Article I THE NATIONAL TERRITORYThe national territory of the Philippines comprises:1) the Philippine archipelao!") all other territories o#er $hich the Philippines has so#ereinty or %&ris'ictionPHILIPPINE AR(HIPELA)O that *o'y of $ater st&''e' $ith islan's $hich is 'elineate' in the Treaty of Paris +1,-,). as amen'e' *y the Treaty of /ashinton +1-00) an' the Treaty $ith )reat 1ritain +1-20)3 consists of itsa) Terrestrial*) 4lialc) Aerial 'omains incl&'in itsa) Territorial sea*) The sea*e'c) The s&*soil') The ins&lar shel#es! an'e) The other s&*marine areasINTERNAL WATERS the $aters Aro&n'. 1et$een an' (onnectin the islan's of the archipelao. rear'less of their *rea'th an' 'imensionsALL OTHER TERRITORIES OVER WHICH THE PHILIPPINES HAS SOVEREIGNTY OR JURISDICTIONincl&'es any territory that presently *elons or miht in the f&t&re *elon to the Philippines thro&h any of the accepte' international mo'es of ac5&irin territory3ARCHIPELAGIC PRINCIPLET$o elements:13 The 'efinition of internal $aters +s&pra)!"3 The straiht *aseline metho' of 'elineatin the territorial sea consists of 'ra$in straiht lines connectin the o&termost points on the coast $itho&t 'epartin to any apprecia*le e6tent from the eneral 'irection of the coast3Important 'istances $ith respect to the $aters aro&n' the Philippines7Territorial 8ea 1" na&tical miles +n3m3)7(onti&o&s 9one 1" n3m3 from the e'e of the territorial sea7E6cl&si#e Economic 9one "00 n3m3 from the *aselineTERRITORIAL 8EAThe *elt of the sea locate' *et$een the coast an' internal $aters of the coastal state on the one han'. an' the hih seas on the other. e6ten'in &p to 1" na&tical miles from the lo$ $ater mar:3(ONTI);O;8 9ONEE6ten's &p to 1" na&tical miles from the territorial sea3 Altho&h not part of the territory. the coastal 8tate may e6ercise %&ris'iction to pre#ent infrinement of c&stoms. fiscal. immiration or sanitary la$s3EI( 9ONE1o'y of $ater e6ten'in &p to "00 na&tical miles. $ithin $hich the state may e6ercise so#erein rihts to e6plore. e6ploit. conser#e an' manae the nat&ral reso&rcesThe state in the EE9 e6ercises %&ris'iction $ith rear' to:13 the esta*lishment an' &se of artificial islan's. installations. an' str&ct&res!"3 marine scientific research!23 the protection an' preser#ation of marine en#ironment!PrinciplesTHE 1-,? (ON8TIT;TIONTHE (ON8TIT;TION O4 THE REP;1LI( O4 THE PHILIPPINE8PREA>1LE/e. the so#erein 4ilipino people. implorin the ai' of Almihty )o'. in or'er to *&il' a %&st an' h&mane society an' esta*lish a )o#ernment that shall em*o'y o&r i'eals an' aspirations. promote the common oo'. conser#e an' 'e#elop o&r patrimony. an' sec&re to o&rsel#es an' o&r posterity the *lessins of in'epen'ence an' 'emocracy &n'er the r&le of la$ an' a reime of tr&th. %&stice. free'om. lo#e. e5&ality. an' peace. 'o or'ain an' prom&late this (onstit&tion3ARTI(LE INational TerritoryThe national territory comprises the Philippine archipelao. $ith all the islan's an' $aters em*race' therein. an' all other territories o#er $hich the Philippines has so#ereinty or %&ris'iction. consistin of its terrestrial. flial. an' aerial 'omains. incl&'in its territorial sea. the sea*e'. the s&*soil. the ins&lar shel#es. an' other s&*marine areas3 The $aters aro&n'. *et$een. an' connectin the islan's of the archipelao. rear'less of their *rea'th an' 'imensions. form part of the internal$aters of the Philippines3ARTI(LE II@eclaration of Principles an' 8tate PoliciesPrinciples8E(TION 13 The Philippines is a 'emocratic an' rep&*lican 8tate3 8o#ereinty resi'es in the people an' all o#ernment a&thority emanates from them38E(TION "3 The Philippines reno&nces $ar as an instr&ment of national policy. a'opts the enerally accepte' principles of international la$ as part of the la$ of the lan' an' a'heres to the policy of peace. e5&ality. %&stice. free'om. cooperation. an' amity $ith all nations38E(TION 23 (i#ilian a&thority is. at all times. s&preme o#er the military3 The Arme' 4orces of the Philippines is the protectorof the people an' the 8tate3 Its oal is to sec&re the so#ereinty of the 8tate an' the interity of the national territory38E(TION A3 The prime '&ty of the )o#ernment is to ser#e an' protect the people3 The )o#ernment may call &pon the people to 'efen' the 8tate an'. in the f&lfillment thereof. all citiBens may *e re5&ire'. &n'er con'itions pro#i'e' *y la$. to ren'er personal military or ci#il ser#ice38E(TION C3 The maintenance of peace an' or'er. the protection of life. li*erty. an' property. an' the promotion of the eneral $elfare are essential for the en%oyment *y all the people of the *lessins of 'emocracy38E(TION D3 The separation of (h&rch an' 8tate shall *e in#iola*le38tate Policies8E(TION ?3 The 8tate shall p&rs&e an in'epen'ent forein policy3 In its relations $ith other states the paramo&nt consi'eration shall *e national so#ereinty. territorial interity. national interest. an' the riht to self7'etermination38E(TION ,3 The Philippines. consistent $ith the national interest. a'opts an' p&rs&es a policy of free'om from n&clear $eapons in its territory38E(TION -3 The 8tate shall promote a %&st an' 'ynamic social or'er that $ill ens&re the prosperity an' in'epen'ence of the nation an' free the people from po#erty thro&h policies that pro#i'e a'e5&ate social ser#ices. promote f&ll employment. a risin stan'ar' of li#in. an' an impro#e' 5&ality of life for all38E(TION 103 The 8tate shall promote social %&stice in all phases of national 'e#elopment38E(TION 113 The 8tate #al&es the 'inity of e#ery h&man person an' &arantees f&ll respect for h&man rihts38E(TION 1"3 The 8tate reconiBes the sanctity of family life an' shall protect an' strenthen the family as a *asic a&tonomo&s social instit&tion3 It shall e5&ally protect the life of the mother an' the life of the &n*orn from conception3 The nat&ral an' primary riht an' '&ty of parents in the rearin of the yo&th for ci#ic efficiency an' the 'e#elopment of moral character shall recei#e the s&pport of the )o#ernment38E(TION 123 The 8tate reconiBes the #ital role of the yo&th in nation7*&il'in an' shall promote an' protect their physical.moral. spirit&al. intellect&al. an' social $ell7*ein3 It shall inc&lcate in the yo&th patriotism an' nationalism. an' enco&rae their in#ol#ement in p&*lic an' ci#ic affairs38E(TION 1A3 The 8tate reconiBes the role of $omen in nation7*&il'in. an' shall ens&re the f&n'amental e5&ality *efore the la$ of $omen an' men38E(TION 1C3 The 8tate shall protect an' promote the riht to health of the people an' instill health conscio&sness amon them38E(TION 1D3 The 8tate shall protect an' a'#ance the riht of the people to a *alance' an' healthf&l ecoloy in accor' $iththe rhythm an' harmony of nat&re38E(TION 1?3 The 8tate shall i#e priority to e'&cation. science an' technoloy. arts. c&lt&re. an' sports to foster patriotisman' nationalism. accelerate social proress. an' promote total h&man li*eration an' 'e#elopment38E(TION 1,3 The 8tate affirms la*or as a primary social economic force3 It shall protect the rihts of $or:ers an' promote their $elfare38E(TION 1-3 The 8tate shall 'e#elop a self7reliant an' in'epen'ent national economy effecti#ely controlle' *y 4ilipinos38E(TION "03 The 8tate reconiBes the in'ispensa*le role of the pri#ate sector. enco&raes pri#ate enterprise. an' pro#i'es incenti#es to nee'e' in#estments38E(TION "13 The 8tate shall promote comprehensi#e r&ral 'e#elopment an' ararian reform38E(TION ""3 The 8tate reconiBes an' promotes the rihts of in'ieno&s c&lt&ral comm&nities $ithin the frame$or: of national &nity an' 'e#elopment38E(TION "23 The 8tate shall enco&rae non7o#ernmental. comm&nity7*ase'. or sectoral oraniBations that promote the $elfare of the nation38E(TION "A3 The 8tate reconiBes the #ital role of comm&nication an' information in nation7*&il'in38E(TION "C3 The 8tate shall ens&re the a&tonomy of local o#ernments38E(TION "D3 The 8tate shall &arantee e5&al access to opport&nities for p&*lic ser#ice. an' prohi*it political 'ynasties as may *e 'efine' *y la$38E(TION "?3 The 8tate shall maintain honesty an' interity in the p&*lic ser#ice an' ta:e positi#e an' effecti#e meas&res aainst raft an' corr&ption38E(TION ",3 8&*%ect to reasona*le con'itions prescri*e' *y la$. the 8tate a'opts an' implements a policy of f&ll p&*lic 'isclos&re of all its transactions in#ol#in p&*lic interest3ARTI(LE III1ill of Rihts8E(TION 13 No person shall *e 'epri#e' of life. li*erty. or property $itho&t '&e process of la$. nor shall any person *e 'enie' the e5&al protection of the la$s38E(TION "3 The riht of the people to *e sec&re in their persons. ho&ses. papers. an' effects aainst &nreasona*le searches an' seiB&res of $hate#er nat&re an' for any p&rpose shall *e in#iola*le. an' no search $arrant or $arrant of arrest shall iss&e e6cept &pon pro*a*le ca&se to *e 'etermine' personally *y the %&'e after e6amination &n'er oath or affirmation of the complainant an' the $itnesses he may pro'&ce. an' partic&larly 'escri*in the place to *e searche' an' the persons or thins to *e seiBe'38E(TION 23 +1) The pri#acy of comm&nication an' correspon'ence shall *e in#iola*le e6cept &pon la$f&l or'er of the co&rt. or $hen p&*lic safety or or'er re5&ires other$ise as prescri*e' *y la$3+") Any e#i'ence o*taine' in #iolation of this or the prece'in section shall *e ina'missi*le for any p&rpose in any procee'in38E(TION A3 No la$ shall *e passe' a*ri'in the free'om of speech. of e6pression. or of the press. or the riht of the people peacea*ly to assem*le an' petition the o#ernment for re'ress of rie#ances38E(TION C3 No la$ shall *e ma'e respectin an esta*lishment of reliion. or prohi*itin the free e6ercise thereof3 The free e6ercise an' en%oyment of reliio&s profession an' $orship. $itho&t 'iscrimination or preference. shall fore#er *e allo$e'3 No reliio&s test shall *e re5&ire' for the e6ercise of ci#il or political rihts38E(TION D3 The li*erty of a*o'e an' of chanin the same $ithin the limits prescri*e' *y la$ shall not *e impaire' e6cept &pon la$f&l or'er of the co&rt3 Neither shall the riht to tra#el *e impaire' e6cept in the interest of national sec&rity. p&*lic safety. or p&*lic health. as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$38E(TION ?3 The riht of the people to information on matters of p&*lic concern shall *e reconiBe'3 Access to official recor's. an' to 'oc&ments. an' papers pertainin to official acts. transactions. or 'ecisions. as $ell as to o#ernment research 'ata &se' as *asis for policy 'e#elopment. shall *e affor'e' the citiBen. s&*%ect to s&ch limitations as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$38E(TION ,3 The riht of the people. incl&'in those employe' in the p&*lic an' pri#ate sectors. to form &nions. associations. or societies for p&rposes not contrary to la$ shall not *e a*ri'e'38E(TION -3 Pri#ate property shall not *e ta:en for p&*lic &se $itho&t %&st compensation38E(TION 103 No la$ impairin the o*liation of contracts shall *e passe'38E(TION 113 4ree access to the co&rts an' 5&asi7%&'icial *o'ies an' a'e5&ate leal assistance shall not *e 'enie' to any person *y reason of po#erty38E(TION 1"3 +1) Any person &n'er in#estiation for the commission of an offense shall ha#e the riht to *e informe' of his riht to remain silent an' to ha#e competent an' in'epen'ent co&nsel prefera*ly of his o$n choice3 If the person cannot affor' the ser#ices of co&nsel. he m&st *e pro#i'e' $ith one3 These rihts cannot *e $ai#e' e6cept in $ritin an' in the presence of co&nsel3+") No tort&re. force. #iolence. threat. intimi'ation. or any other means $hich #itiate the free $ill shall *e &se' aainst him3 8ecret 'etention places. solitary. incomm&nica'o. or other similar forms of 'etention are prohi*ite'3+2) Any confession or a'mission o*taine' in #iolation of this or 8ection 1? hereof shall *e ina'missi*le in e#i'ence aainst him3+A) The la$ shall pro#i'e for penal an' ci#il sanctions for #iolations of this section as $ell as compensation to an' reha*ilitation of #ictims of tort&re or similar practices. an' their families38E(TION 123 All persons. e6cept those chare' $ith offenses p&nisha*le *y recl&sion perpet&a $hen e#i'ence of &ilt is stron. shall. *efore con#iction. *e *aila*le *y s&fficient s&reties. or *e release' on reconiBance as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$3 The riht to *ail shall not *e impaire' e#en $hen the pri#ilee of the $rit of ha*eas corp&s is s&spen'e'3 E6cessi#e *ailshall not *e re5&ire'38E(TION 1A3 +1) No person shall *e hel' to ans$er for a criminal offense $itho&t '&e process of la$3+") In all criminal prosec&tions. the acc&se' shall *e pres&me' innocent &ntil the contrary is pro#e'. an' shall en%oy the rihtto *e hear' *y himself an' co&nsel. to *e informe' of the nat&re an' ca&se of the acc&sation aainst him. to ha#e a spee'y.impartial. an' p&*lic trial. to meet the $itnesses face to face. an' to ha#e comp&lsory process to sec&re the atten'ance of $itnesses an' the pro'&ction of e#i'ence in his *ehalf3 Ho$e#er. after arrainment. trial may procee' not$ithstan'in the a*sence of the acc&se' pro#i'e' that he has *een '&ly notifie' an' his fail&re to appear is &n%&stifia*le38E(TION 1C3 The pri#ilee of the $rit of ha*eas corp&s shall not *e s&spen'e' e6cept in cases of in#asion or re*ellion $hen the p&*lic safety re5&ires it38E(TION 1D3 All persons shall ha#e the riht to a spee'y 'isposition of their cases *efore all %&'icial. 5&asi7%&'icial. or a'ministrati#e *o'ies38E(TION 1?3 No person shall *e compelle' to *e a $itness aainst himself38E(TION 1,3 +1) No person shall *e 'etaine' solely *y reason of his political *eliefs an' aspirations3+") No in#ol&ntary ser#it&'e in any form shall e6ist e6cept as a p&nishment for a crime $hereof the party shall ha#e *een '&ly con#icte'38E(TION 1-3 +1) E6cessi#e fines shall not *e impose'. nor cr&el. 'era'in or inh&man p&nishment inflicte'3 Neither shall 'eath penalty *e impose'. &nless. for compellin reasons in#ol#in heino&s crimes. the (onress hereafter pro#i'es for it3 Any 'eath penalty alrea'y impose' shall *e re'&ce' to recl&sion perpet&a3+") The employment of physical. psycholoical. or 'era'in p&nishment aainst any prisoner or 'etainee or the &se of s&*stan'ar' or ina'e5&ate penal facilities &n'er s&*h&man con'itions shall *e 'ealt $ith *y la$38E(TION "03 No person shall *e imprisone' for 'e*t or non7payment of a poll ta638E(TION "13 No person shall *e t$ice p&t in %eopar'y of p&nishment for the same offense3 If an act is p&nishe' *y a la$ an' an or'inance. con#iction or ac5&ittal &n'er either shall constit&te a *ar to another prosec&tion for the same act38E(TION ""3 No e6 post facto la$ or *ill of attain'er shall *e enacte'3ARTI(LE I=(itiBenship8E(TION 13 The follo$in are citiBens of the Philippines:+1) Those $ho are citiBens of the Philippines at the time of the a'option of this (onstit&tion!+") Those $hose fathers or mothers are citiBens of the Philippines!+2) Those *orn *efore Ean&ary 1?. 1-?2. of 4ilipino mothers. $ho elect Philippine citiBenship &pon reachin the ae of ma%ority! an'+A) Those $ho are nat&raliBe' in accor'ance $ith la$38E(TION "3 Nat&ral7*orn citiBens are those $ho are citiBens of the Philippines from *irth $itho&t ha#in to perform any act to ac5&ire or perfect their Philippine citiBenship3 Those $ho elect Philippine citiBenship in accor'ance $ith pararaph +2). 8ection 1 hereof shall *e 'eeme' nat&ral7*orn citiBens38E(TION 23 Philippine citiBenship may *e lost or reac5&ire' in the manner pro#i'e' *y la$38E(TION A3 (itiBens of the Philippines $ho marry aliens shall retain their citiBenship. &nless *y their act or omission they are 'eeme'. &n'er the la$. to ha#e reno&nce' it38E(TION C3 @&al alleiance of citiBens is inimical to the national interest an' shall *e 'ealt $ith *y la$3ARTI(LE =8&ffrae8E(TION 13 8&ffrae may *e e6ercise' *y all citiBens of the Philippines not other$ise 'is5&alifie' *y la$. $ho are at least eihteen years of ae. an' $ho shall ha#e resi'e' in the Philippines for at least one year an' in the place $herein they propose to #ote for at least si6 months imme'iately prece'in the election3 No literacy. property. or other s&*stanti#e re5&irement shall *e impose' on the e6ercise of s&ffrae38E(TION "3 The (onress shall pro#i'e a system for sec&rin the secrecy an' sanctity of the *allot as $ell as a system fora*sentee #otin *y 5&alifie' 4ilipinos a*roa'3The (onress shall also 'esin a proce'&re for the 'isa*le' an' the illiterates to #ote $itho&t the assistance of other persons3 ;ntil then. they shall *e allo$e' to #ote &n'er e6istin la$s an' s&ch r&les as the (ommission on Elections may prom&late to protect the secrecy of the *allot3ARTI(LE =IThe Leislati#e @epartment8E(TION 13 The leislati#e po$er shall *e #este' in the (onress of the Philippines $hich shall consist of a 8enate an' a Ho&se of Representati#es. e6cept to the e6tent reser#e' to the people *y the pro#ision on initiati#e an' referen'&m38E(TION "3 The 8enate shall *e compose' of t$enty7fo&r 8enators $ho shall *e electe' at lare *y the 5&alifie' #oters of the Philippines. as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$38E(TION 23 No person shall *e a 8enator &nless he is a nat&ral7*orn citiBen of the Philippines. an'. on the 'ay of the election. is at least thirty7fi#e years of ae. a*le to rea' an' $rite. a reistere' #oter. an' a resi'ent of the Philippines for notless than t$o years imme'iately prece'in the 'ay of the election38E(TION A3 The term of office of the 8enators shall *e si6 years an' shall commence. &nless other$ise pro#i'e' *y la$. atnoon on the thirtieth 'ay of E&ne ne6t follo$in their election3No 8enator shall ser#e for more than t$o consec&ti#e terms3 =ol&ntary ren&nciation of the office for any lenth of time shall not *e consi'ere' as an interr&ption in the contin&ity of his ser#ice for the f&ll term for $hich he $as electe'38E(TION C3 +1) The Ho&se of Representati#es shall *e compose' of not more than t$o h&n're' an' fifty mem*ers. &nless other$ise fi6e' *y la$. $ho shall *e electe' from leislati#e 'istricts apportione' amon the pro#inces. cities. an' the >etropolitan >anila area in accor'ance $ith the n&m*er of their respecti#e inha*itants. an' on the *asis of a &niform an' proressi#e ratio. an' those $ho. as pro#i'e' *y la$. shall *e electe' thro&h a party7list system of reistere' national. reional. an' sectoral parties or oraniBations3+") The party7list representati#es shall constit&te t$enty per cent&m of the total n&m*er of representati#es incl&'in those &n'er the party list3 4or three consec&ti#e terms after the ratification of this (onstit&tion. one7half of the seats allocate' to party7list representati#es shall *e fille'. as pro#i'e' *y la$. *y selection or election from the la*or. peasant. &r*an poor. in'ieno&s c&lt&ral comm&nities. $omen. yo&th. an' s&ch other sectors as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$. e6cept the reliio&s sector3+2) Each leislati#e 'istrict shall comprise. as far as practica*le. conti&o&s. compact an' a'%acent territory3 Each city $ith apop&lation of at least t$o h&n're' fifty tho&san'. or each pro#ince. shall ha#e at least one representati#e3+A) /ithin three years follo$in the ret&rn of e#ery cens&s. the (onress shall ma:e a reapportionment of leislati#e 'istricts *ase' on the stan'ar's pro#i'e' in this section38E(TION D3 No person shall *e a >em*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es &nless he is a nat&ral7*orn citiBen of the Philippines an'. on the 'ay of the election. is at least t$enty7fi#e years of ae. a*le to rea' an' $rite. an'. e6cept the party7list representati#es. a reistere' #oter in the 'istrict in $hich he shall *e electe'. an' a resi'ent thereof for a perio' of not less than one year imme'iately prece'in the 'ay of the election38E(TION ?3 The >em*ers of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall *e electe' for a term of three years $hich shall *ein. &nless other$ise pro#i'e' *y la$. at noon on the thirtieth 'ay of E&ne ne6t follo$in their election3No mem*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall ser#e for more than three consec&ti#e terms3 =ol&ntary ren&nciation of the office for any lenth of time shall not *e consi'ere' as an interr&ption in the contin&ity of his ser#ice for the f&ll term for $hich he $as electe'38E(TION ,3 ;nless other$ise pro#i'e' *y la$. the re&lar election of the 8enators an' the >em*ers of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall *e hel' on the secon' >on'ay of >ay38E(TION -3 In case of #acancy in the 8enate or in the Ho&se of Representati#es. a special election may *e calle' to fill s&ch #acancy in the manner prescri*e' *y la$. *&t the 8enator or >em*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es th&s electe' shall ser#e only for the &ne6pire' term38E(TION 103 The salaries of 8enators an' >em*ers of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall *e 'etermine' *y la$3 No increase in sai' compensation shall ta:e effect &ntil after the e6piration of the f&ll term of all the >em*ers of the 8enate an'the Ho&se of Representati#es appro#in s&ch increase38E(TION 113 A 8enator or >em*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall. in all offenses p&nisha*le *y not more than si6 years imprisonment. *e pri#ilee' from arrest $hile the (onress is in session3 No >em*er shall *e 5&estione' nor *e hel' lia*le in any other place for any speech or 'e*ate in the (onress or in any committee thereof38E(TION 1"3 All >em*ers of the 8enate an' the Ho&se of Representati#es shall. &pon ass&mption of office. ma:e a f&ll 'isclos&re of their financial an' *&siness interests3 They shall notify the Ho&se concerne' of a potential conflict of interest that may arise from the filin of a propose' leislation of $hich they are a&thors38E(TION 123 No 8enator or >em*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es may hol' any other office or employment in the )o#ernment. or any s&*'i#ision. aency. or instr&mentality thereof. incl&'in o#ernment7o$ne' or controlle' corporations or their s&*si'iaries. '&rin his term $itho&t forfeitin his seat3 Neither shall he *e appointe' to any office $hich may ha#e *een create' or the emol&ments thereof increase' '&rin the term for $hich he $as electe'38E(TION 1A3 No 8enator or >em*er of the Ho&se of Representati#es may personally appear as co&nsel *efore any co&rt of %&stice or *efore the Electoral Tri*&nals. or 5&asi7%&'icial an' other a'ministrati#e *o'ies3 Neither shall he. 'irectly or in'irectly. *e intereste' financially in any contract $ith. or in any franchise or special pri#ilee rante' *y the )o#ernment. or any s&*'i#ision. aency. or instr&mentality thereof. incl&'in any o#ernment7o$ne' or controlle' corporation. or its s&*si'iary. '&rin his term of office3 He shall not inter#ene in any matter *efore any office of the )o#ernment for his pec&niary *enefit or $here he may *e calle' &pon to act on acco&nt of his office38E(TION 1C3 The (onress shall con#ene once e#ery year on the fo&rth >on'ay of E&ly for its re&lar session. &nless a 'ifferent 'ate is fi6e' *y la$. an' shall contin&e to *e in session for s&ch n&m*er of 'ays as it may 'etermine &ntil thirty 'ays *efore the openin of its ne6t re&lar session. e6cl&si#e of 8at&r'ays. 8&n'ays. an' leal holi'ays3 The Presi'ent maycall a special session at any time38E(TION 1D3 +1) The 8enate shall elect its Presi'ent an' the Ho&se of Representati#es its 8pea:er. *y a ma%ority #ote of all its respecti#e >em*ers3Each Ho&se shall choose s&ch other officers as it may 'eem necessary3+") A ma%ority of each Ho&se shall constit&te a 5&or&m to 'o *&siness. *&t a smaller n&m*er may a'%o&rn from 'ay to 'ay an' may compel the atten'ance of a*sent >em*ers in s&ch manner. an' &n'er s&ch penalties. as s&ch Ho&se may pro#i'e3+2) Each Ho&se may 'etermine the r&les of its procee'ins. p&nish its >em*ers for 'isor'erly *eha#ior. an'. $ith the conc&rrence of t$o7thir's of all its >em*ers. s&spen' or e6pel a >em*er3 A penalty of s&spension. $hen impose'. shall not e6cee' si6ty 'ays3+A) Each Ho&se shall :eep a Eo&rnal of its procee'ins. an' from time to time p&*lish the same. e6ceptin s&ch parts as may. in its %&'ment. affect national sec&rity! an' the yeas an' nays on any 5&estion shall. at the re5&est of one7fifth of the >em*ers present. *e entere' in the Eo&rnal3Each Ho&se shall also :eep a Recor' of its procee'ins3+C) Neither Ho&se '&rin the sessions of the (onress shall. $itho&t the consent of the other. a'%o&rn for more than three 'ays. nor to any other place than that in $hich the t$o Ho&ses shall *e sittin38E(TION 1?3 The 8enate an' the Ho&se of Representati#es shall each ha#e an Electoral Tri*&nal $hich shall *e the sole %&'e of all contests relatin to the election. ret&rns. an' 5&alifications of their respecti#e >em*ers3 Each Electoral Tri*&nal shall *e compose' of nine >em*ers. three of $hom shall *e E&stices of the 8&preme (o&rt to *e 'esinate' *y the (hief E&stice. an' the remainin si6 shall *e >em*ers of the 8enate or the Ho&se of Representati#es. as the case may *e. $ho shall *e chosen on the *asis of proportional representation from the political parties an' the parties or oraniBations reistere' &n'er the party7list system represente' therein3 The senior E&stice in the Electoral Tri*&nal shall *e its (hairman38E(TION 1,3 There shall *e a (ommission on Appointments consistin of the Presi'ent of the 8enate. as e6 officio (hairman. t$el#e 8enators an' t$el#e >em*ers of the Ho&se of Representati#es. electe' *y each Ho&se on the *asis of proportional representation from the political parties an' parties or oraniBations reistere' &n'er the party7list system represente' therein3 The (hairman of the (ommission shall not #ote. e6cept in case of a tie3 The (ommission shall act on all appointments s&*mitte' to it $ithin thirty session 'ays of the (onress from their s&*mission3 The (ommission shall r&le *y a ma%ority #ote of all the >em*ers38E(TION 1-3 The Electoral Tri*&nals an' the (ommission on Appointments shall *e constit&te' $ithin thirty 'ays after the 8enate an' the Ho&se of Representati#es shall ha#e *een oraniBe' $ith the election of the Presi'ent an' the 8pea:er3 The (ommission on Appointments shall meet only $hile the (onress is in session. at the call of its (hairman or a ma%ority of all its >em*ers. to 'ischare s&ch po$ers an' f&nctions as are herein conferre' &pon it38E(TION "03 The recor's an' *oo:s of acco&nts of the (onress shall *e preser#e' an' *e open to the p&*lic in accor'ance $ith la$. an' s&ch *oo:s shall *e a&'ite' *y the (ommission on A&'it $hich shall p&*lish ann&ally an itemiBe' list of amo&nts pai' to an' e6penses inc&rre' for each >em*er38E(TION "13 The 8enate or the Ho&se of Representati#es or any of its respecti#e committees may con'&ct in5&iries in ai' of leislation in accor'ance $ith its '&ly p&*lishe' r&les of proce'&re3 The rihts of persons appearin in or affecte' *y s&chin5&iries shall *e respecte'38E(TION ""3 The hea's of 'epartments may &pon their o$n initiati#e. $ith the consent of the Presi'ent. or &pon the re5&est of either Ho&se. as the r&les of each Ho&se shall pro#i'e. appear *efore an' *e hear' *y s&ch Ho&se on any matter pertainin to their 'epartments3 /ritten 5&estions shall *e s&*mitte' to the Presi'ent of the 8enate or the 8pea:er ofthe Ho&se of Representati#es at least three 'ays *efore their sche'&le' appearance3 Interpellations shall not *e limite' to $ritten 5&estions. *&t may co#er matters relate' thereto3 /hen the sec&rity of the 8tate or the p&*lic interest so re5&ires an' the Presi'ent so states in $ritin. the appearance shall *e con'&cte' in e6ec&ti#e session38E(TION "23 +1) The (onress. *y a #ote of t$o7thir's of *oth Ho&ses in %oint session assem*le'. #otin separately. shall ha#e the sole po$er to 'eclare the e6istence of a state of $ar3+") In times of $ar or other national emerency. the (onress may. *y la$. a&thoriBe the Presi'ent. for a limite' perio' an' s&*%ect to s&ch restrictions as it may prescri*e. to e6ercise po$ers necessary an' proper to carry o&t a 'eclare' national policy3 ;nless sooner $ith'ra$n *y resol&tion of the (onress. s&ch po$ers shall cease &pon the ne6t a'%o&rnment thereof38E(TION "A3 All appropriation. re#en&e or tariff *ills. *ills a&thoriBin increase of the p&*lic 'e*t. *ills of local application. an' pri#ate *ills shall oriinate e6cl&si#ely in the Ho&se of Representati#es. *&t the 8enate may propose or conc&r $ith amen'ments38E(TION "C3 +1) The (onress may not increase the appropriations recommen'e' *y the Presi'ent for the operation of the)o#ernment as specifie' in the *&'et3 The form. content. an' manner of preparation of the *&'et shall *e prescri*e' *y la$3+") No pro#ision or enactment shall *e em*race' in the eneral appropriations *ill &nless it relates specifically to some partic&lar appropriation therein3 Any s&ch pro#ision or enactment shall *e limite' in its operation to the appropriation to $hich it relates3+2) The proce'&re in appro#in appropriations for the (onress shall strictly follo$ the proce'&re for appro#in appropriations for other 'epartments an' aencies3+A) A special appropriations *ill shall specify the p&rpose for $hich it is inten'e'. an' shall *e s&pporte' *y f&n's act&ally a#aila*le as certifie' *y the National Treas&rer. or to *e raise' *y a correspon'in re#en&e propose' therein3+C) No la$ shall *e passe' a&thoriBin any transfer of appropriations! ho$e#er. the Presi'ent. the Presi'ent of the 8enate. the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es. the (hief E&stice of the 8&preme (o&rt. an' the hea's of (onstit&tional (ommissions may. *y la$. *e a&thoriBe' to a&ment any item in the eneral appropriations la$ for their respecti#e offices from sa#ins in other items of their respecti#e appropriations3+D) @iscretionary f&n's appropriate' for partic&lar officials shall *e 'is*&rse' only for p&*lic p&rposes to *e s&pporte' *y appropriate #o&chers an' s&*%ect to s&ch &i'elines as may *e prescri*e' *y la$3+?) If. *y the en' of any fiscal year. the (onress shall ha#e faile' to pass the eneral appropriations *ill for the ens&in fiscal year. the eneral appropriations la$ for the prece'in fiscal year shall *e 'eeme' reenacte' an' shall remain in force an' effect &ntil the eneral appropriations *ill is passe' *y the (onress38E(TION "D3 +1) E#ery *ill passe' *y the (onress shall em*race only one s&*%ect $hich shall *e e6presse' in the title thereof3+") No *ill passe' *y either Ho&se shall *ecome a la$ &nless it has passe' three rea'ins on separate 'ays. an' printe' copies thereof in its final form ha#e *een 'istri*&te' to its >em*ers three 'ays *efore its passae. e6cept $hen the Presi'ent certifies to the necessity of its imme'iate enactment to meet a p&*lic calamity or emerency3 ;pon the last rea'in of a *ill. no amen'ment thereto shall *e allo$e'. an' the #ote thereon shall *e ta:en imme'iately thereafter. an' the yeas an' nays entere' in the Eo&rnal38E(TION "?3 +1) E#ery *ill passe' *y the (onress shall. *efore it *ecomes a la$. *e presente' to the Presi'ent3 If he appro#es the same. he shall sin it! other$ise. he shall #eto it an' ret&rn the same $ith his o*%ections to the Ho&se $here it oriinate'. $hich shall enter the o*%ections at lare in its Eo&rnal an' procee' to reconsi'er it3 If. after s&ch reconsi'eration. t$o7thir's of all the >em*ers of s&ch Ho&se shall aree to pass the *ill. it shall *e sent. toether $ith the o*%ections. to the other Ho&se *y $hich it shall li:e$ise *e reconsi'ere'. an' if appro#e' *y t$o7thir's of all the >em*ers of that Ho&se. it shall *ecome a la$3 In all s&ch cases. the #otes of each Ho&se shall *e 'etermine' *y yeas or nays. an' the names of the >em*ers #otin for or aainst shall *e entere' in its Eo&rnal3 The Presi'ent shall comm&nicate his #eto of any *ill to the Ho&se $here it oriinate' $ithin thirty 'ays after the 'ate of receipt thereof! other$ise. it shall *ecome a la$ as if he ha' sine' it3+") The Presi'ent shall ha#e the po$er to #eto any partic&lar item or items in an appropriation. re#en&e. or tariff *ill. *&t the #eto shall not affect the item or items to $hich he 'oes not o*%ect38E(TION ",3 +1) The r&le of ta6ation shall *e &niform an' e5&ita*le3 The (onress shall e#ol#e a proressi#e system of ta6ation3+") The (onress may. *y la$. a&thoriBe the Presi'ent to fi6 $ithin specifie' limits. an' s&*%ect to s&ch limitations an' restrictions as it may impose. tariff rates. import an' e6port 5&otas. tonnae an' $harfae '&es. an' other '&ties or imposts$ithin the frame$or: of the national 'e#elopment proram of the )o#ernment3+2) (harita*le instit&tions. ch&rches an' parsonaes or con#ents app&rtenant thereto. mos5&es. non7profit cemeteries. an' all lan's. *&il'ins. an' impro#ements. act&ally. 'irectly. an' e6cl&si#ely &se' for reliio&s. charita*le. or e'&cational p&rposes shall *e e6empt from ta6ation3+A) No la$ rantin any ta6 e6emption shall *e passe' $itho&t the conc&rrence of a ma%ority of all the >em*ers of the (onress38E(TION "-3 +1) No money shall *e pai' o&t of the Treas&ry e6cept in p&rs&ance of an appropriation ma'e *y la$3+") No p&*lic money or property shall *e appropriate'. applie'. pai'. or employe'. 'irectly or in'irectly. for the &se. *enefit. or s&pport of any sect. ch&rch. 'enomination. sectarian instit&tion. or system of reliion. or of any priest. preacher. minister. or other reliio&s teacher. or 'initary as s&ch. e6cept $hen s&ch priest. preacher. minister. or 'initary is assine' to the arme' forces. or to any penal instit&tion. or o#ernment orphanae or leprosari&m3+2) All money collecte' on any ta6 le#ie' for a special p&rpose shall *e treate' as a special f&n' an' pai' o&t for s&ch p&rpose only3 If the p&rpose for $hich a special f&n' $as create' has *een f&lfille' or a*an'one'. the *alance. if any. shall *e transferre' to the eneral f&n's of the )o#ernment38E(TION 203 No la$ shall *e passe' increasin the appellate %&ris'iction of the 8&preme (o&rt as pro#i'e' in this (onstit&tion $itho&t its a'#ice an' conc&rrence38E(TION 213 No la$ rantin a title of royalty or no*ility shall *e enacte'38E(TION 2"3 The (onress shall. as early as possi*le. pro#i'e for a system of initiati#e an' referen'&m. an' the e6ceptions therefrom. $here*y the people can 'irectly propose an' enact la$s or appro#e or re%ect any act or la$ or part thereof passe' *y the (onress or local leislati#e *o'y after the reistration of a petition therefor sine' *y at least ten per cent&m of the total n&m*er of reistere' #oters. of $hich e#ery leislati#e 'istrict m&st *e represente' *y at least three per cent&m of the reistere' #oters thereof3ARTI(LE =IIE6ec&ti#e @epartment8E(TION 13 The e6ec&ti#e po$er shall *e #este' in the Presi'ent of the Philippines38E(TION "3 No person may *e electe' Presi'ent &nless he is a nat&ral7*orn citiBen of the Philippines. a reistere' #oter. a*le to rea' an' $rite. at least forty years of ae on the 'ay of the election. an' a resi'ent of the Philippines for at least ten years imme'iately prece'in s&ch election38E(TION 23 There shall *e a =ice7Presi'ent $ho shall ha#e the same 5&alifications an' term of office an' *e electe' $ith an' in the same manner as the Presi'ent3 He may *e remo#e' from office in the same manner as the Presi'ent3The =ice7Presi'ent may *e appointe' as a >em*er of the (a*inet3 8&ch appointment re5&ires no confirmation38E(TION A3 The Presi'ent an' the =ice7Presi'ent shall *e electe' *y 'irect #ote of the people for a term of si6 years $hichshall *ein at noon on the thirtieth 'ay of E&ne ne6t follo$in the 'ay of the election an' shall en' at noon of the same 'ate si6 years thereafter3 The Presi'ent shall not *e elii*le for any reelection3 No person $ho has s&ccee'e' as Presi'ent an' has ser#e' as s&ch for more than fo&r years shall *e 5&alifie' for election to the same office at any time3No =ice7Presi'ent shall ser#e for more than t$o consec&ti#e terms3 =ol&ntary ren&nciation of the office for any lenth of time shall not *e consi'ere' as an interr&ption in the contin&ity of the ser#ice for the f&ll term for $hich he $as electe'3;nless other$ise pro#i'e' *y la$. the re&lar election for Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent shall *e hel' on the secon' >on'ayof >ay3The ret&rns of e#ery election for Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent. '&ly certifie' *y the *oar' of can#assers of each pro#ince or city. shall *e transmitte' to the (onress. 'irecte' to the Presi'ent of the 8enate3 ;pon receipt of the certificates of can#ass. the Presi'ent of the 8enate shall. not later than thirty 'ays after the 'ay of the election. open all certificates in the presence of the 8enate an' the Ho&se of Representati#es in %oint p&*lic session. an' the (onress. &pon 'etermination of the a&thenticity an' '&e e6ec&tion thereof in the manner pro#i'e' *y la$. can#ass the #otes3The person ha#in the hihest n&m*er of #otes shall *e proclaime' electe'. *&t in case t$o or more shall ha#e an e5&al an' hihest n&m*er of #otes. one of them shall forth$ith *e chosen *y the #ote of a ma%ority of all the >em*ers of *oth Ho&ses of the (onress. #otin separately3The (onress shall prom&late its r&les for the can#assin of the certificates3The 8&preme (o&rt. sittin en *anc. shall *e the sole %&'e of all contests relatin to the election. ret&rns. an' 5&alificationsof the Presi'ent or =ice7 Presi'ent. an' may prom&late its r&les for the p&rpose38E(TION C3 1efore they enter on the e6ec&tion of their office. the Presi'ent. the =ice7Presi'ent. or the Actin Presi'ent shall ta:e the follo$in oath or affirmation:FI 'o solemnly s$ear +or affirm) that I $ill faithf&lly an' conscientio&sly f&lfill my '&ties as Presi'ent +or =ice7Presi'ent or Actin Presi'ent) of the Philippines. preser#e an' 'efen' its (onstit&tion. e6ec&te its la$s. 'o %&stice to e#ery man. an' consecrate myself to the ser#ice of the Nation3 8o help me )o'3G +In case of affirmation. last sentence $ill *e omitte'3)8E(TION D3 The Presi'ent shall ha#e an official resi'ence3 The salaries of the Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent shall *e 'etermine' *y la$ an' shall not *e 'ecrease' '&rin their ten&re3 No increase in sai' compensation shall ta:e effect &ntil after the e6piration of the term of the inc&m*ent '&rin $hich s&ch increase $as appro#e'3 They shall not recei#e '&rin their ten&re any other emol&ment from the )o#ernment or any other so&rce38E(TION ?3 The Presi'ent7elect an' the =ice7Presi'ent7elect shall ass&me office at the *einnin of their terms3If the Presi'ent7elect fails to 5&alify. the =ice7Presi'ent7elect shall act as Presi'ent &ntil the Presi'ent7elect shall ha#e 5&alifie'3If a Presi'ent shall not ha#e *een chosen. the =ice7Presi'ent7elect shall act as Presi'ent &ntil a Presi'ent shall ha#e *een chosen an' 5&alifie'3If at the *einnin of the term of the Presi'ent. the Presi'ent7elect shall ha#e 'ie' or shall ha#e *ecome permanently 'isa*le'. the =ice7Presi'ent7elect shall *ecome Presi'ent3/here no Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent shall ha#e *een chosen or shall ha#e 5&alifie'. or $here *oth shall ha#e 'ie' or *ecome permanently 'isa*le'. the Presi'ent of the 8enate or. in case of his ina*ility. the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es shall act as Presi'ent &ntil a Presi'ent or a =ice7Presi'ent shall ha#e *een chosen an' 5&alifie'3The (onress shall. *y la$. pro#i'e for the manner in $hich one $ho is to act as Presi'ent shall *e selecte' &ntil a Presi'ent or a =ice7Presi'ent shall ha#e 5&alifie'. in case of 'eath. permanent 'isa*ility. or ina*ility of the officials mentione' in the ne6t prece'in pararaph38E(TION ,3 In case of 'eath. permanent 'isa*ility. remo#al from office. or resination of the Presi'ent. the =ice7Presi'ent shall *ecome the Presi'ent to ser#e the &ne6pire' term3 In case of 'eath. permanent 'isa*ility. remo#al from office. or resination of *oth the Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent. the Presi'ent of the 8enate or. in case of his ina*ility. the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es. shall then act as Presi'ent &ntil the Presi'ent or =ice7Presi'ent shall ha#e *een electe' an' 5&alifie'3The (onress shall. *y la$. pro#i'e $ho shall ser#e as Presi'ent in case of 'eath. permanent 'isa*ility. or resination of the Actin Presi'ent3 He shall ser#e &ntil the Presi'ent or the =ice7Presi'ent shall ha#e *een electe' an' 5&alifie'. an' *e s&*%ect to the same restrictions of po$ers an' 'is5&alifications as the Actin Presi'ent38E(TION -3 /hene#er there is a #acancy in the Office of the =ice7Presi'ent '&rin the term for $hich he $as electe'. the Presi'ent shall nominate a =ice7Presi'ent from amon the >em*ers of the 8enate an' the Ho&se of Representati#es $ho shall ass&me office &pon confirmation *y a ma%ority #ote of all the >em*ers of *oth Ho&ses of the (onress. #otin separately38E(TION 103 The (onress shall. at ten oHcloc: in the mornin of the thir' 'ay after the #acancy in the offices of the Presi'ent an' =ice7Presi'ent occ&rs. con#ene in accor'ance $ith its r&les $itho&t nee' of a call an' $ithin se#en 'ays enact a la$ callin for a special election to elect a Presi'ent an' a =ice7Presi'ent to *e hel' not earlier than forty7fi#e 'ays nor later than si6ty 'ays from the time of s&ch call3 The *ill callin s&ch special election shall *e 'eeme' certifie' &n'er pararaph ". 8ection "D. Article =I of this (onstit&tion an' shall *ecome la$ &pon its appro#al on thir' rea'in *y the (onress3 Appropriations for the special election shall *e chare' aainst any c&rrent appropriations an' shall *e e6empt from the re5&irements of pararaph A. 8ection "C. Article =I of this (onstit&tion3 The con#enin of the (onress cannot *e s&spen'e' nor the special election postpone'3 No special election shall *e calle' if the #acancy occ&rs $ithin eihteen months *efore the 'ate of the ne6t presi'ential election38E(TION 113 /hene#er the Presi'ent transmits to the Presi'ent of the 8enate an' the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es his $ritten 'eclaration that he is &na*le to 'ischare the po$ers an' '&ties of his office. an' &ntil he transmits to them a $ritten 'eclaration to the contrary. s&ch po$ers an' '&ties shall *e 'ischare' *y the =ice7Presi'ent as Actin Presi'ent3/hene#er a ma%ority of all the >em*ers of the (a*inet transmit to the Presi'ent of the 8enate an' to the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es their $ritten 'eclaration that the Presi'ent is &na*le to 'ischare the po$ers an' '&ties of his office. the =ice7Presi'ent shall imme'iately ass&me the po$ers an' '&ties of the office as Actin Presi'ent3Thereafter. $hen the Presi'ent transmits to the Presi'ent of the 8enate an' to the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#eshis $ritten 'eclaration that no ina*ility e6ists. he shall reass&me the po$ers an' '&ties of his office3 >ean$hile. sho&l' a ma%ority of all the >em*ers of the (a*inet transmit $ithin fi#e 'ays to the Presi'ent of the 8enate an' to the 8pea:er of the Ho&se of Representati#es their $ritten 'eclaration that the Presi'ent is &na*le to 'ischare the po$ers an' '&ties of his office. the (onress shall 'eci'e the iss&e3 4or that p&rpose. the (onress shall con#ene. if it is not in session. $ithin forty7eiht ho&rs. in accor'ance $ith its r&les an' $itho&t nee' of call3If the (onress. $ithin ten 'ays after receipt of the last $ritten 'eclaration. or. if not in session. $ithin t$el#e 'ays after it is re5&ire' to assem*le. 'etermines *y a t$o7thir's #ote of *oth Ho&ses. #otin separately. that the Presi'ent is &na*le to 'ischare the po$ers an' '&ties of his office. the =ice7Presi'ent shall act as the Presi'ent! other$ise. the Presi'ent shall contin&e e6ercisin the po$ers an' '&ties of his office38E(TION 1"3 In case of serio&s illness of the Presi'ent. the p&*lic shall *e informe' of the state of his health3 The >em*ers of the (a*inet in chare of national sec&rity an' forein relations an' the (hief of 8taff of the Arme' 4orces of thePhilippines. shall not *e 'enie' access to the Presi'ent '&rin s&ch illness38E(TION 123 The Presi'ent. =ice7Presi'ent. the >em*ers of the (a*inet. an' their 'ep&ties or assistants shall not. &nless other$ise pro#i'e' in this (onstit&tion. hol' any other office or employment '&rin their ten&re3 They shall not. '&rin sai' ten&re. 'irectly or in'irectly. practice any other profession. participate in any *&siness. or *e financially intereste' in any contract $ith. or in any franchise. or special pri#ilee rante' *y the )o#ernment or any s&*'i#ision. aency. or instr&mentality thereof. incl&'in o#ernment7o$ne' or controlle' corporations or their s&*si'iaries3 They shall strictly a#oi' conflict of interest in the con'&ct of their office3The spo&se an' relati#es *y consan&inity or affinity $ithin the fo&rth ci#il 'eree of the Presi'ent shall not '&rin his ten&re *e appointe' as mem*ers of the (onstit&tional (ommissions. or the Office of the Om*&'sman. or as 8ecretaries. ;n'ersecretaries. chairmen or hea's of *&rea&s or offices. incl&'in o#ernment7o$ne' or controlle' corporations an' theirs&*si'iaries38E(TION 1A3 Appointments e6ten'e' *y an Actin Presi'ent shall remain effecti#e. &nless re#o:e' *y the electe' Presi'ent $ithin ninety 'ays from his ass&mption or reass&mption of office38E(TION 1C3 T$o months imme'iately *efore the ne6t presi'ential elections an' &p to the en' of his term. a Presi'ent or Actin Presi'ent shall not ma:e appointments. e6cept temporary appointments to e6ec&ti#e positions $hen contin&e' #acancies therein $ill pre%&'ice p&*lic ser#ice or en'aner p&*lic safety38E(TION 1D3 The Presi'ent shall nominate an'. $ith the consent of the (ommission on Appointments. appoint the hea's of the e6ec&ti#e 'epartments. am*assa'ors. other p&*lic ministers an' cons&ls. or officers of the arme' forces from the ran: of colonel or na#al captain. an' other officers $hose appointments are #este' in him in this (onstit&tion3 He shall also appoint all other officers of the )o#ernment $hose appointments are not other$ise pro#i'e' for *y la$. an' those $hom he may *e a&thoriBe' *y la$ to appoint3 The (onress may. *y la$. #est the appointment of other officers lo$er in ran: in the Presi'ent alone. in the co&rts. or in the hea's of 'epartments. aencies. commissions. or *oar's3The Presi'ent shall ha#e the po$er to ma:e appointments '&rin the recess of the (onress. $hether #ol&ntary or comp&lsory. *&t s&ch appointments shall *e effecti#e only &ntil after 'isappro#al *y the (ommission on Appointments or &ntil the ne6t a'%o&rnment of the (onress38E(TION 1?3 The Presi'ent shall ha#e control of all the e6ec&ti#e 'epartments. *&rea&s. an' offices3 He shall ens&re that the la$s *e faithf&lly e6ec&te'38E(TION 1,3 The Presi'ent shall *e the (omman'er7in7(hief of all arme' forces of the Philippines an' $hene#er it *ecomes necessary. he may call o&t s&ch arme' forces to pre#ent or s&ppress la$less #iolence. in#asion or re*ellion3 In case of in#asion or re*ellion. $hen the p&*lic safety re5&ires it. he may. for a perio' not e6cee'in si6ty 'ays. s&spen' the pri#ilee of the $rit of ha*eas corp&s or place the Philippines or any part thereof &n'er martial la$3 /ithin forty7eiht ho&rs from the proclamation of martial la$ or the s&spension of the pri#ilee of the $rit of ha*eas corp&s. the Presi'ent shall s&*mit a report in person or in $ritin to the (onress3 The (onress. #otin %ointly. *y a #ote of at least a ma%ority of all its >em*ers in re&lar or special session. may re#o:e s&ch proclamation or s&spension. $hich re#ocation shall not *e set asi'e *y the Presi'ent3 ;pon the initiati#e of the Presi'ent. the (onress may. in the same manner. e6ten' s&ch proclamation or s&spension for a perio' to *e 'etermine' *y the (onress. if the in#asion or re*ellion shall persist an' p&*lic safety re5&ires it3The (onress. if not in session. shall. $ithin t$enty7fo&r ho&rs follo$in s&ch proclamation or s&spension. con#ene in accor'ance $ith its r&les $itho&t any nee' of a call3The 8&preme (o&rt may re#ie$. in an appropriate procee'in file' *y any citiBen. the s&fficiency of the fact&al *asis of the proclamation of martial la$ or the s&spension of the pri#ilee of the $rit or the e6tension thereof. an' m&st prom&late its 'ecision thereon $ithin thirty 'ays from its filin3A state of martial la$ 'oes not s&spen' the operation of the (onstit&tion. nor s&pplant the f&nctionin of the ci#il co&rts or leislati#e assem*lies. nor a&thoriBe the conferment of %&ris'iction on military co&rts an' aencies o#er ci#ilians $here ci#il co&rts are a*le to f&nction. nor a&tomatically s&spen' the pri#ilee of the $rit3The s&spension of the pri#ilee of the $rit shall apply only to persons %&'icially chare' for re*ellion or offenses inherent in or 'irectly connecte' $ith the in#asion3@&rin the s&spension of the pri#ilee of the $rit. any person th&s arreste' or 'etaine' shall *e %&'icially chare' $ithin three 'ays. other$ise he shall *e release'38E(TION 1-3 E6cept in cases of impeachment. or as other$ise pro#i'e' in this (onstit&tion. the Presi'ent may rant reprie#es. comm&tations an' par'ons. an' remit fines an' forfeit&res. after con#iction *y final %&'ment3He shall also ha#e the po$er to rant amnesty $ith the conc&rrence of a ma%ority of all the >em*ers of the (onress38E(TION "03 The Presi'ent may contract or &arantee forein loans on *ehalf of the Rep&*lic of the Philippines $ith the prior conc&rrence of the >onetary 1oar'. an' s&*%ect to s&ch limitations as may *e pro#i'e' *y la$3 The >onetary 1oar' shall. $ithin thirty 'ays from the en' of e#ery 5&arter of the calen'ar year. s&*mit to the (onress a complete report of its 'ecisions on applications for loans to *e contracte' or &arantee' *y the )o#ernment or o#ernment7o$ne' an' controlle' corporations $hich $o&l' ha#e the effect of increasin the forein 'e*t. an' containin other matters as may *e pro#i'e' *yla$38E(TION "13 No treaty or international areement shall *e #ali' an' effecti#e &nless conc&rre' in *y at least t$o7thir's of all the >em*ers of the 8enate38E(TION ""3 The Presi'ent shall s&*mit to the (onress $ithin thirty 'ays from the openin of e#ery re&lar session. as the *asis of the eneral appropriations *ill. a *&'et of e6pen'it&res an' so&rces of financin. incl&'in receipts from e6istin an' propose' re#en&e meas&res38E(TION "23 The Presi'ent shall a''ress the (onress at the openin of its re&lar session3 He may also appear *efore it at any other time3ARTI(LE =IIIE&'icial @epartment8E(TION 13 The %&'icial po$er shall *e #este' in one 8&preme (o&rt an' in s&ch lo$er co&rts as may *e esta*lishe' *y la$3E&'icial po$er incl&'es the '&ty of the co&rts of %&stice to settle act&al contro#ersies in#ol#in rihts $hich are leally 'eman'a*le an' enforcea*le. an' to 'etermine $hether or not there has *een a ra#e a*&se of 'iscretion amo&ntin to lac: or e6cess of %&ris'iction on the part of any *ranch or instr&mentality of the )o#ernment38E(TION "3 The (onress shall ha#e the po$er to 'efine. prescri*e. an' apportion the %&ris'iction of #ario&s co&rts *&t may not 'epri#e the 8&preme (o&rt of its %&ris'iction o#er cases en&merate' in 8ection C hereof3No la$ shall *e passe' reoraniBin the E&'iciary $hen it &n'ermines the sec&rity of ten&re of its >em*ers38E(TION 23 The E&'iciary shall en%oy fiscal a&tonomy3 Appropriations for the E&'iciary may not *e re'&ce' *y the leislat&re *elo$ the amo&nt appropriate' for the pre#io&s year an'. after appro#al. shall *e a&tomatically an' re&larly release'38E(TION A3 +1) The 8&preme (o&rt shall *e compose' of a (hief E&stice an' fo&rteen Associate E&stices3 It may sit en *anc or in its 'iscretion. in 'i#isions of three. fi#e. or se#en >em*ers3 Any #acancy shall *e fille' $ithin ninety 'ays from theocc&rrence thereof3+") All cases in#ol#in the constit&tionality of a treaty. international or e6ec&ti#e areement. or la$. $hich shall *e hear' *y the 8&preme (o&rt en *anc. an' all other cases $hich &n'er the R&les of (o&rt are re5&ire' to *e hear' en *anc. incl&'in those in#ol#in the constit&tionality. application. or operation of presi'ential 'ecrees. proclamations. or'ers. instr&ctions. or'inances. an' other re&lations. shall *e 'eci'e' $ith the conc&rrence of a ma%ority of the >em*ers $ho act&ally too: part in the 'eli*erations on the iss&es in the case an' #ote' thereon3+2) (ases or matters hear' *y a 'i#ision shall *e 'eci'e' or resol#e' $ith the conc&rrence of a ma%ority of the >em*ers $ho act&ally too: part in the 'eli*erations on the iss&es in the case an' #ote' thereon. an' in no case. $itho&t the conc&rrence of at least three of s&ch >em*ers3 /hen the re5&ire' n&m*er is not o*taine'. the case shall *e 'eci'e' en *anc: Pro#i'e'. that no 'octrine or principle of la$ lai' 'o$n *y the co&rt in a 'ecision ren'ere' en *anc or in 'i#ision may *e mo'ifie' or re#erse' e6cept *y the co&rt sittin en *anc38E(TION C3 The 8&preme (o&rt shall ha#e the follo$in po$ers:+1) E6ercise oriinal %&ris'iction o#er cases affectin am*assa'ors. other p&*lic ministers an' cons&ls. an' o#er petitions forcertiorari. prohi*ition. man'am&s. 5&o $arranto. an' ha*eas corp&s3+") Re#ie$. re#ise. re#erse. mo'ify. or affirm on appeal or certiorari. as the la$ or the R&les of (o&rt may pro#i'e. final %&'ments an' or'ers of lo$er co&rts in:+a) All cases in $hich the constit&tionality or #ali'ity of any treaty. international or e6ec&ti#e areement. la$. presi'ential 'ecree. proclamation. or'er. instr&ction. or'inance. or re&lation is in 5&estion3+*) All cases in#ol#in the leality of any ta6. impost. assessment. or toll. or any penalty impose' in relation thereto3+c) All cases in $hich the %&ris'iction of any lo$er co&rt is in iss&e3+') All criminal cases in $hich the penalty impose' is recl&sion perpet&a or hiher3+e) All cases in $hich only an error or 5&estion of la$ is in#ol#e'3+2) Assin temporarily %&'es of lo$er co&rts to other stations as p&*lic interest may re5&ire3 8&ch temporary assinment shall not e6cee' si6 months $itho&t the consent of the %&'e concerne'3+A) Or'er a chane of #en&e or place of trial to a#oi' a miscarriae of %&stice3+C) Prom&late r&les concernin the protection an' enforcement of constit&tional rihts. plea'in. practice. an' proce'&re inall co&rts. the a'mission to the practice of la$. the Interate' 1ar. an' leal assistance to the &n'erpri#ilee'3 8&ch r&les shall pro#i'e a simplifie' an' ine6pensi#e proce'&re for the spee'y 'isposition of cases. shall *e &niform for all co&rts of the same ra'e. an' shall not 'iminish. increase. or mo'ify s&*stanti#e rihts3 R&les of proce'&re of special co&rts an' 5&asi7%&'icial *o'ies shall remain effecti#e &nless 'isappro#e' *y the 8&preme (o&rt3+D) Appoint all officials an' employees of the E&'iciary in accor'ance $ith the (i#il 8er#ice La$38E(TION D3 The 8&preme (o&rt shall ha#e a'ministrati#e s&per#ision o#er all co&rts an' the personnel thereof38E(TION ?3 +1) No person shall *e appointe' >em*er of the 8&preme (o&rt or any lo$er colleiate co&rt &nless he is a nat&ral7*orn citiBen of the Philippines3 A >em*er of the 8&preme (o&rt m&st *e at least forty years of ae. an' m&st ha#e *een for fifteen years or more a %&'e of a lo$er co&rt or enae' in the practice of la$ in the Philippines3+") The (onress shall prescri*e the 5&alifications of %&'es of lo$er co&rts. *&t no person may *e appointe' %&'e thereof &nless he is a citiBen of the Philippines an' a mem*er of the Philippine 1ar3+2) A >em*er of the E&'iciary m&st *e a person of pro#en competence. interity. pro*ity. an' in'epen'ence38E(TION ,3 +1) A E&'icial an' 1ar (o&ncil is here*y create' &n'er the s&per#ision of the 8&preme (o&rt compose' of the (hief E&stice as e6 officio (hairman. the 8ecretary of E&stice. an' a representati#e of the (onress as e6 officio >em*ers. a representati#e of the Interate' 1ar. a professor of la$. a retire' >em*er of the 8&preme (o&rt. an' a representati#e of the pri#ate sector3+") The re&lar >em*ers of the (o&ncil shall *e appointe' *y the Presi'ent for a term of fo&r years $ith the consent of the (ommission on Appointments3 Of the >em*ers first appointe'. the representati#e of the Interate' 1ar shall ser#e for fo&r years. the professor of la$ for three years. the retire' E&stice for t$o years. an' the representati#e of the pri#ate sector for one year3+2) The (ler: of the 8&preme (o&rt shall *e the 8ecretary e6 officio of the (o&ncil an' shall :eep a recor' of its procee'ins3+A) The re&lar >em*ers of the (o&ncil shall recei#e s&ch emol&ments as may *e 'etermine' *y the 8&preme (o&rt3 The 8&preme (o&rt shall pro#i'e in its ann&al *&'et the appropriations for the (o&ncil3+C) The (o&ncil shall ha#e the principal f&nction of recommen'in appointees to the E&'iciary3 It may e6ercise s&ch other f&nctions an' '&ties as the 8&preme (o&rt may assin to it38E(TION -3 The >em*ers of the 8&preme (o&rt an' %&'es of lo$er co&rts shall *e appointe' *y the Presi'ent from a list of at least three nominees prepare' *y the E&'icial an' 1ar (o&ncil for e#ery #acancy3 8&ch appointments nee' no confirmation34or the lo$er co&rts. the Presi'ent shall iss&e the appointments $ithin ninety 'ays from the s&*mission of the list38E(TION 103 The salary of the (hief E&stice an' of the Associate E&stices of the 8&preme (o&rt. an' of %&'es of lo$er co&rts shall *e fi6e' *y la$3 @&rin their contin&ance in office. their salary shall not *e 'ecrease'38E(TION 113 The >em*ers of the 8&preme (o&rt an' %&'es of lo$er co&rts shall hol' office '&rin oo' *eha#ior &ntil they reache' the ae of se#enty years or *ecome incapacitate' to 'ischare the '&ties of their office3 The 8&preme (o&rt en *anc shall ha#e the po$er to 'iscipline %&'es of lo$er co&rts. or or'er their 'ismissal *y a #ote of a ma%ority of the >em*ers $ho act&ally too: part in the 'eli*erations on the iss&es in the case an' #ote' thereon38E(TION 1"3 The >em*ers of the 8&preme (o&rt an' of other co&rts esta*lishe' *y la$ shall not *e 'esinate' to any aency performin 5&asi7%&'icial or a'ministrati#e f&nctions38E(TION 123 The concl&sions of the 8&preme (o&rt in any case s&*mitte' to it for 'ecision en *anc or in 'i#ision shall *e reache' in cons&ltation *efore the case is assine' to a >em*er for the $ritin of the opinion of the (o&rt3 A certification to this effect sine' *y the (hief E&stice shall *e iss&e' an' a copy thereof attache' to the recor' of the case an' ser#e' &ponthe parties3 Any >em*er $ho too: no part. or 'issente'. or a*staine' from a 'ecision or resol&tion m&st state the reason therefor3 The same re5&irements shall *e o*ser#e' *y all lo$er colleiate co&rts38E(TION 1A3 No 'ecision shall *e ren'ere' *y any co&rt $itho&t e6pressin therein clearly an' 'istinctly the facts an' the la$ on $hich it is *ase'3No petition for re#ie$ or motion for reconsi'eration of a 'ecision of the co&rt shall *e ref&se' '&e co&rse or 'enie' $itho&t statin the leal *asis therefor38E(TION 1C3 +1) All cases or matters file' after the effecti#ity of this (onstit&tion m&st *e 'eci'e' or resol#e' $ithin t$enty7fo&r months from 'ate of s&*mission for the 8&preme (o&rt. an'. &nless re'&ce' *y the 8&preme (o&rt. t$el#e months for all lo$er colleiate co&rts. an' three months for all other lo$er co&rts3+") A case or matter shall *e 'eeme' s&*mitte' for 'ecision or resol&tion &pon the filin of the last pen'in. *rief. or memoran'&m re5&ire' *y the R&les of (o&rt or *y the co&rt itself3+2) ;pon the e6piration of the correspon'in perio'. a certification to this effect sine' *y the (hief E&stice or the presi'in %&'e shall forth$ith *e iss&e' an' a copy thereof attache' to the recor' of the case or matter. an' ser#e' &pon the parties3 The certification shall state $hy a 'ecision or resol&tion has not *een ren'ere' or iss&e' $ithin sai' perio'3+A) @espite the e6piration of the applica*le man'atory perio'. the co&rt. $itho&t pre%&'ice to s&ch responsi*ility as may ha#e*een inc&rre' in conse5&ence thereof. shall 'eci'e or resol#e the case or matter s&*mitte' thereto for 'etermination. $itho&t f&rther 'elay38E(TION 1D3 The 8&preme (o&rt shall. $ithin thirty 'ays from the openin of each re&lar session of the (onress. s&*mitto the Presi'ent an' the (onress an ann&al report on the operations an' acti#ities of the E&'iciary3