ARTICLE VI – THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT limit the powers of future Congresses via an

irrepealable law is not allowed.

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.
Definition of Legislative Power:
The authority to make laws and to alter or repeal
them.
Classification of legislative power: (O De CO)
1. Original – Possessed by the people in their
sovereign capacity
2. Delegated – Possessed by Congress and
other legislative bodies by virtue of the
Constitution
3. Constituent – The power to amend or revise
the Constitution
4. Ordinary – The power to pass ordinary laws
Note:
The original legislative power of the people is
exercised via initiative and referendum.  In this
manner, people can directly propose and enact laws,
or approve or reject any act or law passed by
Congress or a local government unit.
1. Congress, as a general rule, cannot delegate
its legislative power.  Since the people have
already delegated legislative power to
Congress, the latter cannot delegate it any
further.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Delegation of legislative power to local
government units;
2. Instances when the Constitution itself allows
for such delegation [see Art. VI Sec. 23(2)]
What may Congress delegate:
Congress can only delegate, usually to administrative
agencies, RULE-MAKING POWER or LAW
EXECUTION.  This involves either of two tasks for the
administrative agencies:
1. “Filling up the details” on an otherwise
complete statute; or
2. Ascertaining the facts necessary to bring a
“contingent” law or provision into actual
operation.
Sections 2-4.  SENATE
Composition
24 senators who shall be elected at large by the
qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided
by law.

  Qualifications

Limits on the legislative power of Congress: 1. Natural-born citizen;

1. Substantive – limitations on the content of
laws. E.g. no law shall be passed establishing a
state religion.
1. Procedural – limitations on the manner of
passing laws. E.g. generally a bill must go
through three readings on three separate days.
Note:
Provided that these two limitations are not exceeded,
Congress’ legislative power is plenary.
2. At least 35 years old on the day of election;
3. Able to read and write;
4. A registered voter; and
5. Philippine resident for at least 2 years
immediately preceding the day of the election.
Note:  The qualifications of both Senators and
Members of the House are limited to those provided
by the Constitution.  Congress cannot, by law, add or
subtract from these qualifications.
Term of Office:

  6 years, commencing (unless otherwise provided by

law) at noon, 30 June next following their election.
Corollaries of legislative power:
Term Limitations:
1. Congress cannot pass irrepealable laws. 
Since Congress’ powers are plenary, and 1. No Senator shall serve for more than 2
limited only by the Constitution, any attempt to consecutive terms.
 2. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length
of time shall not be considered as an
interruption in the continuity of his service for
the full term for which he was elected.
Sections 5-7.  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Composition:
1. Not more than 25 members, unless otherwise
fixed by law; and
2. Party-list Representative
Election of 250 members
1. They shall be elected from legislative districts
apportioned among the provinces, cities and the
Metropolitan Manila area.
2. Legislative districts are apportioned in
accordance with the number of inhabitants of
each area and on the basis of a uniform and
progressive ratio.
1. Each district shall comprise, as far as
practicable, contiguous, compact and adjacent
territory;
2. Each city with at least 250,000 inhabitants will
be entitled to at least one representative.
3. Each province will have at least one
representative.
4. Legislative districts shall be re-apportioned by
Congress within 3 years after the return of each
census.  According to Jack, however, while the
apportionment of districts is NOT a political
question, the judiciary CANNOT compel
Congress to do this.
5. The standards used to determine the
apportionment of legislative districts is meant to
prevent ‘gerrymandering’, which is the formation
of a legislative district out of separate territories
so as to favor a particular candidate or party.
Qualifications
1. Natural born citizen of the Philippines;
2. At least 25 years old on the day of the
election;
3. Able to read and write;
4. Registered voter in the district he seeks to
represent; and
5. A resident of such district for at least one year
immediately preceding the day of the election.
Term of Office
1. Each member of the House shall be elected
for a term of three (3) years which shall
commence (unless otherwise provided for by
law) at noon on 30 June next following their
election.
2. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length
of time shall not be considered as an
interruption in the continuity of his service for
the full term for which he was elected.
Term Limitations
No member of the House of Representatives shall
serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.
Distinctions between Term and Tenure
1. Definition
1. Terms means the period during which the
elected officer is legally authorized to assume
his office and exercise the powers thereof.
2. Tenure is the actual period during which such
officer actually holds his position.
1. Limitation/Possible Reduction
1. Term CANNOT be reduced.
2. Tenure MAY, by law, be limited. 
Thus, a provision which considers an elective
office automatically vacated when the holder
thereof files a certificate of candidacy for
another elective office (except President and
Vice-President) is valid, as it only affects the
officers tenure and NOT his constitutional term.
Party-List Representatives
1. Constitute 20% of the total number of
representatives, including those under the
party-list system (thus a maximum of 50 party-
list members of the House)
1. However, for 3 consecutive terms from 2
February 1987 (i.e., the 1987-92, 92-95 and 95-
98 terms), 25 seats shall be allotted to sectoral
representatives.  Under Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, the
sectoral representatives are to be appointed by
the President until legislation otherwise
provides.
1. Mechanics of the party-list system:
1. Registered organizations submit a list
of candidates in order of priority.
2. During the elections, these
organizations are voted for at large.
3. The number of seats that each
organization gets out of the 20% allotted to the
system depends on the number of votes they
get.
1. Qualifications
1. Natural born citizen of the Philippines
2. At least 25 years of age on the day of the
election
3. Able to read and write
Sec. 9.  In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the (ii)               The ‘speech or debate’ must be made in
House of Representatives, a special election may performance of their duties as members of Congress. 
be called to fill such vacancy in the manner This includes speeches delivered, statements made,
prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of votes cast, as well as bills introduced, and other
the House of Representatives thus elected shall activities done in performance of their official duties.
serve only for the unexpired term.  
(iii)             Congress need NOT be in session when
Sec. 10.  Salaries of Senators and Members of the the utterance is made, as long as it forms part of
House ‘legislative action,’ i.e. part of the deliberative and
communicative process used to participate in
Determination of Salaries: legislative proceedings in consideration of proposed
legislation or with respect to other matters with
Salaries of Senators and Members of the House of
Congress’ jurisdiction.
Representatives shall be determined by law.
Sec. 12.  All Members of the Senate and the
Rule on increase in salaries:
House of Representatives shall, upon assumption
No increase in their salaries shall take effect until of office, make a full disclosure of their financial
after the EXPIRATION OF THE FULL TERM (NOT and business interests.  They shall notify the
TENURE) OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE House concerned of a potential conflict of interest
SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF that may arise from the filing of a proposed
REPRESENTATIVES APPROVING SUCH legislation of which they are authors.
INCREASE.
 
Note: Since the Constitution ‘provides for rules on
Sec. 13-14: CONGRESSIONAL
“salaries” and not on ‘emoluments,’ our distinguished
DISQUALIFICATIONS:
legislators can appropriate for themselves other sums
of money such as travel allowances, as well as other Disqualifications:
side ‘benefits.’
DISQUALIFICATION                    WHEN
Sec. 11: CONGRESSIONAL IMMUNITIES
APPLICABL
1.)    Immunity from arrest: E
1. Senator/Member of the House During his
1. Legislators are privileged from arrest while
cannot hold any other office or term.  If he
Congress is “in session” with respect to
employment in the     Government or does so, he
offenses punishable by up to 6 years of
any subdivision, agency or forfeits his
imprisonment.  Thus, whether Congress is in
Instrumentality thereof, including seat.
regular or special session, the immunity from
GOCCS or their subsidiaries.
arrest applies.
2. If Congress is in recess, members thereof 2. Legislators cannot be appointed to IF the office
may be arrested. any office. was created
3. The immunity is only with respect to arrests or the
and NOT to prosecution for criminal offenses. emoluments
thereof
2.)    Legislative privilege: increased
during the
1. No member shall be questioned or held liable
term for
in any forum other than his/her respective
which he
Congressional body for any debate or speech in
was elected.
the Congress or in any Committee thereof.
1. Limitation on the privilege: 3. Legislators cannot During his term of
personally appear as office.
(i)                 Protection is only against forum other counsel before any court of
than Congress itself.  Thus for inflammatory remarks justice, electoral tribunal,
which are otherwise privileged, a member may be quasi-judicial and   
sanctioned by either the Senate or the House as the administrative bodies.
case may be.
 4. Legislators cannot be
financially interested directly
or indirectly in any contract
with or in any franchise, or
special privilege granted by
the Government, or any
subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof,
including any GOCC or its
subsidiary.
5. Legislators cannot
intervene in any matter  pecuniary benefit or
before any office of the
government.
 During his term of 3. In computing a quorum, members who are
office. outside the country and thus outside of each
House’s coercive jurisdiction are not included.
Internal Rules:
1. Each House shall determine its own
procedural rules.
2. Since this is a power vested in Congress as
part of its inherent powers, under the principle
of separation of powers, the courts cannot
When it is for his intervene in the implementation of these rules
insofar as they affect the members of Congress.
where he may be 3. Also, since Congress has the power to make
called upon to act on these rules, it also has the power to ignore them
account of his office. when circumstances so require.

Discipline:
 
1.)    Suspension
Sec. 15: REGULAR AND SPECIAL SESSIONS
1. Concurrence of 2/3 of ALL its members and
Regular Sessions:
2. Shall not exceed 60 days.
1.)    Congress convenes once every year on the
2.)    Expulsion
4th Monday of July (unless otherwise provided for by
law) 1. Concurrence of 2/3 of ALL its members.
2.)    Continues in session for as long as it sees fit, Congressional Journals and Records:
until 30 days before the opening of the next regular
session, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal 1.)    The Journal is conclusive upon the courts.
holidays.
2.)    BUT an enrolled bill prevails over the contents of
Special Sessions: the Journal.

Called by the President at any time when Congress is 3.)    An enrolled bill is the official copy of approved
not in session. legislation and bears the certifications of the presiding
officers of each House.  Thus where the certifications
Sec. 16.  Officers: are valid and are not withdrawn, the contents of the
enrolled bill are conclusive upon the courts as regards
1.)    Senate President;
the provision of that particular bill.
2.)    Speaker of the House; and
Adjournments:
3.)    Each House may choose such other officers as
1.)    Neither House can adjourn for more than 3 days
it may deem necessary.
during the time Congress is in session without the
Election of Officers consent of the other House.

By a majority vote of all respective members. 2.)    Neither can they adjourn to any other place than
that where the two houses are sitting, without the
Quorum to do business: consent of the other.

1. Majority of each House shall constitute a Section 17: THE ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL
quorum.
2. A smaller number may adjourn from day to The Senate and the House shall each have an
day and may compel the attendance of absent Electoral Tribunal which shall be composed of:
members.
1. 3 Supreme Court Justices to be designated
by the Chief Justice; &
 2. 6 Members of the Senate or House, as the
case may be.
The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be
its Chairman.
Note: The congressional members of the ET’s shall
be chosen on the basis of proportional representation
from the political parties and party-list organizations.
Jurisdiction:
1.)    Each ET shall be the sole judge of all
CONTESTS relating to the election, returns, and
qualifications of their respective members.  This
includes determining the validity or invalidity of a
proclamation declaring a particular candidate as the
winner.
2.)    An ‘election contest’ is one where a defeated
candidate challenges the qualification and claims for
himself the seat of a proclaimed winner.
3.)    In the absence of an election contest, the ET is
without jurisdiction.  However, the power of each
House to expel its own members or even to defer
their oath-taking until their qualifications are
determined may still be exercised even without an
election contest.
Issues regarding the Electoral Tribunals:
1.)    Since the ET’s are independent constitutional
bodies, independent even of the House from which
the members are respectively taken, neither
Congress nor the Courts may interfere with
procedural matters relating to the functions of the
ET’s, such as the setting of deadlines or filing their
election contests with the respective ETs.
2.)    The ETs being independent bodies, its members
may not be arbitrarily removed from their positions in
the tribunal by the parties which they represent.  4.
Neither may they be removed for not voting according
to party lines, since they are acting independently of
Congress.
3.)    The mere fact that the members of either the
Senate or the House sitting on the ET are those
which are sought to be disqualified due to the filing of
an election contest against them does not warrant all
of them from being disqualified from sitting in the ET.  above-mentioned positions while Congress is not in
The Constitution is quite clear that the ET must act
with both members from the SC and from the Senate
or the House.  If all the legislator-members of the ET
were to be disqualified, the ET would not be able to
fulfill its constitutional functions.
4.)    Judicial review of decisions of the ETs may be
had with the SC only insofar as the decision or
resolution was rendered without or in excess of
jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion
constituting denial of due process.
Section 18: THE COMMISSION ON
APPOINTMENTS
Composition:
1.)    Senate President as ex-officio chairman;
2.)    12 Senators; and
3.)    12 Members of the House.
Note: The 12 Senators and 12 Representatives are
elected on the basis of proportional representation
from the political parties and party-list organizations.
Voting/Action
1.)    The chairman shall only vote in case of a tie.
2.)    The CA shall act on all appointments within 30
session days from their submission to Congress.
3.)    The Commission shall rule by a majority vote of
all the Members.
Jurisdiction
1.)    CA shall confirm the appointments by the
President with respect to the following positions:
1. Heads of the Executive Departments (except
if it is the Vice-President who is appointed to the
post).
2. Ambassadors, other public ministers or
consuls.
3. Officers of the AFP from the rank of Colonel
or Naval Captain: and
Other officers whose appointments are vested
in him by the Constitution (e.g. COMELEC
members).
2.)    Congress CANNOT by law prescribe that the
appointment of a person to an office created by such
law shall be subject to confirmation by the CA.
3.)    Appointments extended by the President to the
session shall only be effective until disapproval by the
CA or until the next adjournment of Congress.
Meetings of the CA
1.)    CA meets only while Congress is in session.
2.)    Meetings are held either at the call of the
Chairman or a majority of all its members.
3.)    Since the CA is also an independent
constitutional body, its rules of procedure are also
outside the scope of congressional powers as well as
that of the judiciary.
Note:  The ET and the CA shall be constituted within
30 days after the Senate and the House of
Representative shall have been organized with the
election of the President and the Speaker.
Sections 21-22: LEGISLATIVE INQUIRIES
Scope:
1. Either House or any of their committees may
conduct inquires ‘in aid of legislation’.
2. “In aid of legislation” does not mean that there
is pending legislation regarding the subject of
the inquiry.  In fact, investigation may be
needed for purposes of proposing future
legislation.
3. If the stated purpose of the investigation is to
determine the existence of violations of the law,
the investigation is no longer ‘in aid of
legislation’ but ‘in aid of prosecution’.  This
violates the principle of separation of powers
and is beyond the scope of congressional
powers.
Enforcement:
1. Since experience has shown that mere
requests for information does not usually work,
Congress has the inherent power to punish
recalcitrant witnesses for contempt, and may
have them incarcerated until such time that they
agree to testify.
1. The continuance of such incarceration only
subsists for the lifetime, or term, of such body.  state of war)
Once the body ceases to exist after its final
adjournment, the power to incarcerate ceases
to exist as well.  Thus, each ‘Congress’ of the
House lasts for only 3 years.  But if one is
incarcerated by the Senate, it is indefinite
because the Senate, with its staggered terms, is
a continuing body.
1. BUT, in order for a witness to be subject to
this incarceration, the primary requirement is
that the inquiry is within the scope of Congress’
powers. i.e. it is in aid of legislation.
1. The materiality of a question is determined
not by its connection to any actually pending
legislation, but by its connection to the general
scope of the inquiry.
1. The power to punish for contempt is inherent
in Congress and this power is sui generis.  It
cannot be exercised by local government units
unless they are expressly authorized to do so.
Limitations:
1. The inquiry must be conducted in accordance
with the ‘duly published rules of procedure’ of
the House conducting the inquiry; and
1. The rights of persons appearing in or affected
by such inquiries shall be respected.  Ex. The
right against self-incrimination.
Appearance by department heads before
Congress:
1. Since members of the executive department
are co-equals with those of the legislative
department, under the principle of separations
of powers, department heads cannot be
compelled to appear before Congress.  Neither
may the department heads impose their
appearance upon Congress.
1. Department heads may appear before
Congress in the following instances.
1. Upon their own initiative, with the consent of
the President (and that of the House
concerned); or
1. Upon the request of either House (which
cannot compel them to attend)
1. The appearance will be conducted in
EXECUTIVE SESSION when:
1. Required by the security of state or required
by public interest; and
2. When the President so states in writing
Sections 23-24.  DECLARATION OF
WAR/EMERGENCY POWERS
Vote requirement:  (to declare the existence of a
1. 2/3 of both Houses, in joint session
2. Voting separately
Emergency powers:
1. During times of war or other national
emergency, Congress may, BY LAW, authorize
the President to exercise powers necessary and
proper to carry out a declared national policy.
1. Limitations:
1. Powers will be exercised for a limited
period only; and
2. Powers will be subject to restrictions
prescribed by Congress
 1. Expiration of emergency powers operation of the Government as specified in the
1. By resolution of Congress or budget.
2. Upon the next adjournment of 1. Each provision or enactment in the General
Congress Appropriations Bill must relate specifically to
some particular appropriation therein and any
Sections 24-27, 30-31 LEGISLATION such provision or enactment must be limited in
its operation to the appropriation to which it
Bills that must originate from the House of
relates.
Representatives (Section 24)   
1. The procedure in approving appropriations for
CODE: A R T Pu Lo P Congress shall strictly follow the procedure for
approving appropriations for other departments
1. Appropriation bills and agencies.
2. Revenue bills 1. A special appropriations bill must specify the
3. Tariff bills purpose for which it is intended and must be
4. Bills authorizing the increase of public debt supported by funds actually available as
5. Bills of local application certified by the National Treasurer or to be
6. Private bills raised by a corresponding revenue proposal
therein.
Note:  The Senate may, however, propose or concur 1. Transfer of appropriations:
with amendments. 1. Rule:  No law shall be passed authorizing any
transfer of appropriations
Appropriation bills
2. BUT the following may, BY LAW, be
1. The primary and specific aim of an authorized to AUGMENT any item in the
appropriation bill is to appropriate a sum of general appropriations law for their respective
money from the public treasury. offices from savings in other items of their
1. Thus, a bill enacting the budget is an respective appropriations
appropriations bill.
–          President
1. BUT:  A bill creating a new office, and
appropriating funds therefor is NOT an –          President of the Senate
appropriation bill.
–          Speaker of the House of Representatives
Revenue Bill
–          Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court
1. A revenue bill is one specifically designed to
raise money or revenue through imposition or –          Heads of the Constitutional Commissions
levy.
1. Thus, a bill introducing a new tax is a revenue 1. Discretionary funds appropriated for particular
bill, but a provision in, for instance, the officials shall be:
Videogram Regulatory Board law imposing a 1. Disbursed only for public purposes;
tax on video rentals does not make the law a 2. Should be supported by appropriate
revenue bill. vouchers; and
3. Subject to guidelines as may be
Bills of local application prescribed by law.
1. If Congress fails to pass General
A bill of local application, such as one asking for the Appropriations Bill (GAB) by the end of any
conversion of a municipality into a city, is deemed to fiscal year:
have originated from the House provided that the bill
of the House was filed prior to the filing of the bill in i.  The GAB for the previous year is deemed
the Senate even if, in the end, the Senate approved reenacted
its own version.
ii.  It will remain in full force and effect until the GAB is
Limitations: passed by Congress.

1. For appropriation bills: 1. For law granting tax exemption

1. Congress cannot increase the appropriations
recommended by the President for the
It should be passed with the concurrence of a thereof.  If he fails to do so, the bill shall become
MAJORITY of ALL the members of Congress. a law as if he signed it.
1. This rule eliminates the ‘pocket veto’ whereby
1. For bills in general the President would simply refuse to act on the
1. Every bill shall embrace only one (1) subject, bill.
as expressed in the title thereof
 
i.          As a mandatory requirement
1. To OVERRIDE the veto, at least 2/3 of ALL
ii.         The title does not have to be a complete the members of each House must agree to pass
catalogue of everything stated in the bill.  It is the bill.   In such case, the veto is overriden and
sufficient if the title expresses the general subject of becomes a law without need of presidential
the bill and all the provisions of the statute are approval.
germane to that general subject. 1. Item veto
1. The President may veto particular items in an
iii.        A bill which repeals legislation regarding the
appropriation, revenue or tariff bill.
subject matter need not state in the title that it is
1. This veto will not affect items to which he
repealing the latter.  Thus, a repealing clause in the
does not object.
bill is considered germane to the subject matter of the
1. Definition of item
bill.
TYPE OF BILL                                                       
1. Readings
ITEM
1. In order to become a law, each bill must pass
three (3) readings in both Houses. 1.  Revenue/tax bill                 Subject of the tax and
2. General rule: Each reading shall be held on the tax rate imposed thereon
separate days & printed copies thereof in its
final form shall be distributed to its Members 2.  Appropriations bill             Indivisible sum
three (3) days before its passage. dedicated to a stated purpose
3. Exception:  If a bill is certified as urgent by the
President as to the necessity of its immediate 1. Veto of RIDER
enactment to meet a public calamity or 1. A rider is a provision which does not relate to
emergency, the 3 readings can be held on the a particular appropriation stated in the bill.
same day. 2. Since it is an invalid provision under Section
4. First reading – only the title is read; the bill is 25(2), the President may veto it as an item.
passed to the proper committee
Specific limitations on legislation
Second reading – Entire text is read and debates are
1. No law shall be enacted increasing the
held, and amendments introduced.
Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction without
Third reading – only the title is read, no amendments the SC’s advice and concurrence.
are allowed.  Vote shall be taken immediately 1. No law shall be enacted granting titles of
thereafter and the yeas and nays entered in the royalty or nobility.
journal.
Section 28.  POWER TO TAX
Veto power of President:
Limitations:
1. Every bill, in order to become a law, must be
1)      The rule of taxation should be UNIFORM
presented to and signed by the President.
1. If the President does not approve of the bill, 2)      It should be EQUITABLE
he shall veto the same and return it with his
objections to the House from which it 3)      Congress should evolve a PROGRESSIVE
originated.  The House shall enter the system of taxation.
objections in the Journal and proceed to
reconsider it. 4)      The power to tax must be exercised for a public
1. The President must communicate his decision purpose because the power exists for the general
to veto within 30 days from the date of receipt welfare
5)      The due process and equal protection clauses
of the Constitution should be observed.
Delegation of power to fix rates
1)      Congress may, BY LAW, authorize the
President to fix the following:
a)      Tariff rates
b)      Import and Export Quotas
c)      Tonnage and wharfage dues
d)     Other duties and imposts
Within the framework of the national development
program of the Government
2)      The exercise of such power by the President
shall be within the specified limits fixed by Congress
and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it
may impose.
Constitutional tax exemptions:
1)      The following properties are exempt from REAL
PROPERTY taxes
(CODE: Cha Chu M- CA)
a)      Charitable institutions
b)      Churches, and parsonages or convents
appurtenant thereto
c)      Mosques
d)     Non-profit cemeteries; and
e)      All lands, buildings and improvements actually,
directly and exclusively used for religious, charitable,
or educational purposes.
2)      All revenues and assets of NON-STOCK NON-
PROFIT EDUCATIONAL institutions are exempt from
taxes and duties PROVIDED that such revenues and
assets are actually, directly and exclusively used for
educational purposes.  (Art. XIV Sec 4 (3))
3)      Grants, endowments, donations or contributions
used actually, directly and exclusively for educational
purposes shall be exempt from tax.  This is subject to
conditions prescribed by law.  (Art. XIV. Sec 4 (4))
Section 29.  Power of the Purse
1)      No money shall be paid out of the National
Treasury EXCEPT in pursuance of an appropriation
made by law.
a)      This places the control of public funds in the
hands of Congress.
b)      BUT:  This rule does not prohibit continuing
appropriations. e.g. for debt servicing.  This is
because the rule does not require yearly, or annual
appropriation.
2)      Limitations.
a)      Appropriations must be for a PUBLIC
PURPOSE
b)      Cannot appropriate public funds or property,
directly or indirectly, in favor of
(i)                 Any sect, church, denomination, or
sectarian institution or system of religion or
(ii)               Any priest, preacher, minister, or other
religious teacher or dignitary as such.
EXCEPT if the priest, etc is assigned to:
–          the Armed Forces; or
–          any penal institution; or
–          government orphanage; or
–          leprosarium
c)      BUT the government is not prohibited from
appropriating money for a valid secular purpose, even
if it incidentally benefits a religion, e.g. appropriations
for a national police force is valid even if the police
also protects the safety of clergymen.
d)     ALSO, the temporary use of public property for
religious purposes is valid, as long as the property is
available for all religions
3)      Special Funds
a)      Money collected on a tax levied for a special
purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid
out for such purpose only.
b)      Once the special purpose is fulfilled or
abandoned, any balance shall be transferred to the
general funds of the Government
Section 32.  INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
1)      Through the system of initiative and
referendum, 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.
2)      Required Petition

a)      Should be signed by at least 10% of the total

number of registered voters

b)      Every legislative district should be represented

by at least 3% of the registered voters

c)      Petition should be registered