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,
1973 CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the sovereign Filipino people,
imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in
order to establish a government that shall
embody our ideals, promote the general
welfare, conserve and develop the
patrimony of our Nation, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity the blessings of
democracy under a regime of justice, peace,
liberty, and equality, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.
ARTICLE I
The National Territory
Section 1. The national territory comprises
the Philippine archipelago, with all the
islands and waters embraced therein, and all
the other territories belonging to the
Philippines by historic or legal title,
including the territorial sea, the air space,
1935 CONSTITUTION
Preamble
The Filipino people, imploring the aid of
Divine Providence, in order to establish a
government that shall embody their ideals,
conserve and develop the patrimony of the
nation, promote the general welfare, and
secure to themselves and their posterity the
blessings of independence under a regime
of justice, liberty, and democracy, do ordain
and promulgate this Constitution.
ARTICLE I
The National Territory
Section 1. The Philippines comprises all the
territory ceded to the United States by the
Treaty of Paris concluded between the
United States and Spain on the tenth day of
December, eighteen hundred and ninety-
eight, the limits which are set forth in
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.
the subsoil, the sea-bed, the insular shelves,
and the submarine areas over which the
Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction.
The waters around, between, and
connecting the islands of the archipelago,
irrespective of their breadth and
dimensions, form part of the internal waters
of the Philippines.
Article III of said treaty, together with all
the islands embraced in the treaty
concluded at Washington between the
United States and Spain on the seventh day
of November, nineteen hundred, and the
treaty concluded between the United States
and 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 ARTICLE II ARTICLE II

Declaration of Principles and State Declaration of Principles and State Declaration of Principles
Policies Policies

 
Principles
SEC. 1.
The Philippines is a democratic and
republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
people and all government authority
emanates from them.
Section 1.
Section 1.
The Philippines, is a republican state.
The Philippines is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all
Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.
government authority emanates from them.
 
Section 2.
Section 2.
The defense of the State is a prime duty of
The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in the fulfillment of this
government, and in the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to
SEC. 2. duty all citizens may be required by law to render personal military or civil service.
The Philippines renounces war as an render personal military or civil service.
 
instrument of national policy, adopts the
 
generally accepted principles of Section 3.
international law as part of the law of the Section 3.
The Philippines renounces war as an
land and adheres to the policy of peace, The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, and adopts
equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and instrument of national policy, adopts the the generally accepted principles of
amity with all nations. generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the
international law as part of the law of the Nation.
SEC. 3. land, and adheres to the policy of peace,
 
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and
over the military. The Armed Forces of the amity with all nations. Section 4.
Philippines is the protector of the people The natural right and duty of parents in the
 
and the State. Its goal is to secure the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency
sovereignty of the State and the integrity of Section 4.
should receive the aid and support of the
the national territory. The State shall strengthen the family as a government.
basic social institution. The natural right
Section 5. The promotion of social justice
SEC. 4. and duty of parents in the rearing of the
to insure the well-being and economic
The prime duty of the Government is to youth for civic efficiency and the
security of all the people should be the
serve and protect the people. The development of moral character shall
concern of the State.
Government may call upon the people to receive the aid and support of the
defend the State and, in the fulfillment government.
thereof, all citizens may be required, under
 
conditions provided by law, to render
personal military or civil service.  
 Section 5.
SEC. 5.
The State recognizes the vital role of the
The maintenance of peace and order, the
youth in nation-building and shall promote
protection of life, liberty, and property, and
their physical, intellectual and social well-
the promotion of the general welfare are
being.
essential for the enjoyment by all the people
of the blessings of democracy.  

Section 6.
SEC. 6.
The State shall promote social justice to
The separation of Church and State shall be
ensure the dignity, welfare, and security of
inviolable.
all the people. Towards this end, the State
  shall regulate the acquisition, ownership,
State Policies use, enjoyment, and disposition of private
property, and equitably diffuse property
 
ownership and profits.
SEC. 7.
 
The State shall pursue an independent
foreign policy. In its relations with other Section 7.
states the paramount consideration shall be The State shall establish, maintain, and
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, ensure adequate social services in the field
national interest, and the right to self- of education, health, housing, employment,
determination. welfare, and social security to guarantee the
enjoyment of the people of a decent
SEC. 8. standard of living.
The Philippines, consistent with the national
interest, adopts and pursues a policy of  
freedom from nuclear weapons in its
Section 8.
territory.
Civilian authority is at all times supreme
SEC. 9. over the military.
The State shall promote a just and dynamic  
social order that will ensure the prosperity
Section 9.
and independence of the nation and free the
people from poverty through policies that The State shall afford protection to labor,
provide adequate social services, promote promote full employment and equality in
full employment, a rising standard of living, employment, ensure equal work
and an improved quality of life for all. opportunities regardless of sex, race, or
creed, and regulate the relation between
workers and employers. The State shall
SEC. 10. assure the rights of workers to self-
The State shall promote social justice in all organization, collective bargaining, security
phases of national development. of tenure, and just and humane conditions
of work. The State may provide for
SEC. 11. compulsory arbitration.
The State values the dignity of every human
 
person and guarantees full respect for
human rights. Section 10.

The State shall guarantee and promote the

SEC. 12. autonomy of local government units,
The State recognizes the sanctity of family especially the barrio, to ensure their fullest
life and shall protect and strengthen the
family as a basic autonomous social development as self-reliant communities.
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 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
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 extent
reserved to the people by the provision on
initiative and referendum.
SEC. 2.
The Senate shall be composed of twenty-
four Senators who shall be elected at large
by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as
may be provided by law.
SEC. 3.
No person shall be a Senator unless he is a
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, and,
on the day of the election, is at least thirty-
five years of age, able to read and write, a
registered voter, and a resident of the
ARTICLE VIII ARTICLE VI
The National Assembly Legislative Department
Section 1. Section 1.
The Legislative power shall be vested in a The Legislative power shall be vested in a
National Assembly. Congress of the Philippines, which shall
consist of a Senate and a House of
Representatives.
Section 2.
 
The National Assembly shall be composed
Section 2.
of as many Members as may be provided by
law to be appointed among the provinces, The Senate shall be composed of twenty-
representative districts, and cities in four Senators who shall be chosen at large
accordance with the number of their by the qualified electors of the Philippines,
respective inhabitants and on the basis of a as may be provided by law.
uniform and progressive ratio. Each district
shall comprise, as far as practicable,
contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Section 3.
Representative districts or provinces already The term of office of Senators shall be six
created or existing at the time of the years and shall begin on the thirtieth day of
ratification of this Constitution shall have at December next following their election.
least one Member each. The first Senators elected under this
Philippines for not less than two years   Constitution shall, in the manner provided
immediately preceding the day of the by law, be divided equally into three
Section 3.
election. groups, the Senators of the first group, to
(1) The Members of the National Assembly serve for a term of six years; those of the
SEC. 4. shall be elected by the qualified electors in second group, for four years; and those of
The term of office of the Senators shall be their respective districts for a term of six the third group, for two years.
six years and shall commence, unless years which shall begin, unless otherwise
 
otherwise provided by law, at noon on the provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth
thirtieth day of June next following their day of June next following their election. Section 4.
election. No Senator shall serve for more   No person shall be a Senator unless he be a
than two consecutive terms. Voluntary natural born citizen of the Philippines and,
(2) In case the National Assembly is
renunciation of the office for any length of at the time of his election, is at least thirty-
dissolved, the newly elected Members shall
time shall not be considered as an five years of age, a qualified elector, and a
serve the unexpired portion of the term
interruption in the continuity of his service resident of the Philippines for not less than
from the time the Prime Minister convenes
for the full term for which he was elected. two years immediately prior to his election.
the Assembly, which shall not be later than
thirty days immediately following the  
SEC. 5.
elections.
(1) The House of Representatives shall be Section 5.
composed of not more than two hundred  
The House of Representatives shall be
and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed Section 4. composed of not more than one hundred
by law, who shall be elected from and twenty Members who shall be
No person shall be a Member of the
legislative districts apportioned among the apportioned among the several provinces as
National Assembly unless he is a natural-
provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan nearly as may be accorded to the number of
born citizen of the Philippines and, on the
Manila area in accordance with the number their respective inhabitants, but each
day of the election, is at least twenty-five
of their respective inhabitants, and on the province shall have at least one Member.
years of age, able to read and write, a
basis of a uniform and progressive 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.
(2) The party-list representatives shall
constitute twenty per centum of the total
number of representatives including those regular election of Members of the National
under the party list. For three consecutive Assembly shall be held on the second
terms after the ratification of this
Constitution, one-half of the seats allocated  
to party-list representatives shall be filled,
as 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.
(3) Each legislative district shall comprise,
as far as practicable, 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 representative.
registered voter in the district in which he The Congress shall by law make an
shall be elected, and a resident thereon for a apportionment within three years after the
period of not less than one year immediately return of every enumeration, and not
preceding the day of the election. otherwise. Until such apportionment shall
have been made, the House of
Representatives shall have the same number
Section 5. of Members as that fixed by law for the
(1) Unless otherwise provided by law, the National Assembly, who shall be elected by
the qualified electors from the present
Assembly districts. Each representative
Monday of May every six years thereafter. district shall comprise, as far as practicable,
contiguous and compact territory.
 
(2) In case a vacancy arises in the National
Assembly one year or more before a regular Section 6.
election, the Commission on Elections shall The term of office of the Members of the
call a special election to be held within sixty House of Representatives shall be four
days after the vacancy occurs. years and shall begin on the thirtieth day of
  December next following their election.
Section 6.  
The National Assembly shall convene once Section 7.
every year on the fourth Monday of July for No person shall be a Member of the House
its regular session, unless a different date is of Representatives unless he be a natural
fixed by law, and shall continue to be in born citizen of the Philippines, and, at the

(4) Within three years following the return
of every census, the Congress shall make a
reappointment of legislative districts based
on the standards provided in this section.
SEC. 6.
No person shall be a Member of the House
of Representatives unless he is a natural-
born citizen of the Philippines and, on the
day of the election, is at least twenty-five
years of age, able to read and write, and,
except the party-list representatives, a
registered voter in the district in which he majority vote of all its Members, elect its
shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a Speaker from the Members thereof. It shall
period of not less than one year immediately choose such other officers as it may deem
preceding the day of the election.
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.
session until thirty days before the opening time of his election, is at least twenty-five
of its next regular session, exclusive of years of age, a qualified elector, and a
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. It resident of the province in which he is
may recess for periods not exceeding thirty chosen for not less than one year
days each, and not more than ninety days immediately prior to his election.
during the year. However, it may be called
to session at any time by the Prime Minister
to consider such subjects or legislation as he Section 8.
may designate. (1) Elections for Senators and Members of
the House of Representatives shall be held
in the manner and on the dates fixed by law.
Section 7.
(1) The National Assembly, shall, by a
(2) In case of vacancy in the Senate or in
the House of Representatives, a special
election may be called to fill such vacancy
necessary. in the manner prescribed by law, but the
Senator or Member of the House of
The election of the President and the Prime
Representatives thus elected shall serve
Minister shall precede all other business
only for the unexpired term.
following the election of the Speaker.
 
Section 9.
(2) A majority of the National Assembly
shall constitute a quorum to do business, but The Congress shall convene in regular
a smaller number may adjourn from day to session once every year on the fourth
No member of the House of Representatives day and may compel the attendance of Monday of January, unless a different date
shall serve for more than three consecutive absent Members in such manner, and under is fixed by law. It may be called in special
terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office such penalties, as the National Assembly session at any time by the President to
for any length of time shall not be may provide. consider general legislation or only such
considered as an interruption in the subjects as he may designate. No special
 
continuity of his service for the full term for session shall continue longer than thirty
which he was elected. (3) The National Assembly may determine days and no regular session longer than one
the rules of its proceedings, punish its hundred days, exclusive of Sundays.
SEC. 8. Members for disorderly behavior, and with
 
Unless otherwise provided by law, the concurrence of two-thirds of all its
regular election of the Senators and the Members, suspend or expel a Member, but  
Members of the House of Representatives if the penalty is suspension, this shall not Section 10.
shall be held on the second Monday of May. exceed sixty days.
(1) The Senate shall elect its President and
 
the House of Representatives its Speaker.
SEC. 9.
(4) The National Assembly shall keep a
In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the Each House shall choose such other officers
Journal of its proceedings, and from time to
House of Representatives, a special election as may be required.
time publish the same, excepting such parts
may be called to fill such vacancy in the  
as may, in its judgment, affect national
manner prescribed by law, but the Senator
security; and the yeas and nays on any (2) A majority of each House shall
or Member of the House of Representatives
question shall, at the request of one-fifth of constitute a quorum to do business, but a
thus elected shall serve only for the
the Members present, be entered in the smaller number may adjourn from day to
unexpired term.
Journal. day and may compel the attendance of
  absent Members in such manner and under
SEC. 10.
such penalties as such House may provide.
The salaries of Senators and Members of Section 8.
the House of Representatives shall be (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, each  
determined by law. No increase in said Member of the National Assembly shall
(3) Each House may determine the rule of
compensation shall take effect until after the receive an annual salary of sixty thousand
its proceedings, punish its Members for
expiration of the full term of all the pesos. The Speaker of the National
disorderly behavior, and, with the
Members of the Senate and the House of Assembly shall receive an annual salary of
concurrence of two-thirds of all its
Representatives approving such increase. seventy-five thousand pesos. No increase in
Members, expel a Member.
salary shall take effect until after the
SEC. 11. expiration of the term of the Members of  
A Senator or Member of the House of the National Assembly approving such (4) Each House shall keep a Journal of its
Representatives shall, in all offenses increase. proceedings, and from time to time publish
punishable by not more than six years the same, excepting such parts as may in its
 
imprisonment, be privileged from arrest judgment requires secrecy; and the yeas and
while the Congress is in session. No (2) The records and books of accounts of
nays on any question shall, at the request of
member shall be questioned nor be held the National Assembly shall be open to the
one-fifth of the Members present, be
liable in any other place for any speech or public in accordance with law, and such entered into the Journal.
debate in the Congress or in any committee books shall be audited by the Commission
on Audit which shall publish annually the  
thereof.
itemized expenditures for each Member. (5) Neither House during the sessions of the
SEC. 12.   Congress shall, without the consent of the
All Members of the Senate and the House other, adjourn for more than three days, nor
Section 9.
of Representatives shall, upon assumption to any other place than that in which the
of office, make a full disclosure of their A Member of the National Assembly shall, two Houses shall be sitting.
financial and business interests. They shall in all offenses punishable by not more than  
notify the House concerned of a potential six years imprisonment, be privileged from
Section 11.
conflict of interest that may arise from the arrest during his attendance at its sessions,
filing of a proposed legislation of which and in going to and returning from the The Senate and the House of
they are authors. same; but the National Assembly shall Representatives shall have an Electoral
surrender the Member involved to the Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all
SEC. 13. custody of the law within twenty-four hours contests relating to the election, returns, and
No Senator or a Member of the House of after its adjournment for a recess or its next qualifications of their respective Members.
Representatives may hold any other office session, otherwise such privilege shall cease Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed
or employment in the Government, or any upon its failure to do so. A Member shall of nine Members, three of whom shall be
subdivision, agency, or instrumentality not be questioned or held liable in any other Justices of the Supreme Court to be
thereof, including government-owned or place for any speech or debate in the designated by the Chief Justice, and the
controlled corporations or their subsidiaries, Assembly or in any committee thereof. remaining six shall be Members of the
during his term without forfeiting his seat. Senate or the House of Representatives, as
 
Neither shall he be appointed to any office the case may be, who shall be chosen by
which may have been created or the Section 10. each House, three upon nomination of the
emoluments thereof increased during the A Member of the National Assembly shall party having the largest number of votes
term for which he was elected. not hold any other office or employment in and three of the party having the second
the government, or any subdivision, agency, largest numbers of votes therein. The senior
SEC. 14. or instrumentality thereof, including Justice in each Electoral Tribunal shall be
No Senator or Member of the House of government-owned or controlled its Chairman.
Representatives may personally appear as corporations during his tenure except that of
 
counsel before any court of justice or before Prime Minister or Member of the Cabinet.
the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial  
Neither shall he be appointed to any civil
and other administrative bodies. Neither office which may have been created or the Section 12.
shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested emoluments thereof increased while he was
There shall be a Commission on
financially in any contract with, or in any a Member of the National Assembly.
Appointments consisting of twelve Senators
franchise or special privilege granted by the
and twelve Members of the House of
Government, or any subdivision, agency, or   Representatives, elected by each House,
instrumentality thereof, including any respectively, on the basis of proportional
Section 11.
government-owned or controlled representation of the political parties
corporation, or its subsidiary, during his No Member of the National Assembly shall therein. The president of the Senate shall be
term of office. He shall not intervene in any appear as counsel before any court inferior the Chairman ex officio of the Commission,
matter before any office of the Government to a court with appellate jurisdiction, before but shall not vote except in case of tie.
for his pecuniary benefit or where he may any court in any civil case wherein the
 
be called upon to act on account of his government, or any subdivision, agency, or
office. instrumentality thereof is the adverse party,  
or before any administrative body. Neither
Section 13.
SEC. 15. shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested
The Electoral Tribunal and the Commission
The Congress shall convene once every year financially in any contract with, or in any
on Appointments shall be constituted within
on the fourth Monday of July for its regular franchise or special privilege granted by, the
thirty days after the Senate and the House
session, unless a different date is fixed by government, or any subdivision, agency, or
of Representatives shall have been
law, and shall continue to be in session for instrumentality thereof, including any
government-owned or controlled organized with the election of their
such number of days as it may determine
until thirty days before the opening of its corporation, during his term of office. He President and Speaker, respectively. The
Commission on Appointments shall meet
next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, shall not intervene in any matter before any
only while the Congress is in session, at the
Sundays, and legal holidays. The President office of the government for his pecuniary
benefit. call of its Chairman or a majority of its
may call a special session at any time.
Members, to discharge such powers and
 
functions as are herein conferred upon it.
SEC. 16.
Section 12.
(1) The Senate shall elect its President and Section 14.
the House of Representatives its Speaker, (1) There shall be a question hour at least The Senators and the Members of the
by a majority vote of all its respective once a month or as often as the rules of the
House of Representatives shall, unless
Members. National Assembly may provide, which otherwise provided by law, receive an
Each House shall choose such other officers shall be included in its agenda, during annual compensation of seven thousand two
as it may deem necessary. which the Prime Minister or any Minister hundred pesos each, including per diems
(2) A majority of each House shall may be required to appear and answer and other emoluments or allowances and
constitute a quorum to do business, but a questions and interpellations by Members exclusive only of traveling expenses to and
smaller number may adjourn from day to of the National Assembly. Written from their respective districts in the case of
day and may compel the attendance of questions shall be submitted to the Speaker Members of the House of Representatives,
absent Members in such manner, and under at least three days before a scheduled and to an from their places of residence in
such penalties, as such House may provide. question hour. Interpellations shall not be the case of Senators, when attending
(3) Each House may determine the rules of limited to the written questions, but may sessions of the Congress. No increase in
its proceedings, punish its Members for cover matters related thereto. The agenda said compensation shall take effect until
disorderly behavior, and, with the shall specify the subjects of the question after the expiration of the full term of all the
concurrence of two-thirds of all its hour. When the security of the State so Members of the Senate and of the House of
Members, suspend or expel a Member. A requires and the Prime Minister so states in Representatives approving such increase.
penalty for suspension, when imposed, shall writing, the question hour shall be Until otherwise provided by law, the
not exceed sixty days. conducted in executive session. President of the Senate and the Speaker of
(4) Each House shall keep a Journal of its the House of Representatives shall each
 
proceedings, and from time to time publish receive an annual compensation of sixteen
the same, excepting such parts as may, in its (2) The National Assembly or any of its thousand pesos.
judgment, affect national security; and the committees may conduct inquiries in aid of
 
yeas and nays on any question shall, at the legislation in accordance with its duly
request of one-fifth of the members present, published rules of procedure. The rights of  
be entered in the Journal. persons appearing in such inquiries shall be
Section 15.
Each House shall also keep a Record of its respected.
The Senators and Members of the House of
proceedings.  
Representatives shall in all cases except
(5) Neither House during the sessions of the Section 13. treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be
Congress shall, without the consent of the privileged from arrest during their
(1) The National Assembly may withdraw
other, adjourn for more than three days, nor attendance at the session of the Congress,
its confidence from the Prime Minister only
to any other place than that in which the two and in going to and returning from the
by electing a successor by a majority vote
Houses shall be sitting. same; and for any speech or debate therein,
of all its Members. No motion for the
they shall not be questioned in any other
election of such successor shall be debated
SEC. 17. place.
and voted upon until after the lapse of three
The Senate and the House of
days from the submittal of such motion.  
Representatives shall each have an Electoral
Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all    
contests relating to the election, returns, and (2) The Prime Minister may advise the Section 16.
qualifications of their respective Members. President in writing to dissolve the National
No Senator or Member of the House of
Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed Assembly whenever the need arises for a
Representatives may hold any other office
of nine Members, three of whom shall be popular vote of confidence on fundamental
or employment in the government without
Justices of the Supreme Court to be issues, but not on a matter involving his
forfeiting his seat, nor shall any Senator or
designated by the Chief Justice, and the own personal integrity. Whereupon, the
Member of the House of Representatives,
remaining six shall be Members of the President shall dissolve the National
during the time for which he was elected, be
Senate or the House of Representatives, as Assembly not earlier than five days nor later
appointed to any civil office which may
the case may be, who shall be chosen on the than ten days from his receipt of the advice,
have been created or the emoluments
basis of proportional representation from and call for an election on a date set by the
whereof shall have been increased while he
the political parties and the parties or Prime Minister which shall not be earlier
was a Member of the Congress.
organizations registered under the party-list than forty-five days nor later than sixty days
system represented therein. The senior from the date of such dissolution. However, Section 17.
Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be it no dissolution of the National Assembly No Senator or Member of the House of
Chairman. shall take place within nine months Representatives shall directly or indirectly
 immediately preceding a regular election or be financially interested in any contract
SEC. 18. within nine months immediately following with the government or any subdivision or
There shall be a Commission on any general election. instrumentality thereof, or in any franchise
Appointments consisting of the President of or special privilege granted by the Congress
 
the Senate, as ex officio Chairman, twelve during his term of office. He shall not
Senators, and twelve Members of the House (3) In case of dissolution of the National appear as counsel before the Electoral
of Representatives, elected by each House Assembly or the termination of its regular Tribunals or before any court in any civil
on the basis of proportional representation term, the incumbent Prime Minister and the case wherein the Government or any
from the political parties or organizations Cabinet shall continue to conduct the affairs subdivision or instrumentality thereof is the
registered under the party-list system of government until the new National adverse party, or in any criminal case
represented therein. The Chairman of the Assembly is convoked and a Prime Minister wherein an officer or employee of the
Commission shall not vote, except in case is elected and has qualified. government is accused of an offense
of a tie. The Commission shall act on all   committed in relation to his office, or
appointments submitted to it within thirty collect any fee for his appearance in any
Section 14.
session days of the Congress from their administrative proceedings; or accept
submission. The Commission shall rule by a (1) Except as otherwise provided in this employment to intervene in any cause or
majority vote of all the Members. Constitution, no treaty shall be valid and matter where he may be called upon to act
effective unless concurred in by a majority on account of his office. No Member of the
SEC. 19. of all the Members of the National Commission on Appointments shall appear
The Electoral Tribunals and the Assembly. as counsel before any court inferior to a
Commission on Appointments shall be   collegiate court of appellate jurisdiction.
constituted within thirty days after the
(2) The National Assembly, by a vote of  
Senate and the House of Representatives
two-thirds of all its Members, shall have the Section 18.
shall have been organized with the election
sole power to declare the existence of a
of the President and the Speaker. The All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills,
state of war.
Commission on Appointments shall meet
only while the Congress is in session, at the
call of its Chairman or a majority of all its
Members, to discharge such powers and
functions as are herein conferred upon it.
SEC. 20.
The records and books of accounts of the
Congress shall be preserved and be open to
the public in accordance with law, and such
books shall be audited by the Commission
on Audit which shall publish annually an
itemized list of amounts paid to and
expenses incurred for each Member.
SEC. 21.
The Senate or the House of Representatives
or any of its respective committees may
conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in
accordance with its duly published rules of
procedure. The rights of persons appearing
in or affected by such inquiries shall be
respected.
SEC. 22.
  bills authorizing increase of the public debt,
bills of local application, and private bills,
Section 15.
shall originate exclusively in the House of
In times of war or other national Representatives, but the Senate may
emergency, the National Assembly may by propose or concur with amendments.
law authorize the Prime Minister, for a
limited period and subject to such
restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise Section 19.
powers necessary and proper to carry out a
(1) The President shall submit within fifteen
declared national policy. Unless sooner
days of the opening of each regular session
withdrawn by resolution of the National
of the Congress a budget of receipts and
Assembly, such powers shall cease upon its
expenditures, which shall be the basis of the
next adjournment.
general appropriations bill. The Congress
  may not increase the appropriations
recommended by the President for the
Section 16.
operation of the Government as specified in
(1) The Prime Minister shall submit to the the Budget, except the appropriations for
National Assembly within thirty days from the Congress and the Judicial Department.
the opening of each regular session, as the The form of the Budget and the information
basis of the general appropriations bill, a that it should contain shall be prescribed by
budget of receipts based on existing and law.
proposed revenue measures, and of
(2) No provision or enactment shall be
expenditures. The form, content, and
embraced in the general appropriations bill
manner of preparation of the budget shall be
unless it relates specifically to some
prescribed by law.
particular appropriation therein; and any
The heads of departments may upon their (2) No provision or enactment shall be such provision or enactment shall be limited
own initiative, with the consent of the embraced in the general appropriations bill in its operation to such appropriation.
President, or upon the request of either unless it relates specifically to some
 
House, as the rules of each House shall particular appropriation therein. Any such
provide, appear before and be heard by such provision or enactment shall be limited in Section 20.
House on any matter pertaining to their its operation to the appropriation to which it
(1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall,
departments. Written questions shall be relates. before it becomes a law, be presented to the
submitted to the President of the Senate or President. If he approves the same, he shall
 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his
at least three days before their scheduled (3) The procedure in approving
objections to the House where it originated,
appearance. Interpellations shall not be appropriations for the National Assembly
which shall enter the objections at large on
limited to written questions, but may cover shall strictly follow the procedure for its Journal and proceed to reconsider it. If,
matters related thereto. When the security of approving appropriations for other after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all
the State or the public interest so requires departments and agencies. the Members of such House shall agree to
and the President so states in writing, the   pass the bill, it shall be sent together, with
appearance shall be conducted in executive the objections, to the House by which it
(4) A special appropriations bill shall
session. shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
specify the purpose for which it is intended,
approved by two-thirds of all the Members
and shall be supported by funds actually
SEC. 23. of that House, it shall become a law. In all
available as certified to by the National
(1) The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of such cases, the votes of each House shall be
Treasurer, or to be raised by a
both Houses in joint session assembled, determined by yeas and nays, and the
corresponding revenue proposal included
voting separately, shall have the sole power names of the Members voting for and
therein.
to declare the existence of a state of war. against shall be entered on its Journal. If
  any bill shall not be returned by the
(2) In times of war or other national (5) No law shall be passed authorizing any President as herein provided within twenty
emergency, the Congress may, by 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 Congress, such powers
shall cease upon the next adjournment
thereof.
transfer of appropriations; however, the
Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads
of Constitutional Commissions may by law
be authorized to augment any item in the
general appropriations law for their
respective offices from saving in other
items of their respective appropriations.
days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have
been presented to him, the same shall
become a law in like manner as if he had
signed it, unless the Congress by
adjournment prevent its return, in which
case it shall become a law unless vetoed by
the President within thirty days after
adjournment.

SEC. 24. (6) If, by the end of the fiscal year, the
(2) The President shall have the power to
All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, National Assembly shall have failed to pass
veto any particular item or items of an
bills authorizing increase of public debt, the general appropriations bill for theappropriation bill, but the veto shall not
bills of local application, and private bills ensuing fiscal year, the general affect the item or items to which he does
shall originate exclusively in the House of appropriations law for the preceding fiscal
not object. When a provision of an
Representatives, but the Senate may year shall be deemed re-enacted and shall
appropriation bill affects one or more items
propose or concur with amendments. remain in force and effect until the general
of the same, the President cannot veto the
appropriations bill is passed by the National
provision without at the same time, vetoing
SEC. 25. Assembly. the particular item or items to which it
(1) The Congress may not increase the relates. The item or items objected to shall
 
appropriations recommended by the not take effect except in the manner
Section 17. heretofore provided as to bills returned to
President for the operation of the
Government as specified in the budget. The (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform the Congress without the approval of the
form, content, and manner of preparation of and equitable. The National Assembly shall President. If the veto refers to a bill or any
the budget shall be prescribed by law. evolve a progressive system of taxation. item of an appropriation bill which
appropriates a sum in excess of ten per

(2) No provision or enactment shall 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.
(3) The procedure in approving
appropriations for the Congress shall strictly (3) Charitable institutions, churches,
follow the procedure for approving
appropriations for other departments or
agencies.
(4) A special appropriations bill shall
specify the purpose for which it is intended,
and shall be supported by funds actually
available as certified by the National
Treasurer, or to be raised by a
corresponding revenue proposed therein.
(5) No law shall be passed authorizing any  
transfer of appropriations; however, the
  centum of the total amount voted in the
appropriation bill for the general expenses
(2) The National Assembly may by law
of the Government for the preceding year,
authorize the Prime Minister to fix within
or if it should refer to a bill authorizing an
specified limits, and subject to such
increase of the public debt, the same shall
limitations and restrictions as it may
not become a law unless approved by three-
impose, tariff rates, import and export
fourths of all the Members of each House.
quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and
other duties or imposts.  
  (3) The President shall have the power to
veto any separate item or items in a revenue
of tariff bill, and the item or items shall not
personages or convents appurtenant thereto,
take effect except in the manner provided as
mosques and non-profit cemeteries, and all
to bills vetoed by the President.
lands, buildings and improvements actually,
directly, and exclusively used for religious  
or charitable purposes shall be exempt from
Section 21.
taxation.
(1) No bill which may be enacted into law
 
shall embrace more than one subject which
(4) No law granting any tax exemption shall shall be expressed in the title of the bill.
be passed without the concurrence of a
majority of all the Members of the National
Assembly. (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 least three calendar days prior
President, the President of the Senate, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and
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.
(6) Discretionary funds appropriated for
particular officials shall be disbursed only sectarian institution, or system of religion or (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform.
for public purposes to be supported by
appropriate vouchers and subject to such
guidelines as may be prescribed by law.
(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the
Congress shall have failed to pass the
general appropriations bill for the ensuing
fiscal year, the general appropriations law
for the preceding fiscal year shall be
deemed reenacted and shall remain in force
and effect until the general appropriations
bill is passed by the Congress.
SEC. 26.
Section 18. to its passage, except when the President
shall have certified to the necessity of its
(1) No money shall be paid out of the
immediate enactment. Upon the last reading
Treasury except in pursuance of an
of a bill no amendment thereof shall be
appropriation made by law.
allowed, and the question upon its passage
  shall be taken immediately thereafter, and
(2) No public money or property shall ever the yeas and nays entered on the Journal.
be appropriated, applied, paid, or used,  
directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or
Section 22.
support of any sect, church, denomination,
for the use, benefit, or support of any priest,
preacher, minister, or other religious teacher
or dignitary as such, except when such (2) The Congress may by law authorize the
priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary is President, subject to such limitations and
assigned to the armed forces, or to any restrictions as it may impose, to fix, within
penal institution, or government orphanage specified limits, tariff rates, import or
export quotas, and tonnage and wharfage
or leprosarium.
dues.
 
Section 19.
(3) Cemeteries, churches, and parsonages or
(1) Every bill shall become a law unless it
convents appurtenant thereto, and all lands,
has passed three readings on separate days,
buildings, and improvements used
and printed copies thereof in its final form
exclusively for religious, charitable, or
have been distributed to the Members three
educational purposes shall be exempt from
(1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall days before its passage, except when the
embrace only one subject which shall be
expressed in the title thereof.
(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   was crated has been fulfilled or abandoned,
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 Section 20.
thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in
the Journal.
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
taxation.
Prime Minister certifies to the necessity of
its immediate enactment to meet a public
calamity or emergency. Upon the last Section 23.
reading of a bill, no amendment thereto (1) All money collected on any tax levied
shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall for a special purpose shall be treated as a
be taken immediately thereafter, and the special fund and paid out for such purpose
yeas and nays entered in the Journal. only. If the purpose for which a special fund
the balance, if any, shall be transferred to
(2) No bill except those of local application
the general funds of the Government.
shall be calendared without the prior
 
recommendation of the Cabinet.
(2) No money shall be paid out of Treasury
except in pursuance of an appropriation
made by law.
(1) Every bill passed by the national
 
Assembly shall, before it becomes a law, be
presented to the Prime Minister. If he (3) No public money, or property shall ever
be appropriated, applied, or used, directly or
approves the same he shall sign it;
indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of
otherwise, he shall veto it and return the
any sect, church, denomination, sectarian
same with his objections to the National
institution or system of religion, for the use,
Assembly. The bill may be reconsidered by
benefit, or support of any priest, preacher,
the National Assembly and, if approved by
ministers, or other religious teacher or
two-thirds of all its Members, shall become
dignitary as such except when such priest,
objections at large in its Journal and
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.
a law. The Prime Minister shall act on every preacher, minister, or dignitary is assigned
bill passed by the National Assembly within to the armed forces or to any penal
thirty days after the date of receipt thereof; institution, orphanage or leprosarium.
otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had
signed it.
Section 24.
(2) The Prime Minister shall have the power
The heads of departments upon their own
to veto any particular item or items in
appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the initiative or upon the request of either
House may appear before and be heard by
veto shall not affect the item or items to
such House on any matter pertaining to
which he does not object.
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 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.
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, 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.

(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

Executive Department
The President and Vice-President

SEC 1.
Section 1.
The executive power shall be vested in the
President of the Philippines. The President shall be the head of state and
chief executive of the Republic of the
SEC. 2. Philippines.
No person may be elected President unless  
he is a natural-born citizen of the
Section 2.
Philippines, a registered voter, able to read
and write, at least forty years of age on the There shall be a Vice-President who shall
day of the election, and a resident of the have the same qualifications and term of
Philippines for at least ten years office as the President and may be removed
immediately preceding such election. from office in the same manner as the
President as provided in Article XIII,
SEC. 3. Section 2 of this Constitution.
There shall be a Vice-President who shall  
have the same qualifications and term of
The Vice-President may be appointed as a
office and be elected with and in the same
member of the Cabinet and may be
manner as the President. He may be
nominated and elected as Prime Minister.
removed from office in the same manner as
the President.  
The Vice-President may be appointed as a
The Vice-President shall be elected with
Member of the Cabinet. Such appointment
and in the same manner as the President.
requires no confirmation.
SEC. 4.
The President and the Vice-President shall
be elected by direct vote of the people for a
term of six years which shall begin at noon
on the thirtieth day of June following the
day of the election and shall end at noon of
the same date six years 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.
No Vice-President shall serve for more than
two consecutive terms. Voluntary
renunciation of the office for any length of
time shall not be considered as an
interruption in the continuity of the service
for the full term for which he was elected.
Unless otherwise provided by law, the
The President shall be elected from among
the Members of the National Assembly by a
majority vote of all its Members for a term
of six years from the date he takes his oath
of office, which shall not be later than three
days after the proclamation of the National
Assembly, nor in any case earlier than the
expiration of the term of his predecessor.
Upon taking his oath of office, the President
shall cease to be a Member of the National
Assembly and of any political party. He
shall be ineligible to hold any other elective
office during his term.
 
Section 3.
No person may be elected President unless
he is at least fifty years of age at the day of
his election as President, and a resident of
the Philippines for at least ten years
regular election for President and Vice- immediately preceding his election.
President shall be held on the second However, if no Member of the National
Monday of May. Assembly is qualified or none of those
qualified is a candidate for President, any
Member thereof may be elected President.
The returns of every election for President
and Vice-President, duly certified by the  
board of canvassers of each province or
Section 4.
city, shall be transmitted to the Congress,
directed to the President of the Senate. (1) The President shall have an official
Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, residence and shall receive a compensation
the President of the Senate shall, not later to be fixed by law, which shall not be
than thirty days after the day of the election, increased or decreased during his term of
open all certificates in the presence of the office. He shall not receive during his
Senate and the House of Representatives in tenure any other emolument from the
joint public session, and the Congress, upon government or any other source. Until the
determination of the authenticity and due National Assembly shall provide otherwise,
execution thereof in the manner provided by the President shall receive an annual salary
law, canvass the votes. of one hundred thousand pesos.

The person having the highest number of
votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in
case two or more shall have an equal and
highest number of votes, one of them shall
forthwith be chosen by the vote of a
majority of all the Members of the
(2) The President shall not during his
tenure, hold any appointive office, practice
any profession, participate directly or
indirectly in the management of any
business, or be financially interested
Congress, voting separately. directly or indirectly in any contract with, or
The Congress shall promulgate its rules for in any franchise or special privilege granted
the canvassing of the certificates. by, the government or any subdivision,
agency, or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled
The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall be
corporations.
the sole judge of all contests relating to the
election, returns, and qualifications of the  
President or Vice- President, and may
Section 5.
promulgate its rules for the purpose.
In case of permanent disability, death,
SEC. 5. removal from office, or resignation of the
Before they enter on the execution of their President, the Speaker of the National
office, the President, the Vice-President, or Assembly shall act as President until a
the Acting President shall take the successor has been elected for the unexpired
following oath or affirmation : portion of the term of the President.

 
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will Section 6.
faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my
The President shall have the following
duties as President (or Vice-President or
duties and functions:
Acting President) of the Philippines,
preserve and defend its Constitution, (1) Address the National Assembly at the
execute its laws, do justice to every man, opening of its regular session.
and consecrate myself to the service of the
 
Nation. So help me God." (In case of
affirmation, last sentence will be omitted.) (2) Proclaim the election of the Prime
 Minister.
SEC. 6.
 
The President shall have an official
residence. The salaries of the President and (3) Dissolve the National Assembly and call
Vice-President shall be determined by law for a general election as provided herein.
and shall not be decreased during their  
tenure. No increase in said compensation
(4) Accept the resignation of the Cabinet as
shall take effect until after the expiration of
provided herein.
the term of the incumbent during which
such increase was approved. They shall not  
receive during their tenure any other (5) Attest to the appointment or cessation
emolument from the Government or any from office of Members of the Cabinet, and
other source. of other officers as may be provided by law.

 
SEC. 7.
The President-elect and the Vice-President- (6) Appoint all officers and employees in
elect shall assume office at the beginning of his office in accordance with the Civil
their terms. Service Law.
If the President-elect fails to qualify, the
 
Vice-President-elect shall act as President
until the President-elect shall have (7) Perform such other duties and functions
qualified. of State as may be provided by law.
If a President shall not have been chosen,
the Vice-President-elect shall act as Section 7.
President until a President shall have been
chosen and qualified. The President shall be immune from suit
If at the beginning of the term of the during his tenure.
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 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 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 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