,prevent,andcorrectanyabuseorimproprietyintheperformanceof
duties.
(3)Directtheofficerconcernedtotakeappropriateactionagainstapublic
officialoremployeeatfault,andrecommendhisremoval,suspension,
demotion,fine,censure,orprosecution,andensurecompliancetherewith.
(4)Directtheofficerconcerned,inanyappropriatecase,andsubjectto
suchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw,tofurnishitwithcopiesof
documentsrelatingtocontractsortransactionsenteredintobyhisoffice
involvingthedisbursementoruseofpublicfundsorproperties,andreport
anyirregularitytotheCommissiononAuditforappropriateaction.
(5)Requestanygovernmentagencyforassistanceandinformation
necessaryinthedischargeofitsresponsibilities,andtoexamine,if
necessary,pertinentrecordsanddocuments.
(6)Publicizematterscoveredbyitsinvestigationwhencircumstancesso
warrantandwithdueprudence.
(7)Determinethecausesofinefficiency,redtape,mismanagement,fraud,
andcorruptionintheGovernmentandmakerecommendationsfortheir
eliminationandtheobservanceofhighstandardsofethicsandefficiency.
(8)Promulgateitsrulesofprocedureandexercisesuchotherpowersor
performsuchfunctionsordutiesasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION14.TheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanshallenjoyfiscalautonomy.Its
approvedannualappropriationsshallbeautomaticallyandregularly
released.
SECTION15.TherightoftheStatetorecoverpropertiesunlawfully
acquiredbypublicofficialsoremployees,fromthemorfromtheirnominees
ortransferees,shallnotbebarredbyprescription,laches,orestoppel.
SECTION16.Noloan,guaranty,orotherformoffinancialaccommodation
foranybusinesspurposemaybegranted,directlyorindirectly,byany
governmentownedorcontrolledbankorfinancialinstitutiontothe
President,theVicePresident,theMembersoftheCabinet,theCongress,
theSupremeCourt,andtheConstitutionalCommissions,theOmbudsman,
ortoanyfirmorentityinwhichtheyhavecontrollinginterest,duringtheir
tenure.
SECTION17.Apublicofficeroremployeeshall,uponassumptionofoffice
andasoftenthereafterasmayberequiredbylaw,submitadeclaration
underoathofhisassets,liabilities,andnetworth.Inthecaseofthe
President,theVicePresident,theMembersoftheCabinet,theCongress,
theSupremeCourt,theConstitutionalCommissionsandother
constitutionaloffices,andofficersofthearmedforceswithgeneralorflag
rank,thedeclarationshallbedisclosedtothepublicinthemannerprovided
bylaw.

SECTION18.PublicofficersandemployeesowetheStateandthis
Constitutionallegianceatalltimes,andanypublicofficeroremployeewho
seekstochangehiscitizenshiporacquirethestatusofanimmigrantof
anothercountryduringhistenureshallbedealtwithbylaw.
ARTICLEXII
NationalEconomyandPatrimony
SECTION1.Thegoalsofthenationaleconomyareamoreequitable
distributionofopportunities,income,andwealthasustainedincreaseinthe
amountofgoodsandservicesproducedbythenationforthebenefitofthe
peopleandanexpandingproductivityasthekeytoraisingthequalityoflife
forall,especiallytheunderprivileged.
TheStateshallpromoteindustrializationandfullemploymentbasedon
soundagriculturaldevelopmentandagrarianreform,throughindustriesthat
makefullandefficientuseofhumanandnaturalresources,andwhichare
competitiveinbothdomesticandforeignmarkets.However,theStateshall
protectFilipinoenterprisesagainstunfairforeigncompetitionandtrade
practices.
Inthepursuitofthesegoals,allsectorsoftheeconomyandallregionsof
thecountryshallbegivenoptimumopportunitytodevelop.Private
enterprises,includingcorporations,cooperatives,andsimilarcollective
organizations,shallbeencouragedtobroadenthebaseoftheirownership.
SECTION2.Alllandsofthepublicdomain,waters,minerals,coal,
petroleum,andothermineraloils,allforcesofpotentialenergy,fisheries,
forestsortimber,wildlife,floraandfauna,andothernaturalresourcesare
ownedbytheState.Withtheexceptionofagriculturallands,allother
naturalresourcesshallnotbealienated.Theexploration,development,and
utilizationofnaturalresourcesshallbeunderthefullcontroland
supervisionoftheState.TheStatemaydirectlyundertakesuchactivities,or
itmayenterintocoproduction,jointventure,orproductionsharing
agreementswithFilipinocitizens,orcorporationsorassociationsatleast
sixtypercentumofwhosecapitalisownedbysuchcitizens.Such
agreementsmaybeforaperiodnotexceedingtwentyfiveyears,
renewablefornotmorethantwentyfiveyears,andundersuchtermsand
conditionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Incasesofwaterrightsforirrigation,
watersupply,fisheries,orindustrialusesotherthanthedevelopmentof
waterpower,beneficialusemaybethemeasureandlimitofthegrant.
TheStateshallprotectthenationsmarinewealthinitsarchipelagicwaters,
territorialsea,andexclusiveeconomiczone,andreserveitsuseand
enjoymentexclusivelytoFilipinocitizens.
TheCongressmay,bylaw,allowsmallscaleutilizationofnaturalresources
byFilipinocitizens,aswellascooperativefishfarming,withpriorityto
subsistencefishermenandfishworkersinrivers,lakes,bays,andlagoons.
ThePresidentmayenterintoagreementswithforeignownedcorporations
involvingeithertechnicalorfinancialassistanceforlargescaleexploration,
development,andutilizationofminerals,petroleum,andothermineraloils
accordingtothegeneraltermsandconditionsprovidedbylaw,basedon
realcontributionstotheeconomicgrowthandgeneralwelfareofthe
country.Insuchagreements,theStateshallpromotethedevelopmentand
useoflocalscientificandtechnicalresources.
ThePresidentshallnotifytheCongressofeverycontractenteredintoin
accordancewiththisprovision,withinthirtydaysfromitsexecution.
SECTION3.Landsofthepublicdomainareclassifiedintoagricultural,
forestortimber,minerallands,andnationalparks.Agriculturallandsofthe
publicdomainmaybefurtherclassifiedbylawaccordingtotheuseswhich
theymaybedevoted.Alienablelandsofthepublicdomainshallbelimited
toagriculturallands.Privatecorporationsorassociationsmaynotholdsuch
alienablelandsofthepublicdomainexceptbylease,foraperiodnot
exceedingtwentyfiveyears,renewablefornotmorethantwentyfiveyears,
andnottoexceedonethousandhectaresinarea.Citizensofthe
Philippinesmayleasenotmorethanfivehundredhectares,oracquirenot
morethantwelvehectaresthereofbypurchase,homestead,orgrant.
Takingintoaccounttherequirementsofconservation,ecology,and
development,andsubjecttotherequirementsofagrarianreform,the
Congressshalldetermine,bylaw,thesizeoflandsofthepublicdomain
whichmaybeacquired,developed,held,orleasedandtheconditions
therefor.
SECTION4.TheCongressshall,assoonaspossible,determinebylawthe
specificlimitsofforestlandsandnationalparks,markingclearlytheir
boundariesontheground.Thereafter,suchforestlandsandnationalparks
shallbeconservedandmaynotbeincreasednordiminished,exceptby
law.TheCongressshallprovide,forsuchperiodasitmaydetermine,
measurestoprohibitlogginginendangeredforestsandwatershedareas.
SECTION5.TheState,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisConstitutionand
nationaldevelopmentpoliciesandprograms,shallprotecttherightsof
indigenousculturalcommunitiestotheirancestrallandstoensuretheir
economic,social,andculturalwellbeing.
TheCongressmayprovidefortheapplicabilityofcustomarylawsgoverning
propertyrightsorrelationsindeterminingtheownershipandextentof
ancestraldomain.
SECTION6.Theuseofpropertybearsasocialfunction,andalleconomic
agentsshallcontributetothecommongood.Individualsandprivategroups,
includingcorporations,cooperatives,andsimilarcollectiveorganizations,
shallhavetherighttoown,establish,andoperateeconomicenterprises,
subjecttothedutyoftheStatetopromotedistributivejusticeandto
intervenewhenthecommongoodsodemands.
SECTION7.Saveincasesofhereditarysuccession,noprivatelandsshall
betransferredorconveyedexcepttoindividuals,corporations,or
associationsqualifiedtoacquireorholdlandsofthepublicdomain.
SECTION8.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofSection7ofthisArticle,a
naturalborncitizenofthePhilippineswhohaslosthisPhilippinecitizenship
maybeatransfereeofprivatelands,subjecttolimitationsprovidedbylaw.
SECTION9.TheCongressmayestablishanindependenteconomicand
planningagencyheadedbythePresident,whichshall,afterconsultations
withtheappropriatepublicagencies,variousprivatesectors,andlocal
governmentunits,recommendtoCongress,andimplementcontinuing
integratedandcoordinatedprogramsandpoliciesfornationaldevelopment.
UntiltheCongressprovidesotherwise,theNationalEconomicand
DevelopmentAuthorityshallfunctionastheindependentplanningagency
ofthegovernment.
SECTION10.TheCongressshall,uponrecommendationoftheeconomic
andplanningagency,whenthenationalinterestdictates,reservetocitizens
ofthePhilippinesortocorporationsorassociationsatleastsixtyper
centumofwhosecapitalisownedbysuchcitizens,orsuchhigher
percentageasCongressmayprescribe,certainareasofinvestments.The
Congressshallenactmeasuresthatwillencouragetheformationand
operationofenterpriseswhosecapitaliswhollyownedbyFilipinos.
Inthegrantofrights,privileges,andconcessionscoveringthenational
economyandpatrimony,theStateshallgivepreferencetoqualified
Filipinos.
TheStateshallregulateandexerciseauthorityoverforeigninvestments
withinitsnationaljurisdictionandinaccordancewithitsnationalgoalsand
priorities.
SECTION11.Nofranchise,certificate,oranyotherformofauthorizationfor
theoperationofapublicutilityshallbegrantedexcepttocitizensofthe
Philippinesortocorporationsorassociationsorganizedunderthelawsof
thePhilippinesatleastsixtypercentumofwhosecapitalisownedbysuch
citizens,norshallsuchfranchise,certificate,orauthorizationbeexclusivein
characterorforalongerperiodthanfiftyyears.Neithershallanysuch
franchiseorrightbegrantedexceptundertheconditionthatitshallbe
subjecttoamendment,alteration,orrepealbytheCongresswhenthe
commongoodsorequires.TheStateshallencourageequityparticipationin
publicutilitiesbythegeneralpublic.Theparticipationofforeigninvestorsin
thegoverningbodyofanypublicutilityenterpriseshallbelimitedtotheir
proportionateshareinitscapital,andalltheexecutiveandmanaging
officersofsuchcorporationorassociationmustbecitizensofthe
Philippines.
SECTION12.TheStateshallpromotethepreferentialuseofFilipinolabor,
domesticmaterialsandlocallyproducedgoods,andadoptmeasuresthat
helpmakethemcompetitive.
SECTION13.TheStateshallpursueatradepolicythatservesthegeneral
welfareandutilizesallformsandarrangementsofexchangeonthebasisof
equalityandreciprocity.
SECTION14.Thesustaineddevelopmentofareservoirofnationaltalents
consistingofFilipinoscientists,entrepreneurs,professionals,managers,
highleveltechnicalmanpowerandskilledworkersandcraftsmeninall
fieldsshallbepromotedbytheState.TheStateshallencourage
appropriatetechnologyandregulateitstransferforthenationalbenefit.
ThepracticeofallprofessionsinthePhilippinesshallbelimitedtoFilipino
citizens,saveincasesprescribedbylaw.
SECTION15.TheCongressshallcreateanagencytopromotetheviability
andgrowthofcooperativesasinstrumentsforsocialjusticeandeconomic
development.
SECTION16.TheCongressshallnot,exceptbygenerallaw,providefor
theformation,organization,orregulationofprivatecorporations.
Governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsmaybecreatedor
establishedbyspecialchartersintheinterestofthecommongoodand
subjecttothetestofeconomicviability.
SECTION17.Intimesofnationalemergency,whenthepublicinterestso
requires,theStatemay,duringtheemergencyandunderreasonableterms
prescribedbyit,temporarilytakeoverordirecttheoperationofany
privatelyownedpublicutilityorbusinessaffectedwithpublicinterest.
SECTION18.TheStatemay,intheinterestofnationalwelfareordefense,
establishandoperatevitalindustriesand,uponpaymentofjust
compensation,transfertopublicownershiputilitiesandotherprivate
enterprisestobeoperatedbytheGovernment.
SECTION19.TheStateshallregulateorprohibitmonopolieswhenthe
publicinterestsorequires.Nocombinationsinrestraintoftradeorunfair
competitionshallbeallowed.
SECTION20.TheCongressshallestablishanindependentcentral
monetaryauthority,themembersofwhosegoverningboardmustbe
naturalbornFilipinocitizens,ofknownprobity,integrity,andpatriotism,the
majorityofwhomshallcomefromtheprivatesector.Theyshallalsobe
subjecttosuchotherqualificationsanddisabilitiesasmaybeprescribedby
law.Theauthorityshallprovidepolicydirectionintheareasofmoney,
banking,andcredit.Itshallhavesupervisionovertheoperationsofbanks
andexercisesuchregulatorypowersasmaybeprovidedbylawoverthe
operationsoffinancecompaniesandotherinstitutionsperformingsimilar
functions.
UntiltheCongressotherwiseprovides,theCentralBankofthePhilippines,
operatingunderexistinglaws,shallfunctionasthecentralmonetary
authority.
SECTION21.Foreignloansmayonlybeincurredinaccordancewithlaw
andtheregulationofthemonetaryauthority.Informationonforeignloans
obtainedorguaranteedbytheGovernmentshallbemadeavailabletothe
public.
SECTION22.Actswhichcircumventornegateanyoftheprovisionsofthis
Articleshallbeconsideredinimicaltothenationalinterestandsubjectto
criminalandcivilsanctions,asmaybeprovidedbylaw.
ARTICLEXIII
SocialJusticeandHumanRights
SECTION1.TheCongressshallgivehighestprioritytotheenactmentof
measuresthatprotectandenhancetherightofallthepeopletohuman
dignity,reducesocial,economic,andpoliticalinequalities,andremove
culturalinequitiesbyequitablydiffusingwealthandpoliticalpowerforthe
commongood.
Tothisend,theStateshallregulatetheacquisition,ownership,use,and
dispositionofpropertyanditsincrements.
SECTION2.Thepromotionofsocialjusticeshallincludethecommitmentto
createeconomicopportunitiesbasedonfreedomofinitiativeandself
reliance.
Labor
SECTION3.TheStateshallaffordfullprotectiontolabor,localand
overseas,organizedandunorganized,andpromotefullemploymentand
equalityofemploymentopportunitiesforall.
Itshallguaranteetherightsofallworkerstoselforganization,collective
bargainingandnegotiations,andpeacefulconcertedactivities,includingthe
righttostrikeinaccordancewithlaw.Theyshallbeentitledtosecurityof
tenure,humaneconditionsofwork,andalivingwage.Theyshallalso
participateinpolicyanddecisionmakingprocessesaffectingtheirrights
andbenefitsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
TheStateshallpromotetheprincipleofsharedresponsibilitybetween
workersandemployersandthepreferentialuseofvoluntarymodesin
settlingdisputes,includingconciliation,andshallenforcetheirmutual
compliancetherewithtofosterindustrialpeace.
TheStateshallregulatetherelationsbetweenworkersandemployers,
recognizingtherightoflabortoitsjustshareinthefruitsofproductionand
therightofenterprisestoreasonablereturnsoninvestments,andto
expansionandgrowth.
AgrarianandNaturalResourcesReform
SECTION4.TheStateshall,bylaw,undertakeanagrarianreformprogram
foundedontherightoffarmersandregularfarmworkers,whoarelandless,
toowndirectlyorcollectivelythelandstheytillor,inthecaseofother
farmworkers,toreceiveajustshareofthefruitsthereof.Tothisend,the
Stateshallencourageandundertakethejustdistributionofallagricultural
lands,subjecttosuchprioritiesandreasonableretentionlimitsasthe
Congressmayprescribe,takingintoaccountecological,developmental,or
equityconsiderations,andsubjecttothepaymentofjustcompensation.In
determiningretentionlimits,theStateshallrespecttherightofsmall
landowners.TheStateshallfurtherprovideincentivesforvoluntaryland
sharing.
SECTION5.TheStateshallrecognizetherightoffarmers,farmworkers,
andlandowners,aswellascooperatives,andotherindependentfarmers
organizationstoparticipateintheplanning,organization,andmanagement
oftheprogram,andshallprovidesupporttoagriculturethroughappropriate
technologyandresearch,andadequatefinancial,production,marketing,
andothersupportservices.
SECTION6.TheStateshallapplytheprinciplesofagrarianreformor
stewardship,wheneverapplicableinaccordancewithlaw,inthedisposition
orutilizationofothernaturalresources,includinglandsofthepublicdomain
underleaseorconcessionsuitabletoagriculture,subjecttopriorrights,
homesteadrightsofsmallsettlers,andtherightsofindigenous
communitiestotheirancestrallands.
TheStatemayresettlelandlessfarmersandfarmworkersinitsown
agriculturalestateswhichshallbedistributedtotheminthemanner
providedbylaw.
SECTION7.TheStateshallprotecttherightsofsubsistencefishermen,
especiallyoflocalcommunities,tothepreferentialuseoflocalmarineand
fishingresources,bothinlandandoffshore.Itshallprovidesupporttosuch
fishermenthroughappropriatetechnologyandresearch,adequatefinancial,
production,andmarketingassistance,andotherservices.TheStateshall
alsoprotect,develop,andconservesuchresources.Theprotectionshall
extendtooffshorefishinggroundsofsubsistencefishermenagainstforeign
intrusion.Fishworkersshallreceiveajustsharefromtheirlaborinthe
utilizationofmarineandfishingresources.
SECTION8.TheStateshallprovideincentivestolandownerstoinvestthe
proceedsoftheagrarianreformprogramtopromoteindustrialization,
employmentcreation,andprivatizationofpublicsectorenterprises.
Financialinstrumentsusedaspaymentfortheirlandsshallbehonoredas
equityinenterprisesoftheirchoice.
UrbanLandReformandHousing
SECTION9.TheStateshall,bylaw,andforthecommongood,undertake,
incooperationwiththepublicsector,acontinuingprogramofurbanland
reformandhousingwhichwillmakeavailableataffordablecostdecent
housingandbasicservicestounderprivilegedandhomelesscitizensin
urbancentersandresettlementsareas.Itshallalsopromoteadequate
employmentopportunitiestosuchcitizens.Intheimplementationofsuch
programtheStateshallrespecttherightsofsmallpropertyowners.
SECTION10.Urbanorruralpoordwellersshallnotbeevictednortheir
dwellingsdemolished,exceptinaccordancewithlawandinajustand
humanemanner.
Noresettlementofurbanorruraldwellersshallbeundertakenwithout
adequateconsultationwiththemandthecommunitieswheretheyaretobe
relocated.
Health
SECTION11.TheStateshalladoptanintegratedandcomprehensive
approachtohealthdevelopmentwhichshallendeavortomakeessential
goods,healthandothersocialservicesavailabletoallthepeopleat
affordablecost.Thereshallbepriorityfortheneedsoftheunderprivileged
sick,elderly,disabled,women,andchildren.TheStateshallendeavorto
providefreemedicalcaretopaupers.
SECTION12.TheStateshallestablishandmaintainaneffectivefoodand
drugregulatorysystemandundertakeappropriatehealthmanpower
developmentandresearch,responsivetothecountryshealthneedsand
problems.
SECTION13.TheStateshallestablishaspecialagencyfordisabled
personsforrehabilitation,selfdevelopmentandselfreliance,andtheir
integrationintothemainstreamofsociety.
Women
SECTION14.TheStateshallprotectworkingwomenbyprovidingsafeand
healthfulworkingconditions,takingintoaccounttheirmaternalfunctions,
andsuchfacilitiesandopportunitiesthatwillenhancetheirwelfareand
enablethemtorealizetheirfullpotentialintheserviceofthenation.
RoleandRightsofPeoplesOrganizations
SECTION15.TheStateshallrespecttheroleofindependentpeoples
organizationstoenablethepeopletopursueandprotect,withinthe
democraticframework,theirlegitimateandcollectiveinterestsand
aspirationsthroughpeacefulandlawfulmeans.
Peoplesorganizationsarebonafideassociationsofcitizenswith
demonstratedcapacitytopromotethepublicinterestandwithidentifiable
leadership,membership,andstructure.
SECTION16.Therightofthepeopleandtheirorganizationstoeffective
andreasonableparticipationatalllevelsofsocial,political,andeconomic
decisionmakingshallnotbeabridged.TheStateshall,bylaw,facilitatethe
establishmentofadequateconsultationmechanisms.
HumanRights
SECTION17.(1)Thereisherebycreatedanindependentofficecalledthe
CommissiononHumanRights.
(2)TheCommissionshallbecomposedofaChairmanandfourMembers
whomustbenaturalborncitizensofthePhilippinesandamajorityofwhom
shallbemembersoftheBar.Thetermofofficeandotherqualificationsand
disabilitiesoftheMembersoftheCommissionshallbeprovidedbylaw.
(3)UntilthisCommissionisconstituted,theexistingPresidentialCommittee
onHumanRightsshallcontinuetoexerciseitspresentfunctionsand
powers.
(4)TheapprovedannualappropriationsoftheCommissionshallbe
automaticallyandregularlyreleased.
SECTION18.TheCommissiononHumanRightsshallhavethefollowing
powersandfunctions:
(1)Investigate,onitsownoroncomplaintbyanyparty,allformsofhuman
rightsviolationsinvolvingcivilandpoliticalrights
(2)Adoptitsoperationalguidelinesandrulesofprocedure,andcitefor
contemptforviolationsthereofinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt
(3)Provideappropriatelegalmeasuresfortheprotectionofhumanrightsof
allpersonswithinthePhilippines,aswellasFilipinosresidingabroad,and
provideforpreventivemeasuresandlegalaidservicestothe
underprivilegedwhosehumanrightshavebeenviolatedorneedprotection
(4)Exercisevisitorialpowersoverjails,prisons,ordetentionfacilities
(5)Establishacontinuingprogramofresearch,education,andinformation
toenhancerespectfortheprimacyofhumanrights
(6)RecommendtotheCongresseffectivemeasurestopromotehuman
rightsandtoprovideforcompensationtovictimsofviolationsofhuman
rights,ortheirfamilies
(7)MonitorthePhilippineGovernmentscompliancewithinternationaltreaty
obligationsonhumanrights
(8)Grantimmunityfromprosecutiontoanypersonwhosetestimonyor
whosepossessionofdocumentsorotherevidenceisnecessaryor
convenienttodeterminethetruthinanyinvestigationconductedbyitor
underitsauthority
(9)Requesttheassistanceofanydepartment,bureau,office,oragencyin
theperformanceofitsfunctions
(10)Appointitsofficersandemployeesinaccordancewithlawand
(11)Performsuchotherdutiesandfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION19.TheCongressmayprovideforothercasesofviolationsof
humanrightsthatshouldfallwithintheauthorityoftheCommission,taking
intoaccountitsrecommendations.
ARTICLEXIV
Education,ScienceandTechnology,Arts,Culture,andSports
Education
SECTION1.TheStateshallprotectandpromotetherightofallcitizensto
qualityeducationatalllevelsandshalltakeappropriatestepstomakesuch
educationaccessibletoall.
SECTION2.TheStateshall:
(1)Establish,maintain,andsupportacomplete,adequate,andintegrated
systemofeducationrelevanttotheneedsofthepeopleandsociety
(2)Establishandmaintainasystemoffreepubliceducationinthe
elementaryandhighschoollevels.Withoutlimitingthenaturalrightof
parentstoreartheirchildren,elementaryeducationiscompulsoryforall
childrenofschoolage
(3)Establishandmaintainasystemofscholarshipgrants,studentloan
programs,subsidies,andotherincentiveswhichshallbeavailableto
deservingstudentsinbothpublicandprivateschools,especiallytothe
underprivileged
(4)Encouragenonformal,informal,andindigenouslearningsystems,as
wellasselflearning,independent,andoutofschoolstudyprograms
particularlythosethatrespondtocommunityneedsand
(5)Provideadultcitizens,thedisabled,andoutofschoolyouthwithtraining
incivics,vocationalefficiency,andotherskills.
SECTION3.(1)Alleducationalinstitutionsshallincludethestudyofthe
Constitutionaspartofthecurricula.
(2)Theyshallinculcatepatriotismandnationalism,fosterloveofhumanity,
respectforhumanrights,appreciationoftheroleofnationalheroesinthe
historicaldevelopmentofthecountry,teachtherightsanddutiesof
citizenship,strengthenethicalandspiritualvalues,developmoralcharacter
andpersonaldiscipline,encouragecriticalandcreativethinking,broaden
scientificandtechnologicalknowledge,andpromotevocationalefficiency.
(3)Attheoptionexpressedinwritingbytheparentsorguardians,religion
shallbeallowedtobetaughttotheirchildrenorwardsinpublicelementary
andhighschoolswithintheregularclasshoursbyinstructorsdesignatedor
approvedbythereligiousauthoritiesofthereligiontowhichthechildrenor
wardsbelong,withoutadditionalcosttotheGovernment.
SECTION4.(1)TheStaterecognizesthecomplementaryrolesofpublic
andprivateinstitutionsintheeducationalsystemandshallexercise
reasonablesupervisionandregulationofalleducationalinstitutions.
(2)Educationalinstitutions,otherthanthoseestablishedbyreligiousgroups
andmissionboards,shallbeownedsolelybycitizensofthePhilippinesor
corporationsorassociationsatleastsixtypercentumofthecapitalofwhich
isownedbysuchcitizens.TheCongressmay,however,requireincreased
Filipinoequityparticipationinalleducationalinstitutions.
Thecontrolandadministrationofeducationalinstitutionsshallbevestedin
citizensofthePhilippines.
Noeducationalinstitutionshallbeestablishedexclusivelyforaliensandno
groupofaliensshallcomprisemorethanonethirdoftheenrollmentinany
school.Theprovisionsofthissubsectionshallnotapplytoschools
establishedforforeigndiplomaticpersonnelandtheirdependentsand,
unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,forotherforeigntemporaryresidents.
(3)Allrevenuesandassetsofnonstock,nonprofiteducationalinstitutions
usedactually,directly,andexclusivelyforeducationalpurposesshallbe
exemptfromtaxesandduties.Uponthedissolutionorcessationofthe
corporateexistenceofsuchinstitutions,theirassetsshallbedisposedofin
themannerprovidedbylaw.
Proprietaryeducationalinstitutions,includingthosecooperativelyowned,
maylikewisebeentitledtosuchexemptionssubjecttothelimitations
providedbylawincludingrestrictionsondividendsandprovisionsfor
reinvestment.
(4)Subjecttoconditionsprescribedbylaw,allgrants,endowments,
donations,orcontributionsusedactually,directly,andexclusivelyfor
educationalpurposesshallbeexemptfromtax.
SECTION5.(1)TheStateshalltakeintoaccountregionalandsectoral
needsandconditionsandshallencouragelocalplanninginthe
developmentofeducationalpoliciesandprograms.
(2)Academicfreedomshallbeenjoyedinallinstitutionsofhigherlearning.
(3)Everycitizenhasarighttoselectaprofessionorcourseofstudy,
subjecttofair,reasonable,andequitableadmissionandacademic
requirements.
(4)TheStateshallenhancetherightofteacherstoprofessional
advancement.Nonteachingacademicandnonacademicpersonnelshall
enjoytheprotectionoftheState.
(5)TheStateshallassignthehighestbudgetaryprioritytoeducationand
ensurethatteachingwillattractandretainitsrightfulshareofthebest
availabletalentsthroughadequateremunerationandothermeansofjob
satisfactionandfulfillment.
Language
SECTION6.ThenationallanguageofthePhilippinesisFilipino.Asit
evolves,itshallbefurtherdevelopedandenrichedonthebasisofexisting
Philippineandotherlanguages.
SubjecttoprovisionsoflawandastheCongressmaydeemappropriate,
theGovernmentshalltakestepstoinitiateandsustaintheuseofFilipinoas
amediumofofficialcommunicationandaslanguageofinstructioninthe
educationalsystem.
SECTION7.Forpurposesofcommunicationandinstruction,theofficial
languagesofthePhilippinesareFilipinoand,untilotherwiseprovidedby
law,English.
Theregionallanguagesaretheauxiliaryofficiallanguagesintheregions
andshallserveasauxiliarymediaofinstructiontherein.
SpanishandArabicshallbepromotedonavoluntaryandoptionalbasis.
SECTION8.ThisConstitutionshallbepromulgatedinFilipinoandEnglish
andshallbetranslatedintomajorregionallanguages,Arabic,andSpanish.
SECTION9.TheCongressshallestablishanationallanguagecommission
composedofrepresentativesofvariousregionsanddisciplineswhichshall
undertake,coordinate,andpromoteresearchesforthedevelopment,
propagation,andpreservationofFilipinoandotherlanguages.
ScienceandTechnology
SECTION10.Scienceandtechnologyareessentialfornational
developmentandprogress.TheStateshallgiveprioritytoresearchand
development,invention,innovation,andtheirutilizationandtoscienceand
technologyeducation,training,andservices.Itshallsupportindigenous,
appropriate,andselfreliantscientificandtechnologicalcapabilities,and
theirapplicationtothecountrysproductivesystemsandnationallife.
SECTION11.TheCongressmayprovideforincentives,includingtax
deductions,toencourageprivateparticipationinprogramsofbasicand
appliedscientificresearch.Scholarships,grantsinaid,orotherformsof
incentivesshallbeprovidedtodeservingsciencestudents,researchers,
scientists,inventors,technologists,andspeciallygiftedcitizens.
SECTION12.TheStateshallregulatethetransferandpromotethe
adaptationoftechnologyfromallsourcesforthenationalbenefit.Itshall
encouragethewidestparticipationofprivategroups,localgovernments,
andcommunitybasedorganizationsinthegenerationandutilizationof
scienceandtechnology.
SECTION13.TheStateshallprotectandsecuretheexclusiverightsof
scientists,inventors,artists,andothergiftedcitizenstotheirintellectual
propertyandcreations,particularlywhenbeneficialtothepeople,forsuch
periodasmaybeprovidedbylaw.
ArtsandCulture
SECTION14.TheStateshallfosterthepreservation,enrichment,and
dynamicevolutionofaFilipinonationalculturebasedontheprincipleof
unityindiversityinaclimateoffreeartisticandintellectualexpression.
SECTION15.ArtsandlettersshallenjoythepatronageoftheState.The
Stateshallconserve,promote,andpopularizethenationshistoricaland
culturalheritageandresources,aswellasartisticcreations.
SECTION16.Allthecountrysartisticandhistoricwealthconstitutesthe
culturaltreasureofthenationandshallbeundertheprotectionoftheState
whichmayregulateitsdisposition.
SECTION17.TheStateshallrecognize,respect,andprotecttherightsof
indigenousculturalcommunitiestopreserveanddeveloptheircultures,
traditions,andinstitutions.Itshallconsidertheserightsintheformulationof
nationalplansandpolicies.
SECTION18.(1)TheStateshallensureequalaccesstocultural
opportunitiesthroughtheeducationalsystem,publicorprivatecultural
entities,scholarships,grantsandotherincentives,andcommunitycultural
centers,andotherpublicvenues.
(2)TheStateshallencourageandsupportresearchesandstudiesonthe
artsandculture.
Sports
SECTION19.(1)TheStateshallpromotephysicaleducationand
encouragesportsprograms,leaguecompetitions,andamateursports,
includingtrainingforinternationalcompetitions,tofosterselfdiscipline,
teamwork,andexcellenceforthedevelopmentofahealthyandalert
citizenry.
(2)Alleducationalinstitutionsshallundertakeregularsportsactivities
throughoutthecountryincooperationwithathleticclubsandothersectors.
ARTICLEXV
TheFamily
SECTION1.TheStaterecognizestheFilipinofamilyasthefoundationof
thenation.Accordingly,itshallstrengthenitssolidarityandactivelypromote
itstotaldevelopment.
SECTION2.Marriage,asaninviolablesocialinstitution,isthefoundationof
thefamilyandshallbeprotectedbytheState.
SECTION3.TheStateshalldefend:
(1)Therightofspousestofoundafamilyinaccordancewiththeirreligious
convictionsandthedemandsofresponsibleparenthood
(2)Therightofchildrentoassistance,includingpropercareandnutrition,
andspecialprotectionfromallformsofneglect,abuse,cruelty,exploitation,
andotherconditionsprejudicialtotheirdevelopment
(3)Therightofthefamilytoafamilylivingwageandincomeand
(4)Therightoffamiliesorfamilyassociationstoparticipateintheplanning
andimplementationofpoliciesandprogramsthataffectthem.
SECTION4.Thefamilyhasthedutytocareforitselderlymembersbutthe
Statemayalsodosothroughjustprogramsofsocialsecurity.
ARTICLEXVI
GeneralProvisions
SECTION1.TheflagofthePhilippinesshallbered,white,andblue,witha
sunandthreestars,asconsecratedandhonoredbythepeopleand
recognizedbylaw.
SECTION2.TheCongressmay,bylaw,adoptanewnameforthecountry,
anationalanthem,oranationalseal,whichshallallbetrulyreflectiveand
symbolicoftheideals,history,andtraditionsofthepeople.Suchlawshall
takeeffectonlyuponitsratificationbythepeopleinanationalreferendum.
SECTION3.TheStatemaynotbesuedwithoutitsconsent.
SECTION4.TheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesshallbecomposedofa
citizenarmedforcewhichshallundergomilitarytrainingandserve,asmay
beprovidedbylaw.Itshallkeeparegularforcenecessaryforthesecurity
oftheState.
SECTION5.(1)Allmembersofthearmedforcesshalltakeanoathor
affirmationtoupholdanddefendthisConstitution.
(2)TheStateshallstrengthenthepatrioticspiritandnationalist
consciousnessofthemilitary,andrespectforpeoplesrightsinthe
performanceoftheirduty.
(3)Professionalisminthearmedforcesandadequateremunerationand
benefitsofitsmembersshallbeaprimeconcernoftheState.Thearmed
forcesshallbeinsulatedfrompartisanpolitics.
Nomemberofthemilitaryshallengagedirectlyorindirectlyinanypartisan
politicalactivity,excepttovote.
(4)Nomemberofthearmedforcesintheactiveserviceshall,atanytime,
beappointedordesignatedinanycapacitytoacivilianpositioninthe
Governmentincludinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsorany
oftheirsubsidiaries.
(5)Lawsonretirementofmilitaryofficersshallnotallowextensionoftheir
service.
(6)Theofficersandmenoftheregularforceofthearmedforcesshallbe
recruitedproportionatelyfromallprovincesandcitiesasfaraspracticable.
(7)ThetourofdutyoftheChiefofStaffofthearmedforcesshallnot
exceedthreeyears.However,intimesofwarorothernationalemergency
declaredbytheCongress,thePresidentmayextendsuchtourofduty.
SECTION6.TheStateshallestablishandmaintainonepoliceforce,which
shallbenationalinscopeandcivilianincharacter,tobeadministeredand
controlledbyanationalpolicecommission.Theauthorityoflocalexecutives
overthepoliceunitsintheirjurisdictionshallbeprovidedbylaw.
SECTION7.TheStateshallprovideimmediateandadequatecare,
benefits,andotherformsofassistancetowarveteransandveteransof
militarycampaigns,theirsurvivingspousesandorphans.Fundsshallbe
providedthereforanddueconsiderationshallbegiventheminthe
dispositionofagriculturallandsofthepublicdomainand,inappropriate
cases,intheutilizationofnaturalresources.
SECTION8.TheStateshall,fromtimetotime,reviewtoupgradethe
pensionsandotherbenefitsduetoretireesofboththegovernmentandthe
privatesectors.
SECTION9.TheStateshallprotectconsumersfromtrademalpractices
andfromsubstandardorhazardousproducts.
SECTION10.TheStateshallprovidethepolicyenvironmentforthefull
developmentofFilipinocapabilityandtheemergenceofcommunication
structuressuitabletotheneedsandaspirationsofthenationandthe
balancedflowofinformationinto,outof,andacrossthecountry,in
accordancewithapolicythatrespectsthefreedomofspeechandofthe
press.
SECTION11.(1)Theownershipandmanagementofmassmediashallbe
limitedtocitizensofthePhilippines,ortocorporations,cooperativesor
associations,whollyownedandmanagedbysuchcitizens.
TheCongressshallregulateorprohibitmonopoliesincommercialmass
mediawhenthepublicinterestsorequires.Nocombinationsinrestraintof
tradeorunfaircompetitionthereinshallbeallowed.
(2)Theadvertisingindustryisimpressedwithpublicinterest,andshallbe
regulatedbylawfortheprotectionofconsumersandthepromotionofthe
generalwelfare.
OnlyFilipinocitizensorcorporationsorassociationsatleastseventyper
centumofthecapitalofwhichisownedbysuchcitizensshallbeallowedto
engageintheadvertisingindustry.
Theparticipationofforeigninvestorsinthegoverningbodyofentitiesin
suchindustryshallbelimitedtotheirproportionateshareinthecapital
thereof,andalltheexecutiveandmanagingofficersofsuchentitiesmust
becitizensofthePhilippines.
SECTION12.TheCongressmaycreateaconsultativebodytoadvisethe
Presidentonpoliciesaffectingindigenousculturalcommunities,themajority
ofthemembersofwhichshallcomefromsuchcommunities.
ARTICLEXVII
AmendmentsorRevisions
SECTION1.Anyamendmentto,orrevisionof,thisConstitutionmaybe
proposedby:
(1)TheCongress,uponavoteofthreefourthsofallitsMembersor
(2)Aconstitutionalconvention.
SECTION2.AmendmentstothisConstitutionmaylikewisebedirectly
proposedbythepeoplethroughinitiativeuponapetitionofatleasttwelve
percentumofthetotalnumberofregisteredvoters,ofwhichevery
legislativedistrictmustberepresentedbyatleastthreepercentumofthe
registeredvoterstherein.Noamendmentunderthissectionshallbe
authorizedwithinfiveyearsfollowingtheratificationofthisConstitutionnor
oftenerthanonceeveryfiveyearsthereafter.
TheCongressshallprovidefortheimplementationoftheexerciseofthis
right.
SECTION3.TheCongressmay,byavoteoftwothirdsofallitsMembers,
callaconstitutionalconvention,orbyamajorityvoteofallitsMembers,
submittotheelectoratethequestionofcallingsuchaconvention.
SECTION4.Anyamendmentto,orrevisionof,thisConstitutionunder
Section1hereofshallbevalidwhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescast
inaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydaysnorlaterthan
ninetydaysaftertheapprovalofsuchamendmentorrevision.
AnyamendmentunderSection2hereofshallbevalidwhenratifiedbya
majorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthan
sixtydaysnorlaterthanninetydaysafterthecertificationbythe
CommissiononElectionsofthesufficiencyofthepetition.
ARTICLEXVIII
TransitoryProvisions
SECTION1.ThefirstelectionsofMembersoftheCongressunderthis
ConstitutionshallbeheldonthesecondMondayofMay,1987.
Thefirstlocalelectionsshallbeheldonadatetobedeterminedbythe
President,whichmaybesimultaneouswiththeelectionoftheMembersof
theCongress.ItshallincludetheelectionofallMembersofthecityor
municipalcouncilsintheMetropolitanManilaarea.
SECTION2.TheSenators,MembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives,and
thelocalofficialsfirstelectedunderthisConstitutionshallserveuntilnoon
ofJune30,1992.
OftheSenatorselectedintheelectionof1992,thefirsttwelveobtainingthe
highestnumberofvotesshallserveforsixyearsandtheremainingtwelve
forthreeyears.
SECTION3.Allexistinglaws,decrees,executiveorders,proclamations,
lettersofinstructions,andotherexecutiveissuancesnotinconsistentwith
thisConstitutionshallremainoperativeuntilamended,repealed,or
revoked.
SECTION4.Allexistingtreatiesorinternationalagreementswhichhavenot
beenratifiedshallnotberenewedorextendedwithouttheconcurrenceof
atleasttwothirdsofalltheMembersoftheSenate.
SECTION5.ThesixyeartermoftheincumbentPresidentandVice
PresidentelectedintheFebruary7,1986electionis,forpurposesof
synchronizationofelections,herebyextendedtonoonofJune30,1992.
ThefirstregularelectionsforthePresidentandVicePresidentunderthis
ConstitutionshallbeheldonthesecondMondayofMay,1992.
SECTION6.TheincumbentPresidentshallcontinuetoexerciselegislative
powersuntilthefirstCongressisconvened.
SECTION7.Untilalawispassed,thePresidentmayfillbyappointment
fromalistofnomineesbytherespectivesectorstheseatsreservedfor
sectoralrepresentationinparagraph(2),Section5ofArticleVIofthis
Constitution.
SECTION8.UntilotherwiseprovidedbytheCongress,thePresidentmay
constitutetheMetropolitanAuthoritytobecomposedoftheheadsofall
localgovernmentunitscomprisingtheMetropolitanManilaarea.
SECTION9.Asubprovinceshallcontinuetoexistandoperateuntilitis
convertedintoaregularprovinceoruntilitscomponentmunicipalitiesare
revertedtothemotherprovince.
SECTION10.Allcourtsexistingatthetimeoftheratificationofthis
Constitutionshallcontinuetoexercisetheirjurisdiction,untilotherwise
providedbylaw.TheprovisionsoftheexistingRulesofCourt,judiciary
acts,andprocedurallawsnotinconsistentwiththisConstitutionshall
remainoperativeunlessamendedorrepealedbytheSupremeCourtorthe
Congress.
SECTION11.TheincumbentMembersoftheJudiciaryshallcontinuein
officeuntiltheyreachtheageofseventyyearsorbecomeincapacitatedto
dischargethedutiesoftheirofficeorareremovedforcause.
SECTION12.TheSupremeCourtshall,withinoneyearaftertheratification
ofthisConstitution,adoptasystematicplantoexpeditethedecisionor
resolutionofcasesormatterspendingintheSupremeCourtorthelower
courtspriortotheeffectivityofthisConstitution.Asimilarplanshallbe
adoptedforallspecialcourtsandquasijudicialbodies.
SECTION13.Thelegaleffectofthelapse,beforetheratificationofthis
Constitution,oftheapplicableperiodforthedecisionorresolutionofthe
casesormatterssubmittedforadjudicationbythecourts,shallbe
determinedbytheSupremeCourtassoonaspracticable.
SECTION14.Theprovisionsofparagraphs(3)and(4),Section15of
ArticleVIIIofthisConstitutionshallapplytocasesormattersfiledbefore
theratificationofthisConstitution,whentheapplicableperiodlapsesafter
suchratification.
SECTION15.TheincumbentMembersoftheCivilServiceCommission,
theCommissiononElections,andtheCommissiononAuditshallcontinue
inofficeforoneyearaftertheratificationofthisConstitution,unlessthey
aresoonerremovedforcauseorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethe
dutiesoftheirofficeorappointedtoanewtermthereunder.Innocaseshall
anyMemberservelongerthansevenyearsincludingservicebeforethe
ratificationofthisConstitution.
SECTION16.Careercivilserviceemployeesseparatedfromtheservice
notforcausebutasaresultofthereorganizationpursuanttoProclamation
No.3datedMarch25,1986andthereorganizationfollowingtheratification
ofthisConstitutionshallbeentitledtoappropriateseparationpayandto
retirementandotherbenefitsaccruingtothemunderthelawsofgeneral
applicationinforceatthetimeoftheirseparation.Inlieuthereof,atthe
optionoftheemployees,theymaybeconsideredforemploymentinthe
Governmentorinanyofitssubdivisions,instrumentalities,oragencies,
includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsandtheir
subsidiaries.Thisprovisionalsoappliestocareerofficerswhose
resignation,tenderedinlinewiththeexistingpolicy,hadbeenaccepted.
SECTION17.UntiltheCongressprovidesotherwise,thePresidentshall
receiveanannualsalaryofthreehundredthousandpesostheVice
President,thePresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakeroftheHouseof
Representatives,andtheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt,twohundred
fortythousandpesoseachtheSenators,theMembersoftheHouseof
Representatives,theAssociateJusticesoftheSupremeCourt,andthe
ChairmenoftheConstitutionalCommissions,twohundredfourthousand
pesoseachandtheMembersoftheConstitutionalCommissions,one
hundredeightythousandpesoseach.
SECTION18.Attheearliestpossibletime,theGovernmentshallincrease
thesalaryscalesoftheotherofficialsandemployeesoftheNational
Government.
SECTION19.Allproperties,records,equipment,buildings,facilities,and
otherassetsofanyofficeorbodyabolishedorreorganizedunder
ProclamationNo.3datedMarch25,1986orthisConstitutionshallbe
transferredtotheofficeorbodytowhichitspowers,functions,and
responsibilitiessubstantiallypertain.
SECTION20.ThefirstCongressshallgiveprioritytothedeterminationof
theperiodforthefullimplementationoffreepublicsecondaryeducation.
SECTION21.TheCongressshallprovideefficaciousproceduresand
adequateremediesforthereversiontotheStateofalllandsofthepublic
domainandrealrightsconnectedtherewithwhichwereacquiredinviolation
oftheConstitutionorthepubliclandlaws,orthroughcorruptpractices.No
transferordispositionofsuchlandsorrealrightsshallbealloweduntilafter
thelapseofoneyearfromtheratificationofthisConstitution.
SECTION22.Attheearliestpossibletime,theGovernmentshall
expropriateidleorabandonedagriculturallandsasmaybedefinedbylaw,
fordistributiontothebeneficiariesoftheagrarianreformprogram.
SECTION23.Advertisingentitiesaffectedbyparagraph(2),Section11of
ArticleXVIofthisConstitutionshallhavefiveyearsfromitsratificationto
complyonagraduatedandproportionatebasiswiththeminimumFilipino
ownershiprequirementtherein.
SECTION24.Privatearmiesandotherarmedgroupsnotrecognizedby
dulyconstitutedauthorityshallbedismantled.Allparamilitaryforces
includingCivilianHomeDefenseForcesnotconsistentwiththecitizen
armedforceestablishedinthisConstitution,shallbedissolvedor,where
appropriate,convertedintotheregularforce.
SECTION25.Aftertheexpirationin1991oftheAgreementbetweenthe
RepublicofthePhilippinesandtheUnitedStatesofAmericaconcerning
MilitaryBases,foreignmilitarybases,troops,orfacilitiesshallnotbe
allowedinthePhilippinesexceptunderatreatydulyconcurredinbythe
Senateand,whentheCongresssorequires,ratifiedbyamajorityofthe
votescastbythepeopleinanationalreferendumheldforthatpurpose,and
recognizedasatreatybytheothercontractingState.
SECTION26.Theauthoritytoissuesequestrationorfreezeordersunder
ProclamationNo.3datedMarch25,1986inrelationtotherecoveryofill
gottenwealthshallremainoperativefornotmorethaneighteenmonths
aftertheratificationofthisConstitution.However,inthenationalinterest,as
certifiedbythePresident,theCongressmayextendsaidperiod.
Asequestrationorfreezeordershallbeissuedonlyuponshowingofa
primafaciecase.Theorderandthelistofthesequesteredorfrozen
propertiesshallforthwithberegisteredwiththepropercourt.Fororders
issuedbeforetheratificationofthisConstitution,thecorrespondingjudicial
actionorproceedingshallbefiledwithinsixmonthsfromitsratification.For
thoseissuedaftersuchratification,thejudicialactionorproceedingshallbe
commencedwithinsixmonthsfromtheissuancethereof.
Thesequestrationorfreezeorderisdeemedautomaticallyliftedifno
judicialactionorproceedingiscommencedashereinprovided.
SECTION27.ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponits
ratificationbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteheldforthepurpose
andshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
Ratified:February2,1987
Source:CDAsia

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