1987 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
independence and democracy under
the rule of law and a regime of truth,
justice, freedom, love, equality, and
peace, do ordain and promulgate this
Constitution.
ARTICLE I
The National Territory
The national territory comprises the
Philippine archipelago, with all the
islands and waters embraced therein,
and all other territories over 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 other
submarine areas. The waters around,
between, and connecting the islands
of the archipelago, regardless of their
breadth and dimensions, form part of
the internal waters of the Philippines.
ARTICLE II
Declaration of Principles and State Declaration of Principles and State
Policies
Principles
SEC. 1.
The Philippines is a democratic and
republican State. Sovereignty resides
in the people and all government
authority emanates from them.
SEC. 2.
The Philippines renounces war as an fulfillment of this duty all citizens may
instrument of national policy, adopts be required by law to render personal
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.
SEC. 3.
Civilian authority is, at all times,
supreme over the military. The Armed the land, and adheres to the policy of
1973 CONSTITUTION 1935 CONSTITUTION
Preamble Preamble
We, the sovereign Filipino people, The Filipino people, imploring the aid
imploring the aid of Divine of Divine Providence, in order to
Providence, in order to establish a establish a government that shall
government that shall embody our embody their ideals, conserve and
ideals, promote the general welfare, develop the patrimony of the nation,
conserve and develop the patrimony promote the general welfare, and
of our Nation, and secure to ourselves secure to themselves and their
and our posterity the blessings of posterity the blessings of
democracy under a regime of justice, independence under a regime of
peace, liberty, and equality, do ordain justice, liberty, and democracy, do
and promulgate this Constitution. ordain and promulgate this
Constitution.
ARTICLE I ARTICLE I
The National Territory The National Territory
Section 1. The national territory Section 1. The Philippines comprises
comprises the Philippine archipelago, all the territory ceded to the United
with all the islands and waters States by the Treaty of Paris
embraced therein, and all the other concluded between the United States
territories belonging to the Philippines and Spain on the tenth day of
by historic or legal title, including the December, eighteen hundred and
territorial sea, the air space, the ninety-eight, the limits which are set
subsoil, the sea-bed, the insular forth in Article III of said treaty,
shelves, and the submarine areas together with all the islands embraced
over which the Philippines has in the treaty concluded at Washington
sovereignty or jurisdiction. The waters between the United States and Spain
around, between, and connecting the on the seventh day of November,
islands of the archipelago, irrespective nineteen hundred, and the treaty
of their breadth and dimensions, form concluded between the United States
part of the internal waters of the and Great Britain on the second day
Philippines. of January, nineteen hundred and
thirty, and all territory over which the
present Government of the Philippine
Islands exercises jurisdiction.
ARTICLE II ARTICLE II
Declaration of Principles
Policies
Section 1.
Section 1.
The Philippines, is a republican state.
The Philippines is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and
Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates
all government authority emanates from them.
from them.
Section 2.
Section 2.
The defense of the State is a prime
The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in the
duty of government, and in the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may
be required by law to render personal
military or civil service.
military or civil service.
Section 3.
Section 3.
The Philippines renounces war as an
The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, and
instrument of national policy, adopts adopts the generally accepted
the generally accepted principles of principles of international law as part
international law as part of the law of of the law of the Nation.
Forces of the Philippines is the peace, equality, justice, freedom,
protector of the people and the State. cooperation, and amity with all
Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of nations. Section 4.
the State and the integrity of the The natural right and duty of parents
national territory. in the rearing of the youth for civic
Section 4. efficiency should receive the aid and
SEC. 4. support of the government.
The prime duty of the Government is The State shall strengthen the family
to serve and protect the people. The as a basic social institution. The Section 5. The promotion of social
Government may call upon the people natural right and duty of parents in the justice to insure the well-being and
to defend the State and, in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency economic security of all the people
fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be and the development of moral should be the concern of the State.
required, under conditions provided by character shall receive the aid and
law, to render personal military or civil support of the government.
service.

SEC. 5.
The maintenance of peace and order,
the protection of life, liberty, and
property, and the promotion of the
general welfare are essential for the
enjoyment by all the people of the
blessings of democracy.
SEC. 6.
The separation of Church and State
shall be inviolable.
State Policies
SEC. 7.
The State shall pursue an independent property, and equitably diffuse
foreign policy. In its relations with
other states the paramount
consideration shall be national
sovereignty, territorial integrity,
national interest, and the right to self-
determination.
SEC. 8.
The Philippines, consistent with the
national interest, adopts and pursues social security to guarantee the
a policy of freedom from nuclear
weapons in its territory.
Section 5.
The State recognizes the vital role of
the youth in nation-building and shall
promote their physical, intellectual and
social well-being.
Section 6.
The State shall promote social justice
to ensure the dignity, welfare, and
security of all the people. Towards this
end, the State shall regulate the
acquisition, ownership, use,
enjoyment, and disposition of private
property ownership and profits.
Section 7.
The State shall establish, maintain,
and ensure adequate social services
in the field of education, health,
housing, employment, welfare, and
enjoyment of the people of a decent
standard of living.

SEC. 9.
The State shall promote a just and Section 8.
dynamic social order that will ensure
Civilian authority is at all times
the prosperity and independence of
supreme over the military.
the nation and free the people from
poverty through policies that provide
adequate social services, promote full
employment, a rising standard of Section 9.
living, and an improved quality of lifeThe State shall afford protection to
for all. labor, promote full employment and
equality in employment, ensure equal
work opportunities regardless of sex,
SEC. 10. race, or creed, and regulate the
The State shall promote social justice relation between workers and
in all phases of national development. employers. The State shall assure the
rights of workers to self-organization,
SEC. 11. collective bargaining, security of
The State values the dignity of every tenure, and just and humane
human person and guarantees full conditions of work. The State may
respect for human rights. provide for compulsory arbitration.

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.
Section 10.
The State shall guarantee and
promote the autonomy of local
government units, especially the
barrio, to ensure their fullest
development as self-reliant
communities.

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 self-reliant
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 non-
governmental, 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 ARTICLE VIII ARTICLE VI

Legislative Department
The National Assembly Legislative Department

SEC 1.
The legislative power shall be vested Section 1. Section 1.
in the Congress of the Philippines The Legislative power shall be vested The Legislative power shall be vested
which shall consist of a Senate and a in a National Assembly. in a Congress of the Philippines,
House of Representatives, except to which shall consist of a Senate and a
the extent reserved to the people by House of Representatives.
the provision on initiative and
Section 2.
referendum.
The National Assembly shall be Section 2.
SEC. 2. composed of as many Members as
The Senate shall be composed of may be provided by law to be The Senate shall be composed of
twenty-four Senators who shall be appointed among the provinces, twenty-four Senators who shall be
elected at large by the qualified voters representative districts, and cities in chosen at large by the qualified
of the Philippines, as may be provided accordance with the number of their electors of the Philippines, as may be
by law. respective inhabitants and on the provided by law.
basis of a uniform and progressive
SEC. 3. ratio. Each district shall comprise, as
No person shall be a Senator unless far as practicable, contiguous, Section 3.
he is a natural-born citizen of the compact, and adjacent territory.
Philippines, and, on the day of the Representative districts or provinces The term of office of Senators shall be
election, is at least thirty-five years of already created or existing at the time six years and shall begin on the
age, able to read and write, a of the ratification of this Constitution thirtieth day of December next
registered voter, and a resident of the shall have at least one Member each. following their election. The first
Philippines for not less than two years Senators elected under this
immediately preceding the day of the Constitution shall, in the manner
election. provided by law, be divided equally
 Section 3. into three groups, the Senators of the
SEC. 4. first group, to serve for a term of six
The term of office of the Senators shall (1) The Members of the National years; those of the second group, for
be six years and shall commence, Assembly shall be elected by the four years; and those of the third
unless otherwise provided by law, at qualified electors in their respective group, for two years.
noon on the thirtieth day of June next districts for a term of six years which
following their election. No Senator shall begin, unless otherwise provided
shall serve for more than two by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of
June next following their election. Section 4.
consecutive terms. Voluntary
renunciation of the office for any No person shall be a Senator unless
length of time shall not be considered he be a natural born citizen of the
as an interruption in the continuity of (2) In case the National Assembly is Philippines and, at the time of his
his service for the full term for which dissolved, the newly elected Members election, is at least thirty-five years of
he was elected. shall serve the unexpired portion of age, a qualified elector, and a resident
the term from the time the Prime of the Philippines for not less than two
SEC. 5. Minister convenes the Assembly, years immediately prior to his election.
(1) The House of Representatives which shall not be later than thirty
shall be composed of not more than days immediately following the
two hundred and fifty members, unless elections. Section 5.
otherwise fixed by law, who shall be
elected from legislative districts The House of Representatives shall
apportioned among the provinces, Section 4. be composed of not more than one
cities, and the Metropolitan Manila hundred and twenty Members who
area in accordance with the number of No person shall be a Member of the shall be apportioned among the
their respective inhabitants, and on the National Assembly unless he is a several provinces as nearly as may be
basis of a uniform and progressive natural-born citizen of the Philippines accorded to the number of their
ratio, and those who, as provided by and, on the day of the election, is at respective inhabitants, but each
law, shall be elected through a party- least twenty-five years of age, able to province shall have at least one
list system of registered national, read and write, a registered voter in Member. The Congress shall by law
regional, and sectoral parties or the district in which he shall be make an apportionment within three
organizations. elected, and a resident thereon for a years after the return of every
period of not less than one year enumeration, and not otherwise. Until
immediately preceding the day of the such apportionment shall have been
(2) The party-list representatives shall election. made, the House of Representatives
constitute twenty per centum of the shall have the same number of
total number of representatives Members as that fixed by law for the
including those under the party list. Section 5. National Assembly, who shall be
For three consecutive terms after the elected by the qualified electors from
ratification of this Constitution, one- (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, the present Assembly districts. Each
half of the seats allocated to party-list the regular election of Members of the representative district shall comprise,
representatives shall be filled, as National Assembly shall be held on as far as practicable, contiguous and
provided by law, by selection or the second Monday of May every six compact territory.
election from the labor, peasant, urban years thereafter.
poor, indigenous cultural communities,
women, youth, and such other sectors Section 6.
as may be provided by law, except the (2) In case a vacancy arises in the
religious sector. National Assembly one year or more The term of office of the Members of
before a regular election, the the House of Representatives shall be
Commission on Elections shall call a four years and shall begin on the
(3) Each legislative district shall
comprise, as far as practicable, special election to be held within sixty thirtieth day of December next
days after the vacancy occurs. following their election.
contiguous, compact, and adjacent
territory. Each city with a population of
at least two hundred fifty thousand, or
each province, shall have at least one Section 6. Section 7.
representative.
The National Assembly shall convene No person shall be a Member of the
once every year on the fourth Monday House of Representatives unless he
(4) Within three years following the of July for its regular session, unless a be a natural born citizen of the
return of every census, the Congress different date is fixed by law, and shall Philippines, and, at the time of his
shall make a reappointment of continue to be in session until thirty election, is at least twenty-five years
legislative districts based on the days before the opening of its next of age, a qualified elector, and a
standards provided in this section. regular session, exclusive of resident of the province in which he is
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal chosen for not less than one year
SEC. 6. holidays. It may recess for periods not immediately prior to his election.
No person shall be a Member of the exceeding thirty days each, and not
House of Representatives unless he is more than ninety days during the
a natural-born citizen of the year. However, it may be called to Section 8.
Philippines and, on the day of the session at any time by the Prime
(1) Elections for Senators and
election, is at least twenty-five years of Minister to consider such subjects or
legislation as he may designate. Members of the House of
age, able to read and write, and,
Representatives shall be held in the
except the party-list representatives, a
registered voter in the district in which manner and on the dates fixed by law.
he shall be elected, and a resident
thereof for a period of not less than Section 7.
one year immediately preceding the (1) The National Assembly, shall, by a (2) In case of vacancy in the Senate
day of the election. majority vote of all its Members, elect or in the House of Representatives, a
its Speaker from the Members special election may be called to fill
thereof. It shall choose such other such vacancy in the manner
officers as it may deem necessary. prescribed by law, but the Senator or
SEC. 7. Member of the House of
The election of the President and the Representatives thus elected shall
The Members of the House of Prime Minister shall precede all other
Representatives shall be elected for a business following the election of the serve only for the unexpired term.
term of three years which shall begin, Speaker.
unless otherwise provided by law, at
noon on the thirtieth day of June next Section 9.
following their election.
(2) A majority of the National The Congress shall convene in
No member of the House of
Assembly shall constitute a quorum to regular session once every year on
Representatives shall serve for more
do business, but a smaller number the fourth Monday of January, unless
than three consecutive terms.
may adjourn from day to day and may a different date is fixed by law. It may
Voluntary renunciation of the office for
compel the attendance of absent be called in special session at any
any length of time shall not be
Members in such manner, and under time by the President to consider
considered as an interruption in the
such penalties, as the National general legislation or only such
continuity of his service for the full
Assembly may provide. subjects as he may designate. No
term for which he was elected.
special session shall continue longer
than thirty days and no regular
SEC. 8.
session longer than one hundred
Unless otherwise provided by law, the (3) The National Assembly may
days, exclusive of Sundays.
regular election of the Senators and determine the rules of its proceedings,
the Members of the House of punish its Members for disorderly
Representatives shall be held on the behavior, and with concurrence of
second Monday of May. two-thirds of all its Members, suspend
or expel a Member, but if the penalty
SEC. 9. is suspension, this shall not exceed Section 10.
In case of vacancy in the Senate or in sixty days. (1) The Senate shall elect its
the House of Representatives, a President and the House of
special election may be called to fill Representatives its Speaker.
such vacancy in the manner (4) The National Assembly shall keep
prescribed by law, but the Senator or a Journal of its proceedings, and from Each House shall choose such other
Member of the House of time to time publish the same, officers as may be required.
Representatives thus elected shall excepting such parts as may, in its
serve only for the unexpired term. judgment, affect national security; and
the yeas and nays on any question (2) A majority of each House shall
SEC. 10. shall, at the request of one-fifth of the constitute a quorum to do business,
The salaries of Senators and Members present, be entered in the but a smaller number may adjourn
Members of the House of Journal. from day to day and may compel the
Representatives shall be determined attendance of absent Members in
by law. No increase in said such manner and under such
compensation shall take effect until Section 8. penalties as such House may provide.
after the expiration of the full term of
all the Members of the Senate and the (1) Unless otherwise provided by law,
House of Representatives approving each Member of the National (3) Each House may determine the
such increase. Assembly shall receive an annual rule of its proceedings, punish its
salary of sixty thousand pesos. The Members for disorderly behavior, and,
SEC. 11. Speaker of the National Assembly with the concurrence of two-thirds of
A Senator or Member of the House of shall receive an annual salary of all its Members, expel a Member.
Representatives shall, in all offenses seventy-five thousand pesos. No
punishable by not more than six years increase in salary shall take effect
imprisonment, be privileged from until after the expiration of the term of
(4) Each House shall keep a Journal
arrest while the Congress is in the Members of the National
of its proceedings, and from time to
session. No member shall be Assembly approving such increase.
time publish the same, excepting such
questioned nor be held liable in any parts as may in its judgment requires
other place for any speech or debate secrecy; and the yeas and nays on
in the Congress or in any committee (2) The records and books of any question shall, at the request of
thereof. accounts of the National Assembly one-fifth of the Members present, be
shall be open to the public in entered into the Journal.
SEC. 12. accordance with law, and such books
All Members of the Senate and the shall be audited by the Commission
House of Representatives shall, upon on Audit which shall publish annually
assumption of office, make a full (5) Neither House during the sessions
the itemized expenditures for each
of the Congress shall, without the
disclosure of their financial and Member.
business interests. They shall notify consent of the other, adjourn for more
than three days, nor to any other
the House concerned of a potential place than that in which the two
conflict of interest that may arise from Houses shall be sitting.
the filing of a proposed legislation of Section 9.
which they are authors. A Member of the National Assembly
shall, in all offenses punishable by not Section 11.
SEC. 13. more than six years imprisonment, be
No Senator or a Member of the House privileged from arrest during his The Senate and the House of
of Representatives may hold any other attendance at its sessions, and in Representatives shall have an
office or employment in the going to and returning from the same; Electoral Tribunal which shall be the
Government, or any subdivision, but the National Assembly shall sole judge of all contests relating to
agency, or instrumentality thereof, surrender the Member involved to the the election, returns, and
including government-owned or custody of the law within twenty-four qualifications of their respective
controlled corporations or their hours after its adjournment for a Members. Each Electoral Tribunal
subsidiaries, during his term without recess or its next session, otherwise shall be composed of nine Members,
forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be such privilege shall cease upon its three of whom shall be Justices of the
appointed to any office which may failure to do so. A Member shall not Supreme Court to be designated by
have been created or the emoluments be questioned or held liable in any the Chief Justice, and the remaining
thereof increased during the term for other place for any speech or debate six shall be Members of the Senate or
which he was elected. in the Assembly or in any committee the House of Representatives, as the
thereof. case may be, who shall be chosen by
SEC. 14. each House, three upon nomination of
No Senator or Member of the House the party having the largest number of
of Representatives may personally votes and three of the party having
Section 10. the second largest numbers of votes
appear as counsel before any court of
justice or before the Electoral A Member of the National Assembly therein. The senior Justice in each
Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other shall not hold any other office or Electoral Tribunal shall be its
administrative bodies. Neither shall he, employment in the government, or Chairman.
directly or indirectly, be interested any subdivision, agency, or
financially in any contract with, or in instrumentality thereof, including
any franchise or special privilege government-owned or controlled
granted by the Government, or any corporations during his tenure except
subdivision, agency, or instrumentality that of Prime Minister or Member of Section 12.
thereof, including any government- the Cabinet. Neither shall he be There shall be a Commission on
owned or controlled corporation, or its appointed to any civil office which may Appointments consisting of twelve
subsidiary, during his term of office. have been created or the emoluments Senators and twelve Members of the
He shall not intervene in any matter thereof increased while he was a House of Representatives, elected by
before any office of the Government Member of the National Assembly. each House, respectively, on the
for his pecuniary benefit or where he basis of proportional representation of
may be called upon to act on account the political parties therein. The
of his office. Section 11. president of the Senate shall be the
Chairman ex officio of the
SEC. 15. No Member of the National Assembly Commission, but shall not vote except
The Congress shall convene once shall appear as counsel before any in case of tie.
every year on the fourth Monday of court inferior to a court with appellate
July for its regular session, unless a jurisdiction, before any court in any
different date is fixed by law, and shall civil case wherein the government, or
continue to be in session for such any subdivision, agency, or
number of days as it may determine instrumentality thereof is the adverse Section 13.
until thirty days before the opening of party, or before any administrative
its next regular session, exclusive of body. Neither shall he, directly or The Electoral Tribunal and the
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal indirectly, be interested financially in Commission on Appointments shall be
holidays. The President may call a any contract with, or in any franchise constituted within thirty days after the
special session at any time. or special privilege granted by, the Senate and the House of
government, or any subdivision, Representatives shall have been
SEC. 16. agency, or instrumentality thereof, organized with the election of their
(1) The Senate shall elect its President including any government-owned or President and Speaker, respectively.
and the House of Representatives its controlled corporation, during his term The Commission on Appointments
Speaker, by a majority vote of all its of office. He shall not intervene in any shall meet only while the Congress is
respective Members. matter before any office of the in session, at the call of its Chairman
Each House shall choose such other government for his pecuniary benefit. or a majority of its Members, to
officers as it may deem necessary. discharge such powers and functions
(2) A majority of each House shall as are herein conferred upon it.
constitute a quorum to do business, Section 12.
Section 14.
but a smaller number may adjourn
from day to day and may compel the (1) There shall be a question hour at The Senators and the Members of the
attendance of absent Members in least once a month or as often as the House of Representatives shall,
such manner, and under such rules of the National Assembly may unless otherwise provided by law,
penalties, as such House may provide. provide, which shall be included in its receive an annual compensation of
(3) Each House may determine the agenda, during which the Prime seven thousand two hundred pesos
rules of its proceedings, punish its Minister or any Minister may be each, including per diems and other
Members for disorderly behavior, and, required to appear and answer emoluments or allowances and
with the concurrence of two-thirds of questions and interpellations by exclusive only of traveling expenses
all its Members, suspend or expel a Members of the National Assembly. to and from their respective districts in
Member. A penalty for suspension, Written questions shall be submitted the case of Members of the House of
when imposed, shall not exceed sixty to the Speaker at least three days Representatives, and to an from their
days. before a scheduled question hour. places of residence in the case of
(4) Each House shall keep a Journal Interpellations shall not be limited to Senators, when attending sessions of
of its proceedings, and from time to the written questions, but may cover the Congress. No increase in said
time publish the same, excepting such matters related thereto. The agenda compensation shall take effect until
parts as may, in its judgment, affect shall specify the subjects of the after the expiration of the full term of
national security; and the yeas and question hour. When the security of all the Members of the Senate and of
nays on any question shall, at the the State so requires and the Prime the House of Representatives
request of one-fifth of the members Minister so states in writing, the approving such increase. Until
present, be entered in the Journal. question hour shall be conducted in otherwise provided by law, the
Each House shall also keep a Record executive session. President of the Senate and the
of its proceedings. Speaker of the House of
(5) Neither House during the sessions Representatives shall each receive an
of the Congress shall, without the (2) The National Assembly or any of annual compensation of sixteen
consent of the other, adjourn for more its committees may conduct inquiries thousand pesos.
than three days, nor to any other place in aid of legislation in accordance with
than that in which the two Houses its duly published rules of procedure.
shall be sitting. The rights of persons appearing in
such inquiries shall be respected.
SEC. 17. Section 15.
The Senate and the House of
The Senators and Members of the
Representatives shall each have an
Section 13. House of Representatives shall in all
Electoral Tribunal which shall be the
cases except treason, felony, and
sole judge of all contests relating to (1) The National Assembly may breach of the peace, be privileged
the election, returns, and qualifications withdraw its confidence from the
from arrest during their attendance at
of their respective Members. Each Prime Minister only by electing a the session of the Congress, and in
Electoral Tribunal shall be composed successor by a majority vote of all its
going to and returning from the same;
of nine Members, three of whom shall Members. No motion for the election
and for any speech or debate therein,
be Justices of the Supreme Court to of such successor shall be debated
they shall not be questioned in any
be designated by the Chief Justice, and voted upon until after the lapse of other place.
and the remaining six shall be three days from the submittal of such
Members of the Senate or the House motion.
of Representatives, as the case may
be, who shall be chosen on the basis
of proportional representation from the (2) The Prime Minister may advise the Section 16.
political parties and the parties or President in writing to dissolve the
organizations registered under the National Assembly whenever the No Senator or Member of the House
party-list system represented therein. need arises for a popular vote of of Representatives may hold any
The senior Justice in the Electoral confidence on fundamental issues, other office or employment in the
Tribunal shall be it Chairman. but not on a matter involving his own government without forfeiting his seat,
personal integrity. Whereupon, the nor shall any Senator or Member of
SEC. 18. President shall dissolve the National the House of Representatives, during
There shall be a Commission on Assembly not earlier than five days the time for which he was elected, be
Appointments consisting of the nor later than ten days from his appointed to any civil office which may
President of the Senate, as ex officio receipt of the advice, and call for an have been created or the emoluments
Chairman, twelve Senators, and election on a date set by the Prime whereof shall have been increased
twelve Members of the House of Minister which shall not be earlier than while he was a Member of the
Representatives, elected by each forty-five days nor later than sixty Congress.
House on the basis of proportional days from the date of such
representation from the political Section 17.
dissolution. However, no dissolution of
parties or organizations registered the National Assembly shall take No Senator or Member of the House
under the party-list system place within nine months immediately of Representatives shall directly or
represented therein. The Chairman of preceding a regular election or within indirectly be financially interested in
the Commission shall not vote, except nine months immediately following any contract with the government or
in case of a tie. The Commission shall any general election. any subdivision or instrumentality
act on all appointments submitted to it thereof, or in any franchise or special
within thirty session days of the privilege granted by the Congress
Congress from their submission. The during his term of office. He shall not
Commission shall rule by a majority (3) In case of dissolution of the
vote of all the Members. National Assembly or the termination appear as counsel before the
of its regular term, the incumbent Electoral Tribunals or before any court

SEC. 19. Prime Minister and the Cabinet shall in any civil case wherein the
continue to conduct the affairs of Government or any subdivision or
The Electoral Tribunals and the instrumentality thereof is the adverse
Commission on Appointments shall be government until the new National party, or in any criminal case wherein
constituted within thirty days after the Assembly is convoked and a Prime
Senate and the House of Minister is elected and has qualified. an officer or employee of the
government is accused of an offense
Representatives shall have been committed in relation to his office, or
organized with the election of the collect any fee for his appearance in
President and the Speaker. The Section 14. any administrative proceedings; or
Commission on Appointments shall accept employment to intervene in
meet only while the Congress is in (1) Except as otherwise provided in any cause or matter where he may be
session, at the call of its Chairman or this Constitution, no treaty shall be called upon to act on account of his
a majority of all its Members, to valid and effective unless concurred in office. No Member of the Commission
discharge such powers and functions by a majority of all the Members of the on Appointments shall appear as
as are herein conferred upon it. National Assembly. counsel before any court inferior to a
collegiate court of appellate
SEC. 20. jurisdiction.
The records and books of accounts of (2) The National Assembly, by a vote
the Congress shall be preserved and of two-thirds of all its Members, shall
be open to the public in accordance have the sole power to declare the Section 18.
with law, and such books shall be existence of a state of war.
audited by the Commission on Audit All appropriation, revenue or tariff
which shall publish annually an bills, bills authorizing increase of the
itemized list of amounts paid to and Section 15. public debt, bills of local application,
expenses incurred for each Member. and private bills, shall originate
In times of war or other national exclusively in the House of
SEC. 21. emergency, the National Assembly Representatives, but the Senate may
The Senate or the House of may by law authorize the Prime propose or concur with amendments.
Representatives or any of its Minister, for a limited period and
respective committees may conduct subject to such restrictions as it may
inquiries in aid of legislation in prescribe, to exercise powers Section 19.
accordance with its duly published necessary and proper to carry out a
rules of procedure. The rights of declared national policy. Unless (1) The President shall submit within
persons appearing in or affected by sooner withdrawn by resolution of the fifteen days of the opening of each
such inquiries shall be respected. National Assembly, such powers shall regular session of the Congress a
cease upon its next adjournment. budget of receipts and expenditures,
SEC. 22. which shall be the basis of the general
The heads of departments may upon appropriations bill. The Congress may
their own initiative, with the consent of Section 16. not increase the appropriations
the President, or upon the request of recommended by the President for the
either House, as the rules of each (1) The Prime Minister shall submit to operation of the Government as
House shall provide, appear before the National Assembly within thirty specified in the Budget, except the
and be heard by such House on any days from the opening of each regular appropriations for the Congress and
matter pertaining to their departments. session, as the basis of the general the Judicial Department. The form of
Written questions shall be submitted to appropriations bill, a budget of the Budget and the information that it
the President of the Senate or the receipts based on existing and should contain shall be prescribed by
Speaker of the House of proposed revenue measures, and of law.
Representatives at least three days expenditures. The form, content, and
before their scheduled appearance. manner of preparation of the budget (2) No provision or enactment shall be
embraced in the general
Interpellations shall not be limited to shall be prescribed by law. appropriations bill unless it relates
written questions, but may cover (2) No provision or enactment shall be specifically to some particular
matters related thereto. When the embraced in the general appropriation therein; and any such
security of the State or the public appropriations bill unless it relates provision or enactment shall be limited
interest so requires and the President specifically to some particular in its operation to such appropriation.
so states in writing, the appearance appropriation therein. Any such
shall be conducted in executive provision or enactment shall be limited
session. in its operation to the appropriation to Section 20.
which it relates.
SEC. 23. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress
(1) The Congress, by a vote of two- shall, before it becomes a law, be
thirds of both Houses in joint session presented to the President. If he
(3) The procedure in approving
assembled, voting separately, shall approves the same, he shall sign it;
appropriations for the National
have the sole power to declare the but if not, he shall return it with his
Assembly shall strictly follow the
existence of a state of war. objections to the House where it
procedure for approving
appropriations for other departments originated, which shall enter the
(2) In times of war or other national and agencies. objections at large on its Journal and
emergency, the Congress may, by proceed to reconsider it. If, after such
law, authorize the President, for a reconsideration, two-thirds of all the
limited period and subject to such Members of such House shall agree
(4) A special appropriations bill shall
restrictions as it may prescribe, to to pass the bill, it shall be sent
specify the purpose for which it is
exercise powers necessary and proper intended, and shall be supported by together, with the objections, to the
to carry out a declared national policy. funds actually available as certified to House by which it shall likewise be
Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution by the National Treasurer, or to be reconsidered, and if approved by two-
of the Congress, such powers shall thirds of all the Members of that
raised by a corresponding revenue
cease upon the next adjournment House, it shall become a law. In all
proposal included therein.
thereof. such cases, the votes of each House
shall be determined by yeas and
SEC. 24. nays, and the names of the Members
(5) No law shall be passed authorizing voting for and against shall be entered
All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, any transfer of appropriations; on its Journal. If any bill shall not be
bills authorizing increase of public however, the Prime Minister, the returned by the President as herein
debt, bills of local application, and Speaker, the Chief Justice of the provided within twenty days (Sundays
private bills shall originate exclusively Supreme Court, and the heads of excepted) after it shall have been
in the House of Representatives, but Constitutional Commissions may by presented to him, the same shall
the Senate may propose or concur law be authorized to augment any become a law in like manner as if he
with amendments. item in the general appropriations law had signed it, unless the Congress by
for their respective offices from saving adjournment prevent its return, in
SEC. 25. in other items of their respective which case it shall become a law
(1) The Congress may not increase appropriations. unless vetoed by the President within
the appropriations recommended by thirty days after adjournment.
the President for the operation of the
Government as specified in the (6) If, by the end of the fiscal year, the
budget. The form, content, and National Assembly shall have failed to (2) The President shall have the
manner of preparation of the budget pass the general appropriations bill for power to veto any particular item or
shall be prescribed by law. the ensuing fiscal year, the general items of an appropriation bill, but the
appropriations law for the preceding veto shall not affect the item or items
(2) No provision or enactment shall be fiscal year shall be deemed re- to which he does not object. When a
embraced in the general enacted and shall remain in force and provision of an appropriation bill
appropriations bill unless it relates effect until the general appropriations affects one or more items of the
specifically to some particular bill is passed by the National same, the President cannot veto the
appropriation therein. Any such Assembly. provision without at the same time,
provision or enactment shall be limited vetoing the particular item or items to
in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates. The item or items
which it relates. Section 17. objected to shall not take effect except
in the manner heretofore provided as
(1) The rule of taxation shall be to bills returned to the Congress
(3) The procedure in approving uniform and equitable. The National without the approval of the President.
appropriations for the Congress shall Assembly shall evolve a progressive If the veto refers to a bill or any item of
strictly follow the procedure for system of taxation. an appropriation bill which
approving appropriations for other appropriates a sum in excess of ten
departments or agencies. per centum of the total amount voted
(2) The National Assembly may by in the appropriation bill for the general
law authorize the Prime Minister to fix expenses of the Government for the
(4) A special appropriations bill shall
within specified limits, and subject to preceding year, or if it should refer to
specify the purpose for which it is
such limitations and restrictions as it a bill authorizing an increase of the
intended, and shall be supported by
may impose, tariff rates, import and public debt, the same shall not
funds actually available as certified by
export quotas, tonnage and wharfage become a law unless approved by
the National Treasurer, or to be raised three-fourths of all the Members of
dues, and other duties or imposts.
by a corresponding revenue proposed each House.
therein.
(3) Charitable institutions, churches,
(5) No law shall be passed authorizing personages or convents appurtenant (3) The President shall have the
any transfer of appropriations; thereto, mosques and non-profit power to veto any separate item or
however, the President, the President cemeteries, and all lands, buildings items in a revenue of tariff bill, and the
of the Senate, the Speaker of the and improvements actually, directly, item or items shall not take effect
House of Representatives, the Chief and exclusively used for religious or except in the manner provided as to
Justice of the Supreme Court, and the charitable purposes shall be exempt bills vetoed by the President.
Constitutional Commissions may, by from taxation.
law, be authorized to augment any
item in the general appropriations law Section 21.
for their respective offices from (4) No law granting any tax exemption
savings in other items of their (1) No bill which may be enacted into
shall be passed without the
respective appropriations. law shall embrace more than one
concurrence of a majority of all the
subject which shall be expressed in
Members of the National Assembly.
the title of the bill.
(6) Discretionary funds appropriated
for particular officials shall be
disbursed only for public purposes to Section 18.
(2) No bill shall be passed by either
be supported by appropriate vouchers
House unless it shall have been
and subject to such guidelines as may (1) No money shall be paid out of the
Treasury except in pursuance of an printed and copies thereof in its final
be prescribed by law.
appropriation made by law. form furnished its Members at least
three calendar days prior to its
(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the passage, except when the President
Congress shall have failed to pass the (2) No public money or property shall shall have certified to the necessity of
general appropriations bill for the ever be appropriated, applied, paid, or its immediate enactment. Upon the
ensuing fiscal year, the general used, directly or indirectly, for the use, last reading of a bill no amendment
appropriations law for the preceding benefit, or support of any sect, church, thereof shall be allowed, and the
fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted denomination, sectarian institution, or question upon its passage shall be
and shall remain in force and effect system of religion or for the use, taken immediately thereafter, and the
until the general appropriations bill is benefit, or support of any priest, yeas and nays entered on the Journal.
passed by the Congress. preacher, minister, or other religious
teacher or dignitary as such, except
SEC. 26. when such priest, preacher, minister, Section 22.
(1) Every bill passed by the Congress or dignitary is assigned to the armed
shall embrace only one subject which forces, or to any penal institution, or (1) The rule of taxation shall be
shall be expressed in the title thereof. government orphanage or uniform.
leprosarium.
(2) No bill passed by either House
(2) The Congress may by law
shall become a law unless it has
Section 19. authorize the President, subject to
passed three readings on separate
such limitations and restrictions as it
days, and printed copies thereof in its (1) Every bill shall become a law may impose, to fix, within specified
final form have been distributed to its unless it has passed three readings limits, tariff rates, import or export
members three days before its on separate days, and printed copies quotas, and tonnage and wharfage
passage, except when the President thereof in its final form have been dues.
certifies to the necessity of its distributed to the Members three days
immediate enactment to meet a public before its passage, except when the
calamity or emergency. Upon the last Prime Minister certifies to the
reading of a bill, no amendment (3) Cemeteries, churches, and
necessity of its immediate enactment
thereto shall be allowed, and the vote parsonages or convents appurtenant
to meet a public calamity or
thereon shall be taken immediately thereto, and all lands, buildings, and
emergency. Upon the last reading of a
thereafter, and the yeas and nays improvements used exclusively for
bill, no amendment thereto shall be
entered in the Journal. religious, charitable, or educational
allowed, and the vote thereon shall be
purposes shall be exempt from
taken immediately thereafter, and the
SEC. 27. taxation.
yeas and nays entered in the Journal.
(1) Every bill passed by the Congress
shall, before it becomes a law, be
presented to the President. If he Section 23.
(2) No bill except those of local
approves the same, he shall sign it;
application shall be calendared (1) All money collected on any tax
otherwise, he shall veto it and return
without the prior recommendation of levied for a special purpose shall be
the same with his objections to the
the Cabinet. treated as a special fund and paid out
House where it originated, which shall
enter the objections at large in its for such purpose only. If the purpose
Journal and proceed to reconsider it. for which a special fund was crated
If, after such reconsideration, two- Section 20. has been fulfilled or abandoned, the
thirds of all the Members of such balance, if any, shall be transferred to
(1) Every bill passed by the national the general funds of the Government.
House shall agree to pass the bill, it Assembly shall, before it becomes a
shall be sent, together with the law, be presented to the Prime
objections, to the other House by Minister. If he approves the same he
which it shall likewise be reconsidered, shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it (2) No money shall be paid out of
and if approved by two-thirds of all the and return the same with his Treasury except in pursuance of an
Members of that House, it shall appropriation made by law.
objections to the National Assembly.
become a law. In all such cases, the The bill may be reconsidered by the
votes of each House shall be National Assembly and, if approved
determined by yeas or nays, and the by two-thirds of all its Members, shall (3) No public money, or property shall
names of the Members voting for or become a law. The Prime Minister ever be appropriated, applied, or
against shall be entered in its Journal. shall act on every bill passed by the used, directly or indirectly, for the use,
The President shall communicate his National Assembly within thirty days benefit, or support of any sect, church,
veto of any bill to the House where it after the date of receipt thereof; denomination, sectarian institution or
originated within thirty days after the otherwise, it shall become a law as if system of religion, for the use, benefit,
day of receipt thereof; otherwise, it he had signed it. or support of any priest, preacher,
shall become a law as if he had signed ministers, or other religious teacher or
it. (2) The Prime Minister shall have the dignitary as such except when such
power to veto any particular item or priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary
items in appropriation, revenue, or is assigned to the armed forces or to
(2) The President shall have the power tariff bill, but the veto shall not affect
any penal institution, orphanage or
to veto any particular item or items in the item or items to which he does not
leprosarium.
an appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, object.
but the veto shall not affect the item or
items to which he does not object.
Section 24.
The heads of departments upon their
SEC. 28. own initiative or upon the request of
(1) The rule of taxation shall be either House may appear before and
uniform and equitable. The Congress be heard by such House on any
shall evolve a progressive system of matter pertaining to their departments,
taxation. unless the public interest shall require
otherwise and the President shall so
state in writing.
(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, non-
profit cemeteries, and all lands,
buildings, and improvements, actually,
directly, and exclusively used for
religious, charitable, or educational
purposes shall be exempt from
taxation.
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 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.

(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 ARTICLE VII ARTICLE VII
Executive Department
The President and Vice-President Executive Department

SEC 1.
The executive power shall be vested Section 1. Section 1.
in the President of the Philippines. The President shall be the head of The executive power shall be vested
state and chief executive of the in a President of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. Republic of the Philippines.
No person may be elected President
unless he is a natural-born citizen of
Section 2.
the Philippines, a registered voter,
Section 2.
able to read and write, at least forty The President shall hold his office
years of age on the day of the There shall be a Vice-President who during a term of four years and
election, and a resident of the shall have the same qualifications and together with the Vice-President
Philippines for at least ten years term of office as the President and chosen for the same term, shall be
immediately preceding such election. may be removed from office in the elected by direct vote of the people.
same manner as the President as The returns of every election for
SEC. 3. provided in Article XIII, Section 2 of President and Vice-President, duly
There shall be a Vice-President who this Constitution. certified by the board of canvassers of
shall have the same qualifications and each province or city, shall be
term of office and be elected with and transmitted to the seat of the National
in the same manner as the President. The Vice-President may be appointed Government, directed to the President
He may be removed from office in the as a member of the Cabinet and may of the Senate, who shall, in the
same manner as the President. be nominated and elected as Prime presence of the Senate and the
The Vice-President may be appointed Minister. House of Representatives, open all
as a Member of the Cabinet. Such the certificates, and the votes shall
appointment requires no confirmation. then be counted. The person
respectively having the highest
SEC. 4. The Vice-President shall be elected
number of votes for President and
The President and the Vice-President with and in the same manner as the Vice-President shall be declared
shall be elected by direct vote of the President. elected, but in case two or more shall
people for a term of six years which have an equal and the highest
shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day number of votes for their office, one of
of June following the day of the The President shall be elected from them shall be chosen President or
election and shall end at noon of the among the Members of the National Vice-President, as the case may be,
same date six years thereafter. The Assembly by a majority vote of all its by a majority vote of the Members of
President shall not be eligible for any Members for a term of six years from the Congress in joint session
reelection. No person who has the date he takes his oath of office, assembled.
succeeded as President and has which shall not be later than three
served as such for more than four days after the proclamation of the
years shall be qualified for election to National Assembly, nor in any case Section 3.
the same office at any time. earlier than the expiration of the term
of his predecessor. Upon taking his No person may be elected to the
oath of office, the President shall office of the President or Vice-
No Vice-President shall serve for more cease to be a Member of the National President unless he is a natural born
than two consecutive terms. Voluntary Assembly and of any political party. citizen of the Philippines, a qualified
renunciation of the office for any He shall be ineligible to hold any other voter, forty years of age or over, and
length of time shall not be considered elective office during his term. has been a resident of the Philippines
as an interruption in the continuity of for at least ten years immediately
the service for the full term for which preceding the election.
he was elected.
Section 3.
Unless otherwise provided by law, the
regular election for President and No person may be elected President
Vice-President shall be held on the Section 4.
unless he is at least fifty years of age
second Monday of May. at the day of his election as President, Elections for President and Vice-
and a resident of the Philippines for at President shall be held once every
least ten years immediately preceding four years on a date to be fixed by
The returns of every election for
his election. However, if no Member of law.
President and Vice-President, duly
the National Assembly is qualified or
certified by the board of canvassers of none of those qualified is a candidate
each province or city, shall be for President, any Member thereof
transmitted to the Congress, directed may be elected President. The terms of the President and Vice-
to the President of the Senate. Upon President shall end at noon on the
receipt of the certificates of canvass, thirtieth day of December following the
the President of the Senate shall, not Section 4. expiration of four years after their
later than thirty days after the day of election, and the terms of their
the election, open all certificates in the (1) The President shall have an official successors shall begin from such
presence of the Senate and the House residence and shall receive a time.
of Representatives in joint public compensation to be fixed by law,
session, and the Congress, upon which shall not be increased or
determination of the authenticity and decreased during his term of office. Section 5.
due execution thereof in the manner He shall not receive during his tenure
No person shall serve as President for
provided by law, canvass the votes. any other emolument from the
government or any other source. Until more than eight consecutive years.
the National Assembly shall provide The period of such service shall be
The person having the highest number otherwise, the President shall receive counted from the date he shall have
of votes shall be proclaimed elected, an annual salary of one hundred commenced to act as President.
but in case two or more shall have an thousand pesos. Voluntary renunciation of the office for
equal and highest number of votes, any length of time shall not be
one of them shall forthwith be chosen considered as an interruption in the
by the vote of a majority of all the continuity of the service of the
(2) The President shall not during his incumbent for the full term for which
Members of the Congress, voting
tenure, hold any appointive office, he was elected.
separately.
practice any profession, participate
The Congress shall promulgate its
directly or indirectly in the
rules for the canvassing of the
management of any business, or be
certificates. Section 6.
financially interested directly or
indirectly in any contract with, or in If, at the time fixed for the beginning of
The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, any franchise or special privilege the term of the President, the
shall be the sole judge of all contests granted by, the government or any President-elect shall have died, the
relating to the election, returns, and subdivision, agency, or instrumentality Vice-President-elect shall become
qualifications of the President or Vice- thereof, including government-owned President. If a President shall not
President, and may promulgate its or controlled corporations. have been chosen before the time
rules for the purpose. fixed for the beginning of his term or if
the President shall have failed to
SEC. 5. Section 5. qualify, then the Vice-President shall
Before they enter on the execution of act as President until a President shall
their office, the President, the Vice- In case of permanent disability, death, have qualified, and the Congress may
President, or the Acting President removal from office, or resignation of by law provide for the case wherein
shall take the following oath or the President, the Speaker of the neither a President-elect nor a Vice-
affirmation : National Assembly shall act as President-elect shall have qualified,
President until a successor has been declaring who shall then act as
elected for the unexpired portion of President, or the manner in which one
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I the term of the President.
who is to act shall be selected, and
will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill
such person shall act accordingly until
my duties as President (or Vice-
a President or Vice-President shall
President or Acting President) of the Section 6.
have qualified.
Philippines, preserve and defend its
Constitution, execute its laws, do The President shall have the following
justice to every man, and consecrate duties and functions:
myself to the service of the Nation. So Section 7.
help me God." (In case of affirmation,
last sentence will be omitted.) (1) Address the National Assembly at Before he enters on the execution of
the opening of its regular session. his office, the President shall take the
following oath or affirmation :
SEC. 6.
The President shall have an official
residence. The salaries of the (2) Proclaim the election of the Prime "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I
President and Vice-President shall be Minister. will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill
determined by law and shall not be my duties as President of the
decreased during their tenure. No Philippines, preserve and defend its
increase in said compensation shall (3) Dissolve the National Assembly Constitution, execute its laws, do
take effect until after the expiration of and call for a general election as justice to every man, and consecrate
the term of the incumbent during provided herein. myself to the service of the Nation. So
which such increase was approved. help me God." (In case of affirmation,
They shall not receive during their last sentence will be omitted)
tenure any other emolument from the (4) Accept the resignation of the
Government or any other source. Cabinet as provided herein. Section 8.
SEC. 7. In the event of the removal of the
The President-elect and the Vice- President from office, or his death,
(5) Attest to the appointment or
President-elect shall assume office at resignation, or inability to discharge
cessation from office of Members of
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 Vice-
President-elect shall become
President.
Where no President and Vice-
President 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 of
Representatives shall act as President
until a President or a Vice-President
shall have been chosen and qualified.
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.
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.
The Congress shall, by law, provide
who shall serve as President in case
of death, permanent disability, or
resignation of the Acting 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.
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 Vice-
President from among the Members of
the Cabinet, and of other officers as the powers and duties of the said
may be provided by law.
(6) Appoint all officers and employees removal, death, resignation, or
in his office in accordance with the
Civil Service Law.
(7) Perform such other duties and
functions of State as may be provided
by law.
Section 7.
The President shall be immune from
suit during his tenure.
office, the same shall devolve on the
Vice-President, and the Congress
shall by law provide for the case of
inability, both of the 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.
Section 9.
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.
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 executed.
(2) The President shall be
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, 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 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Vice-President as Acting
President.
Whenever a majority of all the
Members of the Cabinet transmit 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 Vice-President
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
authorized by law 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 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 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,
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 two-
thirds of all the Members of the
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 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 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
shall reassume the powers and duties any contract with the Government, or
of his office. Meanwhile, should a any subdivision or instrumentality
majority of all the Members of the thereof.
Cabinet transmit within five days to the
President of the Senate and to the
Speaker of the House of (3) The President may appoint the
Representatives their written Vice-President as a member of his
declaration that the President is Cabinet and also as head of an
unable to discharge the powers and executive department.
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 two-thirds vote of
both Houses, voting separately, that
the President is unable to discharge
the powers and duties of his office, the
Vice-President 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 government-owned
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