1987, 1973, 1935 PHILIPPINES CONSTITUTION COMPARED/ COMPARISON MATRIX

1987 CONSTITUTION 1973 CONSTITUTION 1935 CONSTITUTION

Preamble Preamble Preamble

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

God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Providence, in order to establish a government that shall embody order to establish a government that shall embody their ideals,

Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, our ideals, promote the general welfare, conserve and develop conserve and develop the patrimony of the nation, promote the

promote the common good, conserve and develop our the patrimony of our Nation, and secure to ourselves and our general welfare, and secure to themselves and their posterity the

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

blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law peace, liberty, and equality, do ordain and promulgate this democracy, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, Constitution.

do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE I ARTICLE I ARTICLE I

The National Territory The National Territory The National Territory

The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with Section 1. The national territory comprises the Philippine Section 1. The Philippines comprises all the territory ceded to the

all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, United States by the Treaty of Paris concluded between the

territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or and all the other territories belonging to the Philippines by United States and Spain on the tenth day of December, eighteen

jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial historic or legal title, including the territorial sea, the air space, hundred and ninety-eight, the limits which are set forth in Article

domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the the subsoil, the sea-bed, the insular shelves, and the submarine III of said treaty, together with all the islands embraced in the

insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, areas over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction. treaty concluded at Washington between the United States and

between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the Spain on the seventh day of November, nineteen hundred, and

regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the archipelago, irrespective of their breadth and dimensions, form the treaty concluded between the United States and Great

internal waters of the Philippines. part of the internal waters of the Philippines. 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 Policies Declaration of Principles and State Policies Declaration of Principles

Principles Section 1. Section 1.

The Philippines is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the The Philippines, is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the

SEC. 1. people and all government authority emanates from them. people and all government authority emanates from them.

The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty

resides in the people and all government authority emanates Section 2. Section 2.

from them. The defense of the State is the prime duty of government, and in The defense of the State is a prime duty of government, and in

the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required by law to

SEC. 2. render personal military or civil service. render personal military or civil service.

The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national

policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international Section 3. Section 3.

law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national

peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international policy, and adopts the generally accepted principles of

nations. law as part of the law of the land, and adheres to the policy of international law as part of the law of the Nation.

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

SEC. 3. nations. Section 4.

Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth

Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people Section 4. for civic efficiency should receive the aid and support of the

and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State The State shall strengthen the family as a basic social institution. government.

and the integrity of the national territory. The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth Section 5. The promotion of social justice to insure the well-being

for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall and economic security of all the people should be the concern of

SEC. 4. receive the aid and support of the government. the State.

The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the

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

under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building

civil service. and shall promote their physical, intellectual and social well-

being.

SEC. 5.

The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, Section 6.

liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare The State shall promote social justice to ensure the dignity,

are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings welfare, and security of all the people. Towards this end, the

of democracy. State shall regulate the acquisition, ownership, use, enjoyment,

and disposition of private property, and equitably diffuse

SEC. 6. property ownership and profits.

The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Section 7.

State Policies The State shall establish, maintain, and ensure adequate social

services in the field of education, health, housing, employment,

SEC. 7. welfare, and social security to guarantee the enjoyment of the

The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its people of a decent standard of living.

relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be

national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and Section 8.

the right to self-determination. Civilian authority is at all times supreme over the military.

SEC. 8. Section 9.

The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and The State shall afford protection to labor, promote full

pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its employment and equality in employment, ensure equal work

territory. opportunities regardless of sex, race, or creed, and regulate the

relation between workers and employers. The State shall assure

SEC. 9. the rights of workers to self-organization, collective bargaining,

The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work. The

ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free State may provide for compulsory arbitration.

the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate

social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of Section 10.

living, and an improved quality of life for all. The State shall guarantee and promote the autonomy of local

government units, especially the barrio, to ensure their fullest

development as self-reliant communities.

SEC. 10.

The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national

development.

SEC. 11.

The State values the dignity of every human person and

guarantees full respect for human rights.

SEC. 12.

The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect

and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social

institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the

life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right

and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency

and the development of moral character shall receive the

support of the Government.

SEC. 13.
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building

and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual,

intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth

patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in

public and civic affairs.

SEC. 14.

The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and

shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women

and men.

SEC. 15.

The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the

people and instill health consciousness among them.

SEC. 16.

The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a

balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and

harmony of nature.

SEC. 17.

The State shall give priority to education, science and technology,

arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism,

accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation

and development.
SEC. 18.

The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It

shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

SEC. 19.

The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national

economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

SEC. 20.

The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector,

encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to

needed investments.

SEC. 21.

The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and

agrarian reform.

SEC. 22.

The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous

cultural communities within the framework of national unity and

development.

SEC. 23.

The State shall encourage non-governmental, community- based,

or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

SEC. 24.

The State recognizes the vital role of communication and

information in nation-building.

SEC. 25.

The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

SEC. 26.

The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public

service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by

law.

SEC. 27.

The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public

service and take positive and effective measures against graft

and corruption.

SEC. 28.

Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State

adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its

transactions involving public interest.

ARTICLE VI ARTICLE VIII ARTICLE VI

Legislative Department The National Assembly Legislative Department

SEC 1. Section 1. Section 1.

The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the The Legislative power shall be vested in a National Assembly. The Legislative power shall be vested in a Congress of the

Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of

Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by Section 2. Representatives.

the provision on initiative and referendum. The National Assembly shall be composed of as many Members

as may be provided by law to be appointed among the provinces, Section 2.

SEC. 2. representative districts, and cities in accordance with the The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall

The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall number of their respective inhabitants and on the basis of a be chosen at large by the qualified electors of the Philippines, as

be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as uniform and progressive ratio. Each district shall comprise, as far may be provided by law.

may be provided by law. as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory.

Representative districts or provinces already created or existing Section 3.

SEC. 3. at the time of the ratification of this Constitution shall have at The term of office of Senators shall be six years and shall begin

No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of least one Member each. on the thirtieth day of December next following their election.

the Philippines, and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty- The first Senators elected under this Constitution shall, in the

five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a Section 3. manner provided by law, be divided equally into three groups,

resident of the Philippines for not less than two years (1) The Members of the National Assembly shall be elected by the Senators of the first group, to serve for a term of six years;

immediately preceding the day of the election. the qualified electors in their respective districts for a term of six those of the second group, for four years; and those of the third

years which shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at group, for two years.

SEC. 4. noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election.

The term of office of the Senators shall be six years and shall Section 4.

commence, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the (2) In case the National Assembly is dissolved, the newly elected No person shall be a Senator unless he be a natural born citizen

thirtieth day of June next following their election. No Senator Members shall serve the unexpired portion of the term from the of the Philippines and, at the time of his election, is at least

shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary time the Prime Minister convenes the Assembly, which shall not thirty-five years of age, a qualified elector, and a resident of the

renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be be later than thirty days immediately following the elections. Philippines for not less than two years immediately prior to his

considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for election.

the full term for which he was elected. Section 4.

No person shall be a Member of the National Assembly unless he Section 5.

SEC. 5. is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the The House of Representatives shall be composed of not more

(1) The House of Representatives shall be composed of not more election, is at least twenty-five years of age, able to read and than one hundred and twenty Members who shall be

than two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by write, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be apportioned among the several provinces as nearly as may be

law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned elected, and a resident thereon for a period of not less than one accorded to the number of their respective inhabitants, but each

among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in year immediately preceding the day of the election. province shall have at least one Member. The Congress shall by

accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants, and law make an apportionment within three years after the return

on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, Section 5. of every enumeration, and not otherwise. Until such

as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list system of (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of apportionment shall have been made, the House of

registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or Members of the National Assembly shall be held on the second Representatives shall have the same number of Members as that

organizations. Monday of May every six years thereafter. fixed by law for the National Assembly, who shall be elected by

the qualified electors from the present Assembly districts. Each

(2) The party-list representatives shall constitute twenty per (2) In case a vacancy arises in the National Assembly one year or representative district shall comprise, as far as practicable,

centum of the total number of representatives including those more before a regular election, the Commission on Elections contiguous and compact territory.

under the party list. For three consecutive terms after the shall call a special election to be held within sixty days after the

ratification of this Constitution, one-half of the seats allocated to vacancy occurs. Section 6.

party-list representatives shall be filled, as provided by law, by The term of office of the Members of the House of

selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban poor, Section 6. Representatives shall be four years and shall begin on the

indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other The National Assembly shall convene once every year on the thirtieth day of December next following their election.

sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector. fourth Monday of July for its regular session, unless a different

date is fixed by law, and shall continue to be in session until Section 7.

(3) Each legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, thirty days before the opening of its next regular session, No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives

contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. It may recess unless he be a natural born citizen of the Philippines, and, at the

population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each for periods not exceeding thirty days each, and not more than time of his election, is at least twenty-five years of age, a

province, shall have at least one representative. ninety days during the year. However, it may be called to session qualified elector, and a resident of the province in which he is

at any time by the Prime Minister to consider such subjects or chosen for not less than one year immediately prior to his

(4) Within three years following the return of every census, the legislation as he may designate. election.
Congress shall make a reappointment of legislative districts

based on the standards provided in this section. Section 7. Section 8.

(1) The National Assembly, shall, by a majority vote of all its (1) Elections for Senators and Members of the House of

SEC. 6. Members, elect its Speaker from the Members thereof. It shall Representatives shall be held in the manner and on the dates

No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives choose such other officers as it may deem necessary. fixed by law.

unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the The election of the President and the Prime Minister shall

day of the election, is at least twenty-five years of age, able to precede all other business following the election of the Speaker. (2) In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of

read and write, and, except the party-list representatives, a Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such

registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a (2) A majority of the National Assembly shall constitute a quorum vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or

resident thereof for a period of not less than one year to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve

immediately preceding the day of the election. day and may compel the attendance of absent Members in such only for the unexpired term.

manner, and under such penalties, as the National Assembly may

provide. Section 9.
SEC. 7.
The Congress shall convene in regular session once every year on
The Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected
(3) The National Assembly may determine the rules of its the fourth Monday of January, unless a different date is fixed by
for a term of three years which shall begin, unless otherwise
proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and law. It may be called in special session at any time by the
provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next
with concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or President to consider general legislation or only such subjects as
following their election.
expel a Member, but if the penalty is suspension, this shall not he may designate. No special session shall continue longer than
No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more
exceed sixty days. thirty days and no regular session longer than one hundred days,
than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the
exclusive of Sundays.
office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
(4) The National Assembly shall keep a Journal of its proceedings,
interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for
and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as
which he was elected.
may, in its judgment, affect national security; and the yeas and Section 10.

nays on any question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the (1) The Senate shall elect its President and the House of
SEC. 8.
Members present, be entered in the Journal. Representatives its Speaker.
Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of the
Each House shall choose such other officers as may be required.
Senators and the Members of the House of Representatives shall Section 8.

be held on the second Monday of May. (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, each Member of the (2) A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do

National Assembly shall receive an annual salary of sixty business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and

SEC. 9. thousand pesos. The Speaker of the National Assembly shall may compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner

In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of receive an annual salary of seventy-five thousand pesos. No and under such penalties as such House may provide.

Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such increase in salary shall take effect until after the expiration of the

vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or term of the Members of the National Assembly approving such (3) Each House may determine the rule of its proceedings, punish

Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve increase. its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence

only for the unexpired term. of two-thirds of all its Members, expel a Member.

(2) The records and books of accounts of the National Assembly

SEC. 10. shall be open to the public in accordance with law, and such (4) Each House shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from

The salaries of Senators and Members of the House of books shall be audited by the Commission on Audit which shall time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in its

Representatives shall be determined by law. No increase in said publish annually the itemized expenditures for each Member. judgment requires secrecy; and the yeas and nays on any

compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the Members

full term of all the Members of the Senate and the House of Section 9. present, be entered into the Journal.

Representatives approving such increase. A Member of the National Assembly shall, in all offenses

punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be (5) Neither House during the sessions of the Congress shall,

SEC. 11. privileged from arrest during his attendance at its sessions, and without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three

A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall, in all in going to and returning from the same; but the National days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses

offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be Assembly shall surrender the Member involved to the custody of shall be sitting.

privileged from arrest while the Congress is in session. No the law within twenty-four hours after its adjournment for a

member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place recess or its next session, otherwise such privilege shall cease Section 11.

for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee upon its failure to do so. A Member shall not be questioned or The Senate and the House of Representatives shall have an

thereof. held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in the Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests

Assembly or in any committee thereof. relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their

SEC. 12. respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed

All Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives Section 10. of nine Members, three of whom shall be Justices of the

shall, upon assumption of office, make a full disclosure of their A Member of the National Assembly shall not hold any other Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Justice, and the

financial and business interests. They shall notify the House office or employment in the government, or any subdivision, remaining six shall be Members of the Senate or the House of

concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may arise from agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be chosen by

the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors. or controlled corporations during his tenure except that of Prime each House, three upon nomination of the party having the

Minister or Member of the Cabinet. Neither shall he be largest number of votes and three of the party having the second

SEC. 13. appointed to any civil office which may have been created or the largest numbers of votes therein. The senior Justice in each

No Senator or a Member of the House of Representatives may emoluments thereof increased while he was a Member of the Electoral Tribunal shall be its Chairman.

hold any other office or employment in the Government, or any National Assembly.

subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including

government-owned or controlled corporations or their Section 11. Section 12.

subsidiaries, during his term without forfeiting his seat. Neither No Member of the National Assembly shall appear as counsel There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of

shall he be appointed to any office which may have been created before any court inferior to a court with appellate jurisdiction, twelve Senators and twelve Members of the House of

or the emoluments thereof increased during the term for which before any court in any civil case wherein the government, or Representatives, elected by each House, respectively, on the

he was elected. any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof is the adverse basis of proportional representation of the political parties

party, or before any administrative body. Neither shall he, therein. The president of the Senate shall be the Chairman ex

SEC. 14. directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract officio of the Commission, but shall not vote except in case of tie.

No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by, the

personally appear as counsel before any court of justice or government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality

before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other thereof, including any government-owned or controlled Section 13.

administrative bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be corporation, during his term of office. He shall not intervene in The Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments

interested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or any matter before any office of the government for his pecuniary shall be constituted within thirty days after the Senate and the

special privilege granted by the Government, or any subdivision, benefit. House of Representatives shall have been organized with the

agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government- election of their President and Speaker, respectively. The

owned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiary, during his Section 12. Commission on Appointments shall meet only while the Congress

term of office. He shall not intervene in any matter before any (1) There shall be a question hour at least once a month or as is in session, at the call of its Chairman or a majority of its
office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit or where he often as the rules of the National Assembly may provide, which Members, to discharge such powers and functions as are herein

may be called upon to act on account of his office. shall be included in its agenda, during which the Prime Minister conferred upon it.

or any Minister may be required to appear and answer questions Section 14.

SEC. 15. and interpellations by Members of the National Assembly. The Senators and the Members of the House of Representatives

The Congress shall convene once every year on the fourth Written questions shall be submitted to the Speaker at least shall, unless otherwise provided by law, receive an annual

Monday of July for its regular session, unless a different date is three days before a scheduled question hour. Interpellations compensation of seven thousand two hundred pesos each,

fixed by law, and shall continue to be in session for such number shall not be limited to the written questions, but may cover including per diems and other emoluments or allowances and

of days as it may determine until thirty days before the opening matters related thereto. The agenda shall specify the subjects of exclusive only of traveling expenses to and from their respective

of its next regular session, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and the question hour. When the security of the State so requires districts in the case of Members of the House of Representatives,

legal holidays. The President may call a special session at any and the Prime Minister so states in writing, the question hour and to an from their places of residence in the case of Senators,

time. shall be conducted in executive session. when attending sessions of the Congress. No increase in said

compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the

SEC. 16. (2) The National Assembly or any of its committees may conduct full term of all the Members of the Senate and of the House of

(1) The Senate shall elect its President and the House of inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published Representatives approving such increase. Until otherwise

Representatives its Speaker, by a majority vote of all its rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in such provided by law, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of

respective Members. inquiries shall be respected. the House of Representatives shall each receive an annual

Each House shall choose such other officers as it may deem compensation of sixteen thousand pesos.

necessary. Section 13.

(2) A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do (1) The National Assembly may withdraw its confidence from the

business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and Prime Minister only by electing a successor by a majority vote of Section 15.

may compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner, all its Members. No motion for the election of such successor The Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall

and under such penalties, as such House may provide. shall be debated and voted upon until after the lapse of three in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be

(3) Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, days from the submittal of such motion. privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of

punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the the Congress, and in going to and returning from the same; and

concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or expel a (2) The Prime Minister may advise the President in writing to for any speech or debate therein, they shall not be questioned in

Member. A penalty for suspension, when imposed, shall not dissolve the National Assembly whenever the need arises for a any other place.
exceed sixty days. popular vote of confidence on fundamental issues, but not on a

(4) Each House shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from matter involving his own personal integrity. Whereupon, the

time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in its President shall dissolve the National Assembly not earlier than Section 16.

judgment, affect national security; and the yeas and nays on any five days nor later than ten days from his receipt of the advice, No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may

question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the members and call for an election on a date set by the Prime Minister which hold any other office or employment in the government without

present, be entered in the Journal. shall not be earlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days forfeiting his seat, nor shall any Senator or Member of the House

Each House shall also keep a Record of its proceedings. from the date of such dissolution. However, no dissolution of the of Representatives, during the time for which he was elected, be

(5) Neither House during the sessions of the Congress shall, National Assembly shall take place within nine months appointed to any civil office which may have been created or the

without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three immediately preceding a regular election or within nine months emoluments whereof shall have been increased while he was a

days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses immediately following any general election. Member of the Congress.

shall be sitting. Section 17.

(3) In case of dissolution of the National Assembly or the No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall

SEC. 17. termination of its regular term, the incumbent Prime Minister directly or indirectly be financially interested in any contract with

The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each have an and the Cabinet shall continue to conduct the affairs of the government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof, or

Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests government until the new National Assembly is convoked and a in any franchise or special privilege granted by the Congress

relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their Prime Minister is elected and has qualified. during his term of office. He shall not appear as counsel before

respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed the Electoral Tribunals or before any court in any civil case

of nine Members, three of whom shall be Justices of the Section 14. wherein the Government or any subdivision or instrumentality

Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Justice, and the (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, no treaty thereof is the adverse party, or in any criminal case wherein an

remaining six shall be Members of the Senate or the House of shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by a majority of officer or employee of the government is accused of an offense

Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be chosen on the all the Members of the National Assembly. committed in relation to his office, or collect any fee for his

basis of proportional representation from the political parties appearance in any administrative proceedings; or accept

and the parties or organizations registered under the party-list (2) The National Assembly, by a vote of two-thirds of all its employment to intervene in any cause or matter where he may

system represented therein. The senior Justice in the Electoral Members, shall have the sole power to declare the existence of a be called upon to act on account of his office. No Member of the

Tribunal shall be it Chairman. state of war. Commission on Appointments shall appear as counsel before any

court inferior to a collegiate court of appellate jurisdiction.

SEC. 18. Section 15.

There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of the In times of war or other national emergency, the National Section 18.

President of the Senate, as ex officio Chairman, twelve Senators, Assembly may by law authorize the Prime Minister, for a limited All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase

and twelve Members of the House of Representatives, elected by period and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to of the public debt, bills of local application, and private bills, shall

each House on the basis of proportional representation from the exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the

political parties or organizations registered under the party-list national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution of the Senate may propose or concur with amendments.

system represented therein. The Chairman of the Commission National Assembly, such powers shall cease upon its next

shall not vote, except in case of a tie. The Commission shall act adjournment. Section 19.

on all appointments submitted to it within thirty session days of (1) The President shall submit within fifteen days of the opening

the Congress from their submission. The Commission shall rule Section 16. of each regular session of the Congress a budget of receipts and

by a majority vote of all the Members. (1) The Prime Minister shall submit to the National Assembly expenditures, which shall be the basis of the general

within thirty days from the opening of each regular session, as appropriations bill. The Congress may not increase the

SEC. 19. the basis of the general appropriations bill, a budget of receipts appropriations recommended by the President for the operation

The Electoral Tribunals and the Commission on Appointments based on existing and proposed revenue measures, and of of the Government as specified in the Budget, except the

shall be constituted within thirty days after the Senate and the expenditures. The form, content, and manner of preparation of appropriations for the Congress and the Judicial Department. The

House of Representatives shall have been organized with the the budget shall be prescribed by law. form of the Budget and the information that it should contain

election of the President and the Speaker. The Commission on (2) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general shall be prescribed by law.

Appointments shall meet only while the Congress is in session, at appropriations bill unless it relates specifically to some particular (2) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general

the call of its Chairman or a majority of all its Members, to appropriation therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be appropriations bill unless it relates specifically to some particular

discharge such powers and functions as are herein conferred limited in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates. appropriation therein; and any such provision or enactment shall

upon it. be limited in its operation to such appropriation.

(3) The procedure in approving appropriations for the National

SEC. 20. Assembly shall strictly follow the procedure for approving Section 20.

The records and books of accounts of the Congress shall be appropriations for other departments and agencies. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a

preserved and be open to the public in accordance with law, and law, be presented to the President. If he approves the same, he

such books shall be audited by the Commission on Audit which (4) A special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections to the
shall publish annually an itemized list of amounts paid to and which it is intended, and shall be supported by funds actually House where it originated, which shall enter the objections at

expenses incurred for each Member. available as certified to by the National Treasurer, or to be raised large on its Journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such

by a corresponding revenue proposal included therein. reconsideration, two-thirds of all the Members of such House

SEC. 21. shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together, with the

The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its (5) No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of objections, to the House by which it shall likewise be

respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation appropriations; however, the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the Members

in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases, the votes

rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall Constitutional Commissions may by law be authorized to of each House shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the

be respected. augment any item in the general appropriations law for their names of the Members voting for and against shall be entered on

respective offices from saving in other items of their respective its Journal. If any bill shall not be returned by the President as

SEC. 22. appropriations. herein provided within twenty days (Sundays excepted) after it

The heads of departments may upon their own initiative, with shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a law

the consent of the President, or upon the request of either (6) If, by the end of the fiscal year, the National Assembly shall in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by

House, as the rules of each House shall provide, appear before have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall become a

and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal law unless vetoed by the President within thirty days after

departments. Written questions shall be submitted to the year shall be deemed re-enacted and shall remain in force and adjournment.

President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the

Representatives at least three days before their scheduled National Assembly. (2) The President shall have the power to veto any particular

appearance. Interpellations shall not be limited to written item or items of an appropriation bill, but the veto shall not

questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the Section 17. affect the item or items to which he does not object. When a

security of the State or the public interest so requires and the (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The provision of an appropriation bill affects one or more items of

President so states in writing, the appearance shall be conducted National Assembly shall evolve a progressive system of taxation. the same, the President cannot veto the provision without at the

in executive session. same time, vetoing the particular item or items to which it

(2) The National Assembly may by law authorize the Prime relates. The item or items objected to shall not take effect except

SEC. 23. Minister to fix within specified limits, and subject to such in the manner heretofore provided as to bills returned to the

(1) The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint limitations and restrictions as it may impose, tariff rates, import Congress without the approval of the President. If the veto refers
session assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole power and export quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and other duties to a bill or any item of an appropriation bill which appropriates a

to declare the existence of a state of war. or imposts. sum in excess of ten per centum of the total amount voted in the

appropriation bill for the general expenses of the Government

(2) In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress (3) Charitable institutions, churches, personages or convents for the preceding year, or if it should refer to a bill authorizing an

may, by law, authorize the President, for a limited period and appurtenant thereto, mosques and non-profit cemeteries, and all increase of the public debt, the same shall not become a law

subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise lands, buildings and improvements actually, directly, and unless approved by three-fourths of all the Members of each

powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national exclusively used for religious or charitable purposes shall be House.

policy. Unless sooner withdrawn by resolution of the Congress, exempt from taxation.

such powers shall cease upon the next adjournment thereof. (3) The President shall have the power to veto any separate item

(4) No law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without or items in a revenue of tariff bill, and the item or items shall not

SEC. 24. the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the National take effect except in the manner provided as to bills vetoed by

All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing increase Assembly. the President.

of public debt, bills of local application, and private bills shall

originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Section 18. Section 21.

Senate may propose or concur with amendments. (1) No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in (1) No bill which may be enacted into law shall embrace more

pursuance of an appropriation made by law. than one subject which shall be expressed in the title of the bill.

SEC. 25.

(1) The Congress may not increase the appropriations (2) No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, (2) No bill shall be passed by either House unless it shall have

recommended by the President for the operation of the applied, paid, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, been printed and copies thereof in its final form furnished its

Government as specified in the budget. The form, content, and or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian Members at least three calendar days prior to its passage, except

manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by law. institution, or system of religion or for the use, benefit, or when the President shall have certified to the necessity of its

support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious immediate enactment. Upon the last reading of a bill no

(2) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general teacher or dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, amendment thereof shall be allowed, and the question upon its

appropriations bill unless it relates specifically to some particular minister, or dignitary is assigned to the armed forces, or to any passage shall be taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas and

appropriation therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium. nays entered on the Journal.

limited in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates.

 Section 19. Section 22.

(3) The procedure in approving appropriations for the Congress (1) Every bill shall become a law unless it has passed three (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform.

shall strictly follow the procedure for approving appropriations readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final

for other departments or agencies. form have been distributed to the Members three days before its (2) The Congress may by law authorize the President, subject to

passage, except when the Prime Minister certifies to the such limitations and restrictions as it may impose, to fix, within

(4) A special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity specified limits, tariff rates, import or export quotas, and

which it is intended, and shall be supported by funds actually or emergency. Upon the last reading of a bill, no amendment tonnage and wharfage dues.

available as certified by the National Treasurer, or to be raised by thereto shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall be taken

a corresponding revenue proposed therein. immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in the (3) Cemeteries, churches, and parsonages or convents

Journal. appurtenant thereto, and all lands, buildings, and improvements

(5) No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of used exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes

appropriations; however, the President, the President of the (2) No bill except those of local application shall be calendared shall be exempt from taxation.

Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief without the prior recommendation of the Cabinet.

Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Section 23.

Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in Section 20. (1) All money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose

the general appropriations law for their respective offices from (1) Every bill passed by the national Assembly shall, before it shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose

savings in other items of their respective appropriations. becomes a law, be presented to the Prime Minister. If he only. If the purpose for which a special fund was crated has been

approves the same he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it and fulfilled or abandoned, the balance, if any, shall be transferred to

(6) Discretionary funds appropriated for particular officials shall return the same with his objections to the National Assembly. the general funds of the Government.

be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by The bill may be reconsidered by the National Assembly and, if

appropriate vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be approved by two-thirds of all its Members, shall become a law. (2) No money shall be paid out of Treasury except in pursuance

prescribed by law. The Prime Minister shall act on every bill passed by the National of an appropriation made by law.

Assembly within thirty days after the date of receipt thereof;

(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had signed it. (3) No public money, or property shall ever be appropriated,

to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, (2) The Prime Minister shall have the power to veto any applied, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or

the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall particular item or items in appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution
be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does or system of religion, for the use, benefit, or support of any

the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress. not object. priest, preacher, ministers, or other religious teacher or dignitary

as such except when such priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary

SEC. 26. is assigned to the armed forces or to any penal institution,

(1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only one orphanage or leprosarium.

subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof.

Section 24.

(2) No bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it The heads of departments upon their own initiative or upon the

has passed three readings on separate days, and printed copies request of either House may appear before and be heard by such

thereof in its final form have been distributed to its members House on any matter pertaining to their departments, unless the

three days before its passage, except when the President public interest shall require otherwise and the President shall so

certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a state in writing.

public calamity or emergency. Upon the last reading of a bill, no Section 25.

amendment thereto shall be allowed, and the vote thereon shall The Congress, shall, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the

be taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered Members of each House, have the sole power to declare war.

in the Journal. Section 26. In times of war and other national emergency the

Congress may by law authorize the President, for a limited

SEC. 27. period, and subject to such restrictions as it may prescribe, to

(1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a promulgate rules and regulations to carry out a declared national

law, be presented to the President. If he approves the same, he policy.

shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with

his objections to the House where it originated, which shall enter

the objections at large in its Journal and proceed to reconsider it.

If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the Members of

such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together

with the objections, to the other House by which it shall likewise

be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the

Members of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases,

the votes of each House shall be determined by yeas or nays, and

the names of the Members voting for or against shall be entered

in its Journal. The President shall communicate his veto of any

bill to the House where it originated within thirty days after the

day of receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become a law as if he

had signed it.

(2) The President shall have the power to veto any particular

item or items in an appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the

veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does not

object.

SEC. 28.

(1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable. The

Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.

(2)The Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix

within specified limits, and subject to such limitations and

restrictions as it may impose, tariff rates, import and export

quotas, tonnage and wharfage dues, and other duties or imposts

within the framework of the national development program of

the Government.
(3)Charitable institutions, churches and parsonages or covenants

appurtenant thereto, mosques, 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 ARTICLE VII

Executive Department The President and Vice-President Executive Department

SEC 1. Section 1. Section 1.

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

SEC. 2. Section 2. Section 2.

No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the same The President shall hold his office during a term of four years and

citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and qualifications and term of office as the President and may be together with the Vice-President chosen for the same term, shall

write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a removed from office in the same manner as the President as be elected by direct vote of the people. The returns of every

resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately provided in Article XIII, Section 2 of this Constitution. election for President and Vice-President, duly certified by the

preceding such election. board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted

The Vice-President may be appointed as a member of the to the seat of the National Government, directed to the

SEC. 3. Cabinet and may be nominated and elected as Prime Minister. President of the Senate, who shall, in the presence of the Senate

There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the same and the House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and

qualifications and term of office and be elected with and in the The Vice-President shall be elected with and in the same manner the votes shall then be counted. The person respectively having

same manner as the President. He may be removed from office as the President. the highest number of votes for President and Vice-President

in the same manner as the President. shall be declared elected, but in case two or more shall have an

The Vice-President may be appointed as a Member of the The President shall be elected from among the Members of the equal and the highest number of votes for their office, one of

Cabinet. Such appointment requires no confirmation. National Assembly by a majority vote of all its Members for a them shall be chosen President or Vice-President, as the case

term of six years from the date he takes his oath of office, which may be, by a majority vote of the Members of the Congress in

SEC. 4. shall not be later than three days after the proclamation of the joint session assembled.

The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct National Assembly, nor in any case earlier than the expiration of

vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at the term of his predecessor. Upon taking his oath of office, the Section 3.

noon on the thirtieth day of June following the day of the President shall cease to be a Member of the National Assembly No person may be elected to the office of the President or Vice-

election and shall end at noon of the same date six years and of any political party. He shall be ineligible to hold any other President unless he is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, a

thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any reelection. elective office during his term. qualified voter, forty years of age or over, and has been a

No person who has succeeded as President and has served as resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately

such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to Section 3. preceding the election.

the same office at any time. 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 Section 4.

No Vice-President shall serve for more than two consecutive of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding his Elections for President and Vice-President shall be held once

terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time election. However, if no Member of the National Assembly is every four years on a date to be fixed by law.

shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of the qualified or none of those qualified is a candidate for President,

service for the full term for which he was elected. any Member thereof may be elected President. The terms of the President and Vice-President shall end at noon

Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election for on the thirtieth day of December following the expiration of four

President and Vice-President shall be held on the second Section 4. years after their election, and the terms of their successors shall

Monday of May. (1) The President shall have an official residence and shall receive begin from such time.

a compensation to be fixed by law, which shall not be increased

The returns of every election for President and Vice-President, or decreased during his term of office. He shall not receive during Section 5.

duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city, his tenure any other emolument from the government or any No person shall serve as President for more than eight

shall be transmitted to the Congress, directed to the President of other source. Until the National Assembly shall provide consecutive years. The period of such service shall be counted

the Senate. Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary of one from the date he shall have commenced to act as President.

President of the Senate shall, not later than thirty days after the hundred thousand pesos. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall

day of the election, open all certificates in the presence of the not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of the

Senate and the House of Representatives in joint public session, (2) The President shall not during his tenure, hold any appointive service of the incumbent for the full term for which he was

and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and office, practice any profession, participate directly or indirectly in elected.

due execution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the management of any business, or be financially interested

the votes. directly or indirectly in any contract with, or in any franchise or Section 6.

special privilege granted by, the government or any subdivision, If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the

The person having the highest number of votes shall be agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned President, the President-elect shall have died, the Vice-President-

proclaimed elected, but in case two or more shall have an equal or controlled corporations. elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been

and highest number of votes, one of them shall forthwith be chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term or if

chosen by the vote of a majority of all the Members of the Section 5. the President shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice-President

Congress, voting separately. In case of permanent disability, death, removal from office, or shall act as President until a President shall have qualified, and

The Congress shall promulgate its rules for the canvassing of the resignation of the President, the Speaker of the National the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a
certificates. Assembly shall act as President until a successor has been President-elect nor a Vice-President-elect shall have qualified,

elected for the unexpired portion of the term of the President. declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which

The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall be the sole judge of all one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act

contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of Section 6. accordingly until a President or Vice-President shall have

the President or Vice- President, and may promulgate its rules The President shall have the following duties and functions: qualified.

for the purpose.

(1) Address the National Assembly at the opening of its regular
Section 7.
session.
SEC. 5. Before he enters on the execution of his office, the President

Before they enter on the execution of their office, the President, shall take the following oath or affirmation :
(2) Proclaim the election of the Prime Minister.
the Vice-President, or the Acting President shall take the
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and
following oath or affirmation :
(3) Dissolve the National Assembly and call for a general election conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines,

as provided herein. preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and
to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation.
conscientiously fulfill my duties as President (or Vice-President or
(4) Accept the resignation of the Cabinet as provided herein. So help me God." (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be
Acting President) of the Philippines, preserve and defend its
omitted)
Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and
(5) Attest to the appointment or cessation from office of
consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. So help me God."
Members of the Cabinet, and of other officers as may be Section 8.
(In case of affirmation, last sentence will be omitted.)
provided by law. In the event of the removal of the President from office, or his

death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and

SEC. 6.
(6) Appoint all officers and employees in his office in accordance duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-
The President shall have an official residence. The salaries of the
with the Civil Service Law. President, and the Congress shall by law provide for the case of
President and Vice-President shall be determined by law and
removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the President
shall not be decreased during their tenure. No increase in said
(7) Perform such other duties and functions of State as may be and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as
compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the
provided by law. President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the
term of the incumbent during which such increase was approved.
disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
They shall not receive during their tenure any other emolument
from the Government or any other source. Section 7.

The President shall be immune from suit during his tenure. Section 9.

SEC. 7. The President shall have an official residence and receive a

The President-elect and the Vice-President-elect shall assume compensation to be ascertained by law which shall be neither

office at the beginning of their terms. increased nor diminished during the period of which he shall

If the President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice-President-elect have been elected, and he shall not receive within the period any

shall act as President until the President-elect shall have other emolument from the Government or any of its subdivisions

qualified. or instrumentalities. Until the Congress shall provide otherwise,

If a President shall not have been chosen, the Vice-President- the President shall receive an annual salary of thirty thousand

elect shall act as President until a President shall have been pesos. The Vice-President, when not acting as President, shall

chosen and qualified. receive an annual compensation of fifteen thousand pesos until

If at the beginning of the term of the President, the President- otherwise provided by law.

elect shall have died or have become permanently disabled, the

Vice-President-elect shall become President. Section 10.

(1) The President shall have control of all executive departments,

Where no President and Vice-President shall have been chosen bureaus or offices, exercise general provision over all local

or shall have qualified, or where both shall have died or become governments as may be provided by law, and take care that the

permanently disabled, the President of the Senate or, in case of laws be faithfully executed.

his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall

act as President until a President or a Vice-President shall have (2) The President shall be commander-in-chief of all armed forces

been chosen and qualified. of the Philippines, and, whenever it becomes necessary, he may

call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless

The Congress shall provide for the manner in which one who is to violence, invasion, insurrection, or rebellion. In case of invasion,

act as President shall be selected until a President or a Vice- insurrection, or rebellion or imminent danger thereof, when the

President shall have qualified, in case of death, permanent public safety requires it, he may suspend the privilege of the writ

disability, or inability of the officials mentioned in the next of habeas corpus, or place the Philippines or any part thereof
preceding paragraph. under Martial Law.

SEC. 8. (3) The President shall nominate and with the consent of the

In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or Commission on Appointments, shall appoint the heads of the

resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become the executive departments and bureaus, officers of the Army from

President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death, the rank of colonel, of the Navy and Air Forces from the rank of

permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both captain or commander, and all other officers of the Government

the President and Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and

in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint; but the

Representatives, shall then act as President until the President or Congress may by law vest the appointment of inferior officers, in

Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified. the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of

departments.

The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President

in case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the (4) The President shall have the power to make appointments

Acting President. He shall serve until the President or the Vice- during the recess of the Congress, but such appointments shall

President shall have been elected and qualified, and be subject be effective only until disapproval by the Commission on

to the same restrictions of powers and disqualifications as the Appointments or until the next adjournment of the Congress.

Acting President.

(5) The President shall from time to time give to the Congress

SEC. 9. information on the state of the Nation, and recommend to its

Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and

during the term for which he was elected, the President shall expedient.

nominate a Vice-President from among the Members of the

Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume (6) The President shall have the power to grant reprieves,

office upon confirmation of a majority vote of all the Members of commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures,

both Houses of the Congress, voting separately. after conviction, for all expenses except in case of impeachment,
 upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations

SEC. 10. as he may deem proper to impose. He shall have the power to

The Congress shall, at ten o'clock in the morning of the third day grant amnesty with the concurrence of the Congress.

after the vacancy in the offices of the President and Vice-

President occurs, convene in accordance with its rules without (7) The President shall have the power, with the concurrence of

need of a call and within seven days enact a law calling for a two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate to make treaties,

special election to elect a President and a Vice-President to b and with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, he

held not earlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days from shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls.

the time of such call. The bill calling such special election shall be He shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers duly

deemed certified under paragraph 2, Section 26, Article VI of this accredited to the Government of the Philippines.

Constitution and shall become law upon its approval on third

reading by the Congress. Section 11.

(1) The executive departments of the present Government of the

Appropriations for the special elections shall be charged against Philippine Islands shall continue as now authorized by law until

any current appropriations and shall be exempt from the the Congress shall provide otherwise.

requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article VI of this

Constitution. The convening of the Congress cannot be (2) The heads of the departments and chiefs of bureaus or offices

suspended nor the special election postponed. No special and their assistants shall not, during their continuance in office,

election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within eighteen engage in the practice of any profession, or intervene, directly or

months before the date of the next presidential election. indirectly, in the management or control of any private

enterprise which in any way may be affected by the functions of

SEC. 11. their office; nor shall they, directly or indirectly, be financially

Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate interested in any contract with the Government, or any

and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written subdivision or instrumentality thereof.

declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties

of his office and until he transmits to them a written declaration (3) The President may appoint the Vice-President as a member of
to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by his Cabinet and also as head of an executive department.

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