{"id":209915,"date":"2025-04-28T03:14:49","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T03:14:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/business\/legal\/the-1987-philippine-constitution\/"},"modified":"2025-04-28T03:14:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T03:14:49","slug":"the-1987-philippine-constitution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=209915","title":{"rendered":"The 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nThe
\n1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nPREAMBLE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
\nWe, the sovereign
\nFilipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just
\nand humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and
\naspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and
\nsecure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and
\ndemocracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love,
\nequality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nARTICLE I
\nNATIONAL TERRITORY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
\nThe
\nnational territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands
\nand waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the
\nPhilippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial,
\nfluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the
\nsubsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around,
\nbetween, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their
\nbreadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nARTICLE
\nII
\nDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES PRINCIPLES<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n1.<\/span><\/b> The
\nPhilippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
\npeople and all government authority emanates from them.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n2.<\/span><\/b> The
\nPhilippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the
\ngenerally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the
\nland and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation,
\nand amity with all nations.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n3.<\/span><\/b> Civilian
\nauthority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the
\nPhilippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure
\nthe sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n4.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The prime
\nduty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may
\ncall upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all
\ncitizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal,
\nmilitary or civil service.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n5.<\/span><\/b> The
\nmaintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
\nand promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the
\npeople of the blessings of democracy.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n6.<\/span><\/b> The
\nseparation of Church and State shall be inviolable.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nSTATE POLICIES<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n7.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other
\nstates, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial
\nintegrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n8.<\/span><\/b> The
\nPhilippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy
\nof freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n9.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the
\nprosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty
\nthrough policies that provide adequate social services, promote full
\nemployment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for
\nall.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n10.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n11.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for
\nhuman rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n12.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen
\nthe family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect
\nthe life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural
\nand primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic
\nefficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of
\nthe Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n13.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall
\npromote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
\nwell-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and
\nencourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n14.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the
\nfundamental equality before the law of women and men.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n15.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
\nhealth consciousness among them.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n16.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
\nhealthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n17.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture,
\nand sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress,
\nand promote total human liberation and development.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n18.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the
\nrights of workers and promote their welfare.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n19.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively
\ncontrolled by Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n20.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages
\nprivate enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n21.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n22.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities
\nwithin the framework of national unity and development.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n23.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral
\norganizations that promote the welfare of the nation.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n24.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState recognizes the vital role of communication and information in
\nnation-building.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n25.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n26.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and
\nprohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n27.<\/span><\/b> The
\nState shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take
\npositive and effective measures against graft and corruption.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n28.<\/span><\/b> Subject
\nto reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a
\npolicy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public
\ninterest.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nARTICLE III
\nBILL OF RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nSection
\n1.<\/span><\/b> No person
\nshall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor
\nshall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n2.<\/span><\/b> The right of
\nthe people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against
\nunreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall
\nbe inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except
\nupon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination
\nunder oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce,
\nand particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things
\nto be seized.<\/span><\/div>\n
\nSection
\n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
    \n
  1. The
    \n privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except
    \n upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
    \n otherwise, as prescribed by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Any
    \n evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be
    \n inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \nSection
    \n4.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
    \nbe passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or
    \nthe right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for
    \nredress of grievances.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n5.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
    \nbe made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
    \nexercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
    \nworship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No
    \nreligious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n6.<\/span><\/b> The liberty
    \nof abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not
    \nbe impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to
    \ntravel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety,
    \nor public health, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n7.<\/span><\/b> The right of
    \nthe people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.
    \nAccess to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official
    \nacts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used
    \nas basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such
    \nlimitations as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n8.<\/span><\/b> The right of
    \nthe people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form
    \nunions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not
    \nbe abridged.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n9.<\/span><\/b> Private
    \nproperty shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n10.<\/span><\/b> No law
    \nimpairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n11.<\/span><\/b> Free access
    \nto the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
    \nbe denied to any person by reason of poverty.<\/span><\/div>\n
    \nSection
    \n12.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
      \n
    1. Any
      \n person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the
      \n right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent
      \n and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot
      \n afford the services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights
      \n cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. No
      \n torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which
      \n vitiate the free will shall be used against him. Secret detention places,
      \n solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention are
      \n prohibited.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Any confession
      \n or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be
      \n inadmissible in evidence against him.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. The law
      \n shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this Section
      \n as well as compensation to the rehabilitation of victims of torture or
      \n similar practices, and their families.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \nSection
      \n13.<\/span><\/b> All persons,
      \nexcept those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when
      \nevidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by
      \nsufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law.
      \nThe right to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of
      \nhabeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.<\/span><\/div>\n
      \nSection
      \n14.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
        \n
      1. No
        \n person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process
        \n of law.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. In all
        \n criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the
        \n contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and
        \n counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against
        \n him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses
        \n face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of
        \n witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after
        \n arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused:
        \n Provided, that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is
        \n unjustifiable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \nSection
        \n15.<\/span><\/b> The privilege
        \nof the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion
        \nor rebellion, when the public safety requires it.<\/span><\/div>\n
        \nSection
        \n16.<\/span><\/b> All persons
        \nshall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all
        \njudicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.<\/span><\/div>\n
        \nSection
        \n17.<\/span><\/b> No person
        \nshall be compelled to be a witness against himself.<\/span><\/div>\n
        \nSection
        \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
          \n
        1. No
          \n person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and
          \n aspirations.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. No
          \n involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a
          \n crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \nSection
          \n19.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
            \n
          1. Excessive
            \n fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment
            \n inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling
            \n reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it.
            \n Any death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. The
            \n employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any
            \n prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal
            \n facilities under subhuman conditions shall be dealt with by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \nSection
            \n20.<\/span><\/b> No person
            \nshall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.<\/span><\/div>\n
            \nSection
            \n21.<\/span><\/b> No person
            \nshall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. If an act is
            \npunished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either shall
            \nconstitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act.<\/span><\/div>\n
            \nSection
            \n22.<\/span><\/b> No ex post
            \nfacto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.<\/span><\/div>\n
            \n<\/div>\n
            \nARTICLE IV
            \nCITIZENSHIP<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
            \nSection
            \n1.<\/span><\/b> The following
            \nare citizens of the Philippines:<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n
            1. Those
              \n who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this
              \n Constitution;<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Those
              \n whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;<\/span><\/li>\n
            3. Those
              \n born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
              \n Citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and<\/span><\/li>\n
            4. Those
              \n who are naturalized in the accordance with law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \nSection
              \n2.<\/span><\/b> Natural-born
              \ncitizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without
              \nhaving to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
              \nThose who elect Philippine citizenship in accordance with paragraph (3),
              \nSection 1 hereof shall be deemed natural-born citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n3.<\/span><\/b> Philippine
              \ncitizenship may be lost or reacquired in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n4.<\/span><\/b> Citizens of
              \nthe Philippines who marry aliens shall retain their citizenship, unless by
              \ntheir act or omission they are deemed, under the law to have renounced it.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n5.<\/span><\/b> Dual
              \nallegiance of citizens is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt
              \nwith by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n<\/div>\n
              \nARTICLE V
              \nSUFFRAGE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n1.<\/span><\/b> Suffrage may
              \nbe exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise disqualified by
              \nlaw, who are at least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the
              \nPhilippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they propose to
              \nvote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election. No literacy,
              \nproperty, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of
              \nsuffrage.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
              \nshall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot as
              \nwell as a system for absentee voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nThe
              \nCongress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and the illiterates to
              \nvote without the assistance of other persons. Until then, they shall be allowed
              \nto vote under existing laws and such rules as the Commission on Elections may
              \npromulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n<\/div>\n
              \nARTICLE VI
              \nTHE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
              \nlegislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which
              \nshall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent
              \nreserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Senate
              \nshall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be elected at large by the
              \nqualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n3.<\/span><\/b> No person
              \nshall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and,
              \non the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read
              \nand write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less
              \nthan two years immediately preceding the day of the election.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n4.<\/span><\/b> The term of
              \noffice of the Senators shall be six years and shall commence, unless otherwise
              \nprovided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their
              \nelection. No Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary
              \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
              \ninterruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he was
              \nelected.<\/span><\/div>\n
              \nSection
              \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                \n
              1. The
                \n House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred
                \n and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by law, who shall be elected
                \n from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and
                \n the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their
                \n respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive
                \n ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a
                \n party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties
                \n or organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n
              2. The party-list
                \n representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the total number of
                \n representatives including those under the party list. For three
                \n consecutive terms after the ratification of this Constitution, one-half of
                \n the seats allocated to party-list representatives shall be filled, as
                \n provided by law, by selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban
                \n poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other
                \n sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector.<\/span><\/li>\n
              3. Each
                \n legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous,
                \n compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a population of at least
                \n two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one
                \n representative.<\/span><\/li>\n
              4. Within
                \n three years following the return of every census, the Congress shall make
                \n a reapportionment of legislative districts based on the standards provided
                \n in this section.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \nSection
                \n6.<\/span><\/b> No person
                \nshall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born
                \ncitizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least
                \ntwenty-five years of age, able to read and write, and, except the party-list
                \nrepresentatives, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be
                \nelected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year
                \nimmediately preceding the day of the election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n7.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                \nof the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years
                \nwhich shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth
                \nday of June next following their election. No Member of the House of
                \nRepresentatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary
                \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
                \ninterruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he
                \nwas elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n8.<\/span><\/b> Unless
                \notherwise provided by law, the regular election of the Senators and the Members
                \nof the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n9.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                \nvacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election
                \nmay be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the
                \nSenator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only
                \nfor the unexpired term.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n10.<\/span><\/b> The salaries
                \nof Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by
                \nlaw. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after the
                \nexpiration of the full term of all the Members of the Senate and the House of
                \nRepresentatives approving such increase.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n11.<\/span><\/b> A Senator or
                \nMember of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not
                \nmore than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress
                \nis in session. No Member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other
                \nplace for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n12.<\/span><\/b> All Members
                \nof the Senate and the House of Representatives shall, upon assumption of
                \noffice, make a full disclosure of their financial and business interests. They
                \nshall notify the House concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may
                \narise from the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n13.<\/span><\/b> No Senator or
                \nMember of the House of Representatives may hold any other office or employment
                \nin the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof,
                \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries,
                \nduring his term without forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be appointed to
                \nany office which may have been created or the emoluments thereof increased
                \nduring the term for which he was elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n14.<\/span><\/b> No Senator or
                \nMember of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before
                \nany court of justice or before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and
                \nother administrative bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be
                \ninterested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special
                \nprivilege granted by the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or
                \ninstrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled
                \ncorporation, or its subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall not
                \nintervene in any matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary
                \nbenefit or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n15.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                \nshall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular
                \nsession, unless a different date is fixed by law, and shall continue to be in
                \nsession for such number of days as it may determine until thirty days before
                \nthe opening of its next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and
                \nlegal holidays. The President may call a special session at any time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                \nSection
                \n16.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                  \n
                1. The
                  \n Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives, its
                  \n Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective Members. Each House
                  \n shall choose such other officers as it may deem necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n
                2. A
                  \n majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a
                  \n smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance
                  \n of absent Members in such manner, and under such penalties, as such House
                  \n may provide.<\/span><\/li>\n
                3. Each
                  \n House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for
                  \n disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its
                  \n Members, suspend or expel a Member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed,
                  \n shall not exceed sixty days.<\/span><\/li>\n
                4. Each
                  \n House shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from time to time
                  \n publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in its judgment, affect
                  \n national security; and the yeas and nays on any question shall, at the
                  \n request of one-fifth of the Members present, be entered in the Journal.
                  \n Each House shall also keep a Record of its proceedings.<\/span><\/li>\n
                5. Neither
                  \n House during the sessions of the Congress shall, without the consent of
                  \n the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than
                  \n that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The Senate
                  \nand the House of Representatives shall each have an Electoral Tribunal which
                  \nshall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and
                  \nqualifications of their respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be
                  \ncomposed of nine Members, three of whom shall be Justices of the Supreme Court
                  \nto be designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be Members
                  \nof the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be
                  \nchosen on the basis of proportional representation from the political parties
                  \nand the parties or organizations registered under the party-list system
                  \nrepresented therein. The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be its
                  \nChairman.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> There
                  \nshall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of the President of the
                  \nSenate, as ex officio Chairman, twelve Senators, and twelve Members of the
                  \nHouse of Representatives, elected by each House on the basis of proportional
                  \nrepresentation from the political parties and parties or organizations
                  \nregistered under the party-list system represented therein. The chairman of the
                  \nCommission shall not vote, except in case of a tie. The Commission shall act on
                  \nall appointments submitted to it within thirty session days of the Congress
                  \nfrom their submission. The Commission shall rule by a majority vote of all the
                  \nMembers.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                  \nElectoral Tribunals and the Commission on Appointments shall be constituted
                  \nwithin thirty days after the Senate and the House of Representatives shall have
                  \nbeen organized with the election of the President and the Speaker. The
                  \nCommission on Appointments shall meet only while the Congress is in session, at
                  \nthe call of its Chairman or a majority of all its Members, to discharge such
                  \npowers and functions as are herein conferred upon it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                  \nrecords and books of accounts of the Congress shall be preserved and be open to
                  \nthe public in accordance with law, and such books shall be audited by the
                  \nCommission on Audit which shall publish annually an itemized list of amounts
                  \npaid to and expenses for each Member.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n21.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The Senate or
                  \nthe House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct
                  \ninquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of
                  \nprocedure. The rights of persons appearing in, or affected by, such inquiries
                  \nshall be respected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n22.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The heads of
                  \ndepartments may, upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President,
                  \nor upon the request of either House, as the rules of each House shall provide,
                  \nappear before and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their
                  \ndepartments. Written questions shall be submitted to the President of the
                  \nSenate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least three days
                  \nbefore their scheduled appearance. Interpellations shall not be limited to
                  \nwritten questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the security of
                  \nthe State or the public interest so requires and the President so states in
                  \nwriting, the appearance shall be conducted in executive session.<\/span><\/div>\n
                  \nSection
                  \n23.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                    \n
                  1. The
                    \n Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session
                    \n assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole power to declare the
                    \n existence of a state of war.<\/span><\/li>\n
                  2. In
                    \n times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by law,
                    \n authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such
                    \n restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and proper
                    \n to carry out a declared national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by
                    \n resolution of the Congress, such powers shall cease upon the next
                    \n adjournment thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    \nSection
                    \n24.<\/span><\/b> All
                    \nappropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of the
                    \npublic debt, bills of local application, and private bills, shall originate
                    \nexclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or
                    \nconcur with amendments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                    \nSection
                    \n25.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                      \n
                    1. The
                      \n Congress may not increase the appropriations recommended by the President
                      \n for the operation of the Government as specified in the budget. The form,
                      \n content, and manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by
                      \n law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    2. No
                      \n provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general appropriations
                      \n bill unless it relates specifically to some particular appropriation
                      \n therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be limited in its operation
                      \n to the appropriation to which it relates.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    3. The
                      \n procedure in approving appropriations for the Congress shall strictly
                      \n follow the procedure for approving appropriations for other departments
                      \n and agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    4. A
                      \n special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for which it is
                      \n intended, and shall be supported by funds actually available as certified
                      \n by the National Treasurer, or to be raised by a corresponding revenue
                      \n proposal therein.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    5. No
                      \n law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations; however,
                      \n the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
                      \n Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of
                      \n Constitutional Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item
                      \n in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from
                      \n savings in other items of their respective appropriations.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    6. Discretionary
                      \n funds appropriated for particular officials shall be disbursed only for
                      \n public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to
                      \n such guidelines as may be prescribed by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    7. If,
                      \n by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the
                      \n general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general
                      \n appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed
                      \n re-enacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general
                      \n appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      \nSection
                      \n26.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                        \n
                      1. Every
                        \n bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be
                        \n expressed in the title thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                      2. No
                        \n bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has passed three
                        \n readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final form
                        \n have been distributed to its Members three days before its passage, except
                        \n when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment
                        \n to meet a public calamity or emergency. Upon the last reading of a bill,
                        \n no amendment thereto shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall be taken
                        \n immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in the Journal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \nSection
                        \n27.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                          \n
                        1. Every
                          \n bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented
                          \n to the President. If he approves the same he shall sign it; otherwise, he
                          \n shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the House where
                          \n it originated, which shall enter the objections at large in its Journal
                          \n and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds
                          \n of all the Members of such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be
                          \n sent, together with the objections, to the other House by which it shall
                          \n likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the Members
                          \n of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases, the votes of each
                          \n House shall be determined by yeas or nays, and the names of the Members
                          \n voting for or against shall be entered in its Journal. The President shall
                          \n communicate his veto of any bill to the House where it originated within
                          \n thirty days after the date of receipt thereof, otherwise, it shall become
                          \n a law as if he had signed it.<\/span><\/li>\n
                        2. The
                          \n President shall have the power to veto any particular item or items in an
                          \n appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto shall not affect the
                          \n item or items to which he does not object.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          \nSection
                          \n28.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                            \n
                          1. The
                            \n rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The Congress shall evolve
                            \n a progressive system of taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          2. The
                            \n Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix within specified
                            \n limits, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose,
                            \n tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and
                            \n other duties or imposts within the framework of the national development
                            \n program of the Government.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          3. Charitable
                            \n institutions, churches and personages or convents appurtenant thereto,
                            \n mosques, non-profit cemeteries, and all lands, buildings, and
                            \n improvements, actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious,
                            \n charitable, or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          4. No
                            \n law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without the concurrence of
                            \n a majority of all the Members of the Congress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \nSection
                            \n29.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                              \n
                            1. No
                              \n money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an
                              \n appropriation made by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                            2. No
                              \n public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or
                              \n employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any
                              \n sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion,
                              \n or of any priest, preacher, minister, other religious teacher, or
                              \n dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, minister, or
                              \n dignitary is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or
                              \n government orphanage or leprosarium.<\/span><\/li>\n
                            3. All
                              \n money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated
                              \n as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only. If the purpose for
                              \n which a special fund was created has been fulfilled or abandoned, the
                              \n balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general funds of the
                              \n Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n30.<\/span><\/b> No law
                              \nshall be passed increasing the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as
                              \nprovided in this Constitution without its advice and concurrence.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n31.<\/span><\/b> No law
                              \ngranting a title of royalty or nobility shall be enacted.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n32.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nCongress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and
                              \nreferendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly
                              \npropose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof
                              \npassed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a
                              \npetition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of
                              \nregistered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by
                              \nat least three per centum of the registered voters thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \n<\/div>\n
                              \nARTICLE VII
                              \nEXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The executive
                              \npower shall be vested in the President of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> No person may
                              \nbe elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a
                              \nregistered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the
                              \nday of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years
                              \nimmediately preceding such election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> There shall
                              \nbe a Vice-President who shall have the same qualifications and term of office and
                              \nbe elected with, and in the same manner, as the President. He may be removed
                              \nfrom office in the same manner as the President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nVice-President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet. Such appointment
                              \nrequires no confirmation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> The President
                              \nand the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term
                              \nof six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next
                              \nfollowing the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six
                              \nyears thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No
                              \nperson who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four
                              \nyears shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nNo
                              \nVice-President shall serve for more than two successive terms. Voluntary
                              \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
                              \ninterruption in the continuity of the service for the full term for which he
                              \nwas elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nUnless
                              \notherwise provided by law, the regular election for President and
                              \nVice-President shall be held on the second Monday of May.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nreturns of every election for President and Vice-President, duly certified by
                              \nthe board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the
                              \nCongress, directed to the President of the Senate. Upon receipt of the
                              \ncertificates of canvass, the President of the Senate shall, not later than
                              \nthirty days after the day of the election, open all the certificates in the
                              \npresence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public
                              \nsession, and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due
                              \nexecution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the votes.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nperson having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in
                              \ncase two or more shall have an equal and highest number of votes, one of them
                              \nshall forthwith be chosen by the vote of a majority of all the Members of both
                              \nHouses of the Congress, voting separately.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nCongress shall promulgate its rules for the canvassing of the certificates.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nSupreme Court, sitting en<\/i> banc<\/i>, shall be the sole judge of all
                              \ncontests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President
                              \nor Vice-President, and may promulgate its rules for the purpose.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n5.<\/span><\/b> Before they
                              \nenter on the execution of their office, the President, the Vice-President, or
                              \nthe Acting President shall take the following oath or affirmation:<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \n“I
                              \ndo solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously
                              \nfulfill my duties as President (or Vice-President or Acting President) of the
                              \nPhilippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice
                              \nto every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me
                              \nGod.” (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted.)<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n6.<\/span><\/b> The President
                              \nshall have an official residence. The salaries of the President and
                              \nVice-President shall be determined by law and shall not be decreased during
                              \ntheir tenure. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after
                              \nthe expiration of the term of the incumbent during which such increase was
                              \napproved. They shall not receive during their tenure any other emolument from
                              \nthe Government or any other source.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n7.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nPresident-elect and the Vice President-elect shall assume office at the
                              \nbeginning of their terms.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nIf
                              \nthe President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice President-elect shall act as
                              \nPresident until the President-elect shall have qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nIf
                              \na President shall not have been chosen, the Vice President-elect shall act as
                              \nPresident until a President shall have been chosen and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nIf
                              \nat the beginning of the term of the President, the President-elect shall have
                              \ndied or shall have become permanently disabled, the Vice President-elect shall
                              \nbecome President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nWhere
                              \nno President and Vice-President shall have been chosen or shall have qualified,
                              \nor where both shall have died or become permanently disabled, the President of
                              \nthe Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of
                              \nRepresentatives, shall act as President until a President or a Vice-President
                              \nshall have been chosen and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nCongress shall, by law, provide for the manner in which one who is to act as
                              \nPresident shall be selected until a President or a Vice-President shall have
                              \nqualified, in case of death, permanent disability, or inability of the
                              \nofficials mentioned in the next preceding paragraph.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n8.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                              \ndeath, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the
                              \nPresident, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired
                              \nterm. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or
                              \nresignation of both the President and Vice-President, the President of the
                              \nSenate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of
                              \nRepresentatives, shall then act as President until the President or
                              \nVice-President shall have been elected and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nCongress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death,
                              \npermanent disability, or resignation of the Acting President. He shall serve
                              \nuntil the President or the Vice-President shall have been elected and
                              \nqualified, and be subject to the same restrictions of powers and
                              \ndisqualifications as the Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n9.<\/span><\/b> Whenever
                              \nthere is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President during the term for
                              \nwhich he was elected, the President shall nominate a Vice-President from among
                              \nthe Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume
                              \noffice upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses
                              \nof the Congress, voting separately.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n10.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                              \nshall, at ten o’clock in the morning of the third day after the vacancy in the
                              \noffices of the President and Vice-President occurs, convene in accordance with
                              \nits rules without need of a call and within seven days, enact a law calling for
                              \na special election to elect a President and a Vice-President to be held not
                              \nearlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days from the time of such
                              \ncall. The bill calling such special election shall be deemed certified under
                              \nparagraph 2, Section 26, Article V1 of this Constitution and shall become law
                              \nupon its approval on third reading by the Congress. Appropriations for the
                              \nspecial election shall be charged against any current appropriations and shall
                              \nbe exempt from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article V1 of this
                              \nConstitution. The convening of the Congress cannot be suspended nor the special
                              \nelection postponed. No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs
                              \nwithin eighteen months before the date of the next presidential election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n11.<\/span><\/b> Whenever the
                              \nPresident transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
                              \nof Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the
                              \npowers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written
                              \ndeclaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the
                              \nVice-President as Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nWhenever
                              \na majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit to the President of the
                              \nSenate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written
                              \ndeclaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of
                              \nhis office, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the powers and duties
                              \nof the office as Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThereafter,
                              \nwhen the President transmits to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker
                              \nof the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability
                              \nexists, he shall reassume the powers and duties of his office. Meanwhile,
                              \nshould a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit within five days
                              \nto the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of
                              \nRepresentatives, their written declaration that the President is unable to
                              \ndischarge the powers and duties of his office, the Congress shall decide the
                              \nissue. For that purpose, the Congress shall convene, if it is not in session,
                              \nwithin forty-eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of
                              \ncall.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nIf
                              \nthe Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written declaration, or,
                              \nif not in session, within twelve days after it is required to assemble,
                              \ndetermines by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, voting separately, that the
                              \nPresident is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the
                              \nVice-President shall act as President; otherwise, the President shall continue
                              \nexercising the powers and duties of his office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n12.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                              \nserious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of
                              \nhis health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and
                              \nforeign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
                              \nPhilippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nPresident, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants
                              \nshall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other
                              \noffice or employment during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure,
                              \ndirectly or indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any
                              \nbusiness, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in any
                              \nfranchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision,
                              \nagency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled
                              \ncorporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid conflict of
                              \ninterest in the conduct of their office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nspouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil
                              \ndegree of the President shall not, during his tenure, be appointed as Members
                              \nof the Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman, or as
                              \nSecretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices,
                              \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n14.<\/span><\/b> Appointments
                              \nextended by an Acting President shall remain effective, unless revoked by the
                              \nelected President, within ninety days from his assumption or reassumption of
                              \noffice.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n15.<\/span><\/b> Two months
                              \nimmediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his
                              \nterm, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except
                              \ntemporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein
                              \nwill prejudice public service or endanger public safety.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n16.<\/span><\/b> The President
                              \nshall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint
                              \nthe heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and
                              \nconsuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval
                              \ncaptain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution.
                              \nHe shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments
                              \nare not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by
                              \nlaw to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other
                              \nofficers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads
                              \nof departments, agencies, commissions, or boards.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nPresident shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the
                              \nCongress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be
                              \neffective only until disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until the
                              \nnext adjournment of the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n17.<\/span><\/b> The President
                              \nshall have control of all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices. He
                              \nshall ensure that the laws be faithfully executed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The President
                              \nshall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and
                              \nwhenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or
                              \nsuppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or
                              \nrebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not
                              \nexceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or
                              \nplace the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight
                              \nhours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege
                              \nof the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or
                              \nin writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least
                              \na majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such
                              \nproclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the
                              \nPresident. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same
                              \nmanner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by
                              \nthe Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety
                              \nrequires it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nCongress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such
                              \nproclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need
                              \nof a call.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nSupreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen,
                              \nthe sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the
                              \nsuspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must
                              \npromulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nA
                              \nstate of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor
                              \nsupplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor
                              \nauthorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over
                              \ncivilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend
                              \nthe privilege of the writ.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nThe
                              \nsuspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons judicially
                              \ncharged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with
                              \ninvasion.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nDuring
                              \nthe suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or
                              \ndetained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be
                              \nreleased.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n19.<\/span><\/b> Except
                              \nin cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the
                              \nPresident may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and
                              \nforfeitures, after conviction by final judgment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nHe
                              \nshall also have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority
                              \nof all the Members of the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nPresident may contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of
                              \nthe Philippines with the prior concurrence of the Monetary Board, and subject
                              \nto such limitations as may be provided by law. The Monetary Board shall, within
                              \nthirty days from the end of every quarter of the calendar year, submit to the
                              \nCongress a complete report of its decision on applications for loans to be
                              \ncontracted or guaranteed by the Government or government-owned and controlled
                              \ncorporations which would have the effect of increasing the foreign debt, and
                              \ncontaining other matters as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n21.<\/span><\/b> No
                              \ntreaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred
                              \nin by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n22.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nPresident shall submit to the Congress, within thirty days from the opening of
                              \nevery regular session as the basis of the general appropriations bill, a budget
                              \nof expenditures and sources of financing, including receipts from existing and
                              \nproposed revenue measures.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n23.<\/span><\/b> The
                              \nPresident shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. He
                              \nmay also appear before it at any other time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \n<\/div>\n
                              \nARTICLE VIII
                              \nJUDICIAL DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The judicial
                              \npower shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be
                              \nestablished by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nJudicial
                              \npower includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies
                              \ninvolving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determine
                              \nwhether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
                              \nexcess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the
                              \nGovernment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                              \nshall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of
                              \nthe various courts but may not deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction
                              \nover cases enumerated in Section 5 hereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nNo
                              \nlaw shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it undermines the security
                              \nof tenure of its Members.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Judiciary
                              \nshall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be
                              \nreduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year
                              \nand, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                              \nSection
                              \n4.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                \n
                              1. The
                                \n Supreme Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate
                                \n Justices. It may sit en banc or in its discretion, in division of three,
                                \n five, or seven Members. Any vacancy shall be filled within ninety days
                                \n from the occurrence thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                              2. All
                                \n cases involving the constitutionality of a treaty, international or
                                \n executive agreement, or law, which shall be heard by the Supreme Court en
                                \n banc, and all other cases which under the Rules of Court are required to
                                \n be heard en banc, including those involving the constitutionality,
                                \n application, or operation of presidential decrees, proclamations, orders,
                                \n instructions, ordinances, and other regulations, shall be decided with the
                                \n concurrence of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the
                                \n deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon.<\/span><\/li>\n
                              3. Cases
                                \n or matters heard by a division shall be decided or resolved with the
                                \n concurrence of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the
                                \n deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon, and in no case
                                \n without the concurrence of at least three of such Members. When the
                                \n required number is not obtained, the case shall be decided en banc:
                                \n Provided, that no doctrine or principle of law laid down by the court in a
                                \n decision rendered en banc or in division may be modified or reversed
                                \n except by the court sitting en banc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                \nSection
                                \n5.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                \nCourt shall have the following powers:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                  \n
                                1. Exercise
                                  \n original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public
                                  \n ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition,
                                  \n mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                2. Review,
                                  \n revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari, as the law or
                                  \n the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and orders of lower courts
                                  \n in:<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    \n
                                  1. All
                                    \n cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty,
                                    \n international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree,
                                    \n proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in
                                    \n question.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  2. All
                                    \n cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or
                                    \n any penalty imposed in relation thereto.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  3. All
                                    \n cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  4. All
                                    \n criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or
                                    \n higher.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  5. All
                                    \n cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  6. Assign
                                    \n temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest
                                    \n may require. Such temporary assignment shall not exceed six months without
                                    \n the consent of the judge concerned.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  7. Order a
                                    \n change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  8. Promulgate
                                    \n rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights,
                                    \n pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the
                                    \n practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal assistance to the under-privileged.
                                    \n Such rules shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the
                                    \n speedy disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts of the same
                                    \n grade, and shall not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.
                                    \n Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall
                                    \n remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  9. Appoint
                                    \n all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil
                                    \n Service Law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                    \nSection
                                    \n6.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                    \nCourt shall have administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel
                                    \nthereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                    \nSection
                                    \n7.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                      \n
                                    1. No
                                      \n person shall be appointed Member of the Supreme Court or any lower
                                      \n collegiate court unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. A
                                      \n Member of the Supreme Court must be at least forty years of age, and must
                                      \n have been for fifteen years or more, a judge of a lower court or engaged
                                      \n in the practice of law in the Philippines.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    2. The
                                      \n Congress shall prescribe the qualifications of judges of lower courts, but
                                      \n no person may be appointed judge thereof unless he is a citizen of the
                                      \n Philippines and a member of the Philippine Bar.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    3. A
                                      \n Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity,
                                      \n probity, and independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                      \nSection
                                      \n8.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \n
                                      1. A
                                        \n Judicial and Bar Council is hereby created under the supervision of the
                                        \n Supreme Court composed of the Chief Justice as ex officio Chairman, the
                                        \n Secretary of Justice, and a representative of the Congress as ex officio
                                        \n Members, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a
                                        \n retired Member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private
                                        \n sector.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      2. The
                                        \n regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the President for a
                                        \n term of four years with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. Of
                                        \n the Members first appointed, the representative of the Integrated Bar
                                        \n shall serve for four years, the professor of law for three years, the
                                        \n retired Justice for two years, and the representative of the private
                                        \n sector for one year.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      3. The
                                        \n Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio of the Council
                                        \n and shall keep a record of its proceedings.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      4. The
                                        \n regular Members of the Council shall receive such emoluments as may be
                                        \n determined by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court shall provide in its
                                        \n annual budget the appropriations for the Council.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      5. The Council
                                        \n shall have the principal function of recommending appointees to the
                                        \n judiciary. It may exercise such other functions and duties as the Supreme
                                        \n Court may assign to it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                        \nof the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the
                                        \nPresident from a list of at least three nominees preferred by the Judicial and
                                        \nBar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nFor
                                        \nthe lower courts, the President shall issued the appointment within ninety days
                                        \nfrom the submission of the list.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n10.<\/span><\/b> The salary of
                                        \nthe Chief Justice and of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and of
                                        \njudges of lower courts shall be fixed by law. During the continuance in office,
                                        \ntheir salary shall not be decreased.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n11.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                        \nof the Supreme Court and judges of the lower court shall hold office during
                                        \ngood behavior until they reach the age of seventy years or become incapacitated
                                        \nto discharge the duties of their office. The Supreme Court en banc shall have
                                        \nthe power to discipline judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a
                                        \nvote of majority of the Members who actually took part in the deliberations on
                                        \nthe issues in the case and voted in thereon.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n12.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                        \nof the Supreme Court and of other courts established by law shall not be
                                        \ndesignated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative function.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                        \nconclusions of the Supreme Court in any case submitted to it for the decision
                                        \nen banc or in division shall be reached in consultation before the case the
                                        \ncase assigned to a Member for the writing of the opinion of the Court. A
                                        \ncertification to this effect signed by the Chief Justice shall be issued and a
                                        \ncopy thereof attached to the record of the case and served upon the parties. Any
                                        \nMember who took no part, or dissented, or abstained from a decision or
                                        \nresolution must state the reason therefor. The same requirements shall be
                                        \nobserved by all lower collegiate court.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n14.<\/span><\/b> No decision
                                        \nshall be rendered by any court without expressing therein clearly and
                                        \ndistinctly the facts and the law on which it is based.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nNo
                                        \npetition for review or motion for reconsideration of a decision of the court
                                        \nshall be refused due course or denied without stating the legal basis therefor.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \nSection
                                        \n15.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \n
                                        1. All cases
                                          \n or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be
                                          \n decided or resolved within twenty-four months from date of submission for
                                          \n the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced by the Supreme Court, twelve months
                                          \n for all lower collegiate courts, and three months for all other lower
                                          \n courts.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                        2. A case
                                          \n or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the
                                          \n filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by the Rules of
                                          \n Court or by the court itself.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                        3. Upon
                                          \n the expiration of the corresponding period, a certification to this effect
                                          \n signed by the Chief Justice or the presiding judge shall forthwith be
                                          \n issued and a copy thereof attached to the record of the case or matter,
                                          \n and served upon the parties. The certification shall state why a decision
                                          \n or resolution has not been rendered or issued within said period.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                        4. Despite
                                          \n the expiration of the applicable mandatory period, the court, without
                                          \n prejudice to such responsibility as may have been incurred in consequence
                                          \n thereof, shall decide or resolve the case or matter submitted thereto for
                                          \n determination, without further delay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n16.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                          \nCourt shall, within thirty days from the opening of each regular session of the
                                          \nCongress, submit to the President and the Congress an annual report on the
                                          \noperations and activities of the Judiciary.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \n<\/div>\n
                                          \nARTICLE IX
                                          \nCONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nA.
                                          \nCOMMON PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                          \nConstitutional Commissions, which shall be independent, are the Civil Service
                                          \nCommission, the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n2.<\/span><\/b> No member of
                                          \na Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any other office or
                                          \nemployment. Neither shall he engage in the practice of any profession or in the
                                          \nactive management or control of any business which, in any way, may be affected
                                          \nby the functions of his office, nor shall he be financially interested,
                                          \ndirectly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege
                                          \ngranted by the Government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities,
                                          \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n3.<\/span><\/b> The salary of
                                          \nthe Chairman and the Commissioners shall be fixed by law and shall not be
                                          \ndecreased during their tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                          \nConstitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials and employees in
                                          \naccordance with law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n5.<\/span><\/b> The
                                          \nCommission shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their approved annual appropriations
                                          \nshall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n6.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                          \nCommission en banc may promulgate its own rules concerning pleadings and
                                          \npractice before it or before any of its offices. Such rules, however, shall not
                                          \ndiminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n7.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                          \nCommission shall decide by a majority vote of all its Members, any case or
                                          \nmatter brought before it within sixty days from the date of its submission for
                                          \ndecision or resolution. A case or matter is deemed submitted for decision or
                                          \nresolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required
                                          \nby the rules of the Commission or by the Commission itself. Unless otherwise
                                          \nprovided by this Constitution or by law, any decision, order, or ruling of each
                                          \nCommission may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari by the aggrieved
                                          \nparty within thirty days from receipt of a copy thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n8.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                          \nCommission shall perform such other functions as may be provided by law. <\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nB. THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \nSection
                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                            \n
                                          1. The
                                            \n civil service shall be administered by the Civil Service Commission
                                            \n composed of a Chairman and two Commissioners who shall be natural-born
                                            \n citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at
                                            \n least thirty-five years of age, with proven capacity for public
                                            \n administration, and must not have been candidates for any elective
                                            \n position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                          2. The
                                            \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                            \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                            \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold
                                            \n office for seven years, a Commissioner for five years, and another
                                            \n Commissioner for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any
                                            \n vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no
                                            \n case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting
                                            \n capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                            \nSection
                                            \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \n
                                            1. The
                                              \n civil service embraces all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and
                                              \n agencies of the Government, including government-owned or controlled
                                              \n corporations with original charters.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            2. Appointments
                                              \n in the civil service shall be made only according to merit and fitness to
                                              \n be determined, as far as practicable, and, except to positions which are
                                              \n policy-determining, primarily confidential, or highly technical, by
                                              \n competitive examination.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            3. No
                                              \n officer or employee of the civil service shall be removed or suspended
                                              \n except for cause provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            4. No
                                              \n officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or
                                              \n indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            5. The
                                              \n right to self-organization shall not be denied to government employees.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            6. Temporary
                                              \n employees of the Government shall be given such protection as may be
                                              \n provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Civil
                                              \nService Commission, as the central personnel agency of the Government, shall
                                              \nestablish a career service and adopt measures to promote morale, efficiency,
                                              \nintegrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy in the civil service.
                                              \nIt shall strengthen the merit and rewards system, integrate all human resources
                                              \ndevelopment programs for all levels and ranks, and institutionalize a
                                              \nmanagement climate conducive to public accountability. It shall submit to the
                                              \nPresident and the Congress an annual report on its personnel programs.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> All public
                                              \nofficers and employees shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend
                                              \nthis Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n5.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                              \nshall provide for the standardization of compensation of government officials
                                              \nand employees, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations
                                              \nwith original charters, taking into account the nature of the responsibilities
                                              \npertaining to, and the qualifications required for, their positions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n6.<\/span><\/b> No candidate
                                              \nwho has lost in any election, shall within one year after such election, be
                                              \nappointed to any office in the Government or any Government-owned or controlled
                                              \ncorporations or in any of their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n7.<\/span><\/b> No elective
                                              \nofficial shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to
                                              \nany public office or position during his tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nUnless
                                              \notherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no
                                              \nappointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government
                                              \nor any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including
                                              \nGovernment-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n8.<\/span><\/b> No elective
                                              \nor appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double, or
                                              \nindirect compensation, unless specifically authorized by law, nor accept
                                              \nwithout the consent of the Congress, any present, emolument, office, or title
                                              \nof any kind from any foreign government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nPensions
                                              \nor gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double, or indirect
                                              \ncompensation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nC. THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                              \nSection
                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                \n
                                              1. There
                                                \n shall be a Commission on Elections composed of a Chairman and six
                                                \n Commissioners who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and,
                                                \n at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
                                                \n holders of a college degree, and must not have been candidates for any
                                                \n elective positions in the immediately preceding elections. However, a
                                                \n majority thereof, including the Chairman, shall be members of the
                                                \n Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least
                                                \n ten years.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                              2. The
                                                \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                                \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                                \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, three Members shall hold
                                                \n office for seven years, two Members for five years, and the last Members
                                                \n for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall
                                                \n be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any
                                                \n Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                \nSection
                                                \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The
                                                \nCommission on Elections shall exercise the following powers and functions:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                  \n
                                                1. Enforce
                                                  \n and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an
                                                  \n election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                2. Exercise
                                                  \n exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the
                                                  \n elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective regional,
                                                  \n provincial, and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all
                                                  \n contests involving elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of
                                                  \n general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by
                                                  \n trial courts of limited jurisdiction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                  \nDecisions,
                                                  \nfinal orders, or rulings of the Commission on election contests involving
                                                  \nelective municipal and barangay offices shall be final, executory, and not
                                                  \nappealable.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                    \n
                                                  1. Decide,
                                                    \n except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting
                                                    \n elections, including determination of the number and location of polling
                                                    \n places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration
                                                    \n of voters.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                  2. Deputize,
                                                    \n with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and
                                                    \n instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the
                                                    \n Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest,
                                                    \n peaceful, and credible elections.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                  3. Register,
                                                    \n after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations, or
                                                    \n coalitions which, in addition to other requirements, must present their
                                                    \n platform or program of government; and accredit citizens’ arms of the
                                                    \n Commission on Elections. Religious denominations and sects shall not be
                                                    \n registered. Those which seek to achieve their goals through violence or
                                                    \n unlawful means, or refuse to uphold and adhere to this Constitution, or
                                                    \n which are supported by any foreign government shall likewise be refused
                                                    \n registration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                    \nFinancial
                                                    \ncontributions from foreign governments and their agencies to political parties,
                                                    \norganizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections, constitute
                                                    \ninterference in national affairs, and, when accepted, shall be an additional
                                                    \nground for the cancellation of their registration with the Commission, in
                                                    \naddition to other penalties that may be prescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \n
                                                    1. File,
                                                      \n upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions in court
                                                      \n for inclusion or exclusion of voters; investigate and, where appropriate,
                                                      \n prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or
                                                      \n omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and malpractices.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                    2. Recommend
                                                      \n to the Congress effective measures to minimize election spending,
                                                      \n including limitation of places where propaganda materials shall be posted,
                                                      \n and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses,
                                                      \n malpractices, and nuisance candidacies.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                    3. Recommend
                                                      \n to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized,
                                                      \n or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or
                                                      \n disregard of, or disobedience to, its directive, order, or decision.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                    4. Submit
                                                      \n to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive report on the conduct
                                                      \n of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n3.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                      \nCommission on Elections may sit en banc or in two divisions, and shall
                                                      \npromulgate its rules of procedure in order to expedite disposition of election
                                                      \ncases, including pre- proclamation controversies. All such election cases shall
                                                      \nbe heard and decided in division, provided that motions for reconsideration of
                                                      \ndecisions shall be decided by the Commission en banc.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                      \nCommission may, during the election period, supervise or regulate the enjoyment
                                                      \nor utilization of all franchises or permits for the operation of transportation
                                                      \nand other public utilities, media of communication or information, all grants,
                                                      \nspecial privileges, or concessions granted by the Government or any
                                                      \nsubdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned
                                                      \nor controlled corporation or its subsidiary. Such supervision or regulation
                                                      \nshall aim to ensure equal opportunity, time, and space ,and the right to reply,
                                                      \nincluding reasonable, equal rates therefor, for public information campaigns
                                                      \nand forums among candidates in connection with the objective of holding free,
                                                      \norderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n5.<\/span><\/b> No pardon,
                                                      \namnesty, parole, or suspension of sentence for violation of election laws,
                                                      \nrules, and regulations shall be granted by the President without the favorable
                                                      \nrecommendation of the Commission.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n6.<\/span><\/b> A free and
                                                      \nopen party system shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of
                                                      \nthe people, subject to the provisions of this Article.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n7.<\/span><\/b> No votes cast
                                                      \nin favor of a political party, organization, or coalition shall be valid,
                                                      \nexcept for those registered under the party-list system as provided in this
                                                      \nConstitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n8.<\/span><\/b> Political
                                                      \nparties, or organizations or coalitions registered under the party-list system,
                                                      \nshall not be represented in the voters’ registration boards, boards of election
                                                      \ninspectors, boards of canvassers, or other similar bodies. However, they shall
                                                      \nbe entitled to appoint poll watchers in accordance with law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n9.<\/span><\/b> Unless
                                                      \notherwise fixed by the Commission in special cases, the election period shall
                                                      \ncommence ninety days before the day of election and shall end thirty days
                                                      \nthereafter.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n10.<\/span><\/b> Bona fide
                                                      \ncandidates for any public office shall be free from any form of harassment and
                                                      \ndiscrimination.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n11.<\/span><\/b> Funds
                                                      \ncertified by the Commission as necessary to defray the expenses for holding
                                                      \nregular and special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and
                                                      \nrecalls, shall be provided in the regular or special appropriations and, once
                                                      \napproved, shall be released automatically upon certification by the Chairman of
                                                      \nthe Commission<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nD. THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                      \nSection
                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                        \n
                                                      1. There
                                                        \n shall be a Commission on Audit composed of a Chairman and two
                                                        \n Commissioners, who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and,
                                                        \n at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
                                                        \n Certified Public Accountants with not less than ten years of auditing
                                                        \n experience, or members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the
                                                        \n practice of law for at least ten years, and must not have been candidates
                                                        \n for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their
                                                        \n appointment. At no time shall all Members of the Commission belong to the
                                                        \n same profession.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                      2. The
                                                        \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                                        \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                                        \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold
                                                        \n office for seven years, one Commissioner for five years, and the other
                                                        \n Commissioner for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any
                                                        \n vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the
                                                        \n predecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a
                                                        \n temporary or acting capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                        \nSection
                                                        \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                          \n
                                                        1. The
                                                          \n Commission on Audit shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine,
                                                          \n audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of,
                                                          \n and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by,
                                                          \n or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or
                                                          \n instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations
                                                          \n with original charters, and on a post- audit basis:<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            \n
                                                          1. constitutional
                                                            \n bodies, commissions and offices that have been granted fiscal autonomy
                                                            \n under this Constitution;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                          2. autonomous
                                                            \n state colleges and universities;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                          3. other
                                                            \n government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                          4. such
                                                            \n non-governmental entities receiving subsidy or equity, directly or
                                                            \n indirectly, from or through the Government, which are required by law or
                                                            \n the granting institution to submit to such audit as a condition of
                                                            \n subsidy or equity. However, where the internal control system of the
                                                            \n audited agencies is inadequate, the Commission may adopt such measures,
                                                            \n including temporary or special pre-audit, as are necessary and appropriate
                                                            \n to correct the deficiencies. It shall keep the general accounts of the
                                                            \n Government and, for such period as may be provided by law, preserve the
                                                            \n vouchers and other supporting papers pertaining thereto.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                          5. The
                                                            \n Commission shall have exclusive authority, subject to the limitations in
                                                            \n this Article, to define the scope of its audit and examination, establish
                                                            \n the techniques and methods required therefor, and promulgate accounting
                                                            \n and auditing rules and regulations, including those for the prevention and
                                                            \n disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or
                                                            \n unconscionable expenditures or uses of government funds and properties.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n3.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
                                                            \nbe passed exempting any entity of the Government or its subsidiaries in any
                                                            \nguise whatever, or any investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the
                                                            \nCommission on Audit.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nCommission shall submit to the President and the Congress, within the time
                                                            \nfixed by law, an annual report covering the financial condition and operation
                                                            \nof the Government, its subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, including
                                                            \ngovernment-owned or controlled corporations, and non-governmental entities
                                                            \nsubject to its audit, and recommend measures necessary to improve their
                                                            \neffectiveness and efficiency. It shall submit such other reports as may be
                                                            \nrequired by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \n<\/div>\n
                                                            \nARTICLE X
                                                            \nLOCAL GOVERNMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \n<\/div>\n
                                                            \nGENERAL
                                                            \nPROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nterritorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines are
                                                            \nthe provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. There shall be autonomous
                                                            \nregions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras as hereinafter provided.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n2.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nterritorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy local autonomy.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                            \nshall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more responsive
                                                            \nand accountable local government structure instituted through a system of
                                                            \ndecentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and
                                                            \nreferendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers,
                                                            \nresponsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election,
                                                            \nappointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of
                                                            \nlocal officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and
                                                            \noperation of the local units.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n4.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                            \nof the Philippines shall exercise general supervision over local governments.
                                                            \nProvinces with respect to component cities and municipalities, and cities and
                                                            \nmunicipalities with respect to component barangays, shall ensure that the acts
                                                            \nof their component units are within the scope of their prescribed powers and
                                                            \nfunctions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n5.<\/span><\/b> Each local
                                                            \ngovernment unit shall have the power to create its own sources of revenues and
                                                            \nto levy taxes, fees and charges subject to such guidelines and limitations as
                                                            \nthe Congress may provide, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy.
                                                            \nSuch taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local
                                                            \ngovernments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n6.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                            \ngovernment units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national
                                                            \ntaxes which shall be automatically released to them.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n7.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                            \ngovernments shall be entitled to an equitable share in the proceeds of the
                                                            \nutilization and development of the national wealth within their respective
                                                            \nareas, in the manner provided by law, including sharing the same with the
                                                            \ninhabitants by way of direct benefits.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n8.<\/span><\/b> The term of
                                                            \noffice of elective local officials, except barangay officials, which shall be
                                                            \ndetermined by law, shall be three years and no such official shall serve for
                                                            \nmore than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any
                                                            \nlength of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of
                                                            \nhis service for the full term for which he was elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n9.<\/span><\/b> Legislative
                                                            \nbodies of local governments shall have sectoral representation as may be
                                                            \nprescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n10.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                            \nprovince, city, municipality, or barangay may be created, divided, merged,
                                                            \nabolished, or its boundary substantially altered, except in accordance with the
                                                            \ncriteria established in the local government code and subject to approval by a
                                                            \nmajority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly
                                                            \naffected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nCongress may, by law, create special metropolitan political subdivisions,
                                                            \nsubject to a plebiscite as set forth in Section 10 hereof. The component cities
                                                            \nand municipalities shall retain their basic autonomy and shall be entitled to
                                                            \ntheir own local executive and legislative assemblies. The jurisdiction of the
                                                            \nmetropolitan authority that will thereby be created shall be limited to basic
                                                            \nservices requiring coordination.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n12.<\/span><\/b> Cities
                                                            \nthat are highly urbanized, as determined by law, and component cities whose
                                                            \ncharters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective officials,
                                                            \nshall be independent of the province. The voters of component cities within a
                                                            \nprovince, whose charters contain no such prohibition, shall not be deprived of
                                                            \ntheir right to vote for elective provincial officials.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n13.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                            \ngovernment units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts,
                                                            \nservices, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them in accordance
                                                            \nwith law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nPresident shall provide for regional development councils or other similar
                                                            \nbodies composed of local government officials, regional heads of departments
                                                            \nand other government offices, and representatives from non-governmental
                                                            \norganizations within the regions for purposes of administrative
                                                            \ndecentralization to strengthen the autonomy of the units therein and to accelerate
                                                            \nthe economic and social growth and development of the units in the region.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nAUTONOMOUS REGIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n15.<\/span><\/b> There
                                                            \nshall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras
                                                            \nconsisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing
                                                            \ncommon and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social
                                                            \nstructures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this
                                                            \nConstitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of
                                                            \nthe Republic of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nPresident shall exercise general supervision over autonomous regions to ensure
                                                            \nthat laws are faithfully executed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n17.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                            \npowers, functions, and responsibilities not granted by this Constitution or by
                                                            \nlaw to the autonomous regions shall be vested in the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nCongress shall enact an organic act for each autonomous region with the
                                                            \nassistance and participation of the regional consultative commission composed
                                                            \nof representatives appointed by the President from a list of nominees from
                                                            \nmulti-sectoral bodies. The organic act shall define the basic structure of
                                                            \ngovernment for the region consisting of the executive department and
                                                            \nlegislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the
                                                            \nconstituent political units. The organic acts shall likewise provide for
                                                            \nspecial courts with personal, family, and property law jurisdiction consistent
                                                            \nwith the provisions of this Constitution and national laws.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nThe
                                                            \ncreation of the autonomous region shall be effective when approved by majority
                                                            \nof the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite called for the
                                                            \npurpose, provided that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting
                                                            \nfavorably in such plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                            \nfirst Congress elected under this Constitution shall, within eighteen months
                                                            \nfrom the time of organization of both Houses, pass the organic acts for the
                                                            \nautonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                            \nSection
                                                            \n20.<\/span><\/b> Within
                                                            \nits territorial jurisdiction and subject to the provisions of this Constitution
                                                            \nand national laws, the organic act of autonomous regions shall provide for
                                                            \nlegislative powers over: <\/span><\/div>\n
                                                              \n
                                                            1. Administrative
                                                              \n organization;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            2. Creation
                                                              \n of sources of revenues;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            3. Ancestral
                                                              \n domain and natural resources;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            4. Personal,
                                                              \n family, and property relations;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            5. Regional
                                                              \n urban and rural planning development;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            6. Economic,
                                                              \n social, and tourism development;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            7. Educational
                                                              \n policies;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            8. Preservation
                                                              \n and development of the cultural heritage; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                            9. Such
                                                              \n other matters as may be authorized by law for the promotion of the general
                                                              \n welfare of the people of the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                              \nSection
                                                              \n21.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                              \npreservation of peace and order within the regions shall be the responsibility
                                                              \nof the local police agencies which shall be organized, maintained, supervised,
                                                              \nand utilized in accordance with applicable laws. The defense and security of
                                                              \nthe regions shall be the responsibility of the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                              \nARTICLE XI
                                                              \nACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                              \nSection
                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> Public office
                                                              \nis a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be
                                                              \naccountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity,
                                                              \nloyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest
                                                              \nlives.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                              \nSection
                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                              \nPresident, the Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of
                                                              \nthe Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office on
                                                              \nimpeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution,
                                                              \ntreason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of
                                                              \npublic trust. All other public officers and employees may be removed from
                                                              \noffice as provided by law, but not by impeachment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                              \nSection
                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \n
                                                              1. The
                                                                \n House of Representatives shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases
                                                                \n of impeachment.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              2. A
                                                                \n verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any Member of the House
                                                                \n of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution or endorsement by
                                                                \n any Member thereof, which shall be included in the Order of Business
                                                                \n within ten session days, and referred to the proper Committee within three
                                                                \n session days thereafter. The Committee, after hearing, and by a majority
                                                                \n vote of all its Members, shall submit its report to the House within sixty
                                                                \n session days from such referral, together with the corresponding
                                                                \n resolution. The resolution shall be calendared for consideration by the
                                                                \n House within ten session days from receipt thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              3. A
                                                                \n vote of at least one-third of all the Members of the House shall be
                                                                \n necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of
                                                                \n Impeachment of the Committee, or override its contrary resolution. The
                                                                \n vote of each Member shall be recorded.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              4. In
                                                                \n case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at
                                                                \n least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute
                                                                \n the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith
                                                                \n proceed.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              5. No
                                                                \n impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more
                                                                \n than once within a period of one year.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              6. The
                                                                \n Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of
                                                                \n impeachment. When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be on oath
                                                                \n or affirmation. When the President of the Philippines is on trial, the
                                                                \n Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside, but shall not vote. No person
                                                                \n shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the
                                                                \n Members of the Senate.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              7. Judgment
                                                                \n in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than removal from office
                                                                \n and disqualification to hold any office under the Republic of the
                                                                \n Philippines, but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and
                                                                \n subject to prosecution, trial, and punishment, according to law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                              8. The
                                                                \n Congress shall promulgate its rules on impeachment to effectively carry
                                                                \n out the purpose of this section.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n4.<\/span><\/b> The present anti-graft
                                                                \ncourt known as the Sandiganbayan shall continue to function and exercise its
                                                                \njurisdiction as now or hereafter may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n5.<\/span><\/b> There is
                                                                \nhereby created the independent Office of the Ombudsman, composed of the
                                                                \nOmbudsman to be known as Tanodbayan, one overall Deputy and at least one Deputy
                                                                \neach for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A separate Deputy for the military
                                                                \nestablishment may likewise be appointed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n6.<\/span><\/b> The officials
                                                                \nand employees of the Office of the Ombudsman, other than the Deputies, shall be
                                                                \nappointed by the Ombudsman, according to the Civil Service Law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n7.<\/span><\/b> The existing
                                                                \nTanodbayan shall hereafter be known as the Office of the Special Prosecutor. It
                                                                \nshall continue to function and exercise its powers as now or hereafter may be
                                                                \nprovided by law, except those conferred on the Office of the Ombudsman created
                                                                \nunder this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n8.<\/span><\/b> The Ombudsman
                                                                \nand his Deputies shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, and at the
                                                                \ntime of their appointment, at least forty years old, of recognized probity and
                                                                \nindependence, and members of the Philippine Bar, and must not have been
                                                                \ncandidates for any elective office in the immediately preceding election. The
                                                                \nOmbudsman must have, for ten years or more, been a judge or engaged in the
                                                                \npractice of law in the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nDuring
                                                                \ntheir tenure, they shall be subject to the same disqualifications and
                                                                \nprohibitions as provided for in Section 2 of Article 1X-A of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Ombudsman
                                                                \nand his Deputies shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least
                                                                \nsix nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, and from a list of three
                                                                \nnominees for every vacancy thereafter. Such appointments shall require no
                                                                \nconfirmation. All vacancies shall be filled within three months after they
                                                                \noccur.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies shall have the rank of Chairman and Members,
                                                                \nrespectively, of the Constitutional Commissions, and they shall receive the
                                                                \nsame salary which shall not be decreased during their term of office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies shall serve for a term of seven years without
                                                                \nreappointment. They shall not be qualified to run for any office in the
                                                                \nelection immediately succeeding their cessation from office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act promptly on
                                                                \ncomplaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or employees of
                                                                \nthe Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof,
                                                                \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in
                                                                \nappropriate cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the result
                                                                \nthereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                \nSection
                                                                \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                \nOffice of the Ombudsman shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \n
                                                                1. Investigate
                                                                  \n on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any
                                                                  \n public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission
                                                                  \n appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                2. Direct,
                                                                  \n upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of
                                                                  \n the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as
                                                                  \n well as of any government-owned or controlled corporation with original
                                                                  \n charter, to perform and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to
                                                                  \n stop, prevent, and correct any abuse or impropriety in the performance of
                                                                  \n duties.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                3. Direct
                                                                  \n the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official
                                                                  \n or employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion,
                                                                  \n fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                4. Direct
                                                                  \n the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such
                                                                  \n limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of
                                                                  \n documents relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office
                                                                  \n involving the disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and
                                                                  \n report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit for appropriate action.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                5. Request
                                                                  \n any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the
                                                                  \n discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent
                                                                  \n records and documents.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                6. Publicize
                                                                  \n matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and
                                                                  \n with due prudence.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                7. Determine
                                                                  \n the causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and corruption
                                                                  \n in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and the
                                                                  \n observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                8. Promulgate
                                                                  \n its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such
                                                                  \n functions or duties as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nOffice of the Ombudsman shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Its approved annual
                                                                  \nappropriations shall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nright of the State to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public
                                                                  \nofficials or employees, from them or from their nominees or transferees, shall
                                                                  \nnot be barred by prescription, laches, or estoppel.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                  \nloan, guaranty, or other form of financial accommodation for any business
                                                                  \npurpose may be granted, directly or indirectly, by any government-owned or
                                                                  \ncontrolled bank or financial institution to the President, the Vice-President,
                                                                  \nthe Members of the Cabinet, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the
                                                                  \nConstitutional Commissions, the Ombudsman, or to any firm or entity in which
                                                                  \nthey have controlling interest, during their tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> A
                                                                  \npublic officer or employee shall, upon assumption of office and as often
                                                                  \nthereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his
                                                                  \nassets, liabilities, and net worth. In the case of the President, the
                                                                  \nVice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, the Congress, the Supreme Court,
                                                                  \nthe Constitutional Commissions and other constitutional offices, and officers
                                                                  \nof the armed forces with general or flag rank, the declaration shall be
                                                                  \ndisclosed to the public in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> Public
                                                                  \nofficers and employees owe the State and this Constitution allegiance at all
                                                                  \ntimes and any public officer or employee who seeks to change his citizenship or
                                                                  \nacquire the status of an immigrant of another country during his tenure shall
                                                                  \nbe dealt with by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                  \nARTICLE XII
                                                                  \nNATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The goals of
                                                                  \nthe national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities,
                                                                  \nincome, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services
                                                                  \nproduced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding
                                                                  \nproductivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the
                                                                  \nunderprivileged.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nState shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound
                                                                  \nagricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full
                                                                  \nof efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are competitive in
                                                                  \nboth domestic and foreign markets. However, the State shall protect Filipino
                                                                  \nenterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nIn
                                                                  \nthe pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all region s of the
                                                                  \ncountry shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private enterprises,
                                                                  \nincluding corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations,
                                                                  \nshall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> All lands of
                                                                  \nthe public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils,
                                                                  \nall forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora
                                                                  \nand fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State. With the
                                                                  \nexception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be
                                                                  \nalienated. The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources
                                                                  \nshall be under the full control and supervision of the State. The State may
                                                                  \ndirectly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production, joint
                                                                  \nventure, or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens, or
                                                                  \ncorporations or associations at least 60 per centum of whose capital is owned by
                                                                  \nsuch citizens. Such agreements may be for a period not exceeding twenty-five
                                                                  \nyears, renewable for not more than twenty-five years, and under such terms and
                                                                  \nconditions as may provided by law. In cases of water rights for irrigation,
                                                                  \nwater supply, fisheries, or industrial uses other than the development of
                                                                  \nwaterpower, beneficial use may be the measure and limit of the grant.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nState shall protect the nations marine wealth in its archipelagic waters,
                                                                  \nterritorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment
                                                                  \nexclusively to Filipino citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nCongress may, by law, allow small-scale utilization of natural resources by
                                                                  \nFilipino citizens, as well as cooperative fish farming, with priority to
                                                                  \nsubsistence fishermen and fish workers in rivers, lakes, bays, and lagoons.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nPresident may enter into agreements with foreign-owned corporations involving
                                                                  \neither technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration,
                                                                  \ndevelopment, and utilization of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils
                                                                  \naccording to the general terms and conditions provided by law, based on real
                                                                  \ncontributions to the economic growth and general welfare of the country. In
                                                                  \nsuch agreements, the State shall promote the development and use of local
                                                                  \nscientific and technical resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nPresident shall notify the Congress of every contract entered into in
                                                                  \naccordance with this provision, within thirty days from its execution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> Lands of the
                                                                  \npublic domain are classified into agricultural, forest or timber, mineral lands
                                                                  \nand national parks. Agricultural lands of the public domain may be further
                                                                  \nclassified by law according to the uses to which they may be devoted. Alienable
                                                                  \nlands of the public domain shall be limited to agricultural lands. Private
                                                                  \ncorporations or associations may not hold such alienable lands of the public
                                                                  \ndomain except by lease, for a period not exceeding twenty-five years, renewable
                                                                  \nfor not more than twenty-five years, and not to exceed one thousand hectares in
                                                                  \narea. Citizens of the Philippines may lease not more than five hundred
                                                                  \nhectares, or acquire not more than twelve hectares thereof, by purchase,
                                                                  \nhomestead, or grant.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nTaking
                                                                  \ninto account the requirements of conservation, ecology, and development, and
                                                                  \nsubject to the requirements of agrarian reform, the Congress shall determine,
                                                                  \nby law, the size of lands of the public domain which may be acquired,
                                                                  \ndeveloped, held, or leased and the conditions therefor.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                  \nshall, as soon as possible, determine, by law, the specific limits of forest lands
                                                                  \nand national parks, marking clearly their boundaries on the ground. Thereafter,
                                                                  \nsuch forest lands and national parks shall be conserved and may not be
                                                                  \nincreased nor diminished, except by law. The Congress shall provide for such
                                                                  \nperiod as it may determine, measures to prohibit logging in endangered forests
                                                                  \nand watershed areas.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The State,
                                                                  \nsubject to the provisions of this Constitution and national development
                                                                  \npolicies and programs, shall protect the rights of indigenous cultural
                                                                  \ncommunities to their ancestral lands to ensure their economic, social, and
                                                                  \ncultural well-being.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nCongress may provide for the applicability of customary laws governing property
                                                                  \nrights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral
                                                                  \ndomain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The use of
                                                                  \nproperty bears a social function, and all economic agents shall contribute to
                                                                  \nthe common good. Individuals and private groups, including corporations,
                                                                  \ncooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall have the right to
                                                                  \nown, establish, and operate economic enterprises, subject to the duty of the
                                                                  \nState to promote distributive justice and to intervene when the common good so
                                                                  \ndemands.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> Save in cases
                                                                  \nof hereditary succession, no private lands shall be transferred or conveyed
                                                                  \nexcept to individuals, corporations, or associations qualified to acquire or
                                                                  \nhold lands of the public domain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> Notwithstanding
                                                                  \nthe provisions of Section 7 of this Article, a natural-born citizen of the
                                                                  \nPhilippines who has lost his Philippine citizenship may be a transferee of
                                                                  \nprivate lands, subject to limitations provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                  \nmay establish an independent economic and planning agency headed by the
                                                                  \nPresident, which shall, after consultations with the appropriate public
                                                                  \nagencies, various private sectors, and local government units, recommend to
                                                                  \nCongress, and implement continuing integrated and coordinated programs and
                                                                  \npolicies for national development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nUntil
                                                                  \nthe Congress provides otherwise, the National Economic and Development Authority
                                                                  \nshall function as the independent planning agency of the government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nCongress shall, upon recommendation of the economic and planning agency, when
                                                                  \nthe national interest dictates, reserve to citizens of the Philippines or to
                                                                  \ncorporations or associations at least sixty per centum of whose capital is
                                                                  \nowned by such citizens, or such higher percentage as Congress may prescribe,
                                                                  \ncertain areas of investments. The Congress shall enact measures that will
                                                                  \nencourage the formation and operation of enterprises whose capital is wholly
                                                                  \nowned by Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nIn
                                                                  \nthe grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering the national economy
                                                                  \nand patrimony, the State shall give preference to qualified Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nState shall regulate and exercise authority over foreign investments within its
                                                                  \nnational jurisdiction and in accordance with its national goals and priorities.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                  \nfranchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of
                                                                  \na public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to
                                                                  \ncorporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at
                                                                  \nleast sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens; nor shall
                                                                  \nsuch franchise, certificate, or authorization be exclusive in character or for
                                                                  \na longer period than fifty years. Neither shall any such franchise or right be
                                                                  \ngranted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment,
                                                                  \nalteration, or repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires. The
                                                                  \nState shall encourage equity participation in public utilities by the general
                                                                  \npublic. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any
                                                                  \npublic utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its
                                                                  \ncapital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or
                                                                  \nassociation must be citizens of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The
                                                                  \nState shall promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials
                                                                  \nand locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them competitive.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and utilizes
                                                                  \nall forms and arrangements of exchange on the basis of equality and
                                                                  \nreciprocity.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nsustained development of a reservoir of national talents consisting of Filipino
                                                                  \nscientists, entrepreneurs, professionals, managers, high-level technical
                                                                  \nmanpower and skilled workers and craftsmen in all fields shall be promoted by
                                                                  \nthe State. The State shall encourage appropriate technology and regulate its transfer
                                                                  \nfor the national benefit. The practice of all professions in the Philippines
                                                                  \nshall be limited to Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nCongress shall create an agency to promote the viability and growth of
                                                                  \ncooperatives as instruments for social justice and economic development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nCongress shall not, except by general law, provide for the formation,
                                                                  \norganization, or regulation of private corporations. Government-owned or
                                                                  \ncontrolled corporations may be created or established by special charters in
                                                                  \nthe interest of the common good and subject to the test of economic viability.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/a> In
                                                                  \ntimes of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State
                                                                  \nmay, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it,
                                                                  \ntemporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately-owned public
                                                                  \nutility or business affected with public interest.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState may, in the interest of national welfare or defense, establish and
                                                                  \noperate vital industries and, upon payment of just compensation, transfer to
                                                                  \npublic ownership utilities and other private enterprises to be operated by the
                                                                  \nGovernment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so
                                                                  \nrequires. No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be
                                                                  \nallowed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nCongress shall establish an independent central monetary authority, the members
                                                                  \nof whose governing board must be natural-born Filipino citizens, of known
                                                                  \nprobity, integrity, and patriotism, the majority of whom shall come from the
                                                                  \nprivate sector. They shall also be subject to such other qualifications and
                                                                  \ndisabilities as may be prescribed by law. The authority shall provide policy
                                                                  \ndirection in the areas of money, banking, and credit. It shall have supervision
                                                                  \nover the operations of banks and exercise such regulatory powers as may be
                                                                  \nprovided by law over the operations of finance companies and other institutions
                                                                  \nperforming similar functions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nUntil
                                                                  \nthe Congress otherwise provides, the Central Bank of the Philippines operating
                                                                  \nunder existing laws, shall function as the central monetary authority.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b> Foreign
                                                                  \nloans may only be incurred in accordance with law and the regulation of the
                                                                  \nmonetary authority. Information on foreign loans obtained or guaranteed by the
                                                                  \nGovernment shall be made available to the public.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b> Acts
                                                                  \nwhich circumvent or negate any of the provisions of this Article shall be
                                                                  \nconsidered inimical to the national interest and subject to criminal and civil
                                                                  \nsanctions, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                  \nARTICLE XIII
                                                                  \nSOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                  \nshall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and
                                                                  \nenhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic,
                                                                  \nand political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably
                                                                  \ndiffusing wealth and political power for the common good.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nTo
                                                                  \nthis end, the State shall regulate the acquisition, ownership, use, and
                                                                  \ndisposition of property and its increments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The promotion
                                                                  \nof social justice shall include the commitment to create economic opportunities
                                                                  \nbased on freedom of initiative and self-reliance.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nLABOR<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and
                                                                  \nunorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment
                                                                  \nopportunities for all.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nIt
                                                                  \nshall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective
                                                                  \nbargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the
                                                                  \nright to strike in accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of
                                                                  \ntenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also
                                                                  \nparticipate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and
                                                                  \nbenefits as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nState shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and
                                                                  \nemployers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes,
                                                                  \nincluding conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to
                                                                  \nfoster industrial peace.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nThe
                                                                  \nState shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, recognizing
                                                                  \nthe right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the right
                                                                  \nof enterprises to reasonable returns to investments, and to expansion and
                                                                  \ngrowth.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nAGRARIAN AND NATURAL RESOURCES
                                                                  \nREFORM<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of
                                                                  \nfarmers and regular farmworkers who are landless, to own directly or
                                                                  \ncollectively the lands they till or, in the case of other farmworkers, to
                                                                  \nreceive a just share of the fruits thereof. To this end, the State shall
                                                                  \nencourage and undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands,
                                                                  \nsubject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits as the Congress may
                                                                  \nprescribe, taking into account ecological, developmental, or equity
                                                                  \nconsiderations, and subject to the payment of just compensation. In determining
                                                                  \nretention limits, the State shall respect the right of small landowners. The
                                                                  \nState shall further provide incentives for voluntary land-sharing.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall recognize the right of farmers, farmworkers, and landowners, as well as
                                                                  \ncooperatives, and other independent farmers’ organizations to participate in
                                                                  \nthe planning, organization, and management of the program, and shall provide
                                                                  \nsupport to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and
                                                                  \nadequate financial, production, marketing, and other support services.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall apply the principles of agrarian reform or stewardship, whenever
                                                                  \napplicable in accordance with law, in the disposition or utilization of other
                                                                  \nnatural resources, including lands of the public domain under lease or
                                                                  \nconcession suitable to agriculture, subject to prior rights, homestead rights
                                                                  \nof small settlers, and the rights of indigenous communities to their ancestral
                                                                  \nlands. The State may resettle landless farmers and farmworkers in its own
                                                                  \nagricultural estates which shall be distributed to them in the manner provided
                                                                  \nby law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local
                                                                  \ncommunities, to the preferential use of the communal marine and fishing
                                                                  \nresources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide support to such fishermen
                                                                  \nthrough appropriate technology and research, adequate financial, production,
                                                                  \nand marketing assistance, and other services. The State shall also protect,
                                                                  \ndevelop, and conserve such resources. The protection shall extend to offshore
                                                                  \nfishing grounds of subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion. Fishworkers
                                                                  \nshall receive a just share from their labor in the utilization of marine and
                                                                  \nfishing resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall provide incentives to landowners to invest the proceeds of the agrarian
                                                                  \nreform program to promote industrialization, employment creation, and
                                                                  \nprivatization of public sector enterprises. Financial instruments used as
                                                                  \npayment for their lands shall be honored as equity in enterprises of their
                                                                  \nchoice.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nURBAN LAND REFORM AND HOUSING<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                  \nshall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the
                                                                  \nprivate sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing which
                                                                  \nwill make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to
                                                                  \nunder-privileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas.
                                                                  \nIt shall also promote adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. In
                                                                  \nthe implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of small
                                                                  \nproperty owners.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> Urban
                                                                  \nor rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished,
                                                                  \nexcept in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nNo
                                                                  \nresettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without adequate
                                                                  \nconsultation with them and the communities where they are to be relocated.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nHEALTH<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
                                                                  \ndevelopment which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other
                                                                  \nsocial services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be
                                                                  \npriority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women,
                                                                  \nand children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system
                                                                  \nand undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research,
                                                                  \nresponsive to the country’s health needs and problems.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall establish a special agency for disabled person for their
                                                                  \nrehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance, and their integration into
                                                                  \nthe mainstream of society.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nWOMEN<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working
                                                                  \nconditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and such facilities
                                                                  \nand opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize
                                                                  \ntheir full potential in the service of the nation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nROLE AND RIGHTS OF PEOPLE’S
                                                                  \nORGANIZATIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nState shall respect the role of independent people’s organizations to enable
                                                                  \nthe people to pursue and protect, within the democratic framework, their
                                                                  \nlegitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful
                                                                  \nmeans.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nPeople’s
                                                                  \norganizations are bona fide associations of citizens with demonstrated capacity
                                                                  \nto promote the public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership,
                                                                  \nand structure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                  \nright of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable
                                                                  \nparticipation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making
                                                                  \nshall not be abridged. The State shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of
                                                                  \nadequate consultation mechanisms.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nHUMAN RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                  \nSection
                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                    \n
                                                                  1. There
                                                                    \n is hereby created an independent office called the Commission on Human
                                                                    \n Rights.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                  2. The
                                                                    \n Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and four Members who must be natural-born
                                                                    \n citizens of the Philippines and a majority of whom shall be members of the
                                                                    \n Bar. The term of office and other qualifications and disabilities of the
                                                                    \n Members of the Commission shall be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                  3. Until
                                                                    \n this Commission is constituted, the existing Presidential Committee on
                                                                    \n Human Rights shall continue to exercise its present functions and powers.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                  4. The
                                                                    \n approved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be automatically
                                                                    \n and regularly released.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                    \nSection
                                                                    \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                    \nCommission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                      \n
                                                                    1. Investigate,
                                                                      \n on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights
                                                                      \n violations involving civil and political rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    2. Adopt
                                                                      \n its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt
                                                                      \n for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    3. Provide
                                                                      \n appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all
                                                                      \n persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and
                                                                      \n provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the
                                                                      \n under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    4. Exercise
                                                                      \n visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    5. Establish
                                                                      \n a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance
                                                                      \n respect for the primacy of human rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    6. Recommend
                                                                      \n to Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for
                                                                      \n compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    7. Monitor
                                                                      \n the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty
                                                                      \n obligations on human rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    8. Grant
                                                                      \n immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose
                                                                      \n possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to
                                                                      \n determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its
                                                                      \n authority;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    9. Request
                                                                      \n the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the
                                                                      \n performance of its functions;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    10. Appoint
                                                                      \n its officers and employees in accordance with law; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                    11. Perform
                                                                      \n such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                      \nSection
                                                                      \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                      \nCongress may provide for other cases of violations of human rights that should
                                                                      \nfall within the authority of the Commission, taking into account its
                                                                      \nrecommendations.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                      \nARTICLE XIV
                                                                      \nEDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                      \nEDUCATION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                      \nSection
                                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                      \nshall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all
                                                                      \nlevels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to
                                                                      \nall.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                      \nSection
                                                                      \n2.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                      \nshall:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      1. Establish,
                                                                        \n maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of
                                                                        \n education relevant to the needs of the people and society;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                      2. Establish
                                                                        \n and maintain, a system of free public education in the elementary and high
                                                                        \n school levels. Without limiting the natural rights of parents to rear
                                                                        \n their children, elementary education is compulsory for all children of
                                                                        \n school age;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                      3. Establish
                                                                        \n and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs,
                                                                        \n subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving
                                                                        \n students in both public and private schools, especially to the
                                                                        \n under-privileged;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                      4. Encourage
                                                                        \n non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as
                                                                        \n self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly
                                                                        \n those that respond to community needs; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                      5. Provide
                                                                        \n adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in
                                                                        \n civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                        \nSection
                                                                        \n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                          \n
                                                                        1. All
                                                                          \n educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as
                                                                          \n part of the curricula.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                        2. They
                                                                          \n shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity,
                                                                          \n respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in
                                                                          \n the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of
                                                                          \n citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
                                                                          \n character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative
                                                                          \n thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote
                                                                          \n vocational efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                        3. At
                                                                          \n the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion
                                                                          \n shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in public
                                                                          \n elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by instructors
                                                                          \n designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to
                                                                          \n which the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the
                                                                          \n Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                          \nSection
                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                            \n
                                                                          1. The
                                                                            \n State recognizes the complementary roles of public and private
                                                                            \n institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable
                                                                            \n supervision and regulation of all educational institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                          2. Educational
                                                                            \n institutions, other than those established by religious groups and mission
                                                                            \n boards, shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or
                                                                            \n corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of the capital of
                                                                            \n which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, however, require
                                                                            \n increased Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions.
                                                                            \n The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested
                                                                            \n in citizens of the Philippines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                            \nNo
                                                                            \neducational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and no
                                                                            \ngroup of aliens shall comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any
                                                                            \nschool. The provisions of this sub section shall not apply to schools
                                                                            \nestablished for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and, unless
                                                                            \notherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                              \n
                                                                            1. All
                                                                              \n revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used
                                                                              \n actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be
                                                                              \n exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the dissolution or cessation of the
                                                                              \n corporate existence of such institutions, their assets shall be disposed
                                                                              \n of in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                              \nProprietary
                                                                              \neducational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise be
                                                                              \nentitled to such exemptions, subject to the limitations provided by law,
                                                                              \nincluding restrictions on dividends and provisions for reinvestment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                \n
                                                                              1. Subject
                                                                                \n to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations, or
                                                                                \n contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational
                                                                                \n purposes shall be exempt from tax.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. the
                                                                                  \n State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and conditions
                                                                                  \n and shall encourage local planning in the development of educational
                                                                                  \n policies and programs.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                2. Academic
                                                                                  \n freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                3. Every
                                                                                  \n citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject to
                                                                                  \n fair, reasonable, and equitable admission and academic requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                4. The
                                                                                  \n State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement.
                                                                                  \n Non-teaching academic and non-academic personnel shall enjoy the
                                                                                  \n protection of the State.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                5. The
                                                                                  \n State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure
                                                                                  \n that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best
                                                                                  \n available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job
                                                                                  \n satisfaction and fulfillment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                  \nLANGUAGE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The national
                                                                                  \nlanguage of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further
                                                                                  \ndeveloped and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSubject
                                                                                  \nto provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government
                                                                                  \nshall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of
                                                                                  \nofficial communication and as language of instruction in the educational
                                                                                  \nsystem.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> For purposes
                                                                                  \nof communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are
                                                                                  \nFilipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                  \nregional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and
                                                                                  \nshall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSpanish
                                                                                  \nand Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> This
                                                                                  \nConstitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be
                                                                                  \ntranslated into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                  \nshall establish a national language commission composed of representatives of
                                                                                  \nvarious regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote
                                                                                  \nresearches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and
                                                                                  \nother languages.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSCIENCE
                                                                                  \nAND TECHNOLOGY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> Science
                                                                                  \nand technology are essential for national development and progress. The State
                                                                                  \nshall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and
                                                                                  \ntheir utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and
                                                                                  \nservices. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific
                                                                                  \nand technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s
                                                                                  \nproductive systems and national life.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                  \nCongress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, to encourage
                                                                                  \nprivate participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research.
                                                                                  \nScholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to
                                                                                  \ndeserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists,
                                                                                  \nand specially gifted citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                  \nState shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from
                                                                                  \nall sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest
                                                                                  \nparticipation of private groups, local governments, and community-based
                                                                                  \norganizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                  \nState shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors,
                                                                                  \nartists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and
                                                                                  \ncreations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such period as may
                                                                                  \nbe provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nARTS AND CULTURE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                  \nState shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a
                                                                                  \nFilipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a
                                                                                  \nclimate of free artistic and intellectual expression.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> Arts
                                                                                  \nand letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve,
                                                                                  \npromote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources,
                                                                                  \nas well as artistic creations.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                  \nthe country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of
                                                                                  \nthe nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate
                                                                                  \nits disposition.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                  \nState shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural
                                                                                  \ncommunities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and
                                                                                  \ninstitutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national
                                                                                  \nplans and policies.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  1. The
                                                                                    \n State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the
                                                                                    \n educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships,
                                                                                    \n grants and other incentives, and community cultural centers, and other
                                                                                    \n public venues.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                  2. The
                                                                                    \n State shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and
                                                                                    \n culture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                    \nSPORTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                    \n19.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    1. The
                                                                                      \n State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs,
                                                                                      \n league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for
                                                                                      \n international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and
                                                                                      \n excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                    2. All
                                                                                      \n educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities
                                                                                      \n throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other
                                                                                      \n sectors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                      \nARTICLE XV
                                                                                      \nTHE FAMILY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                      \nrecognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it
                                                                                      \nshall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                      \n2.<\/span><\/b> Marriage, as
                                                                                      \nan inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be
                                                                                      \nprotected by the State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                      \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                      \nshall defend:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                        \n
                                                                                      1. The
                                                                                        \n right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious
                                                                                        \n convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                      2. The
                                                                                        \n right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and
                                                                                        \n special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation
                                                                                        \n and other conditions prejudicial to their development;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                        \nThe
                                                                                        \nright of the family to a family living wage and income; and<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \n
                                                                                        1. The
                                                                                          \n right of families or family associations to participate in the planning
                                                                                          \n and implementation of policies and programs that affect them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The family
                                                                                          \nhas the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so
                                                                                          \nthrough just programs of social security.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nARTICLE XVI
                                                                                          \nGENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b> The flag of
                                                                                          \nthe Philippines shall be red, white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as
                                                                                          \nconsecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                          \nmay, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national
                                                                                          \nseal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history,
                                                                                          \nand traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its
                                                                                          \nratification by the people in a national referendum.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State may
                                                                                          \nnot be sued without its consent.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The Armed
                                                                                          \nForces of the Philippines shall be composed of a citizen armed force which
                                                                                          \nshall undergo military training and serve as may be provided by law. It shall
                                                                                          \nkeep a regular force necessary for the security of the State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                          \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \n
                                                                                          1. All
                                                                                            \n members of the armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold
                                                                                            \n and defend this Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          2. The
                                                                                            \n State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness
                                                                                            \n of the military, and respect for people’s rights in the performance of
                                                                                            \n their duty.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          3. Professionalism
                                                                                            \n in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members
                                                                                            \n shall be a prime concern of the State. The armed forces shall be insulated
                                                                                            \n from partisan politics. No member of the military shall engage, directly
                                                                                            \n or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to vote.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          4. No
                                                                                            \n member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be
                                                                                            \n appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the
                                                                                            \n Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations or any
                                                                                            \n of their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          5. Laws
                                                                                            \n on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of their
                                                                                            \n service.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          6. The
                                                                                            \n officers and men of the regular force of the armed forces shall be
                                                                                            \n recruited proportionately from all provinces and cities as far as
                                                                                            \n practicable.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                          7. The
                                                                                            \n tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces shall not exceed
                                                                                            \n three years. However, in times of war or other national emergency declared
                                                                                            \n by the Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n6.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                            \nshall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope
                                                                                            \nand civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a national
                                                                                            \npolice commission. The authority of local executives over the police units in
                                                                                            \ntheir jurisdiction shall be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n7.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                            \nshall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of
                                                                                            \nassistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving
                                                                                            \nspouses and orphans. Funds shall be provided therefor and due consideration
                                                                                            \nshall be given them in the disposition of agricultural lands of the public
                                                                                            \ndomain and, in appropriate cases, in the utilization of natural resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n8.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                            \nshall, from time to time, review to increase the pensions and other benefits
                                                                                            \ndue to retirees of both the government and the private sectors.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n9.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                            \nshall protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or
                                                                                            \nhazardous products.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                            \nState shall provide the policy environment for the full development of Filipino
                                                                                            \ncapability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs
                                                                                            \nand aspirations of the nation and the balanced flow of information into, out
                                                                                            \nof, and across the country, in accordance with a policy that respects the
                                                                                            \nfreedom of speech and of the press.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                            \n11.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                              \n
                                                                                            1. The
                                                                                              \n ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the
                                                                                              \n Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations,
                                                                                              \n wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                              \nCongress shall regulate or prohibit monopolies in commercial mass media when
                                                                                              \nthe public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or
                                                                                              \nunfair competition therein shall be allowed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                \n
                                                                                              1. The
                                                                                                \n advertising industry is impressed with public interest, and shall be
                                                                                                \n regulated by law for the protection of consumers and the promotion of the
                                                                                                \n general welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                \nOnly
                                                                                                \nFilipino citizens or corporations or associations at least seventy per centum
                                                                                                \nof the capital of which is owned by such citizens shall be allowed to engage in
                                                                                                \nthe advertising industry.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                \nThe
                                                                                                \nparticipation of foreign investors in the governing body of entities in such
                                                                                                \nindustry shall be limited to their proportionate share in the capital thereof,
                                                                                                \nand all the executive and managing officers of such entities must be citizens
                                                                                                \nof the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                \nCongress may create a consultative body to advise the President on policies
                                                                                                \naffecting indigenous cultural communities, the majority of the members of which
                                                                                                \nshall come from such communities.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                \nARTICLE XVII
                                                                                                \nAMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                \n1.<\/span><\/b> Any amendment
                                                                                                \nto, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                1. The
                                                                                                  \n Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                2. A
                                                                                                  \n constitutional convention.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> Amendments to
                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through
                                                                                                  \ninitiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of
                                                                                                  \nregistered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by
                                                                                                  \nat least three per centum of the registered voters therein. No amendment under
                                                                                                  \nthis section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification
                                                                                                  \nof this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nCongress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this right.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                  \nmay, by a vote of two-thirds of all its Members, call a constitutional
                                                                                                  \nconvention, or by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate
                                                                                                  \nthe question of calling such a convention.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b>Any amendment to,
                                                                                                  \nor revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when
                                                                                                  \nratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held
                                                                                                  \nnot earlier than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the approval of
                                                                                                  \nsuch amendment or revision.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nAny
                                                                                                  \namendment under Section 2 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of
                                                                                                  \nthe votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days
                                                                                                  \nnor later than ninety days after the certification by the Commission on
                                                                                                  \nElections of the sufficiency of the petition.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                  \n<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nARTICLE XVIII
                                                                                                  \nTRANSITORY PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The first
                                                                                                  \nelections of Members of the Congress under this Constitution shall be held on
                                                                                                  \nthe second Monday of May, 1987.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nfirst local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the
                                                                                                  \nPresident, which may be simultaneous with the election of the Members of the
                                                                                                  \nCongress. It shall include the election of all Members of the city or municipal
                                                                                                  \ncouncils in the Metropolitan Manila area.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Senators,
                                                                                                  \nMembers of the House of Representatives, and the local officials first elected
                                                                                                  \nunder this Constitution shall serve until noon of June 30, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nOf
                                                                                                  \nthe Senators elected in the elections in 1992, the first twelve obtaining the
                                                                                                  \nhighest number of votes shall serve for six years and the remaining twelve for
                                                                                                  \nthree years.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> All existing
                                                                                                  \nlaws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, letters of instructions, and
                                                                                                  \nother executive issuances not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain
                                                                                                  \noperative until amended, repealed, or revoked.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> All existing
                                                                                                  \ntreaties or international agreements which have not been ratified shall not be
                                                                                                  \nrenewed or extended without the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the
                                                                                                  \nMembers of the Senate.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The six-year
                                                                                                  \nterm of the incumbent President and Vice-President elected in the February 7,
                                                                                                  \n1986 election is, for purposes of synchronization of elections, hereby extended
                                                                                                  \nto noon of June 30, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nfirst regular elections for the President and Vice-President under this
                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The incumbent
                                                                                                  \nPresident shall continue to exercise legislative powers until the first
                                                                                                  \nCongress is convened.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> Until a law
                                                                                                  \nis passed, the President may fill by appointment from a list of nominees by the
                                                                                                  \nrespective sectors, the seats reserved for sectoral representation in paragraph
                                                                                                  \n(2), Section 5 of Article V1 of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> Until
                                                                                                  \notherwise provided by the Congress, the President may constitute the
                                                                                                  \nMetropolitan Manila Authority to be composed of the heads of all local
                                                                                                  \ngovernment units comprising the Metropolitan Manila area.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> A
                                                                                                  \nsub-province shall continue to exist and operate until it is converted into a
                                                                                                  \nregular province or until its component municipalities are reverted to the
                                                                                                  \nmother province.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                  \ncourts existing at the time of the ratification of this Constitution shall
                                                                                                  \ncontinue to exercise their jurisdiction, until otherwise provided by law. The
                                                                                                  \nprovisions of the existing Rules of Court, judiciary acts, and procedural laws
                                                                                                  \nnot inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain operative unless amended
                                                                                                  \nor repealed by the Supreme Court or the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nincumbent Members of the Judiciary shall continue in office until they reach
                                                                                                  \nthe age of seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of
                                                                                                  \ntheir office or are removed for cause.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nSupreme Court shall, within one year after the ratification of this
                                                                                                  \nConstitution, adopt a systematic plan to expedite the decision or resolution of
                                                                                                  \ncases or matters pending in the Supreme Court or the lower courts prior to the
                                                                                                  \neffectivity of this Constitution. A similar plan shall be adopted for all
                                                                                                  \nspecial courts and quasi-judicial bodies.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nlegal effect of the lapse, before the ratification of this Constitution, of the
                                                                                                  \napplicable period for the decision or resolution of the cases or matters
                                                                                                  \nsubmitted for adjudication by the courts, shall be determined by the Supreme
                                                                                                  \nCourt as soon as practicable.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nprovisions of paragraphs (3) and (4), Section 15 of Article VIII of this
                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall apply to cases or matters filed before the ratification of
                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution, when the applicable period lapses after such ratification.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nincumbent Members of the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections,
                                                                                                  \nand the Commission on Audit shall continue in office for one year after the
                                                                                                  \nratification of this Constitution, unless they are sooner removed for cause or
                                                                                                  \nbecome incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office or appointed to a
                                                                                                  \nnew term thereunder. In no case shall any Member serve longer than seven years
                                                                                                  \nincluding service before the ratification of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> Career
                                                                                                  \ncivil service employees separated from the service not for cause but as a
                                                                                                  \nresult of the reorganization pursuant to Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25,
                                                                                                  \n1986 and the reorganization following the ratification of this Constitution
                                                                                                  \nshall be entitled to appropriate separation pay and to retirement and other
                                                                                                  \nbenefits accruing to them under the laws of general application in force at the
                                                                                                  \ntime of their separation. In lieu thereof, at the option of the employees, they
                                                                                                  \nmay be considered for employment in the Government or in any of its
                                                                                                  \nsubdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies, including government-owned or
                                                                                                  \ncontrolled corporations and their subsidiaries. This provision also applies to
                                                                                                  \ncareer officers whose resignation, tendered in line with the existing policy,
                                                                                                  \nhad been accepted.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> Until
                                                                                                  \nthe Congress provides otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary
                                                                                                  \nof three hundred thousand pesos; the Vice-President, the President of the
                                                                                                  \nSenate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of
                                                                                                  \nthe Supreme Court, two hundred forty thousand pesos each; the Senators, the
                                                                                                  \nMembers of the House of Representatives, the Associate Justices of the Supreme
                                                                                                  \nCourt, and the Chairmen of the Constitutional Commissions, two hundred four
                                                                                                  \nthousand pesos each; and the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, one
                                                                                                  \nhundred eighty thousand pesos each.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> At the
                                                                                                  \nearliest possible time, the Government shall increase the salary scales of the
                                                                                                  \nother officials and employees of the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                  \nproperties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities, and other assets of any
                                                                                                  \noffice or body abolished or reorganized under Proclamation No. 3 dated March
                                                                                                  \n25, 1986 or this Constitution shall be transferred to the office or body to
                                                                                                  \nwhich its powers, functions, and responsibilities substantially pertain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nfirst Congress shall give priority to the determination of the period for the
                                                                                                  \nfull implementation of free public secondary education.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nCongress shall provide efficacious procedures and adequate remedies for the
                                                                                                  \nreversion to the State of all lands of the public domain and real rights
                                                                                                  \nconnected therewith which were acquired in violation of the Constitution or the
                                                                                                  \npublic land laws, or through corrupt practices. No transfer or disposition of
                                                                                                  \nsuch lands or real rights shall be allowed until after the lapse of one year
                                                                                                  \nfrom the ratification of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b> At the
                                                                                                  \nearliest possible time, the Government shall expropriate idle or abandoned
                                                                                                  \nagricultural lands as may be defined by law, for distribution to the beneficiaries
                                                                                                  \nof the agrarian reform program.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n23.<\/span><\/b> Advertising
                                                                                                  \nentities affected by paragraph (2), Section 11 of Article XV1 of this
                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall have five years from its ratification to comply on a
                                                                                                  \ngraduated and proportionate basis with the minimum Filipino ownership
                                                                                                  \nrequirement therein.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n24.<\/span><\/b> Private
                                                                                                  \narmies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority
                                                                                                  \nshall be dismantled. All paramilitary forces including Civilian Home Defense
                                                                                                  \nForces not consistent with the citizen armed force established in this
                                                                                                  \nConstitution, shall be dissolved or, where appropriate, converted into the
                                                                                                  \nregular force.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n25.<\/span><\/b> After
                                                                                                  \nthe expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines
                                                                                                  \nand the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military
                                                                                                  \nbases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except
                                                                                                  \nunder a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so
                                                                                                  \nrequires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national
                                                                                                  \nreferendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other
                                                                                                  \ncontracting State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n26.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nauthority to issue sequestration or freeze orders under Proclamation No. 3
                                                                                                  \ndated March 25, 1986 in relation to the recovery of ill-gotten wealth shall
                                                                                                  \nremain operative for not more than eighteen months after the ratification of
                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution. However, in the national interest, as certified by the
                                                                                                  \nPresident, the Congress may extend such period.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nA
                                                                                                  \nsequestration or freeze order shall be issued only upon showing of a prima
                                                                                                  \nfacie case. The order and the list of the sequestered or frozen properties
                                                                                                  \nshall forthwith be registered with the proper court. For orders issued before
                                                                                                  \nthe ratification of this Constitution, the corresponding judicial action or
                                                                                                  \nproceeding shall be filed within six months from its ratification. For those
                                                                                                  \nissued after such ratification, the judicial action or proceeding shall be
                                                                                                  \ncommenced within six months from the issuance thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nsequestration or freeze order is deemed automatically lifted if no judicial
                                                                                                  \naction or proceeding is commenced as herein provided.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n27.<\/span><\/b> This
                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a majority
                                                                                                  \nof the votes cast in a plebiscite held for the purpose and shall supersede all
                                                                                                  \nprevious Constitutions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nforegoing proposed Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines was approved
                                                                                                  \nby the Constitutional Commission of 1986 on the twelfth day of October,
                                                                                                  \nNineteen hundred and eighty-six, and accordingly signed on the fifteenth day of
                                                                                                  \nOctober, Nineteen hundred and eighty-six at the Plenary Hall, National
                                                                                                  \nGovernment Center, Quezon City, by the Commissioners whose signatures are
                                                                                                  \nhereunder affixed.<\/span><\/div>\n

                                                                                                  <\/p>\n

                                                                                                  \n <\/span> <\/span><\/b><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \n1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nPREAMBLE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nWe, the sovereign
                                                                                                  \nFilipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just
                                                                                                  \nand humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and
                                                                                                  \naspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and
                                                                                                  \nsecure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and
                                                                                                  \ndemocracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love,
                                                                                                  \nequality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nARTICLE I
                                                                                                  \nNATIONAL TERRITORY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                  \nnational territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands
                                                                                                  \nand waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the
                                                                                                  \nPhilippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial,
                                                                                                  \nfluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the
                                                                                                  \nsubsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around,
                                                                                                  \nbetween, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their
                                                                                                  \nbreadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nARTICLE
                                                                                                  \nII
                                                                                                  \nDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES PRINCIPLES<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nPhilippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
                                                                                                  \npeople and all government authority emanates from them.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nPhilippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the
                                                                                                  \ngenerally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the
                                                                                                  \nland and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation,
                                                                                                  \nand amity with all nations.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> Civilian
                                                                                                  \nauthority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the
                                                                                                  \nPhilippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure
                                                                                                  \nthe sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The prime
                                                                                                  \nduty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may
                                                                                                  \ncall upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all
                                                                                                  \ncitizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal,
                                                                                                  \nmilitary or civil service.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nmaintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
                                                                                                  \nand promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the
                                                                                                  \npeople of the blessings of democracy.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nseparation of Church and State shall be inviolable.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSTATE POLICIES<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other
                                                                                                  \nstates, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial
                                                                                                  \nintegrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nPhilippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy
                                                                                                  \nof freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the
                                                                                                  \nprosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty
                                                                                                  \nthrough policies that provide adequate social services, promote full
                                                                                                  \nemployment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for
                                                                                                  \nall.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for
                                                                                                  \nhuman rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen
                                                                                                  \nthe family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect
                                                                                                  \nthe life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural
                                                                                                  \nand primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic
                                                                                                  \nefficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of
                                                                                                  \nthe Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall
                                                                                                  \npromote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
                                                                                                  \nwell-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and
                                                                                                  \nencourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the
                                                                                                  \nfundamental equality before the law of women and men.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
                                                                                                  \nhealth consciousness among them.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
                                                                                                  \nhealthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture,
                                                                                                  \nand sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress,
                                                                                                  \nand promote total human liberation and development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the
                                                                                                  \nrights of workers and promote their welfare.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively
                                                                                                  \ncontrolled by Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages
                                                                                                  \nprivate enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities
                                                                                                  \nwithin the framework of national unity and development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n23.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral
                                                                                                  \norganizations that promote the welfare of the nation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n24.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState recognizes the vital role of communication and information in
                                                                                                  \nnation-building.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n25.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n26.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and
                                                                                                  \nprohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n27.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                  \nState shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take
                                                                                                  \npositive and effective measures against graft and corruption.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n28.<\/span><\/b> Subject
                                                                                                  \nto reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a
                                                                                                  \npolicy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public
                                                                                                  \ninterest.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nARTICLE III
                                                                                                  \nBILL OF RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                  \nshall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor
                                                                                                  \nshall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The right of
                                                                                                  \nthe people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against
                                                                                                  \nunreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall
                                                                                                  \nbe inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except
                                                                                                  \nupon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination
                                                                                                  \nunder oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce,
                                                                                                  \nand particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things
                                                                                                  \nto be seized.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                  1. The
                                                                                                    \n privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except
                                                                                                    \n upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
                                                                                                    \n otherwise, as prescribed by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                  2. Any
                                                                                                    \n evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be
                                                                                                    \n inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n4.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
                                                                                                    \nbe passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or
                                                                                                    \nthe right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for
                                                                                                    \nredress of grievances.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n5.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
                                                                                                    \nbe made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
                                                                                                    \nexercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
                                                                                                    \nworship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No
                                                                                                    \nreligious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n6.<\/span><\/b> The liberty
                                                                                                    \nof abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not
                                                                                                    \nbe impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to
                                                                                                    \ntravel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety,
                                                                                                    \nor public health, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n7.<\/span><\/b> The right of
                                                                                                    \nthe people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.
                                                                                                    \nAccess to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official
                                                                                                    \nacts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used
                                                                                                    \nas basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such
                                                                                                    \nlimitations as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n8.<\/span><\/b> The right of
                                                                                                    \nthe people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form
                                                                                                    \nunions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not
                                                                                                    \nbe abridged.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n9.<\/span><\/b> Private
                                                                                                    \nproperty shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n10.<\/span><\/b> No law
                                                                                                    \nimpairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n11.<\/span><\/b> Free access
                                                                                                    \nto the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
                                                                                                    \nbe denied to any person by reason of poverty.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                    \n12.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                    1. Any
                                                                                                      \n person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the
                                                                                                      \n right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent
                                                                                                      \n and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot
                                                                                                      \n afford the services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights
                                                                                                      \n cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                    2. No
                                                                                                      \n torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which
                                                                                                      \n vitiate the free will shall be used against him. Secret detention places,
                                                                                                      \n solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention are
                                                                                                      \n prohibited.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                    3. Any confession
                                                                                                      \n or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be
                                                                                                      \n inadmissible in evidence against him.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                    4. The law
                                                                                                      \n shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this Section
                                                                                                      \n as well as compensation to the rehabilitation of victims of torture or
                                                                                                      \n similar practices, and their families.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                      \n13.<\/span><\/b> All persons,
                                                                                                      \nexcept those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when
                                                                                                      \nevidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by
                                                                                                      \nsufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law.
                                                                                                      \nThe right to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of
                                                                                                      \nhabeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                      \n14.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                      1. No
                                                                                                        \n person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process
                                                                                                        \n of law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                      2. In all
                                                                                                        \n criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the
                                                                                                        \n contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and
                                                                                                        \n counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against
                                                                                                        \n him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses
                                                                                                        \n face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of
                                                                                                        \n witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after
                                                                                                        \n arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused:
                                                                                                        \n Provided, that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is
                                                                                                        \n unjustifiable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                        \n15.<\/span><\/b> The privilege
                                                                                                        \nof the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion
                                                                                                        \nor rebellion, when the public safety requires it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                        \n16.<\/span><\/b> All persons
                                                                                                        \nshall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all
                                                                                                        \njudicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                        \n17.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                        \nshall be compelled to be a witness against himself.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                        \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                        1. No
                                                                                                          \n person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and
                                                                                                          \n aspirations.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                        2. No
                                                                                                          \n involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a
                                                                                                          \n crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                          \n19.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                          1. Excessive
                                                                                                            \n fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment
                                                                                                            \n inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling
                                                                                                            \n reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it.
                                                                                                            \n Any death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                          2. The
                                                                                                            \n employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any
                                                                                                            \n prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal
                                                                                                            \n facilities under subhuman conditions shall be dealt with by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                            \n20.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                            \nshall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                            \n21.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                            \nshall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. If an act is
                                                                                                            \npunished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either shall
                                                                                                            \nconstitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                            \n22.<\/span><\/b> No ex post
                                                                                                            \nfacto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \nARTICLE IV
                                                                                                            \nCITIZENSHIP<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                            \n1.<\/span><\/b> The following
                                                                                                            \nare citizens of the Philippines:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                            1. Those
                                                                                                              \n who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this
                                                                                                              \n Constitution;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                            2. Those
                                                                                                              \n whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                            3. Those
                                                                                                              \n born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
                                                                                                              \n Citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                            4. Those
                                                                                                              \n who are naturalized in the accordance with law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> Natural-born
                                                                                                              \ncitizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without
                                                                                                              \nhaving to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
                                                                                                              \nThose who elect Philippine citizenship in accordance with paragraph (3),
                                                                                                              \nSection 1 hereof shall be deemed natural-born citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> Philippine
                                                                                                              \ncitizenship may be lost or reacquired in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> Citizens of
                                                                                                              \nthe Philippines who marry aliens shall retain their citizenship, unless by
                                                                                                              \ntheir act or omission they are deemed, under the law to have renounced it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n5.<\/span><\/b> Dual
                                                                                                              \nallegiance of citizens is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt
                                                                                                              \nwith by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nARTICLE V
                                                                                                              \nSUFFRAGE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> Suffrage may
                                                                                                              \nbe exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise disqualified by
                                                                                                              \nlaw, who are at least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the
                                                                                                              \nPhilippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they propose to
                                                                                                              \nvote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election. No literacy,
                                                                                                              \nproperty, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of
                                                                                                              \nsuffrage.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                              \nshall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot as
                                                                                                              \nwell as a system for absentee voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                              \nCongress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and the illiterates to
                                                                                                              \nvote without the assistance of other persons. Until then, they shall be allowed
                                                                                                              \nto vote under existing laws and such rules as the Commission on Elections may
                                                                                                              \npromulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nARTICLE VI
                                                                                                              \nTHE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                              \nlegislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which
                                                                                                              \nshall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent
                                                                                                              \nreserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Senate
                                                                                                              \nshall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be elected at large by the
                                                                                                              \nqualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                              \nshall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and,
                                                                                                              \non the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read
                                                                                                              \nand write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less
                                                                                                              \nthan two years immediately preceding the day of the election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> The term of
                                                                                                              \noffice of the Senators shall be six years and shall commence, unless otherwise
                                                                                                              \nprovided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their
                                                                                                              \nelection. No Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary
                                                                                                              \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
                                                                                                              \ninterruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he was
                                                                                                              \nelected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                              \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                              1. The
                                                                                                                \n House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred
                                                                                                                \n and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by law, who shall be elected
                                                                                                                \n from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and
                                                                                                                \n the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their
                                                                                                                \n respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive
                                                                                                                \n ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a
                                                                                                                \n party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties
                                                                                                                \n or organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                              2. The party-list
                                                                                                                \n representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the total number of
                                                                                                                \n representatives including those under the party list. For three
                                                                                                                \n consecutive terms after the ratification of this Constitution, one-half of
                                                                                                                \n the seats allocated to party-list representatives shall be filled, as
                                                                                                                \n provided by law, by selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban
                                                                                                                \n poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other
                                                                                                                \n sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                              3. Each
                                                                                                                \n legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous,
                                                                                                                \n compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a population of at least
                                                                                                                \n two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one
                                                                                                                \n representative.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                              4. Within
                                                                                                                \n three years following the return of every census, the Congress shall make
                                                                                                                \n a reapportionment of legislative districts based on the standards provided
                                                                                                                \n in this section.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n6.<\/span><\/b> No person
                                                                                                                \nshall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born
                                                                                                                \ncitizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least
                                                                                                                \ntwenty-five years of age, able to read and write, and, except the party-list
                                                                                                                \nrepresentatives, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be
                                                                                                                \nelected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year
                                                                                                                \nimmediately preceding the day of the election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n7.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                                                                                                \nof the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years
                                                                                                                \nwhich shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth
                                                                                                                \nday of June next following their election. No Member of the House of
                                                                                                                \nRepresentatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary
                                                                                                                \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
                                                                                                                \ninterruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he
                                                                                                                \nwas elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n8.<\/span><\/b> Unless
                                                                                                                \notherwise provided by law, the regular election of the Senators and the Members
                                                                                                                \nof the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n9.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                                                                                                                \nvacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election
                                                                                                                \nmay be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the
                                                                                                                \nSenator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only
                                                                                                                \nfor the unexpired term.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n10.<\/span><\/b> The salaries
                                                                                                                \nof Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by
                                                                                                                \nlaw. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after the
                                                                                                                \nexpiration of the full term of all the Members of the Senate and the House of
                                                                                                                \nRepresentatives approving such increase.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n11.<\/span><\/b> A Senator or
                                                                                                                \nMember of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not
                                                                                                                \nmore than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress
                                                                                                                \nis in session. No Member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other
                                                                                                                \nplace for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n12.<\/span><\/b> All Members
                                                                                                                \nof the Senate and the House of Representatives shall, upon assumption of
                                                                                                                \noffice, make a full disclosure of their financial and business interests. They
                                                                                                                \nshall notify the House concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may
                                                                                                                \narise from the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n13.<\/span><\/b> No Senator or
                                                                                                                \nMember of the House of Representatives may hold any other office or employment
                                                                                                                \nin the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof,
                                                                                                                \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries,
                                                                                                                \nduring his term without forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be appointed to
                                                                                                                \nany office which may have been created or the emoluments thereof increased
                                                                                                                \nduring the term for which he was elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n14.<\/span><\/b> No Senator or
                                                                                                                \nMember of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before
                                                                                                                \nany court of justice or before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and
                                                                                                                \nother administrative bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be
                                                                                                                \ninterested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special
                                                                                                                \nprivilege granted by the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or
                                                                                                                \ninstrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled
                                                                                                                \ncorporation, or its subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall not
                                                                                                                \nintervene in any matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary
                                                                                                                \nbenefit or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n15.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                \nshall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular
                                                                                                                \nsession, unless a different date is fixed by law, and shall continue to be in
                                                                                                                \nsession for such number of days as it may determine until thirty days before
                                                                                                                \nthe opening of its next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and
                                                                                                                \nlegal holidays. The President may call a special session at any time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                \n16.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                1. The
                                                                                                                  \n Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives, its
                                                                                                                  \n Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective Members. Each House
                                                                                                                  \n shall choose such other officers as it may deem necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                2. A
                                                                                                                  \n majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a
                                                                                                                  \n smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance
                                                                                                                  \n of absent Members in such manner, and under such penalties, as such House
                                                                                                                  \n may provide.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                3. Each
                                                                                                                  \n House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for
                                                                                                                  \n disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its
                                                                                                                  \n Members, suspend or expel a Member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed,
                                                                                                                  \n shall not exceed sixty days.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                4. Each
                                                                                                                  \n House shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from time to time
                                                                                                                  \n publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in its judgment, affect
                                                                                                                  \n national security; and the yeas and nays on any question shall, at the
                                                                                                                  \n request of one-fifth of the Members present, be entered in the Journal.
                                                                                                                  \n Each House shall also keep a Record of its proceedings.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                5. Neither
                                                                                                                  \n House during the sessions of the Congress shall, without the consent of
                                                                                                                  \n the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than
                                                                                                                  \n that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The Senate
                                                                                                                  \nand the House of Representatives shall each have an Electoral Tribunal which
                                                                                                                  \nshall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and
                                                                                                                  \nqualifications of their respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be
                                                                                                                  \ncomposed of nine Members, three of whom shall be Justices of the Supreme Court
                                                                                                                  \nto be designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be Members
                                                                                                                  \nof the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be
                                                                                                                  \nchosen on the basis of proportional representation from the political parties
                                                                                                                  \nand the parties or organizations registered under the party-list system
                                                                                                                  \nrepresented therein. The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be its
                                                                                                                  \nChairman.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> There
                                                                                                                  \nshall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of the President of the
                                                                                                                  \nSenate, as ex officio Chairman, twelve Senators, and twelve Members of the
                                                                                                                  \nHouse of Representatives, elected by each House on the basis of proportional
                                                                                                                  \nrepresentation from the political parties and parties or organizations
                                                                                                                  \nregistered under the party-list system represented therein. The chairman of the
                                                                                                                  \nCommission shall not vote, except in case of a tie. The Commission shall act on
                                                                                                                  \nall appointments submitted to it within thirty session days of the Congress
                                                                                                                  \nfrom their submission. The Commission shall rule by a majority vote of all the
                                                                                                                  \nMembers.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                  \nElectoral Tribunals and the Commission on Appointments shall be constituted
                                                                                                                  \nwithin thirty days after the Senate and the House of Representatives shall have
                                                                                                                  \nbeen organized with the election of the President and the Speaker. The
                                                                                                                  \nCommission on Appointments shall meet only while the Congress is in session, at
                                                                                                                  \nthe call of its Chairman or a majority of all its Members, to discharge such
                                                                                                                  \npowers and functions as are herein conferred upon it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                  \nrecords and books of accounts of the Congress shall be preserved and be open to
                                                                                                                  \nthe public in accordance with law, and such books shall be audited by the
                                                                                                                  \nCommission on Audit which shall publish annually an itemized list of amounts
                                                                                                                  \npaid to and expenses for each Member.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The Senate or
                                                                                                                  \nthe House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct
                                                                                                                  \ninquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of
                                                                                                                  \nprocedure. The rights of persons appearing in, or affected by, such inquiries
                                                                                                                  \nshall be respected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The heads of
                                                                                                                  \ndepartments may, upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President,
                                                                                                                  \nor upon the request of either House, as the rules of each House shall provide,
                                                                                                                  \nappear before and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their
                                                                                                                  \ndepartments. Written questions shall be submitted to the President of the
                                                                                                                  \nSenate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least three days
                                                                                                                  \nbefore their scheduled appearance. Interpellations shall not be limited to
                                                                                                                  \nwritten questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the security of
                                                                                                                  \nthe State or the public interest so requires and the President so states in
                                                                                                                  \nwriting, the appearance shall be conducted in executive session.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                  \n23.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                  1. The
                                                                                                                    \n Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session
                                                                                                                    \n assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole power to declare the
                                                                                                                    \n existence of a state of war.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                  2. In
                                                                                                                    \n times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by law,
                                                                                                                    \n authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such
                                                                                                                    \n restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and proper
                                                                                                                    \n to carry out a declared national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by
                                                                                                                    \n resolution of the Congress, such powers shall cease upon the next
                                                                                                                    \n adjournment thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                    \n24.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                                    \nappropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of the
                                                                                                                    \npublic debt, bills of local application, and private bills, shall originate
                                                                                                                    \nexclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or
                                                                                                                    \nconcur with amendments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                    \n25.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                    1. The
                                                                                                                      \n Congress may not increase the appropriations recommended by the President
                                                                                                                      \n for the operation of the Government as specified in the budget. The form,
                                                                                                                      \n content, and manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by
                                                                                                                      \n law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    2. No
                                                                                                                      \n provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general appropriations
                                                                                                                      \n bill unless it relates specifically to some particular appropriation
                                                                                                                      \n therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be limited in its operation
                                                                                                                      \n to the appropriation to which it relates.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    3. The
                                                                                                                      \n procedure in approving appropriations for the Congress shall strictly
                                                                                                                      \n follow the procedure for approving appropriations for other departments
                                                                                                                      \n and agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    4. A
                                                                                                                      \n special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for which it is
                                                                                                                      \n intended, and shall be supported by funds actually available as certified
                                                                                                                      \n by the National Treasurer, or to be raised by a corresponding revenue
                                                                                                                      \n proposal therein.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    5. No
                                                                                                                      \n law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations; however,
                                                                                                                      \n the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
                                                                                                                      \n Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of
                                                                                                                      \n Constitutional Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item
                                                                                                                      \n in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from
                                                                                                                      \n savings in other items of their respective appropriations.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    6. Discretionary
                                                                                                                      \n funds appropriated for particular officials shall be disbursed only for
                                                                                                                      \n public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to
                                                                                                                      \n such guidelines as may be prescribed by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    7. If,
                                                                                                                      \n by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the
                                                                                                                      \n general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general
                                                                                                                      \n appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed
                                                                                                                      \n re-enacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general
                                                                                                                      \n appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                      \n26.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                      1. Every
                                                                                                                        \n bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be
                                                                                                                        \n expressed in the title thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                      2. No
                                                                                                                        \n bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has passed three
                                                                                                                        \n readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final form
                                                                                                                        \n have been distributed to its Members three days before its passage, except
                                                                                                                        \n when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment
                                                                                                                        \n to meet a public calamity or emergency. Upon the last reading of a bill,
                                                                                                                        \n no amendment thereto shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall be taken
                                                                                                                        \n immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in the Journal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                        \n27.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                        1. Every
                                                                                                                          \n bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented
                                                                                                                          \n to the President. If he approves the same he shall sign it; otherwise, he
                                                                                                                          \n shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the House where
                                                                                                                          \n it originated, which shall enter the objections at large in its Journal
                                                                                                                          \n and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds
                                                                                                                          \n of all the Members of such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be
                                                                                                                          \n sent, together with the objections, to the other House by which it shall
                                                                                                                          \n likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the Members
                                                                                                                          \n of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases, the votes of each
                                                                                                                          \n House shall be determined by yeas or nays, and the names of the Members
                                                                                                                          \n voting for or against shall be entered in its Journal. The President shall
                                                                                                                          \n communicate his veto of any bill to the House where it originated within
                                                                                                                          \n thirty days after the date of receipt thereof, otherwise, it shall become
                                                                                                                          \n a law as if he had signed it.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                        2. The
                                                                                                                          \n President shall have the power to veto any particular item or items in an
                                                                                                                          \n appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto shall not affect the
                                                                                                                          \n item or items to which he does not object.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                          \n28.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                          1. The
                                                                                                                            \n rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The Congress shall evolve
                                                                                                                            \n a progressive system of taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                          2. The
                                                                                                                            \n Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix within specified
                                                                                                                            \n limits, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose,
                                                                                                                            \n tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and
                                                                                                                            \n other duties or imposts within the framework of the national development
                                                                                                                            \n program of the Government.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                          3. Charitable
                                                                                                                            \n institutions, churches and personages or convents appurtenant thereto,
                                                                                                                            \n mosques, non-profit cemeteries, and all lands, buildings, and
                                                                                                                            \n improvements, actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious,
                                                                                                                            \n charitable, or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                          4. No
                                                                                                                            \n law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without the concurrence of
                                                                                                                            \n a majority of all the Members of the Congress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                            \n29.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                            1. No
                                                                                                                              \n money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an
                                                                                                                              \n appropriation made by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                            2. No
                                                                                                                              \n public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or
                                                                                                                              \n employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any
                                                                                                                              \n sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion,
                                                                                                                              \n or of any priest, preacher, minister, other religious teacher, or
                                                                                                                              \n dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, minister, or
                                                                                                                              \n dignitary is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or
                                                                                                                              \n government orphanage or leprosarium.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                            3. All
                                                                                                                              \n money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated
                                                                                                                              \n as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only. If the purpose for
                                                                                                                              \n which a special fund was created has been fulfilled or abandoned, the
                                                                                                                              \n balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general funds of the
                                                                                                                              \n Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n30.<\/span><\/b> No law
                                                                                                                              \nshall be passed increasing the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as
                                                                                                                              \nprovided in this Constitution without its advice and concurrence.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n31.<\/span><\/b> No law
                                                                                                                              \ngranting a title of royalty or nobility shall be enacted.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n32.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nCongress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and
                                                                                                                              \nreferendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly
                                                                                                                              \npropose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof
                                                                                                                              \npassed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a
                                                                                                                              \npetition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of
                                                                                                                              \nregistered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by
                                                                                                                              \nat least three per centum of the registered voters thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nARTICLE VII
                                                                                                                              \nEXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The executive
                                                                                                                              \npower shall be vested in the President of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> No person may
                                                                                                                              \nbe elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a
                                                                                                                              \nregistered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the
                                                                                                                              \nday of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years
                                                                                                                              \nimmediately preceding such election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> There shall
                                                                                                                              \nbe a Vice-President who shall have the same qualifications and term of office and
                                                                                                                              \nbe elected with, and in the same manner, as the President. He may be removed
                                                                                                                              \nfrom office in the same manner as the President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet. Such appointment
                                                                                                                              \nrequires no confirmation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                                                                                              \nand the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term
                                                                                                                              \nof six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next
                                                                                                                              \nfollowing the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six
                                                                                                                              \nyears thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No
                                                                                                                              \nperson who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four
                                                                                                                              \nyears shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nNo
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President shall serve for more than two successive terms. Voluntary
                                                                                                                              \nrenunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
                                                                                                                              \ninterruption in the continuity of the service for the full term for which he
                                                                                                                              \nwas elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nUnless
                                                                                                                              \notherwise provided by law, the regular election for President and
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President shall be held on the second Monday of May.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nreturns of every election for President and Vice-President, duly certified by
                                                                                                                              \nthe board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the
                                                                                                                              \nCongress, directed to the President of the Senate. Upon receipt of the
                                                                                                                              \ncertificates of canvass, the President of the Senate shall, not later than
                                                                                                                              \nthirty days after the day of the election, open all the certificates in the
                                                                                                                              \npresence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public
                                                                                                                              \nsession, and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due
                                                                                                                              \nexecution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the votes.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nperson having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in
                                                                                                                              \ncase two or more shall have an equal and highest number of votes, one of them
                                                                                                                              \nshall forthwith be chosen by the vote of a majority of all the Members of both
                                                                                                                              \nHouses of the Congress, voting separately.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nCongress shall promulgate its rules for the canvassing of the certificates.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nSupreme Court, sitting en<\/i> banc<\/i>, shall be the sole judge of all
                                                                                                                              \ncontests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President
                                                                                                                              \nor Vice-President, and may promulgate its rules for the purpose.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n5.<\/span><\/b> Before they
                                                                                                                              \nenter on the execution of their office, the President, the Vice-President, or
                                                                                                                              \nthe Acting President shall take the following oath or affirmation:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \n“I
                                                                                                                              \ndo solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously
                                                                                                                              \nfulfill my duties as President (or Vice-President or Acting President) of the
                                                                                                                              \nPhilippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice
                                                                                                                              \nto every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me
                                                                                                                              \nGod.” (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted.)<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n6.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                                                                                              \nshall have an official residence. The salaries of the President and
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President shall be determined by law and shall not be decreased during
                                                                                                                              \ntheir tenure. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after
                                                                                                                              \nthe expiration of the term of the incumbent during which such increase was
                                                                                                                              \napproved. They shall not receive during their tenure any other emolument from
                                                                                                                              \nthe Government or any other source.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n7.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nPresident-elect and the Vice President-elect shall assume office at the
                                                                                                                              \nbeginning of their terms.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nIf
                                                                                                                              \nthe President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice President-elect shall act as
                                                                                                                              \nPresident until the President-elect shall have qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nIf
                                                                                                                              \na President shall not have been chosen, the Vice President-elect shall act as
                                                                                                                              \nPresident until a President shall have been chosen and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nIf
                                                                                                                              \nat the beginning of the term of the President, the President-elect shall have
                                                                                                                              \ndied or shall have become permanently disabled, the Vice President-elect shall
                                                                                                                              \nbecome President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nWhere
                                                                                                                              \nno President and Vice-President shall have been chosen or shall have qualified,
                                                                                                                              \nor where both shall have died or become permanently disabled, the President of
                                                                                                                              \nthe Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of
                                                                                                                              \nRepresentatives, shall act as President until a President or a Vice-President
                                                                                                                              \nshall have been chosen and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nCongress shall, by law, provide for the manner in which one who is to act as
                                                                                                                              \nPresident shall be selected until a President or a Vice-President shall have
                                                                                                                              \nqualified, in case of death, permanent disability, or inability of the
                                                                                                                              \nofficials mentioned in the next preceding paragraph.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n8.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                                                                                                                              \ndeath, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the
                                                                                                                              \nPresident, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired
                                                                                                                              \nterm. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or
                                                                                                                              \nresignation of both the President and Vice-President, the President of the
                                                                                                                              \nSenate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of
                                                                                                                              \nRepresentatives, shall then act as President until the President or
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President shall have been elected and qualified.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nCongress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death,
                                                                                                                              \npermanent disability, or resignation of the Acting President. He shall serve
                                                                                                                              \nuntil the President or the Vice-President shall have been elected and
                                                                                                                              \nqualified, and be subject to the same restrictions of powers and
                                                                                                                              \ndisqualifications as the Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n9.<\/span><\/b> Whenever
                                                                                                                              \nthere is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President during the term for
                                                                                                                              \nwhich he was elected, the President shall nominate a Vice-President from among
                                                                                                                              \nthe Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume
                                                                                                                              \noffice upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses
                                                                                                                              \nof the Congress, voting separately.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n10.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                              \nshall, at ten o’clock in the morning of the third day after the vacancy in the
                                                                                                                              \noffices of the President and Vice-President occurs, convene in accordance with
                                                                                                                              \nits rules without need of a call and within seven days, enact a law calling for
                                                                                                                              \na special election to elect a President and a Vice-President to be held not
                                                                                                                              \nearlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days from the time of such
                                                                                                                              \ncall. The bill calling such special election shall be deemed certified under
                                                                                                                              \nparagraph 2, Section 26, Article V1 of this Constitution and shall become law
                                                                                                                              \nupon its approval on third reading by the Congress. Appropriations for the
                                                                                                                              \nspecial election shall be charged against any current appropriations and shall
                                                                                                                              \nbe exempt from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article V1 of this
                                                                                                                              \nConstitution. The convening of the Congress cannot be suspended nor the special
                                                                                                                              \nelection postponed. No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs
                                                                                                                              \nwithin eighteen months before the date of the next presidential election.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n11.<\/span><\/b> Whenever the
                                                                                                                              \nPresident transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
                                                                                                                              \nof Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the
                                                                                                                              \npowers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written
                                                                                                                              \ndeclaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President as Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nWhenever
                                                                                                                              \na majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit to the President of the
                                                                                                                              \nSenate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written
                                                                                                                              \ndeclaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of
                                                                                                                              \nhis office, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the powers and duties
                                                                                                                              \nof the office as Acting President.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThereafter,
                                                                                                                              \nwhen the President transmits to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker
                                                                                                                              \nof the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability
                                                                                                                              \nexists, he shall reassume the powers and duties of his office. Meanwhile,
                                                                                                                              \nshould a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit within five days
                                                                                                                              \nto the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of
                                                                                                                              \nRepresentatives, their written declaration that the President is unable to
                                                                                                                              \ndischarge the powers and duties of his office, the Congress shall decide the
                                                                                                                              \nissue. For that purpose, the Congress shall convene, if it is not in session,
                                                                                                                              \nwithin forty-eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of
                                                                                                                              \ncall.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nIf
                                                                                                                              \nthe Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written declaration, or,
                                                                                                                              \nif not in session, within twelve days after it is required to assemble,
                                                                                                                              \ndetermines by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, voting separately, that the
                                                                                                                              \nPresident is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the
                                                                                                                              \nVice-President shall act as President; otherwise, the President shall continue
                                                                                                                              \nexercising the powers and duties of his office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n12.<\/span><\/b> In case of
                                                                                                                              \nserious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of
                                                                                                                              \nhis health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and
                                                                                                                              \nforeign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
                                                                                                                              \nPhilippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nPresident, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants
                                                                                                                              \nshall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other
                                                                                                                              \noffice or employment during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure,
                                                                                                                              \ndirectly or indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any
                                                                                                                              \nbusiness, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in any
                                                                                                                              \nfranchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision,
                                                                                                                              \nagency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled
                                                                                                                              \ncorporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid conflict of
                                                                                                                              \ninterest in the conduct of their office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nspouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil
                                                                                                                              \ndegree of the President shall not, during his tenure, be appointed as Members
                                                                                                                              \nof the Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman, or as
                                                                                                                              \nSecretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices,
                                                                                                                              \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n14.<\/span><\/b> Appointments
                                                                                                                              \nextended by an Acting President shall remain effective, unless revoked by the
                                                                                                                              \nelected President, within ninety days from his assumption or reassumption of
                                                                                                                              \noffice.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n15.<\/span><\/b> Two months
                                                                                                                              \nimmediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his
                                                                                                                              \nterm, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except
                                                                                                                              \ntemporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein
                                                                                                                              \nwill prejudice public service or endanger public safety.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n16.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                                                                                              \nshall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint
                                                                                                                              \nthe heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and
                                                                                                                              \nconsuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval
                                                                                                                              \ncaptain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution.
                                                                                                                              \nHe shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments
                                                                                                                              \nare not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by
                                                                                                                              \nlaw to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other
                                                                                                                              \nofficers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads
                                                                                                                              \nof departments, agencies, commissions, or boards.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nPresident shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the
                                                                                                                              \nCongress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be
                                                                                                                              \neffective only until disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until the
                                                                                                                              \nnext adjournment of the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n17.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                                                                                              \nshall have control of all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices. He
                                                                                                                              \nshall ensure that the laws be faithfully executed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The President
                                                                                                                              \nshall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and
                                                                                                                              \nwhenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or
                                                                                                                              \nsuppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or
                                                                                                                              \nrebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not
                                                                                                                              \nexceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or
                                                                                                                              \nplace the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight
                                                                                                                              \nhours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege
                                                                                                                              \nof the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or
                                                                                                                              \nin writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least
                                                                                                                              \na majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such
                                                                                                                              \nproclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the
                                                                                                                              \nPresident. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same
                                                                                                                              \nmanner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by
                                                                                                                              \nthe Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety
                                                                                                                              \nrequires it.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nCongress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such
                                                                                                                              \nproclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need
                                                                                                                              \nof a call.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nSupreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen,
                                                                                                                              \nthe sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the
                                                                                                                              \nsuspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must
                                                                                                                              \npromulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nA
                                                                                                                              \nstate of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor
                                                                                                                              \nsupplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor
                                                                                                                              \nauthorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over
                                                                                                                              \ncivilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend
                                                                                                                              \nthe privilege of the writ.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                              \nsuspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons judicially
                                                                                                                              \ncharged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with
                                                                                                                              \ninvasion.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nDuring
                                                                                                                              \nthe suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or
                                                                                                                              \ndetained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be
                                                                                                                              \nreleased.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n19.<\/span><\/b> Except
                                                                                                                              \nin cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the
                                                                                                                              \nPresident may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and
                                                                                                                              \nforfeitures, after conviction by final judgment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nHe
                                                                                                                              \nshall also have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority
                                                                                                                              \nof all the Members of the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nPresident may contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of
                                                                                                                              \nthe Philippines with the prior concurrence of the Monetary Board, and subject
                                                                                                                              \nto such limitations as may be provided by law. The Monetary Board shall, within
                                                                                                                              \nthirty days from the end of every quarter of the calendar year, submit to the
                                                                                                                              \nCongress a complete report of its decision on applications for loans to be
                                                                                                                              \ncontracted or guaranteed by the Government or government-owned and controlled
                                                                                                                              \ncorporations which would have the effect of increasing the foreign debt, and
                                                                                                                              \ncontaining other matters as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n21.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                                                                              \ntreaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred
                                                                                                                              \nin by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n22.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nPresident shall submit to the Congress, within thirty days from the opening of
                                                                                                                              \nevery regular session as the basis of the general appropriations bill, a budget
                                                                                                                              \nof expenditures and sources of financing, including receipts from existing and
                                                                                                                              \nproposed revenue measures.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n23.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                              \nPresident shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. He
                                                                                                                              \nmay also appear before it at any other time.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nARTICLE VIII
                                                                                                                              \nJUDICIAL DEPARTMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> The judicial
                                                                                                                              \npower shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be
                                                                                                                              \nestablished by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nJudicial
                                                                                                                              \npower includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies
                                                                                                                              \ninvolving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determine
                                                                                                                              \nwhether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
                                                                                                                              \nexcess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the
                                                                                                                              \nGovernment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                              \nshall have the power to define, prescribe, and apportion the jurisdiction of
                                                                                                                              \nthe various courts but may not deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction
                                                                                                                              \nover cases enumerated in Section 5 hereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nNo
                                                                                                                              \nlaw shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it undermines the security
                                                                                                                              \nof tenure of its Members.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Judiciary
                                                                                                                              \nshall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be
                                                                                                                              \nreduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year
                                                                                                                              \nand, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                              1. The
                                                                                                                                \n Supreme Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate
                                                                                                                                \n Justices. It may sit en banc or in its discretion, in division of three,
                                                                                                                                \n five, or seven Members. Any vacancy shall be filled within ninety days
                                                                                                                                \n from the occurrence thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                              2. All
                                                                                                                                \n cases involving the constitutionality of a treaty, international or
                                                                                                                                \n executive agreement, or law, which shall be heard by the Supreme Court en
                                                                                                                                \n banc, and all other cases which under the Rules of Court are required to
                                                                                                                                \n be heard en banc, including those involving the constitutionality,
                                                                                                                                \n application, or operation of presidential decrees, proclamations, orders,
                                                                                                                                \n instructions, ordinances, and other regulations, shall be decided with the
                                                                                                                                \n concurrence of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the
                                                                                                                                \n deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                              3. Cases
                                                                                                                                \n or matters heard by a division shall be decided or resolved with the
                                                                                                                                \n concurrence of a majority of the Members who actually took part in the
                                                                                                                                \n deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon, and in no case
                                                                                                                                \n without the concurrence of at least three of such Members. When the
                                                                                                                                \n required number is not obtained, the case shall be decided en banc:
                                                                                                                                \n Provided, that no doctrine or principle of law laid down by the court in a
                                                                                                                                \n decision rendered en banc or in division may be modified or reversed
                                                                                                                                \n except by the court sitting en banc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                \n5.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                                                                                                                \nCourt shall have the following powers:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                1. Exercise
                                                                                                                                  \n original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public
                                                                                                                                  \n ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition,
                                                                                                                                  \n mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                2. Review,
                                                                                                                                  \n revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari, as the law or
                                                                                                                                  \n the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and orders of lower courts
                                                                                                                                  \n in:<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                  1. All
                                                                                                                                    \n cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty,
                                                                                                                                    \n international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree,
                                                                                                                                    \n proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in
                                                                                                                                    \n question.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  2. All
                                                                                                                                    \n cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or
                                                                                                                                    \n any penalty imposed in relation thereto.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  3. All
                                                                                                                                    \n cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  4. All
                                                                                                                                    \n criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or
                                                                                                                                    \n higher.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  5. All
                                                                                                                                    \n cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                  6. Assign
                                                                                                                                    \n temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest
                                                                                                                                    \n may require. Such temporary assignment shall not exceed six months without
                                                                                                                                    \n the consent of the judge concerned.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  7. Order a
                                                                                                                                    \n change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  8. Promulgate
                                                                                                                                    \n rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights,
                                                                                                                                    \n pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the
                                                                                                                                    \n practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal assistance to the under-privileged.
                                                                                                                                    \n Such rules shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the
                                                                                                                                    \n speedy disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts of the same
                                                                                                                                    \n grade, and shall not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.
                                                                                                                                    \n Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall
                                                                                                                                    \n remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  9. Appoint
                                                                                                                                    \n all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil
                                                                                                                                    \n Service Law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                                    \n6.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                                                                                                                    \nCourt shall have administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel
                                                                                                                                    \nthereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                                    \n7.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                    1. No
                                                                                                                                      \n person shall be appointed Member of the Supreme Court or any lower
                                                                                                                                      \n collegiate court unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. A
                                                                                                                                      \n Member of the Supreme Court must be at least forty years of age, and must
                                                                                                                                      \n have been for fifteen years or more, a judge of a lower court or engaged
                                                                                                                                      \n in the practice of law in the Philippines.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                    2. The
                                                                                                                                      \n Congress shall prescribe the qualifications of judges of lower courts, but
                                                                                                                                      \n no person may be appointed judge thereof unless he is a citizen of the
                                                                                                                                      \n Philippines and a member of the Philippine Bar.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                    3. A
                                                                                                                                      \n Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity,
                                                                                                                                      \n probity, and independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                      \n8.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                      1. A
                                                                                                                                        \n Judicial and Bar Council is hereby created under the supervision of the
                                                                                                                                        \n Supreme Court composed of the Chief Justice as ex officio Chairman, the
                                                                                                                                        \n Secretary of Justice, and a representative of the Congress as ex officio
                                                                                                                                        \n Members, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a
                                                                                                                                        \n retired Member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private
                                                                                                                                        \n sector.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                      2. The
                                                                                                                                        \n regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the President for a
                                                                                                                                        \n term of four years with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. Of
                                                                                                                                        \n the Members first appointed, the representative of the Integrated Bar
                                                                                                                                        \n shall serve for four years, the professor of law for three years, the
                                                                                                                                        \n retired Justice for two years, and the representative of the private
                                                                                                                                        \n sector for one year.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                      3. The
                                                                                                                                        \n Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio of the Council
                                                                                                                                        \n and shall keep a record of its proceedings.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                      4. The
                                                                                                                                        \n regular Members of the Council shall receive such emoluments as may be
                                                                                                                                        \n determined by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court shall provide in its
                                                                                                                                        \n annual budget the appropriations for the Council.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                      5. The Council
                                                                                                                                        \n shall have the principal function of recommending appointees to the
                                                                                                                                        \n judiciary. It may exercise such other functions and duties as the Supreme
                                                                                                                                        \n Court may assign to it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                                                                                                                        \nof the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the
                                                                                                                                        \nPresident from a list of at least three nominees preferred by the Judicial and
                                                                                                                                        \nBar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nFor
                                                                                                                                        \nthe lower courts, the President shall issued the appointment within ninety days
                                                                                                                                        \nfrom the submission of the list.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n10.<\/span><\/b> The salary of
                                                                                                                                        \nthe Chief Justice and of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and of
                                                                                                                                        \njudges of lower courts shall be fixed by law. During the continuance in office,
                                                                                                                                        \ntheir salary shall not be decreased.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n11.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                                                                                                                        \nof the Supreme Court and judges of the lower court shall hold office during
                                                                                                                                        \ngood behavior until they reach the age of seventy years or become incapacitated
                                                                                                                                        \nto discharge the duties of their office. The Supreme Court en banc shall have
                                                                                                                                        \nthe power to discipline judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a
                                                                                                                                        \nvote of majority of the Members who actually took part in the deliberations on
                                                                                                                                        \nthe issues in the case and voted in thereon.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n12.<\/span><\/b> The Members
                                                                                                                                        \nof the Supreme Court and of other courts established by law shall not be
                                                                                                                                        \ndesignated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative function.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                        \nconclusions of the Supreme Court in any case submitted to it for the decision
                                                                                                                                        \nen banc or in division shall be reached in consultation before the case the
                                                                                                                                        \ncase assigned to a Member for the writing of the opinion of the Court. A
                                                                                                                                        \ncertification to this effect signed by the Chief Justice shall be issued and a
                                                                                                                                        \ncopy thereof attached to the record of the case and served upon the parties. Any
                                                                                                                                        \nMember who took no part, or dissented, or abstained from a decision or
                                                                                                                                        \nresolution must state the reason therefor. The same requirements shall be
                                                                                                                                        \nobserved by all lower collegiate court.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n14.<\/span><\/b> No decision
                                                                                                                                        \nshall be rendered by any court without expressing therein clearly and
                                                                                                                                        \ndistinctly the facts and the law on which it is based.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nNo
                                                                                                                                        \npetition for review or motion for reconsideration of a decision of the court
                                                                                                                                        \nshall be refused due course or denied without stating the legal basis therefor.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                        \n15.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                        1. All cases
                                                                                                                                          \n or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be
                                                                                                                                          \n decided or resolved within twenty-four months from date of submission for
                                                                                                                                          \n the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced by the Supreme Court, twelve months
                                                                                                                                          \n for all lower collegiate courts, and three months for all other lower
                                                                                                                                          \n courts.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                        2. A case
                                                                                                                                          \n or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the
                                                                                                                                          \n filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by the Rules of
                                                                                                                                          \n Court or by the court itself.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                        3. Upon
                                                                                                                                          \n the expiration of the corresponding period, a certification to this effect
                                                                                                                                          \n signed by the Chief Justice or the presiding judge shall forthwith be
                                                                                                                                          \n issued and a copy thereof attached to the record of the case or matter,
                                                                                                                                          \n and served upon the parties. The certification shall state why a decision
                                                                                                                                          \n or resolution has not been rendered or issued within said period.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                        4. Despite
                                                                                                                                          \n the expiration of the applicable mandatory period, the court, without
                                                                                                                                          \n prejudice to such responsibility as may have been incurred in consequence
                                                                                                                                          \n thereof, shall decide or resolve the case or matter submitted thereto for
                                                                                                                                          \n determination, without further delay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n16.<\/span><\/b> The Supreme
                                                                                                                                          \nCourt shall, within thirty days from the opening of each regular session of the
                                                                                                                                          \nCongress, submit to the President and the Congress an annual report on the
                                                                                                                                          \noperations and activities of the Judiciary.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nARTICLE IX
                                                                                                                                          \nCONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nA.
                                                                                                                                          \nCOMMON PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                          \nConstitutional Commissions, which shall be independent, are the Civil Service
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission, the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n2.<\/span><\/b> No member of
                                                                                                                                          \na Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any other office or
                                                                                                                                          \nemployment. Neither shall he engage in the practice of any profession or in the
                                                                                                                                          \nactive management or control of any business which, in any way, may be affected
                                                                                                                                          \nby the functions of his office, nor shall he be financially interested,
                                                                                                                                          \ndirectly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege
                                                                                                                                          \ngranted by the Government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities,
                                                                                                                                          \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n3.<\/span><\/b> The salary of
                                                                                                                                          \nthe Chairman and the Commissioners shall be fixed by law and shall not be
                                                                                                                                          \ndecreased during their tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                          \nConstitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials and employees in
                                                                                                                                          \naccordance with law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n5.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their approved annual appropriations
                                                                                                                                          \nshall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n6.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission en banc may promulgate its own rules concerning pleadings and
                                                                                                                                          \npractice before it or before any of its offices. Such rules, however, shall not
                                                                                                                                          \ndiminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n7.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission shall decide by a majority vote of all its Members, any case or
                                                                                                                                          \nmatter brought before it within sixty days from the date of its submission for
                                                                                                                                          \ndecision or resolution. A case or matter is deemed submitted for decision or
                                                                                                                                          \nresolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required
                                                                                                                                          \nby the rules of the Commission or by the Commission itself. Unless otherwise
                                                                                                                                          \nprovided by this Constitution or by law, any decision, order, or ruling of each
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari by the aggrieved
                                                                                                                                          \nparty within thirty days from receipt of a copy thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n8.<\/span><\/b> Each
                                                                                                                                          \nCommission shall perform such other functions as may be provided by law. <\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nB. THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                          1. The
                                                                                                                                            \n civil service shall be administered by the Civil Service Commission
                                                                                                                                            \n composed of a Chairman and two Commissioners who shall be natural-born
                                                                                                                                            \n citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at
                                                                                                                                            \n least thirty-five years of age, with proven capacity for public
                                                                                                                                            \n administration, and must not have been candidates for any elective
                                                                                                                                            \n position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                          2. The
                                                                                                                                            \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                                                                                                                            \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                                                                                                                            \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold
                                                                                                                                            \n office for seven years, a Commissioner for five years, and another
                                                                                                                                            \n Commissioner for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any
                                                                                                                                            \n vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no
                                                                                                                                            \n case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting
                                                                                                                                            \n capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                            \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                            1. The
                                                                                                                                              \n civil service embraces all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and
                                                                                                                                              \n agencies of the Government, including government-owned or controlled
                                                                                                                                              \n corporations with original charters.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                            2. Appointments
                                                                                                                                              \n in the civil service shall be made only according to merit and fitness to
                                                                                                                                              \n be determined, as far as practicable, and, except to positions which are
                                                                                                                                              \n policy-determining, primarily confidential, or highly technical, by
                                                                                                                                              \n competitive examination.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                            3. No
                                                                                                                                              \n officer or employee of the civil service shall be removed or suspended
                                                                                                                                              \n except for cause provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                            4. No
                                                                                                                                              \n officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or
                                                                                                                                              \n indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                            5. The
                                                                                                                                              \n right to self-organization shall not be denied to government employees.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                            6. Temporary
                                                                                                                                              \n employees of the Government shall be given such protection as may be
                                                                                                                                              \n provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Civil
                                                                                                                                              \nService Commission, as the central personnel agency of the Government, shall
                                                                                                                                              \nestablish a career service and adopt measures to promote morale, efficiency,
                                                                                                                                              \nintegrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy in the civil service.
                                                                                                                                              \nIt shall strengthen the merit and rewards system, integrate all human resources
                                                                                                                                              \ndevelopment programs for all levels and ranks, and institutionalize a
                                                                                                                                              \nmanagement climate conducive to public accountability. It shall submit to the
                                                                                                                                              \nPresident and the Congress an annual report on its personnel programs.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n4.<\/span><\/b> All public
                                                                                                                                              \nofficers and employees shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend
                                                                                                                                              \nthis Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n5.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                              \nshall provide for the standardization of compensation of government officials
                                                                                                                                              \nand employees, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations
                                                                                                                                              \nwith original charters, taking into account the nature of the responsibilities
                                                                                                                                              \npertaining to, and the qualifications required for, their positions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n6.<\/span><\/b> No candidate
                                                                                                                                              \nwho has lost in any election, shall within one year after such election, be
                                                                                                                                              \nappointed to any office in the Government or any Government-owned or controlled
                                                                                                                                              \ncorporations or in any of their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n7.<\/span><\/b> No elective
                                                                                                                                              \nofficial shall be eligible for appointment or designation in any capacity to
                                                                                                                                              \nany public office or position during his tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nUnless
                                                                                                                                              \notherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no
                                                                                                                                              \nappointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government
                                                                                                                                              \nor any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including
                                                                                                                                              \nGovernment-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n8.<\/span><\/b> No elective
                                                                                                                                              \nor appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double, or
                                                                                                                                              \nindirect compensation, unless specifically authorized by law, nor accept
                                                                                                                                              \nwithout the consent of the Congress, any present, emolument, office, or title
                                                                                                                                              \nof any kind from any foreign government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nPensions
                                                                                                                                              \nor gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double, or indirect
                                                                                                                                              \ncompensation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nC. THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                              1. There
                                                                                                                                                \n shall be a Commission on Elections composed of a Chairman and six
                                                                                                                                                \n Commissioners who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and,
                                                                                                                                                \n at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
                                                                                                                                                \n holders of a college degree, and must not have been candidates for any
                                                                                                                                                \n elective positions in the immediately preceding elections. However, a
                                                                                                                                                \n majority thereof, including the Chairman, shall be members of the
                                                                                                                                                \n Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least
                                                                                                                                                \n ten years.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                              2. The
                                                                                                                                                \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                                                                                                                                \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                                                                                                                                \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, three Members shall hold
                                                                                                                                                \n office for seven years, two Members for five years, and the last Members
                                                                                                                                                \n for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall
                                                                                                                                                \n be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any
                                                                                                                                                \n Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The
                                                                                                                                                \nCommission on Elections shall exercise the following powers and functions:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                1. Enforce
                                                                                                                                                  \n and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an
                                                                                                                                                  \n election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                2. Exercise
                                                                                                                                                  \n exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the
                                                                                                                                                  \n elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective regional,
                                                                                                                                                  \n provincial, and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all
                                                                                                                                                  \n contests involving elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of
                                                                                                                                                  \n general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by
                                                                                                                                                  \n trial courts of limited jurisdiction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                  \nDecisions,
                                                                                                                                                  \nfinal orders, or rulings of the Commission on election contests involving
                                                                                                                                                  \nelective municipal and barangay offices shall be final, executory, and not
                                                                                                                                                  \nappealable.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                  1. Decide,
                                                                                                                                                    \n except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting
                                                                                                                                                    \n elections, including determination of the number and location of polling
                                                                                                                                                    \n places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration
                                                                                                                                                    \n of voters.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                  2. Deputize,
                                                                                                                                                    \n with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and
                                                                                                                                                    \n instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the
                                                                                                                                                    \n Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest,
                                                                                                                                                    \n peaceful, and credible elections.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                  3. Register,
                                                                                                                                                    \n after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations, or
                                                                                                                                                    \n coalitions which, in addition to other requirements, must present their
                                                                                                                                                    \n platform or program of government; and accredit citizens’ arms of the
                                                                                                                                                    \n Commission on Elections. Religious denominations and sects shall not be
                                                                                                                                                    \n registered. Those which seek to achieve their goals through violence or
                                                                                                                                                    \n unlawful means, or refuse to uphold and adhere to this Constitution, or
                                                                                                                                                    \n which are supported by any foreign government shall likewise be refused
                                                                                                                                                    \n registration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                    \nFinancial
                                                                                                                                                    \ncontributions from foreign governments and their agencies to political parties,
                                                                                                                                                    \norganizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections, constitute
                                                                                                                                                    \ninterference in national affairs, and, when accepted, shall be an additional
                                                                                                                                                    \nground for the cancellation of their registration with the Commission, in
                                                                                                                                                    \naddition to other penalties that may be prescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                    1. File,
                                                                                                                                                      \n upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions in court
                                                                                                                                                      \n for inclusion or exclusion of voters; investigate and, where appropriate,
                                                                                                                                                      \n prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or
                                                                                                                                                      \n omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and malpractices.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                    2. Recommend
                                                                                                                                                      \n to the Congress effective measures to minimize election spending,
                                                                                                                                                      \n including limitation of places where propaganda materials shall be posted,
                                                                                                                                                      \n and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses,
                                                                                                                                                      \n malpractices, and nuisance candidacies.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                    3. Recommend
                                                                                                                                                      \n to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized,
                                                                                                                                                      \n or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or
                                                                                                                                                      \n disregard of, or disobedience to, its directive, order, or decision.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                    4. Submit
                                                                                                                                                      \n to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive report on the conduct
                                                                                                                                                      \n of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n3.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                      \nCommission on Elections may sit en banc or in two divisions, and shall
                                                                                                                                                      \npromulgate its rules of procedure in order to expedite disposition of election
                                                                                                                                                      \ncases, including pre- proclamation controversies. All such election cases shall
                                                                                                                                                      \nbe heard and decided in division, provided that motions for reconsideration of
                                                                                                                                                      \ndecisions shall be decided by the Commission en banc.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                      \nCommission may, during the election period, supervise or regulate the enjoyment
                                                                                                                                                      \nor utilization of all franchises or permits for the operation of transportation
                                                                                                                                                      \nand other public utilities, media of communication or information, all grants,
                                                                                                                                                      \nspecial privileges, or concessions granted by the Government or any
                                                                                                                                                      \nsubdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned
                                                                                                                                                      \nor controlled corporation or its subsidiary. Such supervision or regulation
                                                                                                                                                      \nshall aim to ensure equal opportunity, time, and space ,and the right to reply,
                                                                                                                                                      \nincluding reasonable, equal rates therefor, for public information campaigns
                                                                                                                                                      \nand forums among candidates in connection with the objective of holding free,
                                                                                                                                                      \norderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n5.<\/span><\/b> No pardon,
                                                                                                                                                      \namnesty, parole, or suspension of sentence for violation of election laws,
                                                                                                                                                      \nrules, and regulations shall be granted by the President without the favorable
                                                                                                                                                      \nrecommendation of the Commission.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n6.<\/span><\/b> A free and
                                                                                                                                                      \nopen party system shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of
                                                                                                                                                      \nthe people, subject to the provisions of this Article.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n7.<\/span><\/b> No votes cast
                                                                                                                                                      \nin favor of a political party, organization, or coalition shall be valid,
                                                                                                                                                      \nexcept for those registered under the party-list system as provided in this
                                                                                                                                                      \nConstitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n8.<\/span><\/b> Political
                                                                                                                                                      \nparties, or organizations or coalitions registered under the party-list system,
                                                                                                                                                      \nshall not be represented in the voters’ registration boards, boards of election
                                                                                                                                                      \ninspectors, boards of canvassers, or other similar bodies. However, they shall
                                                                                                                                                      \nbe entitled to appoint poll watchers in accordance with law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n9.<\/span><\/b> Unless
                                                                                                                                                      \notherwise fixed by the Commission in special cases, the election period shall
                                                                                                                                                      \ncommence ninety days before the day of election and shall end thirty days
                                                                                                                                                      \nthereafter.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n10.<\/span><\/b> Bona fide
                                                                                                                                                      \ncandidates for any public office shall be free from any form of harassment and
                                                                                                                                                      \ndiscrimination.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n11.<\/span><\/b> Funds
                                                                                                                                                      \ncertified by the Commission as necessary to defray the expenses for holding
                                                                                                                                                      \nregular and special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and
                                                                                                                                                      \nrecalls, shall be provided in the regular or special appropriations and, once
                                                                                                                                                      \napproved, shall be released automatically upon certification by the Chairman of
                                                                                                                                                      \nthe Commission<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nD. THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                      1. There
                                                                                                                                                        \n shall be a Commission on Audit composed of a Chairman and two
                                                                                                                                                        \n Commissioners, who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and,
                                                                                                                                                        \n at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age,
                                                                                                                                                        \n Certified Public Accountants with not less than ten years of auditing
                                                                                                                                                        \n experience, or members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the
                                                                                                                                                        \n practice of law for at least ten years, and must not have been candidates
                                                                                                                                                        \n for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their
                                                                                                                                                        \n appointment. At no time shall all Members of the Commission belong to the
                                                                                                                                                        \n same profession.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                      2. The
                                                                                                                                                        \n Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with
                                                                                                                                                        \n the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years
                                                                                                                                                        \n without reappointment. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold
                                                                                                                                                        \n office for seven years, one Commissioner for five years, and the other
                                                                                                                                                        \n Commissioner for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any
                                                                                                                                                        \n vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the
                                                                                                                                                        \n predecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a
                                                                                                                                                        \n temporary or acting capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                                        \n2.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                        1. The
                                                                                                                                                          \n Commission on Audit shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine,
                                                                                                                                                          \n audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of,
                                                                                                                                                          \n and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by,
                                                                                                                                                          \n or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or
                                                                                                                                                          \n instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations
                                                                                                                                                          \n with original charters, and on a post- audit basis:<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                          1. constitutional
                                                                                                                                                            \n bodies, commissions and offices that have been granted fiscal autonomy
                                                                                                                                                            \n under this Constitution;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                          2. autonomous
                                                                                                                                                            \n state colleges and universities;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                          3. other
                                                                                                                                                            \n government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                          4. such
                                                                                                                                                            \n non-governmental entities receiving subsidy or equity, directly or
                                                                                                                                                            \n indirectly, from or through the Government, which are required by law or
                                                                                                                                                            \n the granting institution to submit to such audit as a condition of
                                                                                                                                                            \n subsidy or equity. However, where the internal control system of the
                                                                                                                                                            \n audited agencies is inadequate, the Commission may adopt such measures,
                                                                                                                                                            \n including temporary or special pre-audit, as are necessary and appropriate
                                                                                                                                                            \n to correct the deficiencies. It shall keep the general accounts of the
                                                                                                                                                            \n Government and, for such period as may be provided by law, preserve the
                                                                                                                                                            \n vouchers and other supporting papers pertaining thereto.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                          5. The
                                                                                                                                                            \n Commission shall have exclusive authority, subject to the limitations in
                                                                                                                                                            \n this Article, to define the scope of its audit and examination, establish
                                                                                                                                                            \n the techniques and methods required therefor, and promulgate accounting
                                                                                                                                                            \n and auditing rules and regulations, including those for the prevention and
                                                                                                                                                            \n disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or
                                                                                                                                                            \n unconscionable expenditures or uses of government funds and properties.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n3.<\/span><\/b> No law shall
                                                                                                                                                            \nbe passed exempting any entity of the Government or its subsidiaries in any
                                                                                                                                                            \nguise whatever, or any investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the
                                                                                                                                                            \nCommission on Audit.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n4.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nCommission shall submit to the President and the Congress, within the time
                                                                                                                                                            \nfixed by law, an annual report covering the financial condition and operation
                                                                                                                                                            \nof the Government, its subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, including
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernment-owned or controlled corporations, and non-governmental entities
                                                                                                                                                            \nsubject to its audit, and recommend measures necessary to improve their
                                                                                                                                                            \neffectiveness and efficiency. It shall submit such other reports as may be
                                                                                                                                                            \nrequired by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nARTICLE X
                                                                                                                                                            \nLOCAL GOVERNMENT<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nGENERAL
                                                                                                                                                            \nPROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n1.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nterritorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines are
                                                                                                                                                            \nthe provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. There shall be autonomous
                                                                                                                                                            \nregions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras as hereinafter provided.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n2.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nterritorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy local autonomy.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                            \nshall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more responsive
                                                                                                                                                            \nand accountable local government structure instituted through a system of
                                                                                                                                                            \ndecentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and
                                                                                                                                                            \nreferendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers,
                                                                                                                                                            \nresponsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election,
                                                                                                                                                            \nappointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of
                                                                                                                                                            \nlocal officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and
                                                                                                                                                            \noperation of the local units.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n4.<\/span><\/b> The President
                                                                                                                                                            \nof the Philippines shall exercise general supervision over local governments.
                                                                                                                                                            \nProvinces with respect to component cities and municipalities, and cities and
                                                                                                                                                            \nmunicipalities with respect to component barangays, shall ensure that the acts
                                                                                                                                                            \nof their component units are within the scope of their prescribed powers and
                                                                                                                                                            \nfunctions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n5.<\/span><\/b> Each local
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernment unit shall have the power to create its own sources of revenues and
                                                                                                                                                            \nto levy taxes, fees and charges subject to such guidelines and limitations as
                                                                                                                                                            \nthe Congress may provide, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy.
                                                                                                                                                            \nSuch taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n6.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernment units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national
                                                                                                                                                            \ntaxes which shall be automatically released to them.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n7.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernments shall be entitled to an equitable share in the proceeds of the
                                                                                                                                                            \nutilization and development of the national wealth within their respective
                                                                                                                                                            \nareas, in the manner provided by law, including sharing the same with the
                                                                                                                                                            \ninhabitants by way of direct benefits.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n8.<\/span><\/b> The term of
                                                                                                                                                            \noffice of elective local officials, except barangay officials, which shall be
                                                                                                                                                            \ndetermined by law, shall be three years and no such official shall serve for
                                                                                                                                                            \nmore than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any
                                                                                                                                                            \nlength of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of
                                                                                                                                                            \nhis service for the full term for which he was elected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n9.<\/span><\/b> Legislative
                                                                                                                                                            \nbodies of local governments shall have sectoral representation as may be
                                                                                                                                                            \nprescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n10.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                                                                                                            \nprovince, city, municipality, or barangay may be created, divided, merged,
                                                                                                                                                            \nabolished, or its boundary substantially altered, except in accordance with the
                                                                                                                                                            \ncriteria established in the local government code and subject to approval by a
                                                                                                                                                            \nmajority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly
                                                                                                                                                            \naffected.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nCongress may, by law, create special metropolitan political subdivisions,
                                                                                                                                                            \nsubject to a plebiscite as set forth in Section 10 hereof. The component cities
                                                                                                                                                            \nand municipalities shall retain their basic autonomy and shall be entitled to
                                                                                                                                                            \ntheir own local executive and legislative assemblies. The jurisdiction of the
                                                                                                                                                            \nmetropolitan authority that will thereby be created shall be limited to basic
                                                                                                                                                            \nservices requiring coordination.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n12.<\/span><\/b> Cities
                                                                                                                                                            \nthat are highly urbanized, as determined by law, and component cities whose
                                                                                                                                                            \ncharters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective officials,
                                                                                                                                                            \nshall be independent of the province. The voters of component cities within a
                                                                                                                                                            \nprovince, whose charters contain no such prohibition, shall not be deprived of
                                                                                                                                                            \ntheir right to vote for elective provincial officials.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n13.<\/span><\/b> Local
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernment units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts,
                                                                                                                                                            \nservices, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them in accordance
                                                                                                                                                            \nwith law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nPresident shall provide for regional development councils or other similar
                                                                                                                                                            \nbodies composed of local government officials, regional heads of departments
                                                                                                                                                            \nand other government offices, and representatives from non-governmental
                                                                                                                                                            \norganizations within the regions for purposes of administrative
                                                                                                                                                            \ndecentralization to strengthen the autonomy of the units therein and to accelerate
                                                                                                                                                            \nthe economic and social growth and development of the units in the region.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nAUTONOMOUS REGIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n15.<\/span><\/b> There
                                                                                                                                                            \nshall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras
                                                                                                                                                            \nconsisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing
                                                                                                                                                            \ncommon and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social
                                                                                                                                                            \nstructures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this
                                                                                                                                                            \nConstitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of
                                                                                                                                                            \nthe Republic of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nPresident shall exercise general supervision over autonomous regions to ensure
                                                                                                                                                            \nthat laws are faithfully executed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n17.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                                                                            \npowers, functions, and responsibilities not granted by this Constitution or by
                                                                                                                                                            \nlaw to the autonomous regions shall be vested in the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nCongress shall enact an organic act for each autonomous region with the
                                                                                                                                                            \nassistance and participation of the regional consultative commission composed
                                                                                                                                                            \nof representatives appointed by the President from a list of nominees from
                                                                                                                                                            \nmulti-sectoral bodies. The organic act shall define the basic structure of
                                                                                                                                                            \ngovernment for the region consisting of the executive department and
                                                                                                                                                            \nlegislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the
                                                                                                                                                            \nconstituent political units. The organic acts shall likewise provide for
                                                                                                                                                            \nspecial courts with personal, family, and property law jurisdiction consistent
                                                                                                                                                            \nwith the provisions of this Constitution and national laws.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nThe
                                                                                                                                                            \ncreation of the autonomous region shall be effective when approved by majority
                                                                                                                                                            \nof the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite called for the
                                                                                                                                                            \npurpose, provided that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting
                                                                                                                                                            \nfavorably in such plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                            \nfirst Congress elected under this Constitution shall, within eighteen months
                                                                                                                                                            \nfrom the time of organization of both Houses, pass the organic acts for the
                                                                                                                                                            \nautonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                            \n20.<\/span><\/b> Within
                                                                                                                                                            \nits territorial jurisdiction and subject to the provisions of this Constitution
                                                                                                                                                            \nand national laws, the organic act of autonomous regions shall provide for
                                                                                                                                                            \nlegislative powers over: <\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                            1. Administrative
                                                                                                                                                              \n organization;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            2. Creation
                                                                                                                                                              \n of sources of revenues;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            3. Ancestral
                                                                                                                                                              \n domain and natural resources;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            4. Personal,
                                                                                                                                                              \n family, and property relations;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            5. Regional
                                                                                                                                                              \n urban and rural planning development;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            6. Economic,
                                                                                                                                                              \n social, and tourism development;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            7. Educational
                                                                                                                                                              \n policies;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            8. Preservation
                                                                                                                                                              \n and development of the cultural heritage; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            9. Such
                                                                                                                                                              \n other matters as may be authorized by law for the promotion of the general
                                                                                                                                                              \n welfare of the people of the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                                              \n21.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                              \npreservation of peace and order within the regions shall be the responsibility
                                                                                                                                                              \nof the local police agencies which shall be organized, maintained, supervised,
                                                                                                                                                              \nand utilized in accordance with applicable laws. The defense and security of
                                                                                                                                                              \nthe regions shall be the responsibility of the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \nARTICLE XI
                                                                                                                                                              \nACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                                              \n1.<\/span><\/b> Public office
                                                                                                                                                              \nis a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be
                                                                                                                                                              \naccountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity,
                                                                                                                                                              \nloyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest
                                                                                                                                                              \nlives.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                                              \n2.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                              \nPresident, the Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of
                                                                                                                                                              \nthe Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office on
                                                                                                                                                              \nimpeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution,
                                                                                                                                                              \ntreason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of
                                                                                                                                                              \npublic trust. All other public officers and employees may be removed from
                                                                                                                                                              \noffice as provided by law, but not by impeachment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                              \nSection
                                                                                                                                                              \n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                              1. The
                                                                                                                                                                \n House of Representatives shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases
                                                                                                                                                                \n of impeachment.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              2. A
                                                                                                                                                                \n verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any Member of the House
                                                                                                                                                                \n of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution or endorsement by
                                                                                                                                                                \n any Member thereof, which shall be included in the Order of Business
                                                                                                                                                                \n within ten session days, and referred to the proper Committee within three
                                                                                                                                                                \n session days thereafter. The Committee, after hearing, and by a majority
                                                                                                                                                                \n vote of all its Members, shall submit its report to the House within sixty
                                                                                                                                                                \n session days from such referral, together with the corresponding
                                                                                                                                                                \n resolution. The resolution shall be calendared for consideration by the
                                                                                                                                                                \n House within ten session days from receipt thereof.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              3. A
                                                                                                                                                                \n vote of at least one-third of all the Members of the House shall be
                                                                                                                                                                \n necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of
                                                                                                                                                                \n Impeachment of the Committee, or override its contrary resolution. The
                                                                                                                                                                \n vote of each Member shall be recorded.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              4. In
                                                                                                                                                                \n case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at
                                                                                                                                                                \n least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute
                                                                                                                                                                \n the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith
                                                                                                                                                                \n proceed.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              5. No
                                                                                                                                                                \n impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more
                                                                                                                                                                \n than once within a period of one year.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              6. The
                                                                                                                                                                \n Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of
                                                                                                                                                                \n impeachment. When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be on oath
                                                                                                                                                                \n or affirmation. When the President of the Philippines is on trial, the
                                                                                                                                                                \n Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside, but shall not vote. No person
                                                                                                                                                                \n shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the
                                                                                                                                                                \n Members of the Senate.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              7. Judgment
                                                                                                                                                                \n in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than removal from office
                                                                                                                                                                \n and disqualification to hold any office under the Republic of the
                                                                                                                                                                \n Philippines, but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and
                                                                                                                                                                \n subject to prosecution, trial, and punishment, according to law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              8. The
                                                                                                                                                                \n Congress shall promulgate its rules on impeachment to effectively carry
                                                                                                                                                                \n out the purpose of this section.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n4.<\/span><\/b> The present anti-graft
                                                                                                                                                                \ncourt known as the Sandiganbayan shall continue to function and exercise its
                                                                                                                                                                \njurisdiction as now or hereafter may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n5.<\/span><\/b> There is
                                                                                                                                                                \nhereby created the independent Office of the Ombudsman, composed of the
                                                                                                                                                                \nOmbudsman to be known as Tanodbayan, one overall Deputy and at least one Deputy
                                                                                                                                                                \neach for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A separate Deputy for the military
                                                                                                                                                                \nestablishment may likewise be appointed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n6.<\/span><\/b> The officials
                                                                                                                                                                \nand employees of the Office of the Ombudsman, other than the Deputies, shall be
                                                                                                                                                                \nappointed by the Ombudsman, according to the Civil Service Law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n7.<\/span><\/b> The existing
                                                                                                                                                                \nTanodbayan shall hereafter be known as the Office of the Special Prosecutor. It
                                                                                                                                                                \nshall continue to function and exercise its powers as now or hereafter may be
                                                                                                                                                                \nprovided by law, except those conferred on the Office of the Ombudsman created
                                                                                                                                                                \nunder this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n8.<\/span><\/b> The Ombudsman
                                                                                                                                                                \nand his Deputies shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, and at the
                                                                                                                                                                \ntime of their appointment, at least forty years old, of recognized probity and
                                                                                                                                                                \nindependence, and members of the Philippine Bar, and must not have been
                                                                                                                                                                \ncandidates for any elective office in the immediately preceding election. The
                                                                                                                                                                \nOmbudsman must have, for ten years or more, been a judge or engaged in the
                                                                                                                                                                \npractice of law in the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nDuring
                                                                                                                                                                \ntheir tenure, they shall be subject to the same disqualifications and
                                                                                                                                                                \nprohibitions as provided for in Section 2 of Article 1X-A of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Ombudsman
                                                                                                                                                                \nand his Deputies shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least
                                                                                                                                                                \nsix nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, and from a list of three
                                                                                                                                                                \nnominees for every vacancy thereafter. Such appointments shall require no
                                                                                                                                                                \nconfirmation. All vacancies shall be filled within three months after they
                                                                                                                                                                \noccur.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies shall have the rank of Chairman and Members,
                                                                                                                                                                \nrespectively, of the Constitutional Commissions, and they shall receive the
                                                                                                                                                                \nsame salary which shall not be decreased during their term of office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies shall serve for a term of seven years without
                                                                                                                                                                \nreappointment. They shall not be qualified to run for any office in the
                                                                                                                                                                \nelection immediately succeeding their cessation from office.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                \nOmbudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act promptly on
                                                                                                                                                                \ncomplaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or employees of
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof,
                                                                                                                                                                \nincluding government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in
                                                                                                                                                                \nappropriate cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the result
                                                                                                                                                                \nthereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                \nOffice of the Ombudsman shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                1. Investigate
                                                                                                                                                                  \n on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any
                                                                                                                                                                  \n public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission
                                                                                                                                                                  \n appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                2. Direct,
                                                                                                                                                                  \n upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of
                                                                                                                                                                  \n the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as
                                                                                                                                                                  \n well as of any government-owned or controlled corporation with original
                                                                                                                                                                  \n charter, to perform and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to
                                                                                                                                                                  \n stop, prevent, and correct any abuse or impropriety in the performance of
                                                                                                                                                                  \n duties.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                3. Direct
                                                                                                                                                                  \n the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official
                                                                                                                                                                  \n or employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion,
                                                                                                                                                                  \n fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                4. Direct
                                                                                                                                                                  \n the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such
                                                                                                                                                                  \n limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of
                                                                                                                                                                  \n documents relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office
                                                                                                                                                                  \n involving the disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \n report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit for appropriate action.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                5. Request
                                                                                                                                                                  \n any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the
                                                                                                                                                                  \n discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent
                                                                                                                                                                  \n records and documents.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                6. Publicize
                                                                                                                                                                  \n matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and
                                                                                                                                                                  \n with due prudence.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                7. Determine
                                                                                                                                                                  \n the causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and corruption
                                                                                                                                                                  \n in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and the
                                                                                                                                                                  \n observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                8. Promulgate
                                                                                                                                                                  \n its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such
                                                                                                                                                                  \n functions or duties as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nOffice of the Ombudsman shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Its approved annual
                                                                                                                                                                  \nappropriations shall be automatically and regularly released.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nright of the State to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public
                                                                                                                                                                  \nofficials or employees, from them or from their nominees or transferees, shall
                                                                                                                                                                  \nnot be barred by prescription, laches, or estoppel.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                                                                                                                  \nloan, guaranty, or other form of financial accommodation for any business
                                                                                                                                                                  \npurpose may be granted, directly or indirectly, by any government-owned or
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontrolled bank or financial institution to the President, the Vice-President,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Members of the Cabinet, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitutional Commissions, the Ombudsman, or to any firm or entity in which
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthey have controlling interest, during their tenure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> A
                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic officer or employee shall, upon assumption of office and as often
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his
                                                                                                                                                                  \nassets, liabilities, and net worth. In the case of the President, the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nVice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, the Congress, the Supreme Court,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Constitutional Commissions and other constitutional offices, and officers
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof the armed forces with general or flag rank, the declaration shall be
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndisclosed to the public in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> Public
                                                                                                                                                                  \nofficers and employees owe the State and this Constitution allegiance at all
                                                                                                                                                                  \ntimes and any public officer or employee who seeks to change his citizenship or
                                                                                                                                                                  \nacquire the status of an immigrant of another country during his tenure shall
                                                                                                                                                                  \nbe dealt with by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nARTICLE XII
                                                                                                                                                                  \nNATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The goals of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nincome, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services
                                                                                                                                                                  \nproduced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding
                                                                                                                                                                  \nproductivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nunderprivileged.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound
                                                                                                                                                                  \nagricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are competitive in
                                                                                                                                                                  \nboth domestic and foreign markets. However, the State shall protect Filipino
                                                                                                                                                                  \nenterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nIn
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all region s of the
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncountry shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private enterprises,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nincluding corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> All lands of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nall forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State. With the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nexception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be
                                                                                                                                                                  \nalienated. The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall be under the full control and supervision of the State. The State may
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndirectly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production, joint
                                                                                                                                                                  \nventure, or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens, or
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncorporations or associations at least 60 per centum of whose capital is owned by
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch citizens. Such agreements may be for a period not exceeding twenty-five
                                                                                                                                                                  \nyears, renewable for not more than twenty-five years, and under such terms and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconditions as may provided by law. In cases of water rights for irrigation,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nwater supply, fisheries, or industrial uses other than the development of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nwaterpower, beneficial use may be the measure and limit of the grant.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall protect the nations marine wealth in its archipelagic waters,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nterritorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment
                                                                                                                                                                  \nexclusively to Filipino citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress may, by law, allow small-scale utilization of natural resources by
                                                                                                                                                                  \nFilipino citizens, as well as cooperative fish farming, with priority to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubsistence fishermen and fish workers in rivers, lakes, bays, and lagoons.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident may enter into agreements with foreign-owned corporations involving
                                                                                                                                                                  \neither technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndevelopment, and utilization of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils
                                                                                                                                                                  \naccording to the general terms and conditions provided by law, based on real
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontributions to the economic growth and general welfare of the country. In
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch agreements, the State shall promote the development and use of local
                                                                                                                                                                  \nscientific and technical resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident shall notify the Congress of every contract entered into in
                                                                                                                                                                  \naccordance with this provision, within thirty days from its execution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> Lands of the
                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic domain are classified into agricultural, forest or timber, mineral lands
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand national parks. Agricultural lands of the public domain may be further
                                                                                                                                                                  \nclassified by law according to the uses to which they may be devoted. Alienable
                                                                                                                                                                  \nlands of the public domain shall be limited to agricultural lands. Private
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncorporations or associations may not hold such alienable lands of the public
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndomain except by lease, for a period not exceeding twenty-five years, renewable
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfor not more than twenty-five years, and not to exceed one thousand hectares in
                                                                                                                                                                  \narea. Citizens of the Philippines may lease not more than five hundred
                                                                                                                                                                  \nhectares, or acquire not more than twelve hectares thereof, by purchase,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nhomestead, or grant.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nTaking
                                                                                                                                                                  \ninto account the requirements of conservation, ecology, and development, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubject to the requirements of agrarian reform, the Congress shall determine,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nby law, the size of lands of the public domain which may be acquired,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndeveloped, held, or leased and the conditions therefor.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall, as soon as possible, determine, by law, the specific limits of forest lands
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand national parks, marking clearly their boundaries on the ground. Thereafter,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch forest lands and national parks shall be conserved and may not be
                                                                                                                                                                  \nincreased nor diminished, except by law. The Congress shall provide for such
                                                                                                                                                                  \nperiod as it may determine, measures to prohibit logging in endangered forests
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand watershed areas.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The State,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubject to the provisions of this Constitution and national development
                                                                                                                                                                  \npolicies and programs, shall protect the rights of indigenous cultural
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncommunities to their ancestral lands to ensure their economic, social, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncultural well-being.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress may provide for the applicability of customary laws governing property
                                                                                                                                                                  \nrights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndomain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The use of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nproperty bears a social function, and all economic agents shall contribute to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe common good. Individuals and private groups, including corporations,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall have the right to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nown, establish, and operate economic enterprises, subject to the duty of the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState to promote distributive justice and to intervene when the common good so
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndemands.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> Save in cases
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof hereditary succession, no private lands shall be transferred or conveyed
                                                                                                                                                                  \nexcept to individuals, corporations, or associations qualified to acquire or
                                                                                                                                                                  \nhold lands of the public domain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> Notwithstanding
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe provisions of Section 7 of this Article, a natural-born citizen of the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nPhilippines who has lost his Philippine citizenship may be a transferee of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprivate lands, subject to limitations provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                  \nmay establish an independent economic and planning agency headed by the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident, which shall, after consultations with the appropriate public
                                                                                                                                                                  \nagencies, various private sectors, and local government units, recommend to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress, and implement continuing integrated and coordinated programs and
                                                                                                                                                                  \npolicies for national development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nUntil
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Congress provides otherwise, the National Economic and Development Authority
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall function as the independent planning agency of the government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall, upon recommendation of the economic and planning agency, when
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe national interest dictates, reserve to citizens of the Philippines or to
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncorporations or associations at least sixty per centum of whose capital is
                                                                                                                                                                  \nowned by such citizens, or such higher percentage as Congress may prescribe,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncertain areas of investments. The Congress shall enact measures that will
                                                                                                                                                                  \nencourage the formation and operation of enterprises whose capital is wholly
                                                                                                                                                                  \nowned by Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nIn
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering the national economy
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand patrimony, the State shall give preference to qualified Filipinos.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall regulate and exercise authority over foreign investments within its
                                                                                                                                                                  \nnational jurisdiction and in accordance with its national goals and priorities.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> No
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfranchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of
                                                                                                                                                                  \na public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncorporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at
                                                                                                                                                                  \nleast sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens; nor shall
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch franchise, certificate, or authorization be exclusive in character or for
                                                                                                                                                                  \na longer period than fifty years. Neither shall any such franchise or right be
                                                                                                                                                                  \ngranted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nalteration, or repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires. The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall encourage equity participation in public utilities by the general
                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any
                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncapital, and all the executive and managing officers of such corporation or
                                                                                                                                                                  \nassociation must be citizens of the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b><\/a> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them competitive.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and utilizes
                                                                                                                                                                  \nall forms and arrangements of exchange on the basis of equality and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nreciprocity.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsustained development of a reservoir of national talents consisting of Filipino
                                                                                                                                                                  \nscientists, entrepreneurs, professionals, managers, high-level technical
                                                                                                                                                                  \nmanpower and skilled workers and craftsmen in all fields shall be promoted by
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe State. The State shall encourage appropriate technology and regulate its transfer
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfor the national benefit. The practice of all professions in the Philippines
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall be limited to Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall create an agency to promote the viability and growth of
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncooperatives as instruments for social justice and economic development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall not, except by general law, provide for the formation,
                                                                                                                                                                  \norganization, or regulation of private corporations. Government-owned or
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontrolled corporations may be created or established by special charters in
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe interest of the common good and subject to the test of economic viability.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/a> In
                                                                                                                                                                  \ntimes of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nmay, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ntemporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately-owned public
                                                                                                                                                                  \nutility or business affected with public interest.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState may, in the interest of national welfare or defense, establish and
                                                                                                                                                                  \noperate vital industries and, upon payment of just compensation, transfer to
                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic ownership utilities and other private enterprises to be operated by the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nGovernment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so
                                                                                                                                                                  \nrequires. No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be
                                                                                                                                                                  \nallowed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall establish an independent central monetary authority, the members
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof whose governing board must be natural-born Filipino citizens, of known
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprobity, integrity, and patriotism, the majority of whom shall come from the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprivate sector. They shall also be subject to such other qualifications and
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndisabilities as may be prescribed by law. The authority shall provide policy
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndirection in the areas of money, banking, and credit. It shall have supervision
                                                                                                                                                                  \nover the operations of banks and exercise such regulatory powers as may be
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprovided by law over the operations of finance companies and other institutions
                                                                                                                                                                  \nperforming similar functions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nUntil
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Congress otherwise provides, the Central Bank of the Philippines operating
                                                                                                                                                                  \nunder existing laws, shall function as the central monetary authority.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b> Foreign
                                                                                                                                                                  \nloans may only be incurred in accordance with law and the regulation of the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nmonetary authority. Information on foreign loans obtained or guaranteed by the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nGovernment shall be made available to the public.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b> Acts
                                                                                                                                                                  \nwhich circumvent or negate any of the provisions of this Article shall be
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconsidered inimical to the national interest and subject to criminal and civil
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsanctions, as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nARTICLE XIII
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nenhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndiffusing wealth and political power for the common good.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nTo
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthis end, the State shall regulate the acquisition, ownership, use, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndisposition of property and its increments.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The promotion
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof social justice shall include the commitment to create economic opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                  \nbased on freedom of initiative and self-reliance.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nLABOR<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nunorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment
                                                                                                                                                                  \nopportunities for all.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nIt
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective
                                                                                                                                                                  \nbargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nright to strike in accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of
                                                                                                                                                                  \ntenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also
                                                                                                                                                                  \nparticipate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nbenefits as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nemployers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nincluding conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfoster industrial peace.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, recognizing
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the right
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof enterprises to reasonable returns to investments, and to expansion and
                                                                                                                                                                  \ngrowth.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nAGRARIAN AND NATURAL RESOURCES
                                                                                                                                                                  \nREFORM<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfarmers and regular farmworkers who are landless, to own directly or
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncollectively the lands they till or, in the case of other farmworkers, to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nreceive a just share of the fruits thereof. To this end, the State shall
                                                                                                                                                                  \nencourage and undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits as the Congress may
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprescribe, taking into account ecological, developmental, or equity
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconsiderations, and subject to the payment of just compensation. In determining
                                                                                                                                                                  \nretention limits, the State shall respect the right of small landowners. The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall further provide incentives for voluntary land-sharing.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall recognize the right of farmers, farmworkers, and landowners, as well as
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncooperatives, and other independent farmers’ organizations to participate in
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe planning, organization, and management of the program, and shall provide
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsupport to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nadequate financial, production, marketing, and other support services.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall apply the principles of agrarian reform or stewardship, whenever
                                                                                                                                                                  \napplicable in accordance with law, in the disposition or utilization of other
                                                                                                                                                                  \nnatural resources, including lands of the public domain under lease or
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconcession suitable to agriculture, subject to prior rights, homestead rights
                                                                                                                                                                  \nof small settlers, and the rights of indigenous communities to their ancestral
                                                                                                                                                                  \nlands. The State may resettle landless farmers and farmworkers in its own
                                                                                                                                                                  \nagricultural estates which shall be distributed to them in the manner provided
                                                                                                                                                                  \nby law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local
                                                                                                                                                                  \ncommunities, to the preferential use of the communal marine and fishing
                                                                                                                                                                  \nresources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide support to such fishermen
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthrough appropriate technology and research, adequate financial, production,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand marketing assistance, and other services. The State shall also protect,
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndevelop, and conserve such resources. The protection shall extend to offshore
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfishing grounds of subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion. Fishworkers
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall receive a just share from their labor in the utilization of marine and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nfishing resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall provide incentives to landowners to invest the proceeds of the agrarian
                                                                                                                                                                  \nreform program to promote industrialization, employment creation, and
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprivatization of public sector enterprises. Financial instruments used as
                                                                                                                                                                  \npayment for their lands shall be honored as equity in enterprises of their
                                                                                                                                                                  \nchoice.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nURBAN LAND REFORM AND HOUSING<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the
                                                                                                                                                                  \nprivate sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing which
                                                                                                                                                                  \nwill make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to
                                                                                                                                                                  \nunder-privileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas.
                                                                                                                                                                  \nIt shall also promote adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. In
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of small
                                                                                                                                                                  \nproperty owners.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> Urban
                                                                                                                                                                  \nor rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nexcept in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nNo
                                                                                                                                                                  \nresettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without adequate
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconsultation with them and the communities where they are to be relocated.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nHEALTH<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
                                                                                                                                                                  \ndevelopment which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other
                                                                                                                                                                  \nsocial services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be
                                                                                                                                                                  \npriority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nresponsive to the country’s health needs and problems.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall establish a special agency for disabled person for their
                                                                                                                                                                  \nrehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance, and their integration into
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe mainstream of society.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nWOMEN<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working
                                                                                                                                                                  \nconditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and such facilities
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize
                                                                                                                                                                  \ntheir full potential in the service of the nation.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nROLE AND RIGHTS OF PEOPLE’S
                                                                                                                                                                  \nORGANIZATIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall respect the role of independent people’s organizations to enable
                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe people to pursue and protect, within the democratic framework, their
                                                                                                                                                                  \nlegitimate and collective interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful
                                                                                                                                                                  \nmeans.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nPeople’s
                                                                                                                                                                  \norganizations are bona fide associations of citizens with demonstrated capacity
                                                                                                                                                                  \nto promote the public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership,
                                                                                                                                                                  \nand structure.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                  \nright of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable
                                                                                                                                                                  \nparticipation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making
                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall not be abridged. The State shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of
                                                                                                                                                                  \nadequate consultation mechanisms.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nHUMAN RIGHTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                  1. There
                                                                                                                                                                    \n is hereby created an independent office called the Commission on Human
                                                                                                                                                                    \n Rights.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  2. The
                                                                                                                                                                    \n Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and four Members who must be natural-born
                                                                                                                                                                    \n citizens of the Philippines and a majority of whom shall be members of the
                                                                                                                                                                    \n Bar. The term of office and other qualifications and disabilities of the
                                                                                                                                                                    \n Members of the Commission shall be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  3. Until
                                                                                                                                                                    \n this Commission is constituted, the existing Presidential Committee on
                                                                                                                                                                    \n Human Rights shall continue to exercise its present functions and powers.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                  4. The
                                                                                                                                                                    \n approved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be automatically
                                                                                                                                                                    \n and regularly released.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                    \n18.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                    \nCommission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                    1. Investigate,
                                                                                                                                                                      \n on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights
                                                                                                                                                                      \n violations involving civil and political rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Adopt
                                                                                                                                                                      \n its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt
                                                                                                                                                                      \n for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    3. Provide
                                                                                                                                                                      \n appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all
                                                                                                                                                                      \n persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and
                                                                                                                                                                      \n provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the
                                                                                                                                                                      \n under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    4. Exercise
                                                                                                                                                                      \n visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    5. Establish
                                                                                                                                                                      \n a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance
                                                                                                                                                                      \n respect for the primacy of human rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    6. Recommend
                                                                                                                                                                      \n to Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for
                                                                                                                                                                      \n compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    7. Monitor
                                                                                                                                                                      \n the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty
                                                                                                                                                                      \n obligations on human rights;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    8. Grant
                                                                                                                                                                      \n immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose
                                                                                                                                                                      \n possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to
                                                                                                                                                                      \n determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its
                                                                                                                                                                      \n authority;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    9. Request
                                                                                                                                                                      \n the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the
                                                                                                                                                                      \n performance of its functions;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    10. Appoint
                                                                                                                                                                      \n its officers and employees in accordance with law; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                    11. Perform
                                                                                                                                                                      \n such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                      \n19.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                      \nCongress may provide for other cases of violations of human rights that should
                                                                                                                                                                      \nfall within the authority of the Commission, taking into account its
                                                                                                                                                                      \nrecommendations.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \nARTICLE XIV
                                                                                                                                                                      \nEDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \nEDUCATION<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                      \nshall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all
                                                                                                                                                                      \nlevels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to
                                                                                                                                                                      \nall.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                      \n2.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                      \nshall:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Establish,
                                                                                                                                                                        \n maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of
                                                                                                                                                                        \n education relevant to the needs of the people and society;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      2. Establish
                                                                                                                                                                        \n and maintain, a system of free public education in the elementary and high
                                                                                                                                                                        \n school levels. Without limiting the natural rights of parents to rear
                                                                                                                                                                        \n their children, elementary education is compulsory for all children of
                                                                                                                                                                        \n school age;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      3. Establish
                                                                                                                                                                        \n and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs,
                                                                                                                                                                        \n subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving
                                                                                                                                                                        \n students in both public and private schools, especially to the
                                                                                                                                                                        \n under-privileged;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      4. Encourage
                                                                                                                                                                        \n non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as
                                                                                                                                                                        \n self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly
                                                                                                                                                                        \n those that respond to community needs; and<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                      5. Provide
                                                                                                                                                                        \n adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in
                                                                                                                                                                        \n civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                        \n3.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                        1. All
                                                                                                                                                                          \n educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as
                                                                                                                                                                          \n part of the curricula.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                        2. They
                                                                                                                                                                          \n shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity,
                                                                                                                                                                          \n respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in
                                                                                                                                                                          \n the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of
                                                                                                                                                                          \n citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
                                                                                                                                                                          \n character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative
                                                                                                                                                                          \n thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote
                                                                                                                                                                          \n vocational efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                        3. At
                                                                                                                                                                          \n the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion
                                                                                                                                                                          \n shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in public
                                                                                                                                                                          \n elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by instructors
                                                                                                                                                                          \n designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to
                                                                                                                                                                          \n which the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the
                                                                                                                                                                          \n Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                          1. The
                                                                                                                                                                            \n State recognizes the complementary roles of public and private
                                                                                                                                                                            \n institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable
                                                                                                                                                                            \n supervision and regulation of all educational institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                          2. Educational
                                                                                                                                                                            \n institutions, other than those established by religious groups and mission
                                                                                                                                                                            \n boards, shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or
                                                                                                                                                                            \n corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of the capital of
                                                                                                                                                                            \n which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, however, require
                                                                                                                                                                            \n increased Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions.
                                                                                                                                                                            \n The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested
                                                                                                                                                                            \n in citizens of the Philippines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \nNo
                                                                                                                                                                            \neducational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and no
                                                                                                                                                                            \ngroup of aliens shall comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any
                                                                                                                                                                            \nschool. The provisions of this sub section shall not apply to schools
                                                                                                                                                                            \nestablished for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and, unless
                                                                                                                                                                            \notherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                            1. All
                                                                                                                                                                              \n revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used
                                                                                                                                                                              \n actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be
                                                                                                                                                                              \n exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the dissolution or cessation of the
                                                                                                                                                                              \n corporate existence of such institutions, their assets shall be disposed
                                                                                                                                                                              \n of in the manner provided by law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \nProprietary
                                                                                                                                                                              \neducational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise be
                                                                                                                                                                              \nentitled to such exemptions, subject to the limitations provided by law,
                                                                                                                                                                              \nincluding restrictions on dividends and provisions for reinvestment.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                              1. Subject
                                                                                                                                                                                \n to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations, or
                                                                                                                                                                                \n contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational
                                                                                                                                                                                \n purposes shall be exempt from tax.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                1. the
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and conditions
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n and shall encourage local planning in the development of educational
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n policies and programs.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                2. Academic
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                3. Every
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject to
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n fair, reasonable, and equitable admission and academic requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                4. The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement.
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n Non-teaching academic and non-academic personnel shall enjoy the
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n protection of the State.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                5. The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n satisfaction and fulfillment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nLANGUAGE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The national
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nlanguage of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ndeveloped and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSubject
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nto provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nofficial communication and as language of instruction in the educational
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsystem.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> For purposes
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nof communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nFilipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nregional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSpanish
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> This
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ntranslated into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall establish a national language commission composed of representatives of
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nvarious regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nresearches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nother languages.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSCIENCE
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nAND TECHNOLOGY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> Science
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand technology are essential for national development and progress. The State
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ntheir utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nservices. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nproductive systems and national life.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, to encourage
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nprivate participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research.
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nScholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ndeserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists,
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand specially gifted citizens.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nall sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nparticipation of private groups, local governments, and community-based
                                                                                                                                                                                  \norganizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors,
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nartists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncreations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such period as may
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nbe provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nARTS AND CULTURE<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nFilipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nclimate of free artistic and intellectual expression.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> Arts
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve,
                                                                                                                                                                                  \npromote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources,
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nas well as artistic creations.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nits disposition.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nState shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncommunities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and
                                                                                                                                                                                  \ninstitutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nplans and policies.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                  1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships,
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n grants and other incentives, and community cultural centers, and other
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n public venues.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. The
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n State shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n culture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \nSPORTS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n19.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs,
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. All
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n sectors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nARTICLE XV
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nTHE FAMILY<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n1.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nrecognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nshall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n2.<\/span><\/b> Marriage, as
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nan inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nprotected by the State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                      \nshall defend:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. The
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n and other conditions prejudicial to their development;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                        \nright of the family to a family living wage and income; and<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n right of families or family associations to participate in the planning
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n and implementation of policies and programs that affect them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The family
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nhas the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nthrough just programs of social security.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nARTICLE XVI
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nGENERAL PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n1.<\/span><\/b> The flag of
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nthe Philippines shall be red, white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nconsecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nmay, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nseal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history,
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nand traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nratification by the people in a national referendum.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n3.<\/span><\/b> The State may
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nnot be sued without its consent.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n4.<\/span><\/b> The Armed
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nForces of the Philippines shall be composed of a citizen armed force which
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nshall undergo military training and serve as may be provided by law. It shall
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nkeep a regular force necessary for the security of the State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n5.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. All
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n members of the armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n and defend this Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. The
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n of the military, and respect for people’s rights in the performance of
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n their duty.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Professionalism
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n shall be a prime concern of the State. The armed forces shall be insulated
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n from partisan politics. No member of the military shall engage, directly
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to vote.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations or any
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n of their subsidiaries.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Laws
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of their
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n service.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          6. The
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n officers and men of the regular force of the armed forces shall be
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n recruited proportionately from all provinces and cities as far as
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n practicable.<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          7. The
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces shall not exceed
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n three years. However, in times of war or other national emergency declared
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n by the Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n6.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nshall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nand civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a national
                                                                                                                                                                                            \npolice commission. The authority of local executives over the police units in
                                                                                                                                                                                            \ntheir jurisdiction shall be provided by law.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n7.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nshall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nassistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nspouses and orphans. Funds shall be provided therefor and due consideration
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nshall be given them in the disposition of agricultural lands of the public
                                                                                                                                                                                            \ndomain and, in appropriate cases, in the utilization of natural resources.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n8.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nshall, from time to time, review to increase the pensions and other benefits
                                                                                                                                                                                            \ndue to retirees of both the government and the private sectors.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n9.<\/span><\/b> The State
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nshall protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nhazardous products.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n10.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nState shall provide the policy environment for the full development of Filipino
                                                                                                                                                                                            \ncapability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nand aspirations of the nation and the balanced flow of information into, out
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nof, and across the country, in accordance with a policy that respects the
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nfreedom of speech and of the press.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n11.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                              \n ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the
                                                                                                                                                                                              \n Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations,
                                                                                                                                                                                              \n wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCongress shall regulate or prohibit monopolies in commercial mass media when
                                                                                                                                                                                              \nthe public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or
                                                                                                                                                                                              \nunfair competition therein shall be allowed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n advertising industry is impressed with public interest, and shall be
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n regulated by law for the protection of consumers and the promotion of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n general welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nOnly
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nFilipino citizens or corporations or associations at least seventy per centum
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nof the capital of which is owned by such citizens shall be allowed to engage in
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nthe advertising industry.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nparticipation of foreign investors in the governing body of entities in such
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nindustry shall be limited to their proportionate share in the capital thereof,
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nand all the executive and managing officers of such entities must be citizens
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nof the Philippines.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nCongress may create a consultative body to advise the President on policies
                                                                                                                                                                                                \naffecting indigenous cultural communities, the majority of the members of which
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nshall come from such communities.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nARTICLE XVII
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nAMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n1.<\/span><\/b> Any amendment
                                                                                                                                                                                                \nto, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by:<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                1. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                2. A
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n constitutional convention.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> Amendments to
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ninitiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nregistered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nat least three per centum of the registered voters therein. No amendment under
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthis section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nof this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this right.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> The Congress
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nmay, by a vote of two-thirds of all its Members, call a constitutional
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nconvention, or by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe question of calling such a convention.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b>Any amendment to,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nor revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nnot earlier than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the approval of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch amendment or revision.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nAny
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \namendment under Section 2 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nnor later than ninety days after the certification by the Commission on
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nElections of the sufficiency of the petition.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nARTICLE XVIII
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nTRANSITORY PROVISIONS<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n1.<\/span><\/b> The first
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nelections of Members of the Congress under this Constitution shall be held on
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe second Monday of May, 1987.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfirst local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident, which may be simultaneous with the election of the Members of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress. It shall include the election of all Members of the city or municipal
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncouncils in the Metropolitan Manila area.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n2.<\/span><\/b> The Senators,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nMembers of the House of Representatives, and the local officials first elected
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nunder this Constitution shall serve until noon of June 30, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nOf
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Senators elected in the elections in 1992, the first twelve obtaining the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nhighest number of votes shall serve for six years and the remaining twelve for
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthree years.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n3.<\/span><\/b> All existing
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nlaws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, letters of instructions, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nother executive issuances not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \noperative until amended, repealed, or revoked.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n4.<\/span><\/b> All existing
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ntreaties or international agreements which have not been ratified shall not be
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nrenewed or extended without the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nMembers of the Senate.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n5.<\/span><\/b> The six-year
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nterm of the incumbent President and Vice-President elected in the February 7,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n1986 election is, for purposes of synchronization of elections, hereby extended
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nto noon of June 30, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfirst regular elections for the President and Vice-President under this
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1992.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n6.<\/span><\/b> The incumbent
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident shall continue to exercise legislative powers until the first
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress is convened.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n7.<\/span><\/b> Until a law
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nis passed, the President may fill by appointment from a list of nominees by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nrespective sectors, the seats reserved for sectoral representation in paragraph
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n(2), Section 5 of Article V1 of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n8.<\/span><\/b> Until
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \notherwise provided by the Congress, the President may constitute the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nMetropolitan Manila Authority to be composed of the heads of all local
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ngovernment units comprising the Metropolitan Manila area.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n9.<\/span><\/b> A
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsub-province shall continue to exist and operate until it is converted into a
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nregular province or until its component municipalities are reverted to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nmother province.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n10.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncourts existing at the time of the ratification of this Constitution shall
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontinue to exercise their jurisdiction, until otherwise provided by law. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nprovisions of the existing Rules of Court, judiciary acts, and procedural laws
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nnot inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain operative unless amended
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nor repealed by the Supreme Court or the Congress.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n11.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nincumbent Members of the Judiciary shall continue in office until they reach
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe age of seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ntheir office or are removed for cause.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n12.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSupreme Court shall, within one year after the ratification of this
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution, adopt a systematic plan to expedite the decision or resolution of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncases or matters pending in the Supreme Court or the lower courts prior to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \neffectivity of this Constitution. A similar plan shall be adopted for all
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nspecial courts and quasi-judicial bodies.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n13.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nlegal effect of the lapse, before the ratification of this Constitution, of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \napplicable period for the decision or resolution of the cases or matters
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubmitted for adjudication by the courts, shall be determined by the Supreme
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCourt as soon as practicable.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n14.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nprovisions of paragraphs (3) and (4), Section 15 of Article VIII of this
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall apply to cases or matters filed before the ratification of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution, when the applicable period lapses after such ratification.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n15.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nincumbent Members of the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand the Commission on Audit shall continue in office for one year after the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nratification of this Constitution, unless they are sooner removed for cause or
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nbecome incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office or appointed to a
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nnew term thereunder. In no case shall any Member serve longer than seven years
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nincluding service before the ratification of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n16.<\/span><\/b> Career
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncivil service employees separated from the service not for cause but as a
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nresult of the reorganization pursuant to Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n1986 and the reorganization following the ratification of this Constitution
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall be entitled to appropriate separation pay and to retirement and other
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nbenefits accruing to them under the laws of general application in force at the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ntime of their separation. In lieu thereof, at the option of the employees, they
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nmay be considered for employment in the Government or in any of its
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsubdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies, including government-owned or
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontrolled corporations and their subsidiaries. This provision also applies to
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncareer officers whose resignation, tendered in line with the existing policy,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nhad been accepted.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n17.<\/span><\/b> Until
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Congress provides otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nof three hundred thousand pesos; the Vice-President, the President of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSenate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe Supreme Court, two hundred forty thousand pesos each; the Senators, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nMembers of the House of Representatives, the Associate Justices of the Supreme
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCourt, and the Chairmen of the Constitutional Commissions, two hundred four
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthousand pesos each; and the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, one
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nhundred eighty thousand pesos each.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n18.<\/span><\/b> At the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nearliest possible time, the Government shall increase the salary scales of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nother officials and employees of the National Government.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n19.<\/span><\/b> All
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nproperties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities, and other assets of any
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \noffice or body abolished or reorganized under Proclamation No. 3 dated March
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n25, 1986 or this Constitution shall be transferred to the office or body to
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nwhich its powers, functions, and responsibilities substantially pertain.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n20.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfirst Congress shall give priority to the determination of the period for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfull implementation of free public secondary education.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n21.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCongress shall provide efficacious procedures and adequate remedies for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nreversion to the State of all lands of the public domain and real rights
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nconnected therewith which were acquired in violation of the Constitution or the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \npublic land laws, or through corrupt practices. No transfer or disposition of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsuch lands or real rights shall be allowed until after the lapse of one year
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfrom the ratification of this Constitution.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n22.<\/span><\/b> At the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nearliest possible time, the Government shall expropriate idle or abandoned
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nagricultural lands as may be defined by law, for distribution to the beneficiaries
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nof the agrarian reform program.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n23.<\/span><\/b> Advertising
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nentities affected by paragraph (2), Section 11 of Article XV1 of this
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall have five years from its ratification to comply on a
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ngraduated and proportionate basis with the minimum Filipino ownership
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nrequirement therein.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n24.<\/span><\/b> Private
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \narmies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall be dismantled. All paramilitary forces including Civilian Home Defense
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nForces not consistent with the citizen armed force established in this
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution, shall be dissolved or, where appropriate, converted into the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nregular force.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n25.<\/span><\/b> After
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nand the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nbases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nunder a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nrequires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nreferendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncontracting State.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n26.<\/span><\/b> The
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nauthority to issue sequestration or freeze orders under Proclamation No. 3
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ndated March 25, 1986 in relation to the recovery of ill-gotten wealth shall
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nremain operative for not more than eighteen months after the ratification of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthis Constitution. However, in the national interest, as certified by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nPresident, the Congress may extend such period.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nA
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsequestration or freeze order shall be issued only upon showing of a prima
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nfacie case. The order and the list of the sequestered or frozen properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nshall forthwith be registered with the proper court. For orders issued before
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nthe ratification of this Constitution, the corresponding judicial action or
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nproceeding shall be filed within six months from its ratification. For those
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nissued after such ratification, the judicial action or proceeding shall be
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \ncommenced within six months from the issuance thereof.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nsequestration or freeze order is deemed automatically lifted if no judicial
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \naction or proceeding is commenced as herein provided.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nSection
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n27.<\/span><\/b> This
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nConstitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a majority
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nof the votes cast in a plebiscite held for the purpose and shall supersede all
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nprevious Constitutions.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nforegoing proposed Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines was approved
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nby the Constitutional Commission of 1986 on the twelfth day of October,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nNineteen hundred and eighty-six, and accordingly signed on the fifteenth day of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nOctober, Nineteen hundred and eighty-six at the Plenary Hall, National
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nGovernment Center, Quezon City, by the Commissioners whose signatures are
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \nhereunder affixed.<\/span><\/div>\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                                                                                                                                                  The 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[13171,22662],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-209915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal","tag-constitution","tag-philippine"],"yoast_head":"\nThe 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=209915\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION - 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