Civil Service Exam General Information: Philippine Constitution

1. Q. What are included in the national territory of the Philippines?

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2. Q. What are included in the internal waters of the Philippines?

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3. Q. What kind of state is the Philippines?

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4. Q. Where does sovereignty reside in, and where does government authority emanate from?

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5. Q. Which authority is supreme over the military at all times?

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6. Q. Who protects the sovereignty of the Philippines and the integrity of its national territory?

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7. Q. What is the basic autonomous social institution protected and strengthened by the State?

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8. Q. From what period does the state protect the life of an unborn child?

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9. Q. Which constitutional right guarantees that a person cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property arbitrarily?

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10. Q. Which constitutional right protects a person against illegal search of his person, house, paper, and effects?

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11. Q. Who may issue a search warrant or a warrant of arrest?

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12. Q. When may a search warrant or warrant of arrest be issued?

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13. Q. What happens to evidence obtained in violation of a person's right to privacy of communication and
correspondence?

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14. Q. Which constitutional right guarantees similar treatment of all persons?

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15. Q. What needs to be paid in order to allow the taking of private property for a public purpose by the government?

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16. Q. What kinds of information are the people entitled to know?

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17. Q. What are the grounds for impairing the right to travel?

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18. Q. Which constitutional right prohibits a person from being compelled to be a witness against himself?

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19. Q. Which constitutional right prohibits a person from being punished twice for the same offense?

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20. Q. Who are citizens of the Philippines?

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21. Q. What are the qualifications of a voter who is in the Philippines?

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22. Q. Where is legislative power vested in?

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23. Q. What are the 2 Houses of Congress?

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24. Q. How many senators are elected to the Senate?

A. 24.

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25. Q. What are the qualifications of a senator?

A. The qualifications are:
1) must be a natural-born Filipino citizen;
2) must be at least 35 years old on the day of the election;
3) must be able to read and write;
4) must be a registered voter; and
5) must be a Philippine resident for at least 2 years immediately preceding the day of the election.

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26. Q. How long is the term of office of a senator?

A. 6 years.

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27. Q. How many consecutive terms may a senator serve?

A. 2 consecutive terms.

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28. Q.How many percent shall the party-list representatives constitute in the House of Representatives?

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A. The House of Representatives shall have no more than 250 members. 20% of the total number of all representatives
shall be party-list representatives.

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29. Q. What are the qualifications of a member of the House of Representatives?

A. The qualifications are:
1) must be a natural-born Filipino citizen;
2) must be at least 25 years old on the day of the election;
3) must be able to read and write;
4) must be a registered voter in the district in which he is to be elected (this requirement does not apply to a party-list
representative); and
5) must be a resident for at least 1 year in the district in which he is to be elected prior to the day of the election (this
requirement does not apply to a party-list representative).

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30. Q. How long is the term of office of a member of the House of Representatives?
A. 3 years.

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31. Q. How many consecutive terms may a member of the House of Representatives serve?
A. 3 consecutive terms.

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32. Q. Who is the leader of the Senate?

A. Senate President.

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33. Q.Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?

A. House Speaker.

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34. Q Who is the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of senators?
A. Senate Electoral Tribunal.

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35. Q. Who is the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the members of the
House of Representatives?
A. House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

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36. Q. What are the privileges enjoyed by the members of Congress?
A. The privileges enjoyed by the members of Congress are:
1) privilege of speech and debate (cannot be questioned or held liable for speech or debate in Congress or in any of its
committees); and
2) privilege from arrest (cannot be arrested while Congress is in session for offenses punishable by not more than 6
years imprisonment).

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37. Q. How does a bill become a law?

A. A bill becomes a law by undergoing the following process:
1) Before a bill becomes a law, it must first be submitted to the President.
2) If the President approves the bill, then he will sign it.
3) If the President does not approve the bill, then he will veto the same and return it with his objections to the House
where it originated.
4) Congress may override the presidential veto if 2/3 of both houses, voting separately, approve the enactment of the
bill.
5) If the President fails to inform the originating house of his veto of a bill within 30 days from receipt, then the bill will
become a law as if it was signed by the President.

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38. Q. Who has the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war?
A. Congress. The vote of 2/3 of both Houses of Congress, in joint session but voting separately, is needed to declare the
existence of a state of war.

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39. Q. How many votes by the members of Congress are needed to pass a law granting a tax exemption?
A. Majority of all the members of Congress.

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40. Q. What is the term used for the power of the people to directly propose and enact laws?
A. Initiative.

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41. Q. What is the term used for the power of the people to approve or reject laws?
A. Referendum.

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42. Q. Where is the executive power vested in?

A. President of the Philippines.

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43. Q. What are the qualifications of the President and Vice President of the
Philippines?
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A. The qualifications are:
1) must be natural-born Filipino citizens;
2) must be registered voters;
3) must be able to read and write;
4) must be at least 40 years old on the day of the election; and
5) must be Philippine residents for at least 10 years prior to the election.

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44. Q. How long is the term of office of the President and Vice President?
A. 6 years.

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45. Q. May the President run for re-election?

A. The President is not eligible to run for any re-election. A person who has succeeded and served as President for more
than 4 years is not qualified for election to the same office at any time.

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46. Q. How many successive terms may the Vice President serve?
A. 2 terms.

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47. Q. Who canvasses the votes for the President and Vice President?
A. Congress.

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48. Q. In case the 2 presidential candidates with the highest number of votes received exactly the same number of
votes, how will the winner be decided? A. By the vote of the majority of the members of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, voting separately.

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49. Q. Who shall be the sole judge of all contests involving the election, returns, and qualifications of the President and
Vice President?
A. Supreme Court en banc.

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50. Q. Who will serve as acting president if the president and vice president were both not chosen, not qualified, died, or
become permanently disabled?
A. The Senate President, and if he is unable, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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51. Q. May the President or Acting President extend permanent appointments to executive positions two months prior
to the next election?
A. No. Two months prior to the next election and until the end of his term, the President may only extend temporary
appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies will prejudice public service or public safety.

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52. Q. Who has control over all executive departments, bureaus, and offices?
A. President.

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53. Q. Who is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines?

A. President.

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54. Q. What is the procedure for the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and/or the proclamation of
martial law?
A. The procedure is as follows:
1) In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires, the President may suspend the privilege of the writ of
habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law for a maximum period of 60 days.
2) Within 48 hours from the said act, the President shall submit a report to Congress.
3) Congress, by at least a majority vote of all members voting jointly, may revoke the suspension of the privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus or the proclamation of martial law.
4) If Congress makes a revocation, the same cannot be set aside by the President.
5) Congress may extend the period of suspension or proclamation upon the initiative of the
President.
6) Upon the filing of the proceeding by any citizen, the Supreme Court may review the sufficiency of the factual basis for
the suspension or proclamation, and must issue a decision within 30 days from the said filing.

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55. Q. Where is judicial power vested in?

A. In one Supreme Court and in lower courts established by law.

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56. Q. What is judicial power?

A. It is the duty of the courts to settle actual controversies involving legally demandable and enforceable rights, and to
determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on any
governmental branch or instrumentality.

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57. Q. How many justices are there in the Supreme Court?

A. 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.

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58. Q.Who exercises administrative supervision over the courts and its personnel?
A. Supreme Court.

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59. Q. What are the qualifications of a justice of the Supreme Court?

A. The qualifications are:
1) must be a natural-born Filipino citizen;
2) must be at least 40 years old;
3) must have been a judge or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines for at least
15 years; and
4) must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.

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60. Q. Which body is tasked with recommending appointees to the judiciary?

A. Judicial and Bar Council.

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61. Q. Who appoints the Supreme Court justices and the judges of the lower courts? A. The President, from a list of at
least 3 nominees for each vacancy by the Judicial and Bar Council. The appointment does not require confirmation.

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62. Q. What is the age of retirement for justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts?
A. 70 years old or until they become incapacitated to discharge their official duties.

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63. Q. Who has the power to discipline and/or order the dismissal of the judges of the lower courts?
A. Supreme Court en banc. A majority vote of the members who took part and voted in the deliberations is required to
order a dismissal.

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64. Q. What are the 3 independent Constitutional Commissions:

A. The 3 Constitutional Commissions are: Civil Service Commission, Commission on
Elections, and Commission on Audit. These are independent and enjoy fiscal autonomy.

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65. Q. What is the central personnel agency of the government?

A. Civil Service Commission.

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66. Q. What is the composition of the Civil Service Commission?

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A. Chairman and 2 Commissioners.

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67. Q. What are the qualifications of the Chairman and Commissioners of the Civil
Service Commission?
A. The qualifications are:
1) must be natural-born Filipino citizens;
2) at least 35 years old at the time of appointment;
3) with proven capacity for public administration; and
4) must not have been candidates in the immediately preceding election.

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68. Q. Who appoints the Chairman and Commissioners of the Civil Service
Commission?
A. The President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.

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69. Q. How long is the term of office of the Chairman and Commissioners of the Civil
Service Commission?
A. 7 years without reappointment.

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70. Q. What are included in the civil service?

A. The civil service includes all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the government. It also
includes government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters.

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71. Q. How are appointments in the civil service made?

A. The appointments are made based on merit and fitness, through a competitive examination, except for the following
positions:
1) policy determining;
2) primarily confidential; and
3) highly technical.

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72. Q. Which constitutional body is tasked to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of
an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall?
A. Commission on Elections.

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73. Q. What is the composition of the Commission on Elections?

A. Chairman and 6 Commissioners.

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74. Q. What are the qualifications of the Chairman and Commissioners of the
Commission on Elections?
A. The qualifications are:
1) must be natural-born Filipino citizens;
2) at least 35 years old at the time of appointment;
3) must be college graduates;
4) must not have been candidates in the immediately preceding election; and
5) majority must be members of the Philippine bar engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years.

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75. Q. Who appoints the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on

Elections?
A. The President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.

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76. Q. How long is the term of office of the Chairman and Commissioners of the
Commission on Elections?
A. 7 years without reappointment.

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77. Q. When is the election period?

A. The election period starts 90 days before and ends 30 days after the day of the election
(unless otherwise fixed by COMELEC in special cases).

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78. Q. Which constitutional body has the power to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to the funds and
properties of the government?
A. Commission on Audit.

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79. Q. What is the composition of the Commission on Audit?

A. Chairman and 2 Commissioners.

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80. Q. What are the qualifications of the Chairman and Commissioners of the
Commission on Audit?
A. The qualifications are:
1) must be natural-born Filipino citizens;
2) must be at least 35 years old at the time of appointment;
3) must be certified public accountants with at least 10 years of auditing experience or members of the Philippine bar
engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years;
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4) must not have been candidates in the immediately preceding election; and
5) members must not all belong to the same profession.

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81. Q. Who appoints the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on Audit?
A. The President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.

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82. Q. How long is the term of office of the Chairman and Commissioners of the
Commission on Audit?
A. 7 years without reappointment.

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83. Q. What are the territorial and political subdivisions of the Philippines?
A. The territorial and political subdivisions are: provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

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84. Q. Where are the autonomous regions in the Philippines?

A. The autonomous regions are in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.

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85. Q. Who exercises general supervision over the local governments and the autonomous regions?
A. President.

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86. Q. What are some of the characteristics of local government units?

A. Some of the important characteristics are:
1)The local government units have the power to create own sources of revenues and the power to levy taxes, fees, and
charges in accordance with law.
2) The local government units have a just share in the national taxes which shall be automatically released to them in
accordance with law.
3) The local government units have an equitable share in the proceeds of the utilization and development of national
wealth in their areas, in accordance with law, which shall be shared with the inhabitants through direct benefits.

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87. What is the term of office of an elective local official?

A. 3 years (except for barangay officials).

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88. Q. How many consecutive terms may an elective local official serve?
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A. 3 consecutive terms.

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89. Q. Who may be removed from office by impeachment?

A. The following officers may be removed by impeachment:
1) President;
2) Vice President;
3) Justices of the Supreme Court;
4) Members of the Constitutional Commissions; and
5) Ombudsman.

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90. Q. What are the grounds for impeachment?

A. The grounds are:
1) culpable violation of the Constitution;
2) treason;
3) bribery;
4) graft and corruption;
5) other high crimes; and
6) betrayal of public trust.

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91. Q. Who has the exclusive power to initiate cases of impeachment?

A. House of Representatives.

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92. Q. What is the anti-graft court?

A. Sandiganbayan.

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93. Q. Who has the power to investigate the acts and omissions of public officials, employees, offices, and agencies?
A. Office of the Ombudsman.

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94. Q. What is the composition of the Office of the Ombudsman?

A. Ombudsman (also known as Tanodbayan), 1 Overall Deputy, and at least 1 Deputy for
Luzon, 1 for Visayas, and 1 for Mindanao.

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95. Q. Who appoints the Ombudsman and his Deputies?

A. The President, from a list of nominees for each vacancy by the Judicial and Bar
Council. The appointment does not require confirmation.

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96. Q. What is the term of office of the Ombudsman and his Deputies?
A. 7 years without reappointment.

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97. Q. Who owns the lands of the public domain and natural resources?
A. The State.

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98. Q. What are the classifications of the lands of the public domain?
A. The classifications are:
1) agricultural;
2) forest or timber;
3) mineral lands; and
4) national parks.

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99. Q. Who may be granted a franchise, certificate, or authorization to operate a public utility, and for how long?
A. Filipino citizens, or corporations or associations organized under Philippine laws with at least 60% of capital owned by
Filipino citizens. The franchise, certificate, or authorization shall not be exclusive and shall not be longer than 50 years.

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100. Q. Which constitutional body is tasked to investigate human rights violations?

A. Commission on Human Rights.

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101. Q. What is the composition of the Commission on Human Rights?

A. Chairman and 4 Members.

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102. Q. What are the qualifications of the Chairman and Members of the Commission on Human Rights?
A. The qualifications are:
1) must be natural-born Filipino citizens; and
2) majority of the members must be members of the Philippine bar.

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103. Q. What is the national language of the Philippines?

A. Filipino.

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104. Q. What are the official languages of the Philippines?
A. Filipino and English.

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105. Q. What is an inviolable institution which is the foundation of the family and is protected by the state?
A. Marriage.

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106. Q. May the State be sued without its consent?

A. No.

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107. Q. How long is the tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces?
A. The tour of duty cannot exceed 3 years. It may be extended by the President in times of war or national emergency.

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108. Q. What are the characteristics of the police force?

A. The Philippines has one police force which is national in scope, civilian in character, and administered and controlled
by a national police commission.

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109. Q. Who may own and manage mass media?

A. Filipino citizens, or corporations, cooperatives, or associations wholly-owned and managed by Filipino citizens may
own and manage mass media.

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110. Q. Who may engage in the advertising industry?

A. Filipino citizens, or corporations, or associations at least 70% of the capital of which is owned by Filipino citizens may
engage in the advertising industry.

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111. Q. Who may propose amendments and revisions to the Constitution?

A. The amendments or revisions may be proposed:
1) By Congress, upon 3/4 vote of all members;
2) By a constitutional convention; and
3) By the people, through initiative (upon petition by at least 12% of the total number of registered voters, with at least
3% of the registered voters of every legislative district being represented).

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112. Q. How is a constitutional convention called?
A. A constitutional convention may be called:
1) By the vote of 2/3 of all the members of Congress;
2) By a majority vote of the members of Congress, the question of calling a convention may be submitted to the
electorate.

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113. Q. How is an amendment or revision to the Constitution ratified?

A. It is ratified by a majority of votes cast in a plebiscite.

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Civil Service Exam General Information: Code of Conduct and

Ethical Standards

114. Q. What arises when a public official is a board member, officer, or substantial stockholder of a private
corporation, or owner, or has a substantial interest in a business, and the interest of such corporation or business, or his
rights or duties therein, may be opposed or affected by the faithful performance of his official duty? A. Conflict of
interest.

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115. Q. What is the term used for the transfer of title or disposal of interest in property by voluntarily, completely, and
actually depriving oneself of his right or title in favor of a person other than his spouse and relatives?
A. Divestment.

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116. Q. What are the norms of conduct which must be observed by public officials and employees in the performance of
their official duties?
A. The norms of conduct are:
1) commitment to public interest;
2) professionalism;
3) justness and sincerity;
4) political neutrality;
5) responsiveness to the public;
6) nationalism and patriotism;
7) commitment to democracy;
8) simple living.

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117. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to uphold public interest over and above private
interest?
A. Commitment to public interest.

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118. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to perform and discharge duties with the highest
degree of excellence, professionalism,

intelligence, and skill, and to enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty?
A. Professionalism.

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119. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to remain true to the people, to be just and
sincere, to not discriminate, to respect others, and to not extend undue favors to relatives?
A. Justness and sincerity.

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120. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to provide service to everyone without unfair
discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference?
A. Political neutrality.

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121. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to extend prompt, courteous, and adequate
service to the public?
A. Responsiveness to the public.

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122. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino
people, to promote the use of local goods, and to maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign intrusion?
A. Nationalism and patriotism.

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123. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to commit themselves to a democratic way of
life and values, to maintain public accountability, and to manifest by deeds the supremacy of civilian over military
authority?
A. Commitment to democracy.

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124. Q. Which norm of conduct requires public officials and employees to lead modest lives, and to not indulge in
extravagant and ostentatious display of wealth? A. Simple living.

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125. Q. What are the duties of public officials and employees?

A. The duties are:
1) To act promptly on letters and requests (reply within 15 working days from receipt);
2) To submit annual performance reports (within 45 working days from the end of the year);
3) To process documents and papers expeditiously (within a reasonable time from preparation and must contain not
more than 3 signatories, as far as practicable);
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4) To act immediately on the public's personal transactions; and
5) To make documents accessible to the public (available for inspection within reasonable working hours).

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126. Q. Who may sign documents and papers in the absence of duly authorized signatories?
A. The official next-in-rank or the officer in charge shall sign for and on behalf of the duly authorized signatories.

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127. Q. What are the prohibited acts and transactions for public officials and employees?
A. The prohibited acts and transactions are:
1) Having a financial or material interest in a transaction requiring approval of their office;
2) Having outside employment and other related activities such as:
a) owning, controlling, managing, or accepting an employment unless expressly allowed by law;
b) engaging in the private practice of profession unless authorized by the Constitution or by law, and provided that such
practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with official functions;

c) recommending a person to any position in a private enterprise which has a regular or pending official transaction
with their office;

Note: The above prohibitions apply for 1 year after separation from public office. In the private practice of profession,
the person cannot practice his profession in connection with any matter before the office he used to be with for the
same 1 year period.

3) Disclosing and/or misusing confidential information; and

4) Soliciting or accepting gifts.

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128. Q. What is considered "a gift" under R.A. 6713, and how is "receiving a gift" defined by the said law?
A. "A gift":
1) may be a thing or a right to dispose of gratuitously;
2) may be any act or liberality;
3) made by one person in favor of another who accepts it;
4) includes a simulated sale or an ostensibly onerous disposition.

"Receiving a gift" includes:

1) accepting a gift, directly or indirectly;
2) from a person other than a family member or relative (within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity);
3) even on the occasion of a family celebration or festivity;
4) if the value of the gift is neither nominal nor insignificant;
5) or if the gift is given in anticipation of, or in exchange for, a favor.

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129. Q. What is not considered "a gift" under R.A. 6713?

A. It does not include:
1) an unsolicited gift;
2) of nominal or insignificant value; and
3) not given in anticipation of, or in exchange for a favor from a public official or employee.

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130. Q. May public officials and employees receive gifts or grants from foreign governments?
A. Yes. The Congress consents to:
1) gift of nominal value tendered and received as a souvenir or mark of courtesy;
2) gift in the nature of scholarship, fellowship grant, or medical treatment; and
3) travel grants or expenses for travel entirely out of the Philippines of more than nominal value if acceptance is
appropriate or consistent with the country's interest and permitted by the head of office, branch, or agency to which
the public official or employee belongs.

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131. Q. What are the required statements and disclosures from a public official or employee?
A. The required statements and disclosures are:
1) declaration under oath of assets, liabilities, and net worth;
2) disclosure of financial and business interests;
3) of the public official or employee and of the spouse and of unmarried children under 18 years old living in the
household.

Identification and disclosure of relatives in government must also be made.

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132. Q. Who are not required to file the above statements and disclosures?
A. Public officials and employees who serve in an honorary capacity, laborers, casual or temporary workers are not
required to file the above statements and disclosures.

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133. Q. When must the said statements and disclosures be filed?

A. The statements and disclosures must be filed:
1) within 30 days after assumption of office;
2) on or before April 30 of every year; and
3) within 30 days after separation from service.

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134. Q. How can a public official or employee avoid conflict of interest?

A. By resigning from his position in a private business within 30 days from assumption of office and/or by divesting
himself of his shareholdings or interest within 60 days from such assumption.

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