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Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE XIV – EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article XIV

ARTICLE XIV – EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,

ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS

Education

Goals of the State:

The State shall promote and protect:

1) The right to quality education at all levels;

2) The right to affordable and accessible education; and

3) Education that is relevant to the needs of people and society.

Right to Education and Academic Freedom

The right to education must be read in conjunction with the academic freedom of schools to require “fair, reasonable, and equitable admission requirements.”

Power to Dismiss Students

1) Schools have the power to dismiss students, after due process, for disciplinary reasons.

2)  Acts committed outside the school may also be a ground for disciplinary action if:

a) It involves violations of school policies connected to school-sponsored activities; or

b) The misconduct affects the student’s status, or the good name or reputation of the school.

Regulation of Right to Education

The right to education in particular fields may be regulated by the State in the exercise of its police power, e.g. the State may limit the right to enter medical school by requiring the applicants to take the NMAT.

Free Education

1) The State shall maintain a system of free education in:

a) Elementary level, and

b) High school level.

2) Elementary education is compulsory for all children of school age. However, this is a moral rather than a legal compulsion.

Educational Institutions

I. Filipinization

A. Ownership:

1). Filipino citizens, or

2). Corporations incorporated in RP and 60% Filipino-owned.

EXCEPT: Schools established by religious groups and mission boards.

3). Congress may increase Filipino equity requirements in ALL educational institutions.

B. Control and Administration:

1). Must be vested in Filipino citizens

2). Refers to line positions, such as President, Dean, Principal, and Trustees

3). Faculty members may be foreigners.

C.  Student Population:

1). GENERAL RULE: Cannot establish school exclusively for aliens. Aliens can only comprise up to 1/3 of total enrollment.

2). EXCEPTIONS: Schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents, and unless otherwise provided for by law for other foreign temporary residents.

II. Tax Exemptions

A. Non-stock, non-profit educational institutions:

1) All revenues and assets actually, directly and exclusively used for educational purposes are exempt from taxes and duties.

2) This is self-executory

    B. Proprietary educational institutions, including cooperatives:

1) Entitled to exemptions as may be provided by law, including restrictions on dividends and re-investment

2) Requires an enabling statute

3) Grants, endowments, donations and contributions actually, directly and exclusively used for educational purposes are exempt from taxes, subject to conditions prescribed by law.

III. Academic Freedom

A. Educational Institutions

Schools have the freedom to determine:

1) Who may teach,

2) What may be taught,

3) How it shall be taught, and

4) Who may be admitted to study.

      B. Faculty members

1) Full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties.

2) Freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subjects.

3) When faculty members speak or write in their capacity as citizens, then they are free from institutional censorship or discipline.

     C. Students

They have the right to enjoy in school the guarantees of the Bill of Rights.

    D. Limitations

1) Dominant police power of the State

2) Social interest of the community

    E. Budgetary Priority:

1). Education must be assigned the highest budgetary priority.

2). BUT: This command is not absolute.  Congress is free to determine what should be given budgetary priority in order to enable it to respond to the imperatives of national interest and for the attainment of other state policies or objectives.

Religious Education in Public Schools:

Religion may be taught in public schools subject to the following requisites:

1) Express written option by parents and guardians;

2) Taught within regular class hours;

3) Instructors are designated and approved by the proper religious authorities; and

4) WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO THE GOVERNMENT.

Section 6. Language

1) National language: Filipino

2) Official Languages: Filipino, and unless otherwise provided by law, English.

3) Regional languages are auxiliary to the official languages.

4 (Spanish and Arabic are promoted only on an optional and voluntary basis.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE XIII – SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article XIII

ARTICLE XIII – SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Social Justice

1)   Social justice in the Constitution is principally the embodiment of the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law.

2)   The 1987 Constitution advances beyond what was in previous Constitutions in that it seeks not only economic social justice but also political social justice.

Principal activities in order to achieve social justice

1)   Creation of more economic opportunities and more wealth; and

2)   Closer regulation of the acquisition, ownership, use and disposition of property in order to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth and political power.

Labor

• Section 3 of Article XIII elaborates on the provision in Article II by specifying who are protected by the Constitution, what rights are guaranteed, and what positive measures the state should take in order to enhance the welfare of labor.

Right to organize and to hold peaceful concerted activities

• Ø The right to organize is given to all kinds of workers BOTH in the PRIVATE and PUBLIC sectors.
• Ø The workers have a right to hold peaceful concerted activities except the right to strike, which is subject to limitation by law.

Right to participate in the decision making process of employers

The workers have the right to participate on matters affecting their rights and benefits, “as may be provided by law”.  This participation can be through

1)               collective bargaining agreements,

2)               grievance machineries,

3)               voluntary modes of settling disputes, and

4)               conciliation proceedings mediated by government.

Agrarian Reform

Goals:

Agrarian reform must aim at

1)  efficient production,

2)  a more equitable distribution of land which recognizes the right of farmers and regular farmworkers who are landless to own the land they till, and

3)  a just share of other or seasonal farmworkers in the fruits of the land.

CARL as an exercise of police power and power of eminent domain

• To the extent that the law prescribes retention limits for landowners, there is an exercise of police power. But where it becomes necessary to deprive owners of their land in excess of the maximum allowed there is compensable taking and therefore the exercise of eminent domain.

Reach of agrarian reform

• It extends not only to private agricultural lands, but also to “other natural resources,” even including the use and enjoyment of “communal marine and fishing resources” and “offshore fishing grounds”.

The Commission on Human Rights

Composition:

1)   Chairman; and

2)   4 members

Qualifications:

1)   Natural-born citizens of the Philippines;

2)   Majority of the Commission must be members of the Philippine Bar;

3)  Term of office, other qualifications and disabilities shall be provided by law;

4)  The appointment of the CHR members is NOT subject to CA confirmation; and

5)  The CHR is not of the same level as the COMELEC, CSC, or COA.

Powers:

1)  Investigate all forms of human rights violations involving civil or political rights

A. Violations may be committed by public officers or by civilians or rebels.

B. CHR cannot investigate violations of social rights.

C. CHR has NO adjudicatory powers over cases involving human rights violations.

D. They cannot investigate cases where no rights are violated.

E. Example: There is no right to occupy government land, i.e. squat thereon. Therefore, eviction therefrom is NOT a human rights violation.

2)  Adopt operational guidelines and rules of procedure.

3)  Cite for contempt for violations of its rules, in accordance with the Rules of Court.

4) Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of the human rights of all persons, within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection.

A. CHR can initiate court proceedings on behalf of victims of human rights violations.

B. They can recommend the prosecution of human rights violators, but it cannot itself prosecute these cases.

C. BUT: The CHR cannot issue restraining orders or injunctions against alleged human rights violators. These must be obtained from the regular courts.

5)  Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons and other detention facilities.

6) Establish continuing programs for research, education and information in order to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights.

7)  Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide compensation to victims of human rights violations or their families.

8)  Monitor compliance by the government with international treaty obligations on human rights.

9) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any CHR investigation.

10) Request assistance from any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions.

11)  Appoint its officers and employers in accordance with law.

12)  Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided for by law

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE XII – NATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article XII

ARTICLE XII – NATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY

Sec. 1.  GOALS OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Three-fold goal:

1.  More equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth;

2.  Sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and

3.  Expanding productivity, as the key to raising the quality of life for all.

The State shall promote industrialization and full employment

1.  It should be based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform

2.  It should be through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources.  Industries should also be competitive in both domestic and foreign markets.

Protection of Filipino enterprises

The State shall protect Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.

Role of Private Enterprises

Private enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership

Section 2. REGALIAN DOCTRINE

Distinction between Imperium and Dominium.

1.  Imperium

Government authority possessed by the State which is appropriately embraced in sovereignty.

2.  Dominium

1. The capacity of the State to own and acquire property.
2. It refers to lands held by the government in a proprietary character: can provide for the exploitation and use of lands and other natural resources.

Scope:

The following are owned by the State:

1.  Lands of the public domain:

Waters

Minerals, coals, petroleum, and other mineral oils;

All sources of potential energy;

Fisheries;

Forests or timber;

Wildlife;

Flora and fauna; and

Other natural resources.

Alienation of Natural Resources

1.  General Rule:  All natural resources CANNOT be alienated

2.  Exception:  Agricultural lands

Exploration, Development and Utilization of Natural Resources

1.  Shall be under the full control and supervision of the State

2.  Means

A.  The state may DIRECTLY UNDERTAKE such activities

B. The state may enter into CO-PRODUCTION, JOINT VENTURE OR PRODUCTION-SHARING arrangements with

1. Filipino citizen or
2. Corporation or association at least 60% of whose capital is owned by such citizens

3.  Limitations:

A.  Period:  It should not exceed 25 years, renewable for not more than 25 years

B.  Under terms and conditions as may be provided by law.

4. In case of water rights/water supply/fisheries/industrial uses other than the development of water power

The beneficial use may be the measure and limit of the grant.

Small-scale Utilization of Natural Resources

1. Congress may, by law, authorize small-scale utilization of natural resources by Filipino citizens

2. Congress may also authorize cooperative fish farming with priority given to subsistence fishermen and fishworkers in the rivers, lakes, bays and lagoons.

Large-Scale Exploration, Development and Utilization of Minerals/Petroleum/Other Mineral Oils

1.  The President may enter into agreements with foreign owned corporations involving technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration etc. of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils.  These agreements should be in accordance with the general terms and conditions provided by law.

2.  They should be based on the real contributions to economic growth and general welfare of the country.

3.  In the agreements, the State should promote the development and use of local scientific and technical resources.

4.  The President should notify Congress of every contract under this provision within 30 days from its execution.

5.  Management and service contracts are not allowed under this rule.

Protection of Marine Wealth

1.  The State shall protect its marine wealth in its

Archipelagic waters

Territorial sea &

EEZ

2.  The State shall reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.

Section 3.  LANDS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN ARE CLASSIFIED INTO

1.  Agricultural

2.  Forest/timber

3.  Mineral lands &

4.  National Parks

Note:

1.  Classification of public lands is an exclusive prerogative of the Executive Department through the Office of the President, upon recommendation by the DENR.

2.  Classification is descriptive of the legal nature of the land and NOT what it looks like.  Thus, the fact that forest land is denuded does not mean it is no longer forest land.

Alienable lands of public domain

1.  Only agricultural lands are alienable.

2.  Agricultural lands may be further classified by law according to the uses to which they may be devoted.

Limitations regarding Alienable Lands of the Public Domain

1.  For private corporations or associations

A.  They can only hold alienable lands of the public domain BY LEASE

            B.  Period:  Cannot exceed 25 years, renewable for not more than 25 years

C.  Area:  Lease cannot exceed 1,000 hectares

Note:  A  corporation sole is treated like other private corporations for the purpose of acquiring public lands.

2.  For Filipino citizens

A.  Can lease up to 500 hectares

B.   Can ACQUIRE not more than 12 hectares by purchase, homestead or grant.

Taking into account the requirements of conservation, ecology and development, and subject to the requirements of agrarian reform, Congress shall determine by law the size of the lands of the public domain which may be acquired, developed, held or lease and the conditions therefore.

Means by Which Lands of the Public Domain Become Private Land

1.  Acquired from government by purchase or grant;

2.  Uninterrupted possession by the occupant and his predecessors-in-interest since time immemorial; and

3.  Open, exclusive, and undisputed possession of ALIENABLE (agricultural) public land for a period of 30 years.

A.  Upon completion of the requisite period, the land becomes private property ipso jure without need of any judicial or other sanction.

B.  Here, in possession since time immemorial, presumption is that the land was never part of public domain.

C.  In computing 30 years, start from when land was converted to alienable land, not when it was still forest land

D.  Presumption is that land belongs to the State.

Section 4.  Congress shall, as soon as possible, determine by law, the specific limits of forest lands and national parks, marking clearly their boundaries on the ground.  Thereafter, such forest lands and national parks shall be conserved and may not be increased or diminished, EXCEPT by law.  Congress shall provide measures to prohibit logging in

1. Endangered forest and
2. Watershed areas for such period as it may determine.

Section 5.  ANCESTRAL LANDS

Protection of Indigenous Cultural Communities

1.  The State protects the rights of indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands

A.  Subject to Constitutional provisions

B.  Subject to national development policies and programs

2.  In determining ownership and extent of ancestral domain, Congress may use customary laws on property rights and relations.

3.  “ANCESTRAL DOMAIN”

A.  It refers to lands which are considered as pertaining to a cultural region

B.  This includes lands not yet occupied, such as deep forests.

Section 7.  PRIVATE LANDS

General rule

1.  Private lands CAN only be transferred or conveyed to:

A.  Filipino citizens

B. Corporations or associations incorporated in the Philippines, at least 60% of whose capital is owned by Filipino citizens

2.  Exceptions

A.  In intestate succession, where an alien heir of a Filipino is the transferee of private land.

B.  A natural born citizen of the Philippines who has lost his Philippine citizenship may be a transferee of PRIVATE ALND, subject to limitation provided by law.  Hence, land can be used only for residential purposes.  In this case, he only acquires derivative title.

C.  Foreign states may acquire land but only for embassy and staff residence purposes.

3.  Filipino citizenship is only required at the time the land is acquired.  Thus, loss of citizenship after acquiring the land does not deprive ownership.

4.  Restriction against aliens only applies to acquisition of ownership.  Therefore:

A.  Aliens may be lessees or usufructuaries of private lands

B.  Aliens may be mortgages of land, as long as they do not obtain possession thereof and do not bid in the foreclosure sale.

5.  Land tenure is not indispensable to the free exercise of religious profession and worship.  A religious corporation controlled by non-Filipinos cannot acquire and own land, even for religious purposes.

Remedies to recover private lands from disqualified aliens:

1.  Escheat proceedings

2.  Action for reversion under the Public Land Act

3.  An action by the former Filipino owner to recover the land

A.  The former pari delicto principle has been abandoned

B.  Alien still has the title (didn’t pass it on to one who is qualified)

Section 10.  NATIONAL ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY/INVESTMENTS

Power of Congress

1.  Congress, upon the recommendation of NEDA, can reserve to Filipino citizens or to corporations or associations at least 60% of whose capital is owned by such citizens, or such higher percentage as Congress may prescribe, certain areas of investment.  This may be done when the national interest dictates.

2.  Congress shall also enact measures to encourage the formation and operation of enterprises whose capital is wholly owned by Filipinos.

National Economy and Patrimony

In the grant of rights, privileges and concessions covering the national economy and patrimony, the State shall give preference to QUALIFIED Filipinos.

Section 11.  FRANCHISES FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES

Power to grant:

1.  Congress may directly grant a legislative franchise; or

2. Power to grant franchises may be delegated to appropriate regulatory agencies and/or LGU’s

Public utility

1.  In order to be considered as a public utility, and thus subject to this provision, the undertaking must involve dealing directly with the public.

2.  Thus, a Build-Operate-Transfer grantee is NOT a public utility.  The BOT grantee merely constructs the utility, and it leases the same to the government.  It is the government which operates the public utility (operation separate from ownership).

To whom granted:

1.  Filipino citizens or

2.  Corporations or associations incorporated in the Philippines and at least 60% of the capital is owned by Filipino citizens.

Terms and conditions:

1.  Duration:  Not more than 50 years

2.  Franchise is NOT exclusive in character

3.  Franchise is granted under the condition that it is subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the common good so requires.

Participation of Foreign Investors

1. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in its capital.

2.  Foreigners cannot be appointed as the executive and managing officers because these positions are reserved for Filipino citizens.

Section 16.  FORMATION/ORGANIZATION/REGULATION OF CORPORATIONS

1.  Private corporations

Congress can only provide for the formation, etc of private corporations through a general law.

2.  GOCC’s

They may be created by:

a. Special charters in the interest of the common good and subject to the test of  economic viability.

b. By incorporation under the general corporation law.

Sections 18-19.  SPECIAL ECONOMIC POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

1.  Temporary takeover or direction of operations:

A.  Conditions

i.  National emergency and

ii.  When the public interest requires

B.  May be used against privately owned public utilities or businesses affected with public interest.

C.  Duration of the takeover:  period of emergency

D.  Takeover is subject to reasonable terms and conditions

E.  No need for just compensation because it is only temporary.

2.  Nationalization of vital industries:

A.  Exercised in the interest of national welfare or defense

B.  Involves either:

i.  Establishment and operation of vital industries; or

ii. Transfer to public ownership, upon payment of just compensation, public utilities and other private enterprises to be operated by the government.

Section 19.  MONOPOLIES

1.  The Constitution does NOT prohibit the existence of monopolies.

2. The State may either regulate or prohibit monopolies, when public interest so requires.

3.  Combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition are prohibited.

Filipino citizenship or equity requirements:

ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS                                             CITIZENSHIP AND/OR EQUITY

Exploitation of natural resources                     1.  Filipino citizens; or

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, with 60% Filipino ownership

Operation of Public Utilities                              1.  Filipino citizens; or

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, with 60% Filipino ownership

Acquisition of alienable lands of the public domain

1.  Filipino citizens;

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, with 60% Filipino ownership;

3.  Former natural-born citizens of RP, as transferees, with certain legal restrictions; and

4.  Alien heirs as transferees in case of intestate succession.

Practice of ALL Professions                            Filipino citizens only (natural persons)

*Congress may, by law, otherwise prescribe

Mass Media                                                             1.  Filipino citizens; or

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, and 100% Filipino owned

Advertising                                                            1.  Filipino citizens; or

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, and 70% Filipino owned.

Educational institution                                     1.  Filipino citizens; or

2. Corporations incorporated in RP, with 60% Filipino ownership

EXCEPT:  Schools established by religious groups and mission boards.

*Congress may, by law, increase Filipino equity requirements for ALL educational institutions.

Other economic activities                                Congress may, by law, reserve to Filipino citizens or to corporations 60% Filipino owned (or even higher) certain investment areas.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE XI: ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article XI

ARTICLE XI: ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS

Section 1: PUBLIC OFFICE AS A PUBLIC TRUST

Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives.

Section 2: IMPEACHMENT/REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Impeachment: (as means of removal from office)

1.  Who may be impeached:

- President

- VP

- SC Justices

- Constitutional Commission members

- Ombudsman

2.  Grounds

- Culpable violation of the Constitution

- treason

- bribery

- graft and corruption

- other high crimes or

- betrayal of public trust

Note: It is an exclusive list.  Congress cannot, by law, add to the list of impeachable offenses.

1. These officers cannot be charged in court with offenses that have removal from office as penalty.
2. The President cannot be charged with murder.
3. A SC Justice cannot be disbarred because this would disqualify him from his position.
4. BUT AFTER an official has been impeached, he can be charged with the appropriate offense.
5. Resignation by an impeachable official does not place him beyond the reach of impeachment proceedings; he can still be impeached

All Other Public Officers and Employees

1.  They may be removed from office as provided by law

2.  BUT: NOT by impeachment

Section 3: PROCEDURE FOR IMPEACHMENT

Exclusive Power of House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has exclusive power to INITIATE all cases of impeachment.

Procedure:

1.  Filling of verified complaint

1. Can be filed by:
2. Any member of the House of Representatives or
3. Any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any Member of the House or
4. By at least 1/3 of all the Members of the House of Representatives

2.)  Inclusion of complaint in the order of business with 10 session days

3.)  Referral to proper Committee within 3 session days thereafter

4.)   Submission of Committee report to the House together with corresponding resolution

1. There should be a hearing
2. There should be a majority vote of the members
3. The report should be submitted within 60 days from referral, after hearing, and by a majority vote of ALL its members.

5.)  Calendaring of resolution for consideration by the House

Should be done within 10 session days from receipt thereof

6.)   Vote of at least 1/3 of all Members of the House necessary to:

1. Affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of Impeachment of the Committee or
2. To override its contrary resolution

Note: If the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment was filed by at least 1/3 of all the Members of the House, it shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment.  Trial in the Senate shall proceed.

7.)        Trial in the Senate

1. Senate has the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment
2. For this purpose, the Senators shall be under oath or affirmation
3. When the President of the Philippines is on trial, the CJ of the Supreme Court presides.  However, he/she will not vote.

8.)          Judgment of Conviction

This requires the concurrence of 2/3 of all the Members of the Senate

9.)          Effect of the Impeachment

1. Removal from office of the official concerned
2. Disqualification to hold any office under the Republic of the Philippines
3. Officer still liable to prosecution, trial, and punishment if the impeachable offense committed also constitutes a felony or crime.

Section 4: SANDIGANBAYAN

Sandiganbayan = the anti-graft court

Sections 5-6, 8-14:  OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

Composition:

1.)                Ombudsman/Tanodbayan

2.)                Overall deputy

3.)                At least one Deputy each for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

4.)                Deputy for military establishment may be appointed

Qualifications: (Ombudsman and his deputies)

1.)    Natural born citizen of the Philippines

2.)    At least 40 years old at time of appointment

3.)    Of recognized probity and independence

4.)    Member of the Philippine bar

5.)    Must not have been candidate for any elective office in the immediately preceding election

6.)    For Ombudsman: He must have been for ten years or more

1. A judge or
2. Engage in the practice of law in the Philippines

Disqualifications/Prohibitions (under Article IX, Section 2)

1.)    Cannot hold any other office or employment during his tenure

2.)    Cannot engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or control of any business which may be affected by the functions of his office

3.)    Cannot be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with or in any franchise or privilege granted by the Government, any of its subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, including GOCCs or their subsidiaries.

Appointment

1.  Of Ombudsman and deputies

1. By the president from a list of at least 6 nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council. Vacancies will be filled from a list of 3 nominees
2. Appointments do NOT require confirmation
3. All vacancies shall be filled within 3 months after they occur.

2.  Of other officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman

1. By the Ombudsman
2. In accordance with Civil Service Law

Term: (Ombudsman and deputies)

1.  7 years with reappointment

2.  They are NOT qualified to run for any office in the election immediately succeeding their cessation from office

Rank/Salaries:

1.  The Ombudsman has the rank of Chairman of a Constitutional Commission

2.  The Members have the rank of members of a Constitutional Commission

3.  Their salaries cannot be decreased during their term of office.

Powers, Functions and Duties of the Office of the Ombudsman

1.  Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.

1. The SC held that the power to investigate and prosecute cases involving public officers and employees has been transferred to the Ombudsman.
2. The Ombudsman may always delegate his power to investigate.
3. The power to investigate includes the power to impose preventive suspension.
4. This preventive suspension is not a penalty.
5. “INVESTIGATE” does not mean preliminary investigation.
6. The complaint need not be drawn up in the usual form.
7. The “ILLEGAL” act or omission need not be in connection with the duties of the public officer or employee concerned.
8. ANY illegal act may be investigated by the Ombudsman.  In this regard, the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction is CONCURRENT with that of the regular prosecutors.

2.  Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of the government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as of any government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to perform and expedite any act of duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and correct any abuse or impropriety in the performance of duties.

1. The Ombudsman has PERSUASIVE POWER, and may require that proper legal steps are taken by the officers concerned.
2. The public official or employee must be employed in:

(I).       The Government

(II).      Any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof; or

(III).     GOCC’s with original charters

1. The SC has held that the SP may prosecute before the Sandiganbayan judges accused of graft and corruption, even if they are under the Supreme Court.

3.)  Direct the officer concerned to take the appropriate action against a public official or employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.

1. The Ombudsman does NOT himself prosecute cases against public officers or employees.
2. Final say to prosecute still rests in the executive department.
3. The Ombudsman or Tanodbayan may use mandamus to compel the fiscal to prosecute.

4.)  Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such limitations as may be provided by law to furnish it with copies of documents relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office involving the disbursement or use of public funds of properties, and report any irregularity to COA for appropriate action.

5.) Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and documents.

6.) Public matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and with due process.

7.) Determine the cause of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud and corruption in the government and make recommendations for their elimination and the observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency

8.) Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such functions or duties as may be provided by law.

Note: The Office of the Ombudsman also has the duty to act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or employees of the government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality including GOCCs and their subsidiaries.  In appropriate cases, it should notify the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof.

Fiscal Autonomy

The Office of the Ombudsman enjoys fiscal autonomy.  Its approved annual appropriations should be automatically and regularly released.

Section 7:  OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROCECUTOR

1. Under the 1987 Constitution, the existing Tanodbayan became the Office of the Special Prosecutor

2. Powers

1. It will continue to function and exercise its powers as now or hereafter may be provided by law
2. Exception: Powers conferred on the Office of the Ombudsman

3. The Office of the Special Prosecutor is subordinate to and acts under the orders of the Ombudsman

Note: According to Jack, the SC was wrong because the ConCom intended that the SP was to prosecute anti-graft cases.

Section 15: RECOVERY OF ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH

Prescription, Laches, Estoppel

1.)    The right of the State to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public officials and employees from them or from their nominees or transferees shall NOT be barred by prescription, laches or estoppel.

2.) Their right to prosecute criminally these officials and employees may prescribe.

Section 16: PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Coverage:

This prohibition applies to:

1.)    President

2.)    Vice-President

3.)    Members of the Cabinet

4.)    Members of Congress

5.)    Members of Supreme Court

6.)    Members of Constitutional Commissions

7.)    Ombudsman

8.)    Any firm or entity in which they have controlling interest

When prohibition applies:

Prohibition applies during their TENURE.

Scope of prohibition:

1.)    The above mentioned officials cannot obtain, directly or indirectly for BUSINESS PURPOSES:

1. Loans
2. Guarantees
3. Other forms of financial accommodation

From:

1. Government owned or controlled banks; or
2. Government owned or controlled financial institutions.

2.)    If the loan, etc, is NOT for business purpose, e.g. a housing loan, the prohibition does not apply.

Section 17: Statements of assets, liabilities and net worth

When submitted:

Public officer and employee shall submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities and net worth upon assumption of office and as often as required under the law.

When declaration shall be disclosed to the public:

These declarations shall be disclosed to the public in a manner provided by law in the case of:

1.)    President

2.)    Vice-President

3.)    Members of the Cabinet

4.)    Members of Congress

5.)    Justices of the Supreme Court

6.)    Members of Constitutional Commissions

7.)    Other constitutional offices

8.)    Officers of the armed forces with general or flag rank

Section 18: Allegiance of public officers and employees

Allegiance to the State and to the Constitution

Change in Citizenship/Immigrant Status

1.)    Incumbent public officers and employees who seek either:

1. Change his citizenship; or
2. Acquire immigrant status in another country

Shall be dealt with by law.

2.)    If Philippine citizenship is one of the qualifications to the office, the loss of such citizenship means the loss of the office by the incumbent.

3.)    The Election Code provides the rules with respect to non-incumbents, i.e. persons running for elective offices.

1. The Code provides that permanent residents of or immigrant to a foreign country cannot file certificates of candidacy unless they expressly waive their status as such

This renunciation must be some other than, and prior to, the filling of the certificate of candidacy.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations