1987, 1973, 1935 PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION COMPARED/ COMPARISON MATRIX

1987 CONSTITUTION Preamble We, the sovereign Filipino people,

1973 CONSTITUTION Preamble

1935 CONSTITUTION Preamble

We, the sovereign Filipino people, The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to

imploring the aid of Almighty God, in imploring the aid of Divine order to build a just and humane

Providence, in order to establish a establish a government that shall

society and establish a Government government that shall embody our embody their ideals, conserve and that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our ideals, promote the general welfare, develop the patrimony of the nation, conserve and develop the promote the general welfare, and

patrimony of our Nation, and secure secure to themselves and their posterity the blessings of independence under a regime of justice, liberty, and democracy, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

patrimony, and secure to ourselves to ourselves and our posterity the and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy blessings of democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty,

under the rule of law and a regime and equality, do ordain and of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution. ARTICLE I The National Territory ARTICLE I The National Territory promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE I The National Territory

The national territory comprises the Section 1. The national territory Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced comprises the Philippine

Section 1. The Philippines comprises all the territory ceded to

archipelago, with all the islands and the United States by the Treaty of Paris concluded between the

therein, and all other territories over waters embraced therein, and all which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and

the other territories belonging to the United States and Spain on the Philippines by historic or legal title, tenth day of December, eighteen including the territorial sea, the air hundred and ninety-eight, the limits space, the subsoil, the sea-bed, the which are set forth in Article III of insular shelves, and the submarine said treaty, together with all the areas over which the Philippines islands embraced in the treaty

other submarine areas. The waters has sovereignty or jurisdiction. The concluded at Washington between around, between, and connecting waters around, between, and the United States and Spain on the

the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and

connecting the islands of the archipelago, irrespective of their

seventh day of November, nineteen hundred, and the treaty concluded

dimensions, form part of the internal breadth and dimensions, form part between the United States and waters of the Philippines. of the internal waters of the Philippines. Great Britain on the second day of January, nineteen hundred and thirty, and all territory over which the present Government of the Philippine Islands exercises jurisdiction. ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles and State Policies ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles and State Policies Section 1. Principles Section 1. The Philippines is a republican SEC. 1. state. Sovereignty resides in the The Philippines, is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles

The Philippines is a democratic and people and all government authority emanates from them. republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them. Section 2. The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in SEC. 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations. Section 3. emanates from them. Section 2. The defense of the State is a prime duty of government, and in the fulfillment of this duty all citizens

the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to render may be required by law to render personal military or civil service. Section 3. The Philippines renounces war as personal military or civil service.

The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land, and adheres to the policy of peace, Section 4. The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth and adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the Nation.

SEC. 3. Civilian authority is, at all times,

equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all

supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is

nations.

for civic efficiency should receive the aid and support of the government. Section 5. The promotion of social

the protector of the people and the Section 4. State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory. The State shall strengthen the

family as a basic social institution. justice to insure the well-being and The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth economic security of all the people should be the concern of the State.

SEC. 4.

for civic efficiency and the

The prime duty of the Government development of moral character is to serve and protect the people. shall receive the aid and support of

The Government may call upon the the government. people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions Section 5.

provided by law, to render personal The State recognizes the vital role military or civil service. of the youth in nation-building and shall promote their physical, SEC. 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, Section 6. intellectual and social well-being.

and property, and the promotion of The State shall promote social the general welfare are essential for justice to ensure the dignity, the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. welfare, and security of all the people. Towards this end, the State shall regulate the acquisition, SEC. 6. ownership, use, enjoyment, and

The separation of Church and State disposition of private property, and shall be inviolable. equitably diffuse property ownership and profits. State Policies Section 7. SEC. 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the The State shall establish, maintain, and ensure adequate social services in the field of education, health, housing, employment,

paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.

welfare, and social security to guarantee the enjoyment of the people of a decent standard of living.

SEC. 8.

Section 8.

The Philippines, consistent with the Civilian authority is at all times national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory. Section 9. The State shall afford protection to SEC. 9. labor, promote full employment and supreme over the military.

The State shall promote a just and equality in employment, ensure dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race, or creed, and regulate

independence of the nation and free the relation between workers and the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. employers. The State shall assure the rights of workers to selforganization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work. The State may provide for compulsory arbitration. SEC. 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.

Section 10. The State shall guarantee and promote the autonomy of local government units, especially the barrio, to ensure their fullest

SEC. 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

development as self-reliant communities.

SEC. 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.

SEC. 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

SEC. 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.

SEC. 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among

them.

SEC. 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

SEC. 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

SEC. 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

SEC. 19. The State shall develop a selfreliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

SEC. 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.

SEC. 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.

SEC. 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

SEC. 23. The State shall encourage nongovernmental, community- based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

SEC. 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.

SEC. 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

SEC. 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

SEC. 27.

The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.

SEC. 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

ARTICLE VI Legislative Department

ARTICLE VIII The National Assembly

ARTICLE VI Legislative Department

SEC 1. The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the

Section 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in a National Assembly.

Section 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in a Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a

Section 2. The National Assembly shall be

Senate and a House of Representatives.

extent reserved to the people by the composed of as many Members as provision on initiative and referendum. may be provided by law to be appointed among the provinces, Section 2. The Senate shall be composed of

representative districts, and cities in twenty-four Senators who shall be SEC. 2. The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified accordance with the number of their chosen at large by the qualified respective inhabitants and on the electors of the Philippines, as may

basis of a uniform and progressive be provided by law. ratio. Each district shall comprise, Section 3. The term of office of Senators shall be six years and shall begin on the thirtieth day of December next

voters of the Philippines, as may be as far as practicable, contiguous, provided by law. compact, and adjacent territory. Representative districts or SEC. 3. provinces already created or

No person shall be a Senator

existing at the time of the

following their election. The first

unless he is a natural-born citizen of ratification of this Constitution shall Senators elected under this the Philippines, and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, Section 3. a registered voter, and a resident of (1) The Members of the National the Philippines for not less than two Assembly shall be elected by the years immediately preceding the day of the election. have at least one Member each. Constitution shall, in the manner provided by law, be divided equally into three groups, the Senators of the first group, to serve for a term of six years; those of the second

qualified electors in their respective group, for four years; and those of districts for a term of six years which shall begin, unless otherwise the third group, for two years.

SEC. 4. The term of office of the Senators shall be six years and shall commence, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election. No Senator shall

provided by law, at noon on the

Section 4.

thirtieth day of June next following No person shall be a Senator their election. unless he be a natural born citizen of the Philippines and, at the time of (2) In case the National Assembly is dissolved, the newly elected his election, is at least thirty-five years of age, a qualified elector,

Members shall serve the unexpired and a resident of the Philippines for

serve for more than two consecutive portion of the term from the time the not less than two years immediately terms. Voluntary renunciation of the Prime Minister convenes the office for any length of time shall not Assembly, which shall not be later be considered as an interruption in than thirty days immediately the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected. Section 4. SEC. 5. (1) The House of Representatives following the elections. Section 5. The House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than one hundred and twenty Members who prior to his election.

No person shall be a Member of the shall be apportioned among the National Assembly unless he is a several provinces as nearly as may be accorded to the number of their respective inhabitants, but each province shall have at least one Member. The Congress shall by law make an apportionment within

shall be composed of not more than natural-born citizen of the two hundred and fifty members, Philippines and, on the day of the

unless otherwise fixed by law, who election, is at least twenty-five shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter in the

district in which he shall be elected, three years after the return of every and a resident thereon for a period enumeration, and not otherwise. Until such apportionment shall have been made, the House of

accordance with the number of their of not less than one year respective inhabitants, and on the immediately preceding the day of

basis of a uniform and progressive the election. ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations. Section 5. (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of

Representatives shall have the same number of Members as that fixed by law for the National Assembly, who shall be elected by the qualified electors from the

Members of the National Assembly present Assembly districts. Each shall be held on the second representative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous and compact territory.

(2) The party-list representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the total number of representatives including those under the party list. For three consecutive terms after the

Monday of May every six years thereafter.

(2) In case a vacancy arises in the Section 6. National Assembly one year or The term of office of the Members

more before a regular election, the of the House of Representatives

ratification of this Constitution, one- Commission on Elections shall call shall be four years and shall begin half of the seats allocated to party- a special election to be held within on the thirtieth day of December list representatives shall be filled, as sixty days after the vacancy occurs. next following their election. provided by law, by selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector. Section 6. The National Assembly shall convene once every year on the Section 7. No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless

fourth Monday of July for its regular he be a natural born citizen of the session, unless a different date is fixed by law, and shall continue to Philippines, and, at the time of his election, is at least twenty-five

be in session until thirty days before years of age, a qualified elector, (3) Each legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, the opening of its next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, and a resident of the province in which he is chosen for not less than

contiguous, compact, and adjacent Sundays, and legal holidays. It may one year immediately prior to his territory. Each city with a population recess for periods not exceeding of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative. thirty days each, and not more than ninety days during the year. However, it may be called to session at any time by the Prime Section 8. (1) Elections for Senators and Members of the House of election.

(4) Within three years following the Minister to consider such subjects Representatives shall be held in the return of every census, the Congress shall make a or legislation as he may designate. manner and on the dates fixed by law.

reappointment of legislative districts Section 7. based on the standards provided in (1) The National Assembly, shall, this section. by a majority vote of all its Members, elect its Speaker from SEC. 6. the Members thereof. It shall (2) In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House of Representatives thus

No person shall be a Member of the choose such other officers as it House of Representatives unless he may deem necessary. is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the The election of the President and

the Prime Minister shall precede all elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.

election, is at least twenty-five years other business following the of age, able to read and write, and, election of the Speaker. except the party-list representatives, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the election. (2) A majority of the National

Section 9. The Congress shall convene in

Assembly shall constitute a quorum regular session once every year on to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner, and under such the fourth Monday of January, unless a different date is fixed by law. It may be called in special session at any time by the President to consider general

SEC. 7. The Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years which shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election. No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.

penalties, as the National Assembly legislation or only such subjects as may provide. he may designate. No special session shall continue longer than (3) The National Assembly may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and with concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or expel a Member, but if the penalty is suspension, this shall not exceed sixty days. Section 10. (1) The Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives its Speaker. Each House shall choose such (4) The National Assembly shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the (2) A majority of each House shall other officers as may be required. thirty days and no regular session longer than one hundred days, exclusive of Sundays.

SEC. 8. Unless otherwise provided by law,

same, excepting such parts as

constitute a quorum to do business,

may, in its judgment, affect national but a smaller number may adjourn

the regular election of the Senators security; and the yeas and nays on from day to day and may compel and the Members of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May. any question shall, at the request of the attendance of absent Members one-fifth of the Members present, be entered in the Journal. in such manner and under such penalties as such House may provide. SEC. 9. Section 8. (3) Each House may determine the rule of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior,

In case of vacancy in the Senate or (1) Unless otherwise provided by in the House of Representatives, a law, each Member of the National special election may be called to fill Assembly shall receive an annual such vacancy in the manner

salary of sixty thousand pesos. The and, with the concurrence of two-

prescribed by law, but the Senator Speaker of the National Assembly thirds of all its Members, expel a or Member of the House of shall receive an annual salary of Member.

Representatives thus elected shall seventy-five thousand pesos. No serve only for the unexpired term. increase in salary shall take effect (4) Each House shall keep a until after the expiration of the term Journal of its proceedings, and from SEC. 10. The salaries of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by law. No increase in (2) The records and books of of the Members of the National time to time publish the same,

Assembly approving such increase. excepting such parts as may in its judgment requires secrecy; and the yeas and nays on any question

accounts of the National Assembly shall, at the request of one-fifth of the Members present, be entered into the Journal.

said compensation shall take effect shall be open to the public in until after the expiration of the full term of all the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives approving such increase. accordance with law, and such books shall be audited by the Commission on Audit which shall publish annually the itemized expenditures for each Member.

(5) Neither House during the sessions of the Congress shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days,

SEC. 11.

Section 9.

nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

A Senator or Member of the House A Member of the National of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Assembly shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged

Section 11.

from arrest during his attendance at The Senate and the House of

Congress is in session. No member its sessions, and in going to and shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee thereof. returning from the same; but the

Representatives shall have an Electoral Tribunal which shall be

National Assembly shall surrender the sole judge of all contests the Member involved to the custody relating to the election, returns, and of the law within twenty-four hours qualifications of their respective after its adjournment for a recess or Members. Each Electoral Tribunal

SEC. 12.

its next session, otherwise such

shall be composed of nine

All Members of the Senate and the privilege shall cease upon its failure Members, three of whom shall be House of Representatives shall, to do so. A Member shall not be Justices of the Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be Members of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be chosen Section 10. A Member of the National Assembly shall not hold any other office or employment in the SEC. 13. No Senator or a Member of the government, or any subdivision, by each House, three upon nomination of the party having the largest number of votes and three of the party having the second largest numbers of votes therein.

upon assumption of office, make a questioned or held liable in any full disclosure of their financial and other place for any speech or business interests. They shall notify debate in the Assembly or in any the House concerned of a potential committee thereof. conflict of interest that may arise from the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors.

agency, or instrumentality thereof, The senior Justice in each Electoral Tribunal shall be its Chairman.

House of Representatives may hold including government-owned or any other office or employment in controlled corporations during his

the Government, or any subdivision, tenure except that of Prime Minister agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their or Member of the Cabinet. Neither Section 12. shall he be appointed to any civil office which may have been There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of twelve

subsidiaries, during his term without created or the emoluments thereof Senators and twelve Members of forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be appointed to any office which may have been created or the emoluments thereof increased during the term for which he was elected. Section 11. No Member of the National increased while he was a Member the House of Representatives, of the National Assembly. elected by each House, respectively, on the basis of proportional representation of the political parties therein. The

Assembly shall appear as counsel president of the Senate shall be the before any court inferior to a court Chairman ex officio of the

SEC. 14.

with appellate jurisdiction, before

Commission, but shall not vote

No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel

any court in any civil case wherein except in case of tie. the government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof is Section 13. The Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments shall

before any court of justice or before the adverse party, or before any the Electoral Tribunals, or quasijudicial and other administrative administrative body. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be

bodies. Neither shall he, directly or interested financially in any contract be constituted within thirty days indirectly, be interested financially in with, or in any franchise or special after the Senate and the House of any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege privilege granted by, the government, or any subdivision, Representatives shall have been organized with the election of their

granted by the Government, or any agency, or instrumentality thereof, President and Speaker, subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its including any government-owned or respectively. The Commission on controlled corporation, during his term of office. He shall not Appointments shall meet only while the Congress is in session, at the

intervene in any matter before any call of its Chairman or a majority of its Members, to discharge such powers and functions as are herein conferred upon it. Section 12. Section 14.

subsidiary, during his term of office. office of the government for his He shall not intervene in any matter pecuniary benefit. before any office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office.

(1) There shall be a question hour The Senators and the Members of at least once a month or as often as the House of Representatives shall, the rules of the National Assembly unless otherwise provided by law,

SEC. 15. The Congress shall convene once

may provide, which shall be

receive an annual compensation of

included in its agenda, during which seven thousand two hundred pesos each, including per diems and other emoluments or allowances and exclusive only of traveling expenses to and from their respective districts in the case of

every year on the fourth Monday of the Prime Minister or any Minister July for its regular session, unless a may be required to appear and different date is fixed by law, and shall continue to be in session for such number of days as it may determine until thirty days before the opening of its next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The answer questions and interpellations by Members of the National Assembly. Written

questions shall be submitted to the Members of the House of Speaker at least three days before Representatives, and to an from a scheduled question hour. their places of residence in the

Interpellations shall not be limited to case of Senators, when attending sessions of the Congress. No

President may call a special session the written questions, but may at any time.

cover matters related thereto. The increase in said compensation shall

agenda shall specify the subjects of take effect until after the expiration SEC. 16. (1) The Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives its Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective Members. Each House shall choose such other officers as it may deem necessary. (2) A majority of each House shall (2) The National Assembly or any of its committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published the question hour. When the security of the State so requires of the full term of all the Members of the Senate and of the House of

and the Prime Minister so states in Representatives approving such writing, the question hour shall be conducted in executive session. increase. Until otherwise provided by law, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each receive an annual compensation of sixteen thousand pesos.

constitute a quorum to do business, rules of procedure. The rights of but a smaller number may adjourn persons appearing in such inquiries Section 15. from day to day and may compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner, and under such penalties, as such House may provide. Section 13. (1) The National Assembly may withdraw its confidence from the shall be respected. The Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of the

(3) Each House may determine the Prime Minister only by electing a rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-

successor by a majority vote of all Congress, and in going to and its Members. No motion for the returning from the same; and for

election of such successor shall be any speech or debate therein, they

thirds of all its Members, suspend or debated and voted upon until after shall not be questioned in any other expel a Member. A penalty for suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed sixty days. (4) Each House shall keep a (2) The Prime Minister may advise Section 16. the lapse of three days from the submittal of such motion. place.

Journal of its proceedings, and from the President in writing to dissolve No Senator or Member of the time to time publish the same, the National Assembly whenever House of Representatives may hold any other office or employment in the government without forfeiting his seat, nor shall any Senator or

excepting such parts as may, in its the need arises for a popular vote judgment, affect national security; and the yeas and nays on any question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the members present, be entered in the Journal. of confidence on fundamental issues, but not on a matter

involving his own personal integrity. Member of the House of Whereupon, the President shall Representatives, during the time for

dissolve the National Assembly not which he was elected, be appointed

Each House shall also keep a Record of its proceedings. (5) Neither House during the sessions of the Congress shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

earlier than five days nor later than to any civil office which may have ten days from his receipt of the been created or the emoluments

advice, and call for an election on a whereof shall have been increased date set by the Prime Minister while he was a Member of the

which shall not be earlier than forty- Congress. five days nor later than sixty days from the date of such dissolution. However, no dissolution of the Section 17. No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall

National Assembly shall take place directly or indirectly be financially within nine months immediately interested in any contract with the government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the Congress during his term of office. He shall not appear as counsel before the Electoral Tribunals or before any court in any civil case wherein the Government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof is the adverse party, or in any criminal case wherein an officer or employee of the government is accused of an offense committed in relation to his office, or collect any Section 14. fee for his appearance in any

SEC. 17. The Senate and the House of

preceding a regular election or within nine months immediately

Representatives shall each have an following any general election. Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to (3) In case of dissolution of the the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed of nine Members, three of whom shall be National Assembly or the termination of its regular term, the incumbent Prime Minister and the Cabinet shall continue to conduct the affairs of government until the

Justices of the Supreme Court to be new National Assembly is designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be Members of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the convoked and a Prime Minister is elected and has qualified.

case may be, who shall be chosen (1) Except as otherwise provided in administrative proceedings; or on the basis of proportional representation from the political parties and the parties or this Constitution, no treaty shall be accept employment to intervene in valid and effective unless concurred any cause or matter where he may in by a majority of all the Members be called upon to act on account of his office. No Member of the Commission on Appointments shall (2) The National Assembly, by a vote of two-thirds of all its Members, shall have the sole power to declare the existence of a appear as counsel before any court inferior to a collegiate court of appellate jurisdiction.

organizations registered under the of the National Assembly. party-list system represented therein. The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be it Chairman.

SEC. 18. There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of the President of the Senate, as ex

state of war.

Section 18. All appropriation, revenue or tariff

Section 15. In times of war or other national

bills, bills authorizing increase of the public debt, bills of local

officio Chairman, twelve Senators, emergency, the National Assembly application, and private bills, shall and twelve Members of the House may by law authorize the Prime of Representatives, elected by each Minister, for a limited period and House on the basis of proportional subject to such restrictions as it representation from the political parties or organizations registered under the party-list system originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with

may prescribe, to exercise powers amendments. necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy. Unless Section 19. (1) The President shall submit within fifteen days of the opening of each regular session of the Congress a budget of receipts and expenditures, which shall be the basis of the general appropriations

represented therein. The Chairman sooner withdrawn by resolution of of the Commission shall not vote, except in case of a tie. The Commission shall act on all appointments submitted to it within thirty session days of the Congress Section 16. from their submission. The the National Assembly, such powers shall cease upon its next adjournment.

(1) The Prime Minister shall submit bill. The Congress may not increase the appropriations

Commission shall rule by a majority to the National Assembly within vote of all the Members.

thirty days from the opening of each recommended by the President for regular session, as the basis of the the operation of the Government as

SEC. 19. The Electoral Tribunals and the

general appropriations bill, a budget specified in the Budget, except the of receipts based on existing and appropriations for the Congress and the Judicial Department. The

Commission on Appointments shall proposed revenue measures, and be constituted within thirty days after the Senate and the House of Representatives shall have been organized with the election of the President and the Speaker. The

of expenditures. The form, content, form of the Budget and the and manner of preparation of the information that it should contain

budget shall be prescribed by law. shall be prescribed by law. (2) No provision or enactment shall (2) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general be embraced in the general

Commission on Appointments shall appropriations bill unless it relates appropriations bill unless it relates meet only while the Congress is in specifically to some particular session, at the call of its Chairman appropriation therein. Any such or a majority of all its Members, to discharge such powers and functions as are herein conferred provision or enactment shall be limited in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates. specifically to some particular appropriation therein; and any such provision or enactment shall be limited in its operation to such appropriation.

upon it. (3) The procedure in approving SEC. 20. appropriations for the National Section 20. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President. If he approves the same, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections to the (4) A special appropriations bill House where it originated, which

The records and books of accounts Assembly shall strictly follow the of the Congress shall be preserved procedure for approving and be open to the public in accordance with law, and such books shall be audited by the Commission on Audit which shall appropriations for other departments and agencies.

publish annually an itemized list of shall specify the purpose for which shall enter the objections at large amounts paid to and expenses incurred for each Member. it is intended, and shall be supported by funds actually available as certified to by the SEC. 21. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in (5) No law shall be passed on its Journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the

National Treasurer, or to be raised Members of such House shall by a corresponding revenue proposal included therein. agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together, with the objections, to the House by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the

accordance with its duly published authorizing any transfer of rules of procedure. The rights of

appropriations; however, the Prime Members of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases,

persons appearing in or affected by Minister, the Speaker, the Chief such inquiries shall be respected.

Justice of the Supreme Court, and the votes of each House shall be the heads of Constitutional determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the Members voting

SEC. 22. The heads of departments may upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President, or upon

Commissions may by law be

authorized to augment any item in for and against shall be entered on the general appropriations law for its Journal. If any bill shall not be

their respective offices from saving returned by the President as herein provided within twenty days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the (6) If, by the end of the fiscal year, same shall become a law in like the National Assembly shall have manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall become a law

the request of either House, as the in other items of their respective rules of each House shall provide, appear before and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their departments. appropriations.

Written questions shall be submitted failed to pass the general to the President of the Senate or the appropriations bill for the ensuing Speaker of the House of fiscal year, the general

Representatives at least three days appropriations law for the preceding unless vetoed by the President before their scheduled appearance. fiscal year shall be deemed reInterpellations shall not be limited to enacted and shall remain in force written questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the security of the State or the public interest so requires and the President so states in writing, the appearance shall be conducted in executive session. Section 17. (1) The rule of taxation shall be and effect until the general (2) The President shall have the within thirty days after adjournment.

appropriations bill is passed by the power to veto any particular item or National Assembly. items of an appropriation bill, but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does not object. When a provision of an

uniform and equitable. The National appropriation bill affects one or Assembly shall evolve a more items of the same, the President cannot veto the provision without at the same time, vetoing (2) The National Assembly may by the particular item or items to which law authorize the Prime Minister to it relates. The item or items fix within specified limits, and objected to shall not take effect except in the manner heretofore

SEC. 23. (1) The Congress, by a vote of twothirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole

progressive system of taxation.

power to declare the existence of a subject to such limitations and state of war.

restrictions as it may impose, tariff provided as to bills returned to the rates, import and export quotas, Congress without the approval of the President. If the veto refers to a bill or any item of an appropriation bill which appropriates a sum in (3) Charitable institutions, excess of ten per centum of the

(2) In times of war or other national tonnage and wharfage dues, and emergency, the Congress may, by other duties or imposts. law, authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution of the

churches, personages or convents total amount voted in the appurtenant thereto, mosques and appropriation bill for the general non-profit cemeteries, and all lands, expenses of the Government for buildings and improvements actually, directly, and exclusively the preceding year, or if it should refer to a bill authorizing an increase of the public debt, the same shall not become a law unless approved by three-fourths of all the Members of each House. (4) No law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without (3) The President shall have the

Congress, such powers shall cease used for religious or charitable upon the next adjournment thereof. purposes shall be exempt from taxation. SEC. 24. All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of

public debt, bills of local application, the concurrence of a majority of all power to veto any separate item or

and private bills shall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments.

the Members of the National Assembly.

items in a revenue of tariff bill, and the item or items shall not take effect except in the manner

Section 18. (1) No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance

provided as to bills vetoed by the President.

SEC. 25. (1) The Congress may not increase

of an appropriation made by law.

Section 21. (1) No bill which may be enacted into law shall embrace more than

the appropriations recommended by (2) No public money or property the President for the operation of

shall ever be appropriated, applied, one subject which shall be

the Government as specified in the paid, or used, directly or indirectly, expressed in the title of the bill. budget. The form, content, and for the use, benefit, or support of (2) No bill shall be passed by either House unless it shall have been printed and copies thereof in its final form furnished its Members at

manner of preparation of the budget any sect, church, denomination, shall be prescribed by law. sectarian institution, or system of religion or for the use, benefit, or (2) No provision or enactment shall support of any priest, preacher, be embraced in the general appropriations bill unless it relates specifically to some particular appropriation therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be limited in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates.

minister, or other religious teacher least three calendar days prior to its or dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary is assigned to the armed passage, except when the President shall have certified to the necessity of its immediate

forces, or to any penal institution, or enactment. Upon the last reading of government orphanage or leprosarium. a bill no amendment thereof shall be allowed, and the question upon its passage shall be taken

(3) The procedure in approving appropriations for the Congress

Section 19. (1) Every bill shall become a law

immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered on the

shall strictly follow the procedure for unless it has passed three readings Journal. approving appropriations for other departments or agencies. on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final form have Section 22. been distributed to the Members (4) A special appropriations bill shall three days before its passage, specify the purpose for which it is except when the Prime Minister (2) The Congress may by law authorize the President, subject to (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform.

intended, and shall be supported by certifies to the necessity of its funds actually available as certified immediate enactment to meet a

by the National Treasurer, or to be public calamity or emergency. Upon such limitations and restrictions as

raised by a corresponding revenue the last reading of a bill, no proposed therein. amendment thereto shall be

it may impose, to fix, within specified limits, tariff rates, import

allowed, and the vote thereon shall or export quotas, and tonnage and (5) No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations; however, the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief (2) No bill except those of local application shall be calendared be taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in the Journal. (3) Cemeteries, churches, and parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto, and all lands, buildings, and improvements used exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation. Section 20. (1) Every bill passed by the national Section 23. Assembly shall, before it becomes (1) All money collected on any tax a law, be presented to the Prime Minister. If he approves the same levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid wharfage dues.

Justice of the Supreme Court, and without the prior recommendation the Constitutional Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations. of the Cabinet.

he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall out for such purpose only. If the (6) Discretionary funds appropriated veto it and return the same with his purpose for which a special fund for particular officials shall be objections to the National was crated has been fulfilled or abandoned, the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general

disbursed only for public purposes Assembly. The bill may be to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such reconsidered by the National

Assembly and, if approved by two- funds of the Government.

guidelines as may be prescribed by thirds of all its Members, shall law. become a law. The Prime Minister (2) No money shall be paid out of shall act on every bill passed by the Treasury except in pursuance of an (7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, National Assembly within thirty the Congress shall have failed to days after the date of receipt appropriation made by law.

pass the general appropriations bill thereof; otherwise, it shall become (3) No public money, or property for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be a law as if he had signed it. (2) The Prime Minister shall have the power to veto any particular shall ever be appropriated, applied, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution or system of religion, for

deemed reenacted and shall remain item or items in appropriation, in force and effect until the general revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto

appropriations bill is passed by the shall not affect the item or items to the use, benefit, or support of any

Congress.

which he does not object.

priest, preacher, ministers, or other religious teacher or dignitary as

SEC. 26. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof.

such except when such priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary is assigned to the armed forces or to any penal institution, orphanage or leprosarium.

(2) No bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has passed three readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final form have been distributed to its members three days before its passage, except when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency. Upon the last reading of a bill, no amendment thereto shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall be taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in the Journal.

Section 24. The heads of departments upon their own initiative or upon the request of either House may appear before and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their departments, unless the public interest shall require otherwise and the President shall so state in writing. Section 25. The Congress, shall, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of each House, have the sole power to declare war. Section 26. In times of war and other national emergency the

SEC. 27. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President. If he approves the same, he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the House where it originated, which shall enter the objections at large in its Journal and

Congress may by law authorize the President, for a limited period, and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out a declared national policy.

proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the Members of such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other House by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the Members of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases, the votes of each House shall be determined by yeas or nays, and the names of the Members voting for or against shall be entered in its Journal. The President shall communicate his veto of any bill to the House where it originated within thirty days after the day of receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had signed it.

(2) The President shall have the power to veto any particular item or items in an appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does not object.

SEC. 28. (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.

(2)The Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix within specified limits, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose, tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and other duties or imposts within the framework of the national development program of the Government.

(3)Charitable institutions, churches and parsonages or covenants appurtenant thereto, mosques, nonprofit cemeteries, and all lands, buildings, and improvements, actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious, charitable, or educational purposes shall be exempt from taxation.

(4) No law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress.

SEC. 29. (1) No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.

(2) No public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or employed, directly or indirectly,

for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion, or of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher, or dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium.

(3) All money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only. If the purpose for which a special fund was created has been fulfilled or abandoned, the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general funds of the Government.

SEC. 30. No law shall be passed increasing the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as provided in this Constitution without its advice and concurrence.

SEC. 31. No law granting a title of royalty or nobility shall be enacted.

SEC. 32. The Congress shall, as early as

possible, provide for a system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a petition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters thereof. ARTICLE VII Executive Department ARTICLE VII The President and Vice-President ARTICLE VII Executive Department

SEC 1. The executive power shall be vested in the President of the Philippines.

Section 1.

Section 1.

The President shall be the head of The executive power shall be state and chief executive of the Republic of the Philippines. vested in a President of the Philippines.

SEC. 2. No person may be elected President unless he is a naturalborn citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and

Section 2. There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the same

Section 2. The President shall hold his office during a term of four years and

qualifications and term of office as together with the Vice-President the President and may be removed chosen for the same term, shall be

write, at least forty years of age on from office in the same manner as elected by direct vote of the people. the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election. The Vice-President may be appointed as a member of the SEC. 3. the President as provided in Article The returns of every election for XIII, Section 2 of this Constitution. President and Vice-President, duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the seat of the

Cabinet and may be nominated and National Government, directed to

There shall be a Vice-President who elected as Prime Minister. shall have the same qualifications and term of office and be elected

the President of the Senate, who shall, in the presence of the Senate

The Vice-President shall be elected and the House of Representatives,

with and in the same manner as the with and in the same manner as the open all the certificates, and the President. He may be removed from President. office in the same manner as the President. The Vice-President may be appointed as a Member of the votes shall then be counted. The person respectively having the The President shall be elected from highest number of votes for among the Members of the National President and Vice-President shall Assembly by a majority vote of all be declared elected, but in case

Cabinet. Such appointment requires its Members for a term of six years two or more shall have an equal no confirmation. from the date he takes his oath of and the highest number of votes for

office, which shall not be later than their office, one of them shall be SEC. 4. The President and the Vicethree days after the proclamation of chosen President or Vicethe National Assembly, nor in any President, as the case may be, by a majority vote of the Members of the

President shall be elected by direct case earlier than the expiration of vote of the people for a term of six

the term of his predecessor. Upon Congress in joint session assembled.

years which shall begin at noon on taking his oath of office, the the thirtieth day of June following President shall cease to be a

the day of the election and shall end Member of the National Assembly Section 3. at noon of the same date six years and of any political party. He shall thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time. Section 3. No person may be elected be ineligible to hold any other elective office during his term. No person may be elected to the office of the President or VicePresident unless he is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, a qualified voter, forty years of age or over, and has been a resident of

President unless he is at least fifty the Philippines for at least ten years years of age at the day of his election as President, and a immediately preceding the election.

No Vice-President shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.

resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately

Section 4. Elections for President and Vice-

Voluntary renunciation of the office preceding his election. However, if President shall be held once every for any length of time shall not be no Member of the National four years on a date to be fixed by law.

considered as an interruption in the Assembly is qualified or none of continuity of the service for the full term for which he was elected. those qualified is a candidate for

President, any Member thereof may The terms of the President and

Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election for President

be elected President.

Vice-President shall end at noon on the thirtieth day of December following the expiration of four years after their election, and the

and Vice-President shall be held on Section 4. the second Monday of May. (1) The President shall have an

official residence and shall receive terms of their successors shall The returns of every election for a compensation to be fixed by law, begin from such time.

President and Vice-President, duly which shall not be increased or certified by the board of canvassers decreased during his term of office. Section 5. of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the Congress, directed to the President of the Senate. Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the President of the Senate shall, not He shall not receive during his tenure any other emolument from the government or any other No person shall serve as President for more than eight consecutive years. The period of such service

source. Until the National Assembly shall be counted from the date he shall provide otherwise, the President shall receive an annual shall have commenced to act as President. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of the (2) The President shall not during his tenure, hold any appointive office, practice any profession, participate directly or indirectly in Section 6. service of the incumbent for the full term for which he was elected.

later than thirty days after the day of salary of one hundred thousand the election, open all certificates in pesos. the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public session, and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due execution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the votes.

the management of any business, If, at the time fixed for the beginning or be financially interested directly of the term of the President, the or indirectly in any contract with, or President-elect shall have died, the

The person having the highest

in any franchise or special privilege Vice-President-elect shall become

number of votes shall be proclaimed granted by, the government or any President. If a President shall not elected, but in case two or more shall have an equal and highest subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term or if the President shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice-President shall act as President until a Section 5. President shall have qualified, and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President-elect nor a Vice-

number of votes, one of them shall government-owned or controlled forthwith be chosen by the vote of a corporations. majority of all the Members of the Congress, voting separately.

The Congress shall promulgate its In case of permanent disability, rules for the canvassing of the certificates. death, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the

Speaker of the National Assembly President-elect shall have qualified, The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall act as President until a shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice- President, and may promulgate its rules for the purpose. Section 6. The President shall have the following duties and functions: SEC. 5. Before they enter on the execution of their office, the President, the Vice-President, or the Acting President shall take the following oath or affirmation : (2) Proclaim the election of the Prime Minister. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President (or Vice-President or Acting President) of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God." (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted.) (5) Attest to the appointment or cessation from office of Members of Section 8. the Cabinet, and of other officers as In the event of the removal of the may be provided by law. SEC. 6. The President shall have an official residence. The salaries of the President and Vice-President shall be determined by law and shall not be decreased during their tenure. No increase in said compensation (7) Perform such other duties and (6) Appoint all officers and employees in his office in accordance with the Civil Service Law. President from office, or his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress shall by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the (4) Accept the resignation of the Cabinet as provided herein. and call for a general election as provided herein. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the (3) Dissolve the National Assembly Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God." (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted) (1) Address the National Assembly at the opening of its regular session. Section 7. Before he enters on the execution of his office, the President shall take the following oath or affirmation : declaring who shall then act as

successor has been elected for the President, or the manner in which unexpired portion of the term of the one who is to act shall be selected, President. and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice-President shall have qualified.

shall take effect until after the expiration of the term of the incumbent during which such

functions of State as may be provided by law.

President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

increase was approved. They shall Section 7. not receive during their tenure any The President shall be immune other emolument from the Government or any other source. from suit during his tenure.

Section 9. SEC. 7. The President-elect and the VicePresident-elect shall assume office at the beginning of their terms. If the President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice-President-elect shall act as President until the President-elect shall have qualified. If a President shall not have been chosen, the Vice-President-elect shall act as President until a President shall have been chosen and qualified. If at the beginning of the term of the President, the President-elect shall have died or have become permanently disabled, the VicePresident-elect shall become President. The President shall have an official residence and receive a compensation to be ascertained by law which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period of which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within the period any other emolument from the Government or any of its subdivisions or instrumentalities. Until the Congress shall provide otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary of thirty thousand pesos. The Vice-President, when not acting as President, shall receive an annual compensation of fifteen thousand pesos until otherwise provided by law.

Where no President and VicePresident shall have been chosen or shall have qualified, or where both shall have died or become permanently disabled, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House

Section 10. (1) The President shall have control of all executive departments, bureaus or offices, exercise general provision over all local governments as may be provided by law, and take care that the laws be faithfully

of Representatives shall act as President until a President or a Vice-President shall have been chosen and qualified.

executed.

(2) The President shall be commander-in-chief of all armed forces of the Philippines, and,

The Congress shall provide for the manner in which one who is to act as President shall be selected until a President or a Vice-President shall have qualified, in case of death, permanent disability, or inability of the officials mentioned in the next preceding paragraph.

whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, insurrection, or rebellion. In case of invasion, insurrection, or rebellion or imminent danger thereof, when the public safety requires it, he may suspend the privilege of the writ of

SEC. 8. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the President and Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall then act as President until the President or Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified.

habeas corpus, or place the Philippines or any part thereof under Martial Law.

(3) The President shall nominate and with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, shall appoint the heads of the executive departments and bureaus, officers of the Army from the rank of colonel, of the Navy and Air Forces from the rank of captain or commander, and all other officers of the Government whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and those whom he may be authorized by law

The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the Acting

to appoint; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of inferior officers, in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads

President. He shall serve until the President or the Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified, and be subject to the same restrictions of powers and disqualifications as the Acting President.

of departments.

(4) The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the Congress, but such appointments shall be effective only until disapproval by the Commission on Appointments

SEC. 9. Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President during the term for which he was elected, the President shall nominate a VicePresident from among the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon confirmation of a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.

or until the next adjournment of the Congress.

(5) The President shall from time to time give to the Congress information on the state of the Nation, and recommend to its consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.

(6) The President shall have the power to grant reprieves,

SEC. 10. The Congress shall, at ten o'clock in the morning of the third day after the vacancy in the offices of the President and Vice-President occurs, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call and within seven days enact a law calling for a special election to elect a President and a Vice-President to b held not earlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days from the time of such call. The bill calling such special election shall be

commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction, for all expenses except in case of impeachment, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem proper to impose. He shall have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of the Congress.

(7) The President shall have the power, with the concurrence of twothirds of all the Members of the

deemed certified under paragraph 2, Section 26, Article VI of this Constitution and shall become law upon its approval on third reading by the Congress.

Senate to make treaties, and with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, he shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. He shall receive ambassadors and other

Appropriations for the special elections shall be charged against any current appropriations and shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article VI of this Constitution. The convening of the Congress cannot be suspended nor the special election postponed. No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within eighteen months before the date of the next presidential election.

public ministers duly accredited to the Government of the Philippines.

Section 11. (1) The executive departments of the present Government of the Philippine Islands shall continue as now authorized by law until the Congress shall provide otherwise.

(2) The heads of the departments and chiefs of bureaus or offices and their assistants shall not, during their continuance in office, engage

SEC. 11. Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the VicePresident as Acting President.

in the practice of any profession, or intervene, directly or indirectly, in the management or control of any private enterprise which in any way may be affected by the functions of their office; nor shall they, directly or indirectly, be financially interested in any contract with the Government, or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof.

(3) The President may appoint the Vice-President as a member of his

Whenever a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit to

Cabinet and also as head of an executive department.

the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the VicePresident shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall reassume the powers and duties of his office. Meanwhile, should a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit within five days to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Congress shall decide the issue. For that purpose, the Congress shall convene, if it is not in session, within forty-eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of call. If the Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written declaration, or, if not in session,

within twelve days after it is required to assemble, determines by a twothirds vote of both Houses, voting separately, that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the VicePresident shall act as the President; otherwise, the President shall continue exercising the powers and duties of his office.

SEC. 12. In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health. The Members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness.

SEC. 13. The President, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure, directly or indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in

any franchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office. The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of the President shall not during his tenure be appointed as members of the Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman, or as Secretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices, including governmentowned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.

SEC. 14. Appointments extended by an Acting President shall remain effective, unless revoked by the elected President within ninety days from his assumption or reassumption of office.

SEC. 15. Two months immediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except temporary

appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety.

SEC. 16. The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive department, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or boards. The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the Congress, whether voluntary or involuntary, but such appointments shall be effective only until after disapproval by the Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment of the

Congress.

SEC. 17. The President shall control of all the executive departments, bureaus and offices. He shall ensure that the laws be faithfully executed.

SEC. 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of

the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without any need of a call.

The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing. A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or the legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ. The suspension of the privilege of

the writ shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with the invasion.

During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released.

SEC. 19. Except in cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the President may grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment. He shall also have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress.

SEC. 20. The President may contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of the Philippines with the prior concurrence of the Monetary Board, and subject to such limitations as may be provided by law. The Monetary Board shall, within thirty days from the end of every quarter of the calendar year, submit to the Congress a complete

report of its decisions on applications for loans to be contracted or guaranteed by the Government or government-owned and controlled corporations which would have the effect of increasing the foreign debt, and containing other matters as may be provided by law.

SEC. 21. No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.

SEC. 22. The President shall submit to the Congress within thirty days from the opening of the regular session, as the basis of the general appropriations bill, a budget of expenditures and sources of financing, including receipts from existing and proposed revenue measures.

SEC. 23. The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. He may also appear before it at any other time