Edukasyon Online Your Online Education Portal

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE IX – THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article IX

ARTICLE IX – THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

Section 1.   Constitutional Commissions

Independent Constitutional Commissions:

1) Civil Service Commission (CSC)

2) Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

3) Commission on Audit (COA)

Why Independent?

They perform vital functions of government.  Their integrity is protected by the fact that they:

1) Are constitutionally created (Sec. 1)

2) Have independent powers of appointment (Sec. 4)

3) Each Commission may promulgate its own procedural rules (Sec. 6)

4) Fiscal autonomy (Sec. 5)

5) Salaries may not be diminished during their office (Sec. 3)

6) Commissioners have a fixed term

7) Commissioners are removable by impeachment only.

Section 2.  DISQUALIFICATIONS

Disqualifications:

Members cannot, during their tenure:

1) Hold any other office or employment;

2) Engage in the practice of any profession;

3) Engage in the active management or control of any business, which, in any   way, may be affected by the functions of their office; and

4) Be financially interested, direct or indirect, in any contract, franchise, privilege granted by the government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities, including GOCC’s and their subsidiaries.

Note:  The Ombudsman and his deputies are subject to the same qualifications.

 Section 3.  SALARIES

Salaries

1) Salaries are fixed by law and shall not be decreased during their TENURE.

2) Decreases in salaries only affect those members appointed AFTER increase.

3) Incumbent members do not lose any salary.

4) Increases take effect IMMEDIATELY.

Section 6.  RULES OF PROCEDURE

Procedures:

1) Rules:  The Commissions may promulgate its own rules EN BANC.

2) Limitation:  It shall not:

a) Diminish,

b) Increase, or

c) Modify substantive rights.

3) Power of SC

a). The SC may not, under Art. VIII Sec. 5(5), exercise the power to disapprove rules of “special courts and quasi-judicial  bodies.”

b). In proceedings before the Commissions, the rules of the Commission prevail.

c). In proceedings before a court, the Rules of Court prevail.

d). The SC may, however, in appropriate cases, exercise JUDICIAL REVIEW

Section 7.  DECISION MAKING/APPEAL

Decision-Making:

1) Each commission shall decide matter or cases by a majority vote of all the members within 60 days from submission.

• COMELEC may sit en banc or in 2 divisions.
• Election cases, including pre-proclamation controversies are decided in division, with motions for reconsideration filed to the COMELEC en banc.
• The SC has held that a majority decision decided by a division of the COMELEC is a valid decision.

2) As COLLEGIAL BODIES, each commission must act as one, and no one member can decide a case for the entire commission.  (i.e.  The Chairman cannot ratify a decision which would otherwise have been void).

Appeals:

1) Decisions, orders or rulings of the COMELEC/COA may be brought on certiorari to  the SC under Rule 65.

2) Decisions, orders or ruling of the CSC should be appealed to the CA under Rule 43.

Enforcement:

• It has been held that the CSC can issue a writ of execution to enforce judgments which are final.

THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

Section 1.  COMPOSITION/QUALIFICATIONS/TERM

Composition:

1) Chairman

2) Commissioners – 2 commissioners

Qualifications:

1) Natural-born citizens of the Philippines;

2) At least 35 years old at the time of their appointments;

3) With proven capacity for public administration; and

4) NOT candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.

5) Appointees by the President to the CSC need Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmation

Term:

1) Chairman -7 years; Commissioner1 – 5 yrs; Commissioner2 – 3 yrs

2) Limitation:  single term only, no reappointment

3) Appointment to vacancy: only for unexpired term of predecessor

4) No temporary appointments, or appointments in acting capacity.

Section 2.   Scope:

The Civil Service embraces all:

A.  branches,

B.  subdivisions,

C.  instrumentalities,

D.  agencies of the government,

E.  including GOCCs with original charters.

1.”With Original Charter” means that the GOCC was created by special law/by Congress

2. If incorporated under the Corporation Code, it does not fall within the Civil Service, and is not subject to the CSC jurisdiction.

3. Even if once government-controlled, then becomes privatized, ceases to fall under CSC.

4. Jurisdiction is determined as of the time of filing the complaint.

Appointments to civil service shall be:

A. Competitive positions

• According to merit and fitness to be determined by competitive examinations, as far as practicable except to positions which are policy-determining, primarily confidential, or highly technical.

B. Non-competitive positions

1). No need for competitive examinations.

2). 3 kinds

a) Policy-determining –           formulate a method of action for the gov’t

b) Primarily confidential –      more than ordinary confidence; close intimacy insures freedom of intercourse without betrayals of personal trust…

c) Highly technical     –           requires technical skill to a superior degree.

C. The TEST to determine whether non/competitive is the Nature of the responsibilities, NOT the administrative or legislative description given to it.

D. Both types of positions are entitled to security of tenure. They only differ in the MANNER in which they are filled.

E. Who may be appointed:

1). RULE:  Whoever fulfills all the qualifications prescribed by law for a particular position may be appointed therein.

2). The CSC cannot disapprove an appointment just because another person is better qualified, as long as the appointee is himself qualified.

3). The CSC CANNOT add qualifications other than those provided by law.

F. Next-In-Rank Rule

• While a person next in rank is entitled to preferential consideration, it does not follow that only he, and no one else, can be appointed.  Such person has no vested right to the position and the appointing authority is not bound to appoint the person next in rank.

Tenure (Classification of Positions)

Security of Tenure:

1) Officers or employees of the Civil Service cannot be removed or suspended EXCEPT for cause provided by law. It guarantees both procedural and substantive due process.

2) For “LEGAL CAUSE” – Cause is:

a). related to and affects the administration of office, and

b). must be substantial (directly affects the rights & interests of the public)

3) Security of tenure for Non-competitive positions

a). Primarily confidential officers and employees hold office only for so long as confidence in them remains.

b). If there is GENUINE loss of confidence, there is no removal, but the expiration of the term of office

c). Non-career service officers and employees do not enjoy security of tenure.

d). Political appointees in the foreign service possess tenure coterminous with  that of the appointing authority or subject to his pleasure.

4) One must be VALIDLY APPOINTED to enjoy security of tenure. Thus, one who is not  appointed by the proper appointing authority does not acquire security of tenure.

Abolition of Office

To be valid, abolition must be made:

(a) In good faith;  (good faith is presumed)

(b) Not for political or personal reasons; and

(c) Not in violation of law

Temporary employees are covered by the following rules:

1). Not protected by security of tenure – can be removed anytime even without cause

2). If they are separated, this is considered an expiration of his term.

3). BUT:  They can only be removed by the one who appointed them.

4). Entitled only to such protection as may be provided by law.

No officer or employee in the Civil Service shall engage in any electioneering or in partisan political activity

1) Cannot solicit votes in favor of a particular candidate.

2) Cannot give campaign contributions or distribute campaign materials.

3) BUT:  Allowed to express views on political issues, and to mention the names of the candidates whom he supports.

4) Prohibition does not apply to department secretaries

Right to organize

The right to organize does NOT include the right to strike

Sections 6-7.  DISQUALIFICATION

Disqualifications

1) Losing candidates in any election

a). Cannot be appointed to any office in the government or GOCC’s or their subsidiaries.

b). Period of disqualification: One (1) year after such election.

2) Elective officials

a). Not eligible for appointment or designation ANY CAPACITY to ANY PUBLIC OFFICE or position during their tenure.

b). EXCEPTION:  May hold ex officio positions.

• Examples:
  • The Vice President may be appointed Cabinet member
  • Congressman may sit in the Judicial and Bar Council

c). To be eligible to hold any other office, the elected official must first resign his office

d). Even Congress cannot, by law, authorize the appointment of an elective official.

3). Appointive officials

a). Cannot hold any other office or employment in the government, any subdivision, agency, instrumentality, including GOCC’s and their subsidiaries.

b). EXCEPTION:  Unless otherwise allowed by law, or by the primary functions of his position.

c). This exception DOES NOT APPLY to Cabinet members, and those officers mentioned in Art. VII, Sec. 13.  They are governed by the stricter prohibitions contained therein.

Section 8. COMPENSATION

1) Prohibitions:  applies to elected or appointed officers and employees                     

Cannot receive:

A. Additional   -  an extra reward given for the same office i.e. bonus

B. Double  -  when an officer is given 2 sets of compensation for 2 different offices held concurrently by 1 officer

C. Indirect Compensation

2) EXCEPTION:  Unless specifically authorized by law

A. “SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED” means a specific authority particularly directed to the             officer or employee concerned.

B. BUT: per diems and allowances given as REIMBURSEMENT for expenses actually incurred are not prohibited

3) Cannot accept any present, emolument, office, title of any kind from foreign governments UNLESS with the consent of Congress.

4) Pensions and gratuities are NOT considered as additional, double, or indirect compensation.

THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Section 1.  COMPOSITION/QUALIFICATIONS/TERM

Composition: (7)

1) Chairman and

2) Commissioners (6)

Qualifications:

1) Natural-born citizens of the Philippines;

2) At least 35 years old at the time of appointment

3) Holders of college degrees; and

4) Not candidates for any elective position in the immediately preceding elections.

5) Majority of the Commission, including the Chairman must be:

a). Members of the Philippines Bar

b). Engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years: “any activity in or out of court, which requires the application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience.”

6) Appointments subject to CA approval

Term:

1) Chairman -7 yrs; 3 Members – 7 yrs; 2 Members – 5 yrs; 1 Member – 3 yrs.

2) LIMITATION:  Single term only: no reappointment allowed

3) Appointment to a vacancy: only for unexpired portion of predecessor’s term

4) No temporary appointments, or appointments in acting capacity

a). Thus, the President cannot designate an incumbent commissioner as acting Chairman.

b). The choice of temporary chairman falls under the COMELEC’s discretion.

Section 2. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

Powers:

1) Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.

(a)    Ex: COMELEC can enjoin construction of public works within 45 days of an election.

1)      Exercise:

A. Exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective

1. Regional,

2. Provincial, and

3. City officials

B. Appellate jurisdiction over all contests involving:

1. Elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of general jurisdiction

2. Elective barangay officials decided by trial courts of limited jurisdiction.

C. Decisions, final orders, or rulings of the Commission on election contests involving elective municipal and barangay offices shall be final, executory, and not appealable.

Exception: Appealable to the SC on questions of law.

1. Contempt powers

1. COMELEC can exercise this power only in relation to its adjudicatory or quasi-judicial functions.  It CANNOT exercise this in connection with its purely executive or ministerial functions.

2. If it is a pre-proclamation controversy, the COMELEC exercises quasi-judicial/administrative powers.

3. Its jurisdiction over ‘contests’ (after proclamation), is in exercise of its judicial functions.

E. The COMELEC may issue writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus in exercise of its appellate jurisdiction.  This is not an inherent power.

3) Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting elections, including determination of the number and location of polling places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration of voters.

Note: Questions involving the right to vote fall within the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts.

4) Deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.

a). This power is NOT limited to the election period.

b). Applies to both criminal and administrative cases.

5) Registration of political parties, organizations, or coalitions/accreditation of citizens’ arms of the Commission on Elections.

a). The political parties etc. must present their platform or program of government.

b). There should be sufficient publication

c). Groups which cannot be registered:

i. Religious denominations/sects

ii. Groups which seek to achieve their goals through violence or unlawful means

iii. Groups which refuse to uphold and adhere to the Constitution

iv. Groups which are supported by any foreign government.

d). BUT:  Political parties with religious affiliation or which derive their principles from religious beliefs are registerable.

e). Financial contributions from foreign governments and their agencies to political parties, organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections constitute interference in national affairs.  If accepted, it is an additional ground for the cancellation of their registration with the Commission, in addition to other penalties that may be prescribed by law.

1)    File, upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions in court for inclusion of exclusion of voters; investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or omissions constituting elections frauds, offenses and malpractices.

1. COMELEC has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute cases for violations of election laws.
2. COMELEC can deputize prosecutors for this purpose.  The actions of the prosecutors are the actions of the COMELEC
3. Preliminary investigation conducted by COMELEC is valid.

2)    Recommend to the Congress effective measures to minimize election spending, including limitation of places where propaganda materials shall be posted, and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses, malpractices, and nuisance candidacies.

3)    Recommend to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or disregard or, or disobedience to its directive, order, or decision.

4)    Submit to the President and the congress a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.

Section 3.  RULES OF PROCEDURE/DECISION-MAKING

Rules of Procedure

1)    COMELEC can sit en banc or in two divisions

2)    It has the power to promulgate its own rules of procedure in order to expedite disposition of election cases, including pre-election controversies.

Decision-Making

1) Election cases should be heard and decided in division. Provided that,

2) Motions for reconsideration of decisions should be decided by COMELEC en banc.

3) ”Decisions” mean resolutions on substantive issues.

2)    If a division dismisses a case for failure of counsel to appear, the Motion for Reconsideration here may be heard by the division.

3)    EXCEPTION: COMELEC en banc may directly assume jurisdiction over a petition to correct manifest errors in the tallying of results by Board of Canvassers.

Section 4.  SUPERVISION/REGULATION OF FANCHISES / PERMITS / GRANTS / SPECIAL PRIVILEGES / CONCESSIONS

Regulation of franchises

A. What can COMELEC supervise or regulate

1). The enjoyment or utilization of all franchises or permits for the operation of transportation and other public utilities, media of communication or information.

2). Grants, special privileges or concessions granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including any GOCC or its subsidiary

B. When can COMELEC exercise this power

 1). During the election period

a). Under Article XI, Section 9, the election period commences 90 days before

the day of the election and ends 30 days thereafter.

b). In special cases, COMELEC can fix a period.

2). Applies not just to elections but also to plebiscites and referenda.

3). Plebiscite: Submission of constitutional amendments or important legislative measures to the people ratification

4). Referendum:  power of the electorate to approve or reject legislation through an election called for that purpose.

COMELEC and the MEDIA

1). COMELEC cannot compel print media to donate free space to the COMELEC.  It may, however, compel it to provide space after paying just compensation.

2). Power of COMELEC is over franchises and permits, NOT individuals. For example, COMELEC may not regulate media practitioners, for this would violate the freedom of expression.

Section 5.  No pardon, amnesty, parole, or suspension of sentence for violation of election laws, rules, and regulations shall be granted by the President without the favorable recommendation of the Commission.

Section 6

Definition of Political Party

• organized group of persons pursuing the same political ideals in a government and includes its branches, and divisions

Importance of registration of a political party

1)    Registration confers juridical personality on the party.

2)    It informs the public of the party’s existence and ideals.

3)    It identifies the party and its officers for purposes of regulation by the COMELEC.

Section 7.  No votes cast in favor of a political party, organization, or coalition shall be valid, except for those registered under the party-list system as provided in this Constitution.

Prohibition on block-voting

1) General rule: Block voting NOT allowed

2) EXCEPTION: those registered under the party-list system

Section 8.  PARTY LIST SYSTEM

No Right to be Represented in Various Boards

• Political parties, organizations, or coalitions registered under the party-list system shall NOT be represented in the following:

1). Voters’ registrations boards,

2). Boards of election inspectors,

3). Boards of canvassers, or

4). Other similar bodies.

Poll Watchers

• Political parties, etc. are entitled to appoint poll watchers in accordance with law.

Section 10.  Bona fide candidates for any public office shall be free from any form of harassment and discrimination.

• This section does not give candidates immunity from suit.
• Discrimination includes unequal treatment in the availment of media facilities.

Section 11.  FUNDING

How provided

1)    Funds certified by the COMELEC as necessary to defray the expenses for holding regular and special elections, plebiscites, initiative, referenda and recalls, shall provided in the regular or special appropriations.

2)    Funds should be certified by the COMELEC as necessary.

Release of funds

• Once approved, funds should be released automatically upon certification by the Chairman of COMELEC.

THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT

Section 1.  COMPOSITION/QUALIFICATIONS

Composition:

1)    Chairman, and

2)    Commissioners (2).

Qualifications:

1)    Natural-born citizens of the Philippines

2)    At least 36 years old at the time of their appointment;

3)    Either:

a). CPA’s with at least 10 years auditing experience; or

b). Members of Phil. Bar with 10 years of practice.

4)    Members cannot all belong to the same profession.

5)    Subject to confirmation of the CA.

6)    Must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.

Term:

1)    Chairman -7 yrs; Commissioner1 -5yrs; Commissioner – 2 -3 yrs.

2)    LIMITATION: – Single terms only; no re-appointment allowed

3)    Appointments to any vacancy shall only be for the unexpired portion of predecessor’s term.

Section 2.  POWERS

1)    Examine, audit, and settle accounts pertaining to:

1. Revenue and receipts of funds or property; or
2. Expenditures and uses of funds or property

Owned or held in trust by, or pertain to:

1. The Government;
2. Any of its subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities;
3. Including GOCC’s with original charters.

2)    Conduct post-audit with respect to the following:

1. Constitutional bodies, commissions, and offices granted fiscal autonomy;
2. Autonomous state colleges and universities;
3. GOCC’s and their subsidiaries incorporated under the Corporation Code.
4. None-governmental entities receiving subsidies or equity, directly or indirectly, from or through the government, which are required by law of the granting of institution to submit to such audit.

3)    If COA finds internal control system of audited agencies as inadequate, COA may adopt measures, including temporary or special pre-audit, as may be necessary.

4)    Keep the general accounts of the government, preserving vouchers and other supporting papers pertaining thereto.

5)    Exclusive authority to define the scope of COA’s audit and examination and to establish the techniques and methods required therefor.

6)    Promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

1. Including those for the prevention or disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditures or uses of government funds and properties.
2. Failure to comply with these rules can be a ground for disapproving the payment of a proposed expenditure.

Note:

1)    The functions of COA can be classified as:

1. Examine and audit all forms of government revenues;
2. Examine and audit all forms of gov’t expenditures
3. Settle gov’t accounts
4. Promulgate accounting and auditing rules (including those for the prevention of irregular…expenditures.
5. To decide administrative cases involving expenditures of public funds.

2)    COA can settle only LIQUIDATED ACCOUNTS or those accounts which may be adjusted simply by arithmetic process.

3)    COA has authority not just over accountable officers but also over other officers who perform functions related to accounting such as verification of evaluations and computation of fees collectible, and the adoption of internal rules of control.

4)    COA does not have the power to fix the amount of an unfixed or undetermined debt.

5)    Where the following requirements are complied with, it becomes the ministerial duty of the COA to approve and pass in audit vouchers for payment:

1. There is a law appropriating funds for a particular purpose;
2. There is a contract, made by the proper officer, entered into in conformity with the above-mentioned law;
3. The goods or services covered by such contract have been delivered or rendered in pursuance to such contract, as attested by the proper officer; and
4. Payment has been authorized by officials of the corresponding department or bureau.

6)    Prosecutors may still review accounts already settled and approved by COA for the purpose of determining possible criminal liability.  This is because COA’s interest in such accounts is merely administrative.

7)      COA has the power to determine the meaning of ‘public bidding’ and what constitutes failure when regulations require public bidding for the sale of government property.

Section 3.  No law shall be passed exempting any entity of the Government or its subsidiary in any guise whatever, or any investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the Commission on Audit.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) –ARTICLE VIII. THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article VIII

ARTICLE VIII. THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Sec. 1.  JUDICIAL POWER

Scope:

1. Judicial power is the authority to settle justiciable controversies or disputes involving rights that are enforceable and demandable before the courts of justice or the redress of wrongs for violations of such rights.

2.  Vested in the Supreme Court and such lower courts as may be established by law.

3. Since the courts are given ‘judicial power’ and nothing more, courts may neither attempt to assume or be compelled to perform non-judicial functions.  They may not be charged with administrative functions except when reasonably incidental to the fulfillment of their duties.

4.  In order that courts may exercise this power, there must exist the following:

1. An actual controversy with legally demandable and enforceable rights;
2. Involving real parties in interest;
3. The exercise of such power will bind the parties by virtue of the court’s application of existing laws.

5.  Judicial power cannot be exercised in vacuum.  Without any laws from which rights arise and which are violated, there can be no recourse to the courts.

6.  The courts cannot be asked for advisory opinions.

7.  Judicial power includes:

1. The duty of the courts to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable; and
2. To determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the government.

Political Questions:

1.  A ‘political question’ is one the resolution of which has been vested by the Constitution exclusively in either the people, in the exercise of their sovereign capacity, or in which full discretionary authority has been delegated to a co-equal branch of the Government.

2.  Thus, while courts can determine questions of legality with respect to governmental action, they cannot review government policy and the wisdom thereof, for these questions have been vested by the Constitution in the Executive and Legislative Departments.

Sec. 2.  ROLES OF CONGRESS

1.  Defining enforceable and demandable rights and prescribing remedies for violations of such rights; and

2.  Determining the court with jurisdiction to hear and decide controversies or disputes arising from legal rights.

3.  Thus, Congress has the power to define, prescribe and apportion the jurisdiction of various courts.

1. BUT, Congress cannot deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases provided for in the Constitution.
2. Creation and abolition of courts:
   1. The power to create courts implies the power to abolish and even re-organize courts.
   2. BUT this power cannot be exercised in a manner which would undermine the security of tenure of the judiciary.
   3. If the abolition/re-organization is done in good faith and not for political or personal reasons, then it is VALID.  (same rule applies for civil servants)

Sec. 3.  FISCAL AUTONOMY

1. The entire judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy.
2. Annual appropriations for the judiciary cannot be reduced below the amount appropriated for the previous year.
3. Once approved, appropriations shall be automatically and regularly released.

Secs. 4-7; 12 JUDICIARY

Composition of the Supreme Court:

1. Chief Justice and
2. 14 Associate Justices

Note:  Members of the Supreme Court and of other courts established by law shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative functions.

Qualifications of members of the SC:

1.  Natural born citizen of the Philippines

2.  At least 40 years old

3.  At least 15 years of experience as a judge or in the practice of law in the Philippines

4.  Person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

Qualifications of members of lower collegiate courts (CA, CTA, Sandiganbayan)

1.  Natural born citizen of the Philippines

2.  Member of the Philippine bar

3.  Possesses other qualifications prescribed by Congress

4.  Person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

Qualifications of judges of lower non-collegiate courts:

1.  Citizen of the Philippines (may be a naturalized citizen)

2.  Member of the Philippine Bar

3.  Possesses other qualifications prescribed by Congress

4.  Person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

Section 8.  JUDICIAL AND BAR COUNCIL

1.  The Judicial and Bar Council is under the supervision of the SC.

A.  Is under the supervision of the Supreme Court and is composed of:

1. Chief Justice, as ex-officio chairman
2. Secretary of Justice, as an ex-officio member
3. Representative of Congress, as an ex-officio member
4. Representative of the Integrated Bar
5. A professor of law
6. A retired member of the SC; and
7. Private sector representative

Note:  The last four re the regular members of the JBC.  Regular members are appointed by the President with CA approval.  Regular members serve for 4 years, with staggered terms.

B.  Functions of JBC

1. Principal function:  recommend appointees to the Judiciary
2. Exercise such other functions as the SC may assign to it.

C.  Appointments to the Judiciary  

1. President shall appoint from a list of at least 3 nominees for each vacancy, as prepared by the JBC.
2. No CA confirmation is needed for appointments to the Judiciary.
3. Vacancies in SC should be filled within 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy.
4. Vacancies in lower courts should be filled within 90 days from submission to the President of the JBC list.

Sec. 10.  SALARIES

1.  Salaries of SC Justices and judges of lower courts shall be fixed by law.

2.  Cannot be decreased during their continuance in office, but can be increased.

3.  Members of the Judiciary are NOT exempt from payment of income tax.

Sec. 11.  TENURE/DISCIPLINARY POWERS OF SC

1.  Members of the SC and judges of the lower courts hold office during good behavior until

a.  The age of 70 years old; or

b.  They become incapacitated to discharge their duties.

2.  Disciplinary action against judges of lower courts:

a.  Only the SC en banc has jurisdiction to discipline or dismiss judges of lower courts.

b.  Disciplinary action/dismissal:  Majority vote of SC Justices who took part in the deliberations and voted therein.

3.  Removal of SC Justices:

a.  Only by IMPEACHMENT.

b.  Cannot be disbarred while they hold office.

Secs. 4-6, 13.  THE SUPREME COURT

Hearing of cases:

1. En banc; or
2. Divisions of 3, 5, or 7.

Cases required to be heard en banc:

1.  All cases involving constitutionality of a/an:

a.  Treaty

b.  International or executive agreement or

c.  Law.

2.  All cases required to be heard en banc under the Rules of Court:

a.  Appeals from Sandiganbayan; and

b.  From the Constitutional Commissions

3.  All cases involving the constitutionality, application or operation of

a.  Presidential decrees

b.  Proclamations

c.  Orders

d.  Instructions

e.  Ordinances; and

f.   Other regulations.

4.  Cases heard by a division where required majority of 3 was not obtained.

5.  Cases where SC modifies or reverses a doctrine or principle of law laid down by the SC en banc or by a division.

6.  Administrative cases to discipline or dismiss judges of lower courts; and

7.  Election contests for President and Vice-President.

Cases heard by division

1.  Must be decided with the concurrence of a majority of the members who took part in the deliberations and voted thereon.

2.  Majority vote in a division should be at least 3 members.

Powers of the SC

1.  SC has ORIGINAL jurisdiction over

a.  Cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls.

Note:  This refers to foreign ambassadors, etc., stationed in the Philippines.

b.  Petitions for certiorari, prohibiton, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus.

2.  SC has APPELLATE jurisdiction over final judgments and orders in the following:

a.  All cases involving the constitutionality or validity of any

1. treaty
2. international or executive agreement
3. law
4. presidential decree
5. proclamation
6. order
7. instruction
8. ordinance, or
9. regulation;

b.  All cases involving the legality of any

1. tax
2. impost
3. assessment or
4. toll or
5. any penalty imposed in relation thereto;

c.  All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue

d. Criminal cases where the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher; and

e.  All cases where ONLY errors or questions of law are involved.

3.  Temporarily assign lower court judges to other stations in the public interest.

Note:  Temporary assignment shall not exceed 6 months without the consent of the judge concerned.

4.  Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

5.  Promulgate rules concerning:

a.  The protection and enforcement of constitutional rights;

b.  Pleading, practice and procedure in all courts;

c.  Admission to the practice of law;

d.  The Integrated Bar; and

e.  Legal assistance to the underprivileged.

Limitations on Rule Making Power

a. It should provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of cases.

b.  It should be uniform for all courts of the same grade.

c.  It should not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.

6.  Appoint ALL officials and employees of the Judiciary, in accordance with Civil Service Law.

7. Exercise administrative supervision over ALL courts and the personnel thereof.

Decisions of the Supreme Court:

1. Reached in consultation before being assigned to a member for the writing of the opinion.

2. A certification to this effect must be signed by the Chief Justice and attached to the record of the case and served upon the parties.

3. Members of the SC who took no part, or who dissented or abstained must state the reasons therefore.

Note:  This procedure shall also be observed by all lower collegiate courts (CA, CTA, and theSandiganbayan).

JUDICIAL REVIEW

Definition

1.  Judicial Review is the power of the SC to declare a law, treaty, ordinance etc. unconstitutional.

2.    Lower courts may also exercise the power of judicial review, subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the SC.

3.   Only SC decisions are precedent, and thus, only SC decisions are binding on all.

Requisites                                            Code:   [A R S Co R]

1.  An ACTUAL CASE calling for the exercise of judicial power

2.  The question involved must be RIPE FOR ADJUDICATION, i.e. the government act must have had an adverse effect on the person challenging it.

3.  The person challenging the governmental act must have ‘STANDING’, i.e. a personal and substantial interest in the case such that he has sustained, or will sustain, direct injury as a result of its enforcement.

4.  The question of Constitutionality must be raised in the first instance, or at the earliest opportunity.

5.  Resolution of the issue of constitutionality is unavoidable or is the very lis mota.

Effect of a declaration of unconstitutionality:

1.  Prior to the declaration that a particular law is unconstitutional, it is considered as an ‘operative fact’ which at that time had to be complied with.

2.  Thus, vested rights may have been acquired under such law before it was declared unconstitutional.

3. These rights are not prejudiced by the subsequent declaration that the law is unconstitutional.

Sec. 14.  DECISIONS

1.  Decisions MUST state clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on which it is based.

2.  Refusal to give due course to petitions for review and motions for reconsideration must state the legal basis for such refusal.

3.  Memorandum decisions, where the appellate court adopts the findings of fact and law of the lower court, are allowed as long as the decision adopted by reference is attached to the Memorandum for easy reference.

4.  These rules only apply to courts.  They do not apply to quasi-judicial or administrative bodies nor to military tribunals.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE VII.  THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article VII

ARTICLE VII.  THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Section 1.  EXECUTIVE POWER

Scope:

1)    Executive power is vested in the President of the Philippines.

2)    The scope of this power is set forth in Art. VII of the Constitution.  But this power is not limited to those set forth therein.  The SC, in Marcos v. Manglapus, referred to the RESIDUAL powers of the President as the Chief Executive of the country, which powers include others not set forth in the Constitution.  EXAMPLE:  The President is immune from suit and criminal prosecution while he is in office.

3)    Privilege of immunity from suit is personal to the President and may be invoked by him alone.  It may also be waived by the President, as when he himself files suit.

4)    BUT The President CANNOT dispose of state property unless authorized by law.

Section 2.  QUALIFICATIONS

1)    Natural-born citizen of the Philippines

2)    Registered voter;

3)    Able to read and write;

4)    At least 40 years old on the day of election

5)    Philippine resident for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.

Note:  The Vice-President has the same qualifications & term of office as the President.  He is elected with & in the same manner as the President.  He may be removed from office in the same manner as the President.

Section 4.  MANNER OF ELECTION/ TERM OF OFFICE

Manner of Election

1)    The President and Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people.

2)    Election returns for President and Vice-President, as duly certified by the proper Board of Canvassers shall be forwarded to Congress, directed to the Senate President.

3)    Not later than 30 days after the day of the election, the certificates shall be opened in the presence of both houses of Congress, assembled in joint public session.

4)    The Congress, after determining the authenticity and due execution of the certificates, shall canvass the votes.

5)    The person receiving the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected.

6)    In case of a tie between 2 or more candidates, one shall be chosen by a majority of ALL the members of both Houses, voting separately.  In case this results in a deadlock, the Senate President shall be the acting President until the deadlock is broken.

7)    The Supreme Court en banc shall act as the sole judge over all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice-President and may promulgate its rules for the purpose.

Term of Office

1)    President

a)    6 years beginning at noon on 30 June immediately following the election and ending at noon on the same day 6 years later.

b)    Term limitation: Single term only; not eligible for any reelection.

c)    Any person who has succeeded as President, and served as such for more than 4 years shall NOT be qualified for election to the same office at any time.

2)    Vice-President:

a)    6 years, starting and ending the same time as the President.

b)    Term limitation: 2 successive terms.

c)    Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time is NOT an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the Vice-President was elected.

Section 6.  SALARIES AND EMOLUMENTS

1)    Official salaries are determined by law.

2)    Salaries cannot be decreased during the TENURE of the President and the Vice-President.

3)    Increases take effect only after the expiration of the TERM of the incumbent during which the increase was approved.

4)    Prohibited from receiving any other emolument from the government or any other source during their TENURE

Sections 7-12, PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION

1. Vacancies at the beginning of the term

2.  Vacancies after the office is initially filled:

3)    Vacancy in office of Vice-President during the term for which he was elected:

a)    President will nominate new VP from any member of either House of Congress.

b)    Nominee shall assume office upon confirmation by majority vote of ALL members of both Houses, voting separately.  (Nominee forfeits seat in Congress)

4)    Election of President and Vice-President after vacancy during tem

a)     Congress shall convene 3 days after the vacancy in the office of both the President and the VP, without need of a call.  The convening of Congress cannot be suspended.

b)     Within 7 days after convening, Congress shall enact a law calling for a special election to elect a President and a VP.  The special election cannot be postponed.

c)     The special election shall be held not earlier than 45 days not later than 60 days from the time of the enactment of the law.

d)     The 3 readings for the special law need not be held on separate days.

e)     The law shall be deemed enacted upon its approval on third reading.

BUT:  No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within 18 months before the date of the next presidential election.

5)    Temporary disability of the President:

The temporary inability of the President to discharge his duties may be raised in either of two ways:

a)    By the President himself, when he sends a written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House.  In this case, the Vice-President will be Acting President until the President transmits a written declaration to the contrary.

b)    When a majority of the Cabinet members transmit to the Senate President and the Speaker their written declaration.

(i)            The VP will immediately be Acting President.

(ii)           BUT:  If the President transmits a written declaration that he is not disabled, he reassumes his position.

(iii)          If within 5 days after the President re-assumes his position, the majority of the Cabinet retransmits their written declaration, Congress shall decide the issue.  In this event, Congress shall reconvene within 48 hours if it is not in session, without need of a call.

(iv)         Within 10 days after Congress is required to assemble, or 12 days if Congress is not in session, a 2/3 majority of both Houses, voting separately, is needed to find the President temporarily disabled, in which case, the VP will be Acting President.

6)    Presidential Illness:

a)    If the President is seriously ill, the public must be informed thereof.

b)    Even during such illness, the National Security Adviser, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff of the AFP are entitled to access to the President

Section 13.  DISQUALIFICATIONS

Sections 14-16.  POWER TO APPOINT

Principles:

1)     Since the power to appoint is executive in nature, Congress cannot usurp this function.

2)     While Congress (and the Constitution in certain cases) may prescribe the qualifications for particular offices, the determination of who among those who are qualified will be appointed is the President’s prerogative.

Scope:

The President shall appoint the following:

1)    Heads of executive departments (CA confirmation needed):

2)    Ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls (CA confirmation needed).

3)    Officers of AFP from rank of colonel or naval captain (CA confirmation needed).

4)    Other officers whose appointment is vested in him by the Constitution (CA confirmation needed), such as:

a)    Chairmen and members of the COMELEC, COA and CSC.

b)    Regular members of the Judicial and Bar Council.

c)    The Ombudsman and his deputies;

d)    Sectoral representatives in Congress.

• B. President also appoints members of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts, but these appointments do not need CA confirmation.

5)    All other officers whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law; and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint.

a)     This includes the Chairman and members of the Commission on Human Rights, whose appointments are provided for by law NOT by the Constitution.

b)     Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone or in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies, boards or commissions.

c)     BUT:  Congress cannot, by law, require CA confirmation of the appointment of other officers for offices created subsequent to the 1987 Constitution (e.g. NLRC Commissioners, Bangko Sentral Governor).

d)      ALSO: Voluntary submission by the President to the CA for confirmation of an appointment which is not required to be confirmed does not vest the CA with jurisdiction.  The President cannot extend the scope of the CA’s power as provided for in the Constitution.

Procedure:

1)    CA confirmation needed:

a)    Nomination by President

b)    Confirmation by CA

c)    Appointment by President; and

d)    Acceptance by appointee.

Note:  At any time before all four steps have been complied with, the President can withdraw the nomination/appointment.

2)    No CA confirmation:

a)    Appointment; and

b)    Acceptance.

Note:  Once appointee accepts, President can no longer withdraw the appointment.

Ad-interim appointments:

1)    When Congress is in recess, the President may still appoint officers to positions subject to CA confirmation.

2)    These appointments are effective immediately, but are only effective until they are disapproved by the CA or until the next adjournment of Congress.

3)    Appointments to fill an office in an ‘acting’ capacity are NOT ad-interim in nature and need no CA approval.

Appointments by an Acting President:

These shall remain effective UNLESS revoked by the elected President within 90 days from his assumption or re-assumption of office.

Limitation

1)    2 months immediately before the next Presidential elections, and up to the end of his term, the President or Acting President SHALL NOT make appointments.  This is to prevent the practice of ‘midnight appointments.”

2)    EXCEPTION:

a)    Can make TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS

b)    To fill EXECUTIVE POSITIONS;

c)    If continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety.

Section 17.  Power of Control and Supervision

Power of Control:

The power of an officer to alter, modify, or set aside what a subordinate officer has done in the performance of his duties, and to substitute the judgment of the officer for that of his subordinate.  Thus, the President exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices.

The President’s power over government-owned corporations comes not from the Constitution but from statute.  Hence, it may be taken away by statute.

Qualified Political Agency:

1)    Since all executive and administrative organizations are adjuncts of the Executive Department, the heads of such departments, etc. are assistants and agents of the President.

2)    Thus, generally the acts of these department heads, etc, which are performed and promulgated in the regular course of business, are presumptively the acts of the President.

3)    Exception:  If the acts are disapproved or reprobated by the President.

4)    Under Administrative Law, decisions of Department Secretaries need not be appealed to the President in order to comply with the requirement of exhaustion of administrative remedies.

5)    Qualified political agency does NOT apply if the President is required to act in person by law or by the Constitution.  Example:  The power to grant pardons must be exercised personally by the President.

Disciplinary Powers:

1)    The power of the President to discipline officers flows from the power to appoint the, and NOT from the power control.

2)    BUT While the President may remove from office those who are not entitled to security of tenure, or those officers with no set terms, such as Department Heads, the officers, and employees entitled to security of tenure cannot be summarily removed from office.

Power of Supervision:

1)    This is the power of a superior officer to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed by subordinates.

2)    The power of the president over local government units is only of general supervision.  Thus, he can only interfere with the actions of their executive heads if these are contrary to law.

3)    The execution of laws is an OBLIGATION of the President.  He cannot suspend the operation of laws.

4)    The power of supervision does not include the power of control; but the power of control necessarily includes the power of supervision.

Section 18.  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF POWERS

Scope:

1)    The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

2)    Whenever necessary, the President may call out the AFP to PREVENT or SUPPRESS:

a)    Lawless violence;

b)    Invasion; or

c)    Rebellion.

3)    The President may also:

a)    Suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus; and

b)    Proclaim a state of martial law.

Suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and declaring martial law;

1. Grounds
2. Invasion or
3. Rebellion; and
4. Public safety requires it.
5. The invasion or rebellion must be ACTUAL and not merely imminent.
6. Limitations:
7. Suspension or proclamation is effective for only 60 days.
8. Within 48 hours from the declaration or suspension, the President must submit a report to Congress.
9. Congress, by majority vote and voting jointly, may revoke the same, and the President cannot set aside the revocation.
10. In the same manner, at the President’s initiative, Congress can extend the same for a period determined by Congress if:

i.  Invasion or rebellion persist and

ii.  Public safety requires it.

NOTE:  Congress CANNOT extend the period motu propio.

1. Supreme Court review:

i.  The appropriate proceeding can be filed by any citizen.

ii.  The SC can review the FACTUAL BASIS of the proclamation or suspension.

iii.  Decision is promulgated within 30 days from filing.

1. Martial Law does NOT:

i.  Suspend the operation of the Constitution.

ii.  Supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies.

iii.  Authorize conferment of jurisdiction on military courts over civilians where civil courts are able to function and

iv.  Automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.

1. Suspension of privilege of the writ:

i.  Applies ONLY to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with invasion.

ii.  Anyone arrested or detained during suspension must be charged within 3 days.  Otherwise he should be released.

Note:  While the suspension of the privilege of writ and the proclamation of martial law is subject to judicial review, the actual use by the President of the armed forces is not.  Thus, troop deployments in times of war is subject to the President’s judgment and discretion.

Section 19: EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

Scope:

1.)    The President may grant the following: [ Pa R C Re]

1. Pardons (conditional or plenary)
2. Reprieves
3. Commutations
4. Remittance of fines and forfeitures

2.)    These may only be granted AFTER conviction by final judgment.

3.)    ALSO: The power to grant clemency includes cases involving administrative penalties.

4.)    Where a conditional pardon is granted, the determination of whether it has been violated rests with the President.

Limitations:

1.)    As to scope:

Cannot be granted:

a.)    Before conviction

b.)    In cases of impeachment

c.)    For violations of election laws, rules, and regulation without the favorable recommendation of the COMELEC

d.)    In cases of civil or legislative contempt

2.)    As to effect:

a.)    Does not absolve civil liabilities for an offense.

b.)    Does not restore public offices already forfeited, although eligibility for the same may be restored.

Amnesty:

1.)    An act of grace concurred in by Congress, usually extended to groups of persons who commit political offenses, which puts into oblivion the offense itself.

2.)    President alone CANNOT grant amnesty.  Amnesty needs concurrence by a majority of all the members of Congress.

3.)    When a person applies for amnesty, he must admit his guilt of the offense which is subject to such amnesty.  If his application is denied, he can be convicted based on this admission of guilt.

4.)    Amnesty V. Pardon

Section 20. Power to Contract or Guarantee Foreign Loans

Limitations:

(1) 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

(2) Subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Section 21. Foreign Relations Powers include:

(1)  Power to negotiate treaties and other international agreements

(a)  BUT: Such treaty of international agreement must be concurred in by at least 2/3 of all Senators in order to be valid and effective in our country.

(b)  Options of Senate when a treaty is submitted for its approval:

(i)                 Approve with 2/3 majority;

(ii)               Disapprove outright; or

(iii)             Approve conditionally, with suggested amendments.

(c)  If treaty is not re-negotiated, no treaty

(d)  If treaty is re-negotiated and the Senate’s suggestions are incorporated, the treaty will go into effect without need of further Senate approval.

Note:  While our municipal law makes a distinction between international agreements and executive agreements, with the former requiring Senate approval and the latter not needing the same, under international law, there is no such distinction.

Note: The President cannot, by executive agreement, undertake an obligation which indirectly circumvents a legal prohibition.

(e)  Conflict between treaty and municipal law.

(i)  Philippine court:

The later enactment will prevail, be it treaty or law, as it is the latest expression of the State’s will.

(ii)  International tribunal

Treaty will always prevail.  A State cannot plead its municipal law to justify noncompliance with an international obligation.

(2)  Power to appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls.

(3) Power to receive ambassadors and other public ministers accredited to the Philippines.

(4)  Power to contract and guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic

(5)  Power to deport aliens

(a)    This power is vested in the President by virtue of his office, subject only to restrictions as may be provided by legislation as regards the grounds for deportation.

(b)   In the absence of any legislative restriction to authority, the President may still exercise this power.

(c)    The power to deport aliens is limited by the requirements of due process, which entitles the alien to a full and fair hearing.

BUT:    The alien is not entitled to bail as a matter of right.

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – ARTICLE VI – THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Political Law (Constitutional Law) – Article VI

ARTICLE VI – THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Sec. 1.  The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.

Definition of Legislative Power:

The authority to make laws and to alter or repeal them.

Classification of legislative power: (O De CO)

1. Original – Possessed by the people in their sovereign capacity
2. Delegated – Possessed by Congress and other legislative bodies by virtue of the Constitution
3. Constituent – The power to amend or revise the Constitution
4. Ordinary – The power to pass ordinary laws

Note:

The original legislative power of the people is exercised via initiative and referendum.  In this manner, people can directly propose and enact laws, or approve or reject any act or law passed by Congress or a local government unit.

Limits on the legislative power of Congress:

1. Substantive – limitations on the content of laws. E.g. no law shall be passed establishing a state religion.
2. Procedural – limitations on the manner of passing laws. E.g. generally a bill must go through three readings on three separate days.

Note:

Provided that these two limitations are not exceeded, Congress’ legislative power is plenary.

Corollaries of legislative power:

1. Congress cannot pass irrepealable laws.  Since Congress’ powers are plenary, and limited only by the Constitution, any attempt to limit the powers of future Congresses via an irrepealable law is not allowed.
2. Congress, as a general rule, cannot delegate its legislative power.  Since the people have already delegated legislative power to Congress, the latter cannot delegate it any further.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Delegation of legislative power to local government units;
2. Instances when the Constitution itself allows for such delegation [see Art. VI Sec. 23(2)]

What may Congress delegate:

Congress can only delegate, usually to administrative agencies, RULE-MAKING POWER or LAW EXECUTION.  This involves either of two tasks for the administrative agencies:

1. “Filling up the details” on an otherwise complete statute; or
2. Ascertaining the facts necessary to bring a “contingent” law or provision into actual operation.

Sections 2-4.  SENATE

Composition

24 senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law.

Qualifications

1. Natural-born citizen;
2. At least 35 years old on the day of election;
3. Able to read and write;
4. A registered voter; and
5. Philippine resident for at least 2 years immediately preceding the day of the election.

Note:  The qualifications of both Senators and Members of the House are limited to those provided by the Constitution.  Congress cannot, by law, add or subtract from these qualifications.

Term of Office:

6 years, commencing (unless otherwise provided by law) at noon, 30 June next following their election.

Term Limitations:

1. No Senator shall serve for more than 2 consecutive terms.
2. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.

Sections 5-7.  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Composition:

1. Not more than 25 members, unless otherwise fixed by law; and
2. Party-list Representative

Election of 250 members

1. They shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area.
2. Legislative districts are apportioned in accordance with the number of inhabitants of each area and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio.
3. Each district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact and adjacent territory;
4. Each city with at least 250,000 inhabitants will be entitled to at least one representative.
5. Each province will have at least one representative.
6. Legislative districts shall be re-apportioned by Congress within 3 years after the return of each census.  According to Jack, however, while the apportionment of districts is NOT a political question, the judiciary CANNOT compel Congress to do this.
7. The standards used to determine the apportionment of legislative districts is meant to prevent ‘gerrymandering’, which is the formation of a legislative district out of separate territories so as to favor a particular candidate or party.

Qualifications

1. Natural born citizen of the Philippines;
2. At least 25 years old on the day of the election;
3. Able to read and write;
4. Registered voter in the district he seeks to represent; and
5. A resident of such district for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the election.

Term of Office

1. Each member of the House shall be elected for a term of three (3) years which shall commence (unless otherwise provided for by law) at noon on 30 June next following their election.
2. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.

Term Limitations

No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Distinctions between Term and Tenure

1. Definition
2. Termsmeans the period during which the elected officer is legally authorized to assume his office and exercise the powers thereof.
3. Tenureis the actual period during which such officer actually holds his position.
4. Limitation/Possible Reduction
   1. Term CANNOT be reduced.
   2. Tenure MAY, by law, be limited.  Thus, a provision which considers an elective office automatically vacated when the holder thereof files a certificate of candidacy for another elective office (except President and Vice-President) is valid, as it only affects the officers tenure and NOT his constitutional term.

Party-List Representatives

1. Constitute 20% of the total number of representatives, including those under the party-list system (thus a maximum of 50 party-list members of the House)
2. However, for 3 consecutive terms from 2 February 1987 (i.e., the 1987-92, 92-95 and 95-98 terms), 25 seats shall be allotted to sectoral representatives.  Under Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, the sectoral representatives are to be appointed by the President until legislation otherwise provides.
3. Mechanics of the party-list system:
   1. Registered organizations submit a list of candidates in order of priority.
   2. During the elections, these organizations are voted for at large.
   3. The number of seats that each organization gets out of the 20% allotted to the system depends on the number of votes they get.
4. Qualifications
5. Natural born citizen of the Philippines
6. At least 25 years of age on the day of the election
7. Able to read and write

Sec. 9.  In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.  

Sec. 10.  Salaries of Senators and Members of the House

Determination of Salaries:

Salaries of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by law.

Rule on increase in salaries:

No increase in their salaries shall take effect until after the EXPIRATION OF THE FULL TERM (NOT TENURE) OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVING SUCH INCREASE.

Note: Since the Constitution ‘provides for rules on “salaries” and not on ‘emoluments,’ our distinguished legislators can appropriate for themselves other sums of money such as travel allowances, as well as other side ‘benefits.’

Sec. 11: CONGRESSIONAL IMMUNITIES

1.)    Immunity from arrest:

1. Legislators are privileged from arrest while Congress is “in session” with respect to offenses punishable by up to 6 years of imprisonment.  Thus, whether Congress is in regular or special session, the immunity from arrest applies.
2. If Congress is in recess, members thereof may be arrested.
3. The immunity is only with respect to arrests and NOT to prosecution for criminal offenses.

2.)    Legislative privilege:

1. No member shall be questioned or held liable in any forum other than his/her respective Congressional body for any debate or speech in the Congress or in any Committee thereof.
2. Limitation on the privilege:

(i)                 Protection is only against forum other than Congress itself.  Thus for inflammatory remarks which are otherwise privileged, a member may be sanctioned by either the Senate or the House as the case may be.

(ii)               The ‘speech or debate’ must be made in performance of their duties as members of Congress.  This includes speeches delivered, statements made, votes cast, as well as bills introduced, and other activities done in performance of their official duties.

(iii)             Congress need NOT be in session when the utterance is made, as long as it forms part of ‘legislative action,’ i.e. part of the deliberative and communicative process used to participate in legislative proceedings in consideration of proposed legislation or with respect to other matters with Congress’ jurisdiction.

Sec. 12.  All Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall, upon assumption of office, make a full disclosure of their financial and business interests.  They shall notify the House concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may arise from the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors.

Sec. 13-14: CONGRESSIONAL DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Disqualifications:

Sec. 15: REGULAR AND SPECIAL SESSIONS

Regular Sessions:

1.)    Congress convenes once every year on the 4^th Monday of July (unless otherwise provided for by law)

2.)    Continues in session for as long as it sees fit, until 30 days before the opening of the next regular session, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

Special Sessions:

Called by the President at any time when Congress is not in session.

Sec. 16.  Officers:

1.)    Senate President;

2.)    Speaker of the House; and

3.)    Each House may choose such other officers as it may deem necessary.

Election of Officers

By a majority vote of all respective members.

Quorum to do business:

1. Majority of each House shall constitute a quorum.
2. A smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance of absent members.
3. In computing a quorum, members who are outside the country and thus outside of each House’s coercive jurisdiction are not included.

Internal Rules:

1. Each House shall determine its own procedural rules.
2. Since this is a power vested in Congress as part of its inherent powers, under the principle of separation of powers, the courts cannot intervene in the implementation of these rules insofar as they affect the members of Congress.
3. Also, since Congress has the power to make these rules, it also has the power to ignore them when circumstances so require.

Discipline:

1.)    Suspension

1. Concurrence of 2/3 of ALL its members and
2. Shall not exceed 60 days.

2.)    Expulsion

1. Concurrence of 2/3 of ALL its members.

Congressional Journals and Records:

1.)    The Journal is conclusive upon the courts.

2.)    BUT an enrolled bill prevails over the contents of the Journal.

3.)    An enrolled bill is the official copy of approved legislation and bears the certifications of the presiding officers of each House.  Thus where the certifications are valid and are not withdrawn, the contents of the enrolled bill are conclusive upon the courts as regards the provision of that particular bill.

Adjournments:

1.)    Neither House can adjourn for more than 3 days during the time Congress is in session without the consent of the other House.

2.)    Neither can they adjourn to any other place than that where the two houses are sitting, without the consent of the other.

Section 17: THE ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL

The Senate and the House shall each have an Electoral Tribunal which shall be composed of:

1. 3 Supreme Court Justices to be designated by the Chief Justice; &
2. 6 Members of the Senate or House, as the case may be.

The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be its Chairman.

Note: The congressional members of the ET’s shall be chosen on the basis of proportional representation from the political parties and party-list organizations.

Jurisdiction:

1.)    Each ET shall be the sole judge of all CONTESTS relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective members.  This includes determining the validity or invalidity of a proclamation declaring a particular candidate as the winner.

2.)    An ‘election contest’ is one where a defeated candidate challenges the qualification and claims for himself the seat of a proclaimed winner.

3.)    In the absence of an election contest, the ET is without jurisdiction.  However, the power of each House to expel its own members or even to defer their oath-taking until their qualifications are determined may still be exercised even without an election contest.

Issues regarding the Electoral Tribunals:

1.)    Since the ET’s are independent constitutional bodies, independent even of the House from which the members are respectively taken, neither Congress nor the Courts may interfere with procedural matters relating to the functions of the ET’s, such as the setting of deadlines or filing their election contests with the respective ETs.

2.)    The ETs being independent bodies, its members may not be arbitrarily removed from their positions in the tribunal by the parties which they represent.  Neither may they be removed for not voting according to party lines, since they are acting independently of Congress.

3.)    The mere fact that the members of either the Senate or the House sitting on the ET are those which are sought to be disqualified due to the filing of an election contest against them does not warrant all of them from being disqualified from sitting in the ET.  The Constitution is quite clear that the ET must act with both members from the SC and from the Senate or the House.  If all the legislator-members of the ET were to be disqualified, the ET would not be able to fulfill its constitutional functions.

4.)    Judicial review of decisions of the ETs may be had with the SC only insofar as the decision or resolution was rendered without or in excess of jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion constituting denial of due process.

Section 18: THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

Composition:

1.)    Senate President as ex-officio chairman;

2.)    12 Senators; and

3.)    12 Members of the House.

Note: The 12 Senators and 12 Representatives are elected on the basis of proportional representation from the political parties and party-list organizations.

Voting/Action

1.)    The chairman shall only vote in case of a tie.

2.)    The CA shall act on all appointments within 30 session days from their submission to Congress.

3.)    The Commission shall rule by a majority vote of all the Members.

Jurisdiction

1.)    CA shall confirm the appointments by the President with respect to the following positions:

1. Heads of the Executive Departments (except if it is the Vice-President who is appointed to the post).
2. Ambassadors, other public ministers or consuls.
3. Officers of the AFP from the rank of Colonel or Naval Captain: and
4. Other officers whose appointments are vested in him by the Constitution (e.g. COMELEC members).

2.)    Congress CANNOT by law prescribe that the appointment of a person to an office created by such law shall be subject to confirmation by the CA.

3.)    Appointments extended by the President to the above-mentioned positions while Congress is not in session shall only be effective until disapproval by the CA or until the next adjournment of Congress.

Meetings of the CA

1.)    CA meets only while Congress is in session.

2.)    Meetings are held either at the call of the Chairman or a majority of all its members.

3.)    Since the CA is also an independent constitutional body, its rules of procedure are also outside the scope of congressional powers as well as that of the judiciary.

Note:  The ET and the CA shall be constituted within 30 days after the Senate and the House of Representative shall have been organized with the election of the President and the Speaker.

Sections 21-22: LEGISLATIVE INQUIRIES

Scope:

1. Either House or any of their committees may conduct inquires ‘in aid of legislation’.
2. “In aid of legislation” does not mean that there is pending legislation regarding the subject of the inquiry.  In fact, investigation may be needed for purposes of proposing future legislation.
3. If the stated purpose of the investigation is to determine the existence of violations of the law, the investigation is no longer ‘in aid of legislation’ but ‘in aid of prosecution’.  This violates the principle of separation of powers and is beyond the scope of congressional powers.

Enforcement:

1. Since experience has shown that mere requests for information does not usually work, Congress has the inherent power to punish recalcitrant witnesses for contempt, and may have them incarcerated until such time that they agree to testify.
2. The continuance of such incarceration only subsists for the lifetime, or term, of such body.  Once the body ceases to exist after its final adjournment, the power to incarcerate ceases to exist as well.  Thus, each ‘Congress’ of the House lasts for only 3 years.  But if one is incarcerated by the Senate, it is indefinite because the Senate, with its staggered terms, is a continuing body.
3. BUT, in order for a witness to be subject to this incarceration, the primary requirement is that the inquiry is within the scope of Congress’ powers. i.e. it is in aid of legislation.
4. The materiality of a question is determined not by its connection to any actually pending legislation, but by its connection to the general scope of the inquiry.
5. The power to punish for contempt is inherent in Congress and this power is sui generis.  It cannot be exercised by local government units unless they are expressly authorized to do so.

Limitations:

1. The inquiry must be conducted in accordance with the ‘duly published rules of procedure’ of the House conducting the inquiry; and
2. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.  Ex. The right against self-incrimination.

Appearance by department heads before Congress:

1. Since members of the executive department are co-equals with those of the legislative department, under the principle of separations of powers, department heads cannot be compelled to appear before Congress.  Neither may the department heads impose their appearance upon Congress.
2. Department heads may appear before Congress in the following instances.
3. Upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President (and that of the House concerned); or
4. Upon the request of either House (which cannot compel them to attend)
5. The appearance will be conducted in EXECUTIVE SESSION when:
6. Required by the security of state or required by public interest; and
7. When the President so states in writing

Sections 23-24.  DECLARATION OF WAR/EMERGENCY POWERS

Vote requirement:  (to declare the existence of a state of war)

1. 2/3 of both Houses, in joint session
2. Voting separately

Emergency powers:

1. During times of war or other national emergency, Congress may, BY LAW, authorize the President to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy.
2. Limitations:
   1. Powers will be exercised for a limited period only; and
   2. Powers will be subject to restrictions prescribed by Congress
3. Expiration of emergency powers
   1. By resolution of Congress or
   2. Upon the next adjournment of Congress

Sections 24-27, 30-31 LEGISLATION

Bills that must originate from the House of Representatives (Section 24)   

CODE: A R T Pu Lo P

1. Appropriation bills
2. Revenue bills
3. Tariff bills
4. Bills authorizing the increase of public debt
5. Bills of local application
6. Private bills

Note:  The Senate may, however, propose or concur with amendments.

Appropriation bills

1. The primary and specific aim of an appropriation bill is to appropriate a sum of money from the public treasury.
2. Thus, a bill enacting the budget is an appropriations bill.
3. BUT:  A bill creating a new office, and appropriating funds therefor is NOT an appropriation bill.

Revenue Bill

1. A revenue bill is one specifically designed to raise money or revenue through imposition or levy.
2. Thus, a bill introducing a new tax is a revenue bill, but a provision in, for instance, the Videogram Regulatory Board law imposing a tax on video rentals does not make the law a revenue bill.

Bills of local application

A bill of local application, such as one asking for the conversion of a municipality into a city, is deemed to have originated from the House provided that the bill of the House was filed prior to the filing of the bill in the Senate even if, in the end, the Senate approved its own version.

Limitations:

1. For appropriation bills:
2. Congress cannot increase the appropriations recommended by the President for the operation of the Government as specified in the budget.
3. Each provision or enactment in the General Appropriations Bill must relate specifically to some particular appropriation therein and any such provision or enactment must be limited in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates.
4. The procedure in approving appropriations for Congress shall strictly follow the procedure for approving appropriations for other departments and agencies.
5. A special appropriations bill must specify the purpose for which it is intended and must be supported by funds actually available as certified by the National Treasurer or to be raised by a corresponding revenue proposal therein.
6. Transfer of appropriations:
7. Rule:  No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations
8. BUT the following may, BY LAW, be authorized to AUGMENT any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations

-          President

-          President of the Senate

-          Speaker of the House of Representatives

-          Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court

-          Heads of the Constitutional Commissions

1. Discretionary funds appropriated for particular officials shall be:
   1. Disbursed only for public purposes;
   2. Should be supported by appropriate vouchers; and
   3. Subject to guidelines as may be prescribed by law.
2. If Congress fails to pass General Appropriations Bill (GAB) by the end of any fiscal year:

i.  The GAB for the previous year is deemed reenacted

ii.  It will remain in full force and effect until the GAB is passed by Congress.

1. For law granting tax exemption

It should be passed with the concurrence of a MAJORITY of ALL the members of Congress.

1. For bills in general
2. Every bill shall embrace only one (1) subject, as expressed in the title thereof

i.          As a mandatory requirement

ii.         The title does not have to be a complete catalogue of everything stated in the bill.  It is sufficient if the title expresses the general subject of the bill and all the provisions of the statute are germane to that general subject.

iii.        A bill which repeals legislation regarding the subject matter need not state in the title that it is repealing the latter.  Thus, a repealing clause in the bill is considered germane to the subject matter of the bill.

1. Readings
2. In order to become a law, each bill must pass three (3) readings in both Houses.
3. General rule: Each reading shall be held on separate days & printed copies thereof in its final form shall be distributed to its Members three (3) days before its passage.
4. Exception:  If a bill is certified as urgent by the President as to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency, the 3 readings can be held on the same day.
5. First reading – only the title is read; the bill is passed to the proper committee

Second reading – Entire text is read and debates are held, and amendments introduced.

Third reading – only the title is read, no amendments are allowed.  Vote shall be taken immediately thereafter and the yeas and nays entered in the journal.

Veto power of President:

1. Every bill, in order to become a law, must be presented to and signed by the President.
2. If the President does not approve of the bill, he shall veto the same and return it with his objections to the House from which it originated.  The House shall enter the objections in the Journal and proceed to reconsider it.
3. The President must communicate his decision to veto within 30 days from the date of receipt thereof.  If he fails to do so, the bill shall become a law as if he signed it.
4. This rule eliminates the ‘pocket veto’ whereby the President would simply refuse to act on the bill.

1. To OVERRIDE the veto, at least 2/3 of ALL the members of each House must agree to pass the bill.   In such case, the veto is overriden and becomes a law without need of presidential approval.
2. Item veto
3. The President may veto particular items in an appropriation, revenue or tariff bill.
4. This veto will not affect items to which he does not object.
5. Definition of item

TYPE OF BILL                                                        ITEM

1.  Revenue/tax bill                 Subject of the tax and the tax rate imposed thereon

2.  Appropriations bill             Indivisible sum dedicated to a stated purpose

1. Veto of RIDER
2. A rider is a provision which does not relate to a particular appropriation stated in the bill.
3. Since it is an invalid provision under Section 25(2), the President may veto it as an item.

Specific limitations on legislation

1. No law shall be enacted increasing the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction without the SC’s advice and concurrence.
2. No law shall be enacted granting titles of royalty or nobility.

Section 28.  POWER TO TAX

Limitations:

1)      The rule of taxation should be UNIFORM

2)      It should be EQUITABLE

3)      Congress should evolve a PROGRESSIVE system of taxation.

4)      The power to tax must be exercised for a public purpose because the power exists for the general welfare

5)      The due process and equal protection clauses of the Constitution should be observed.

Delegation of power to fix rates

1)      Congress may, BY LAW, authorize the President to fix the following:

a)      Tariff rates

b)      Import and Export Quotas

c)      Tonnage and wharfage dues

d)     Other duties and imposts

Within the framework of the national development program of the Government

2)      The exercise of such power by the President shall be within the specified limits fixed by Congress and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it may impose.

Constitutional tax exemptions:

1)      The following properties are exempt from REAL PROPERTY taxes

(CODE: Cha Chu M- CA)

a)      Charitable institutions

b)      Churches, and parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto

c)      Mosques

d)     Non-profit cemeteries; and

e)      All lands, buildings and improvements actually, directly and exclusively used for religious, charitable, or educational purposes.

2)      All revenues and assets of NON-STOCK NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL institutions are exempt from taxes and duties PROVIDED that such revenues and assets are actually, directly and exclusively used for educational purposes.  (Art. XIV Sec 4 (3))

3)      Grants, endowments, donations or contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.  This is subject to conditions prescribed by law.  (Art. XIV. Sec 4 (4))

Section 29.  Power of the Purse

1)      No money shall be paid out of the National Treasury EXCEPT in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.

a)      This places the control of public funds in the hands of Congress.

b)      BUT:  This rule does not prohibit continuing appropriations. e.g. for debt servicing.  This is because the rule does not require yearly, or annual appropriation.

2)      Limitations.

a)      Appropriations must be for a PUBLIC PURPOSE

b)      Cannot appropriate public funds or property, directly or indirectly, in favor of

(i)                 Any sect, church, denomination, or sectarian institution or system of religion or

(ii)               Any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary as such.

EXCEPT if the priest, etc is assigned to:

-          the Armed Forces; or

-          any penal institution; or

-          government orphanage; or

-          leprosarium

c)      BUT the government is not prohibited from appropriating money for a valid secular purpose, even if it incidentally benefits a religion, e.g. appropriations for a national police force is valid even if the police also protects the safety of clergymen.

d)     ALSO, the temporary use of public property for religious purposes is valid, as long as the property is available for all religions

3)      Special Funds

a)      Money collected on a tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only.

b)      Once the special purpose is fulfilled or abandoned, any balance shall be transferred to the general funds of the Government

Section 32.  INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM

1)      Through the system of initiative and referendum, the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body.

2)      Required Petition

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

b)      Every legislative district should be represented by at least 3% of the registered voters

c)      Petition should be registered

Reference:

Political Law (Constitutional Law) Reviewer & Memory Aid

Ateneo Central Bar Operations