ARTICLE IX.

CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS
Independent Constitutional Commissions (CONST. IX-A, Sec. 1)
1. Civil Service Commissions (CSC)
2. Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
3. Commission on Audit (COA)
Prohibitions and Inhibitions (CONST. IX-A, Sec. 2)
No member of a Constitutional Commission shall during his tenure:
1. Hold any other Office or employment;
2. Engage in the Practice of any profession;
3. Engage in the Active management and control of any business which in any way may be
affected by the functions of his office; and
4. Be Financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise
or privilege granted by the Government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or
instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations or their
subsidiaries.
SAFEGUARDS THAT GUARANTEE INDEPENDENCE OF COMMISSIONS:
1. They are constitutionally created and may not be abolished by statute;
2. Each is expressly described as “independent”;
3. Each is conferred certain powers and functions which cannot be reduced by statute;
4. The Chairmen and members cannot be removed except by impeachment;
5. The Chairmen and members are given a fairly long terms of office of seven (7) years;
6. The terms of office of the chairmen and members of all these Commissions are
staggered in such a way as to lessen the opportunity for appointment of the majority of
the body by the same President;
7. The Chairmen and members may not be reappointed or appointed in an acting or
temporary capacity;
8. The salaries of the Chairmen and members are fixed by law and may not be decreased
during their continuance in office;
9. The Commissions enjoy fiscal autonomy;
10. Each commission en banc may promulgate its own procedural rules, provided they do
not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights;
11. The Chairmen and members are subject to certain disqualifications calculated to
strengthen their integrity; and
12. The Commissions may appoint their own officials and employees in accordance with
Civil Service Law.
REVIEW OF FINAL ORDERS, RTESOLUTIONS, AND DECISIONS
Decisions of the Commissions may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari under
Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, unless otherwise provided by law.
Manner of Review:
1. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Who: By the aggrieved party
Where: Court of Appeals under Rule 43
When: Within 15 days from notice (Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the
Civil Service, Rule 13, Sec. 70; ROC, Rule 43, Sec. 4)
2. COMMISSION on AUDIT
Who: By the aggrieved party
Where: Supreme Court on certiorari under Rule 65
When: Within 30 days from notice (ROC, Rule 64, Sec. 3)
3. COMMISSION on ELECTIONS
Who: By the aggrieved party
Where: Supreme Court on certiorari under Rule 65
When: Within 30 days from notice (ROC, Rule 64, Sec. 3)