Philippine Constitution (1987) Principles

Preamble
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State.
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority
in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government emanates from them.
that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national
good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves
policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as
and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under
part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality,
the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality,
justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and
the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the
ARTICLE l NATIONAL TERRITORY integrity of the national territory.
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect
islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the
which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under
terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.
seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life,
The waters around between, the connecting the islands of the liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are
archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, from part of essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of
the internal waters of the Philippines. democracy.
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

State Policies
ARTICLE II Declaration of Principles and State Policies
Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its
relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the
right to self- determination.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people
adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
territory. harmony of nature.
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and
that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and
the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living,and an liberation and development.
improved quality of life for all. Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force.
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.
national development. Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.
guarantees full respect for human rights. Section 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to
protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social needed investments.
institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural
the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of development and agrarian reform.
parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the
development of moral character shall receive the support of the Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of
Government. indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity
and development.
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, Section 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental,
intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth community-based,or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public of the nation.
and civic affairs. Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, information in nation-building.
and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local
and men. governments.
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities
the people and instill health consciousness among them. for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by
law.
Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of
public service and take positive and effective measures against graft religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and
and corruption. enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be
State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its required for the exercise of civil or political rights.
transactions involving public interest. Section 6. The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the
limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order
of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the
interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be
ARTICLE III Bill of Rights
provided by law.
Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property Section 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public
without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to
protection of the laws. documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or
decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for
Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons,
policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such
houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and
limitations as may be provided by law.
seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable,
and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon Section 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the
probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for
examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.
witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be Section 9. Private property shall not be taken for public use without
searched and the persons or things to be seized. just compensation.
Section 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall Section 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be
be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public passed.
safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.
Section 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and
(2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason
shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding. of poverty.
Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of Section 12. (1) Any person under investigation for the commission of
expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain
assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of
his own choice. If the person cannot afford the services of counsel, he
must be provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in Section 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be
writing and in the presence of counsel. suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public
(2) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other safety requires it.
means which violate the free will shall be used against him. Secret Section 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of
detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of their cases before all judicial, quasijudicial, or administrative bodies.
detention are prohibited. Section 17. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against
(3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or himself.
Section 17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence against him. Section 18. (1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his
(4) The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations political beliefs and aspirations.
of this section as well as compensation to the rehabilitation of victims (2) No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a
of torture or similar practices, and their families. punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly
Section 13. All persons, except those charged with offenses convicted.
punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, Section 19. (1) Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel,
shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or be degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty
released on recognizance as may be provided by law. The right to bail be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes,
shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any death penalty already
corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required. imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.
Section 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal (2) The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading
offense without due process of law. punishment against any prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard
(2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions shall be dealt
innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be with by law.
heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause Section 20. No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment
of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public of a poll tax.
trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory
process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of Section 21. No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment
evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment, trial may proceed for the same offense. If an act is punished by a law and an ordinance,
notwithstanding the absence of the accused provided that he has been conviction or acquittal under either shall constitute a bar to another
duly notified and his failure to appear is unjustifiable. prosecution for the same act.
Section 22. No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.
ARTICLE IV Citizenship Section 2. The Congress shall provide a system for securing the
secrecy and sanctity of the ballot as well as a system for absentee
Section 1. The following are citizens of the Philippines: voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.
1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the The Congress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and the
adoption of this Constitution; illiterates to vote without the assistance of other persons. Until then,
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines; they shall be allowed to vote under existing laws and such rules as the
3. Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who Commission on Elections may promulgate to protect the secrecy of the
elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and ballot.
4. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

Section 2. Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of the ARTICLE VI The Legislative Department
Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to
acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. Those who elect Section 1. The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the
Philippine citizenship in accordance with paragraph (3), Section Philippines which shall consist of a
1 hereof shall be deemed natural-born citizens. Section 3. Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved
Philippine citizenship may be lost or reacquired in the manner to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.
provided by law.
Section 2. The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who
Section 4. Citizens of the Philippines who marry aliens shall retain their shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as
citizenship, unless by their act or omission they are deemed, under the may be provided by law.
law, to have renounced it.
Section 3. No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born
Section 5. Dual allegiance of citizens is inimical to the national interest citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least
and shall be dealt with by law. thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and
a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately
preceding the day of the election.
ARTICLE V Suffrage Section 4. The term of office of the Senators shall be six years and
shall commence, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the
Section 1. Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines thirtieth day of June next following their election. No Senator shall
not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least eighteen years of serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of
age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one year the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an
and in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he
immediately preceding the election.No literacy, property, or other was elected.
substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of suffrage.
Section 5. (1) The House of Representatives shall be composed of not Section 7. The Members of the House of Representatives shall be
more than two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by elected for a term of three years which shall begin, unless otherwise
law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following
the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance their election. No Member of the House of Representatives shall serve
with the number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the
uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption
be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.
and sectoral parties or organizations. Section 8. Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of
(2) The party-list representatives shall constitute twenty per centum the Senators and the Members of the House of Representatives shall
of the total number of representatives including those under the party be held on the second Monday of May.
list. For three consecutive terms after the ratification of this Section 9. In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of
Constitution, one-half of the seats allocated to party-list Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in
representatives shall be filled, as provided by law, by selection or the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House
election from the labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.
communities, women, youth, and such other sectors as may be
provided by law,except the religious sector. Section 10. The salaries of Senators and Members of the House of
Representatives shall be determined by law. No increase in said
(3) Each legislative district shall comprise, as far as compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term
practicable,continguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Each city of all the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives
with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each approving such increase.
province, shall have at least one representative.
Section 11. A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives
(4) Within three years following the return of every census, the shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years
Congress shall make a reapportionment of legislative districts based on imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress is in
the standards provided in this section. session. No Member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other
Section 6. No person shall be a Member of the House of place for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee
Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines thereof.
and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty-five years of age, Section 12. All Members of the Senate and the House of
able to read and write, and, except the party-list representatives, a Representatives shall, upon assumption of office, make a full disclosure
registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a of their financial and business interests. They shall notify the House
resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may arise from the
preceding the day of the election. filing of a proposed legislation of which they are authors.
Section 13. No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives (3) Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish
may hold any other office or employment in the Government, or any its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-
subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government- thirds of all its Members,suspend or expel a Member. A penalty of
owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries, during his term suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed sixty days.
without forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be appointed to any office (4) Each House shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from time
which may have been created or the emoluments thereof increased to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in its judgment,
during the term for which he was elected. affect national security; and the yeas and nays on any question shall,
Section 14. No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives at the request of one-fifth of the Members present, be entered in the
may personally appear as counsel before any court of justice or before Journal. Each House shall also keep a Record of its proceedings.
the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other administrative (5) Neither House during the sessions of the Congress shall, without
bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested financially the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any
in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality
thereof, including any governmentowned or controlled corporation, or Section 17. The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each
its subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall not intervene in any have an Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests
matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit relating to the election,returns, and qualifications of their respective
or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office. Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be composed of nine
Members,three of whom shall be Justices of the Supreme Court to be
Section 15. The Congress shall convene once every year on the fourth designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be
Monday of July for its regular session, unless a different date is fixed Members of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case
by law, and shall continue to be in session for such number of days as maybe, who shall be chosen on the basis of proportional representation
it may determine until thirty days before the opening of its next regular from the political parties and the parties or organizations registered
session, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The under the party-list system represented therein. The senior Justice in
President may call a special session at any time. the Electoral Tribunal shall be its Chairman.
Section 16. (1). The Senate shall elect its President and the House of Section 18. There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting
Representatives its Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective of the President of the Senate, as ex officio Chairman, twelve
Members. Each House shall choose such other officers as it may deem Senators, and twelve Members of the House of Representatives,
necessary.
elected by each House on the basis of proportional representation
(2) A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do from the political parties and parties or organizations registered
business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may under the party-list system represented therein. The chairman of the
compel the attendance of absent Members in such manner, and under Commission shall not vote, except in case of a tie. The Commission
such penalties, as such House may provide. shall act on all appointments submitted to it within thirty session days
of the Congress from their submission. The Commission shall rule by Section 23. (1) The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses
a majority vote of all the Members. in joint session assembled, voting separately, shall have the sole power
Section 19. The Electoral Tribunals and the Commission on to declare the existence of a state of war.
Appointments shall be constituted within thirty days after the Senate (2) In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may, by
and the House of Representatives shall have been organized with the law, authorize the President, for a limited period and subject to such
election of the President and the Speaker. The Commission on restrictions as it may prescribe, to exercise powers necessary and
Appointments shall meet only while the Congress is in session, at the proper to carry out a declared national policy. Unless sooner withdrawn
call of its Chairman or a majority of all its Members, to discharge such by resolution of the Congress, such powers shall cease upon the next
powers and functions as are herein conferred upon it. adjournment thereof.
Section 20. The records and books of accounts of the Congress shall Section 24. All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills, bills authorizing
be preserved and be open to the public in accordance with law, and increase of the public debt, bills of local application, and private bills
such books shall be audited by the Commission on Audit which shall hall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the
publish annually an itemized list of amounts paid to and expenses Senate may propose or concur with amendments.
incurred for each Member. Section 25. (1) The Congress may not increase the appropriations
Section 21. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its recommended by the President for the operation of the Government as
respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in specified in the budget. The form,content, and manner of preparation
accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of of the budget shall be prescribed by law.
persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected. (2) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general
Section 22. The heads of departments may upon their own initiative, appropriations bill unless it relates specifically to some particular
with the consent of the President, or upon the request of either House, appropriation therein. Any such provision or enactment shall be limited
as the rules of each House shall provide, appear before and be heard in its operation to the appropriation to which it relates.
by such House on any matter pertaining to their departments. Written (3) The procedure in approving appropriations for the Congress shall
questions shall be submitted to the President of the Senate or the strictly follow the procedure for approving appropriations for other
Speaker of the House of Representatives at least three days before departments and agencies.
their scheduled appearance. Interpellations shall not be limited to
written questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the (4) A special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for which it
security of the State or the public interest so requires and the President is intended, and shall be supported by funds actually available as
so states in writing, the appearance shall be conducted in executive certified by the National Treasurer, or to be raised by a corresponding
session. revenue proposal therein.
(5) No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations;
however, the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the
and the heads of Constitutional Commissions may, by law,be Members of that House, it shall become a law. In all such cases, the
authorized to augment any item in the general appropriations law for votes of each House shall be determined by yeas or nays, and the
their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective names of the Members voting for or against shall be entered in its
appropriations. Journal. The President shall communicate his veto of any bill to the
(6) Discretionary funds appropriated for particular officials shall be House where it originated within thirty days after the date of receipt
disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate thereof, otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had signed it.
vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law. (2) The President shall have the power to veto any particular item or
(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to items in an appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill, but the veto shall not
pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the affect the item or items to which he does not object.
general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be Section 28. (1) The rule of taxation shall be uniform and equitable.
deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general The Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.
appropriations bill is passed by the Congress. (2) The Congress may, by law, authorize the President to fix within
Section 26. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only specified limits, and subject to such limitations and restrictions as it
one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof. may impose, tariff rates, import and export quotas, tonnage and
(2) No bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has wharfage dues, and other duties or imposts within the framework of
passed three readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in the national development program of the Government.
its final form have been distributed to its Members three days before (3) Charitable institutions, churches and parsonages or convents
its passage, except when the President certifies to the necessity of its appurtenant thereto, mosques, non- profit cemeteries, and all lands,
immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency. Upon buildings, and improvements, actually, directly, and exclusively used
the last reading of a bill, no amendment thereto shall be allowed, and for religious, charitable, or educational purposes shall be exempt from
the vote thereon shall be taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas taxation.
and nays entered in the Journal. (4) No law granting any tax exemption shall be passed without the
Section 27. (1) Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress.
becomes a law, be presented to the President. Section 29. (1) No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in
If he approves the same he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it and pursuance of an appropriation made by law.
return the same with his objections to the House where it originated,
which shall enter the objections at large in its Journal and proceed to (2) No public money or property shall be appropriated, applied,paid,
reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the or employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of
Members of such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, any sect, church,denomination, sectarian institution, or system of
together with the objections,to the other House by which it shall religion, or of any priest, preacher, minister, other religious teacher, or
dignitary as such, except when such priest, preacher, minister, or resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding
dignitary is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, such election.
or government orphanage or leprosarium. Section 3. There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the same
(3) All money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall qualifications and term of office and be elected with and in the same
be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only. If the manner as the President. He may be removed from office in the same
purpose for which a special fund was created has been fulfilled or manner as the President.
abandoned, the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the general The Vice-President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet. Such
funds of the Government. appointment requires no confirmation.
Section 30. No law shall be passed increasing the appellate jurisdiction Section 4. The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by
of the Supreme Court as provided in this Constitution without its advice direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at
and concurrence. noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election
Section 31. No law granting a title of royalty or nobility shall be and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter. The
enacted. President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who has
Section 32. The Congress shall, as early as possible, provide for a succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four
system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.
whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or No Vice-President shall serve for more than two successive terms.
reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be
legislative body after the registration of a petition therefor signed by considered as an interruption in the continuity of the service for the full
at least ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of term for which he was elected.
which every legislative district must be represented by at least three Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election for President and
per centum of the registered voters thereof. VicePresident shall be held on the second Monday of May.
The returns of every election for President and Vice-President, duly
certified by the board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be
ARTICLE VII Executive Department transmitted to the Congress, directed to the President of the Senate.
Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the President of the Senate
Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in the President of the shall, not later than thirty days after the day of the election, open all
Philippines. the certificates in the presence of the Senate and the House of
Section 2. No person may be elected President unless he is a natural- Representatives in joint public session, and the Congress, upon
born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and determination of the authenticity and due execution thereof in the
write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a manner provided by law, canvass the votes.
The person having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed If the President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice-President-elect shall act
elected, but in case two or more shall have an equal and highest as President until the President-elect shall have qualified.
number of votes, one of them shall forthwith be chosen by the vote of If a President shall not have been chosen, the Vice-President-elect shall
a majority of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting act as President until a President shall have been chosen and qualified.
separately.
If at the beginning of the term of the President, the President-elect
The Congress shall promulgate its rules for the canvassing of the shall have died or shall have become permanently disabled, the Vice-
certificates. President-elect shall become President.
The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall be the sole judge of all Where no President and Vice-President shall have been chosen or shall
contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the have qualified, or where both shall have died or become permanently
President or Vice-President, and may promulgate its rules for the disabled, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the
purpose. Speaker of the House of Representatives shall act as President until a
Section 5. Before they enter on the execution of their office, the President or a Vice-President shall have been chosen and qualified.
President, the Vice-President, or the Acting President shall take the The Congress shall, by law, provide for the manner in which one who
following oath or affirmation: is to act as President shall be selected until a President or a Vice-
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously President shall have qualified, in case of death, permanent disability,
fulfill my duties as President (or VicePresident or Acting President) of or inability of the officials mentioned in the next preceding paragraph.
the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, Section 8. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office,
do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the or resignation of the President, the VicePresident shall become the
Nation. So help me God." (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death, permanent
omitted.) disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the President and
Section 6. The President shall have an official residence. The salaries Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability,
of the President and Vice-President shall be determined by law and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall then act as
shall not be decreased during their tenure. No increase in said President until the President or Vice-President shall have been elected
compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the term of and qualified.
the incumbent during which such increase was approved. They shall The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case
not receive during their tenure any other emolument from the of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the Acting President.
Government or any other source. He shall serve until the President or the Vice-President shall have been
Section 7. The President-elect and the Vice-President-elect shall elected and qualified, and be subject to the same restrictions of powers
assume office at the beginning of their terms. and disqualifications as the Acting President.
Section 9. Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice- immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting
President during the term for which he was elected, the President shall President.
nominate a Vice-President from among the Members of the Senate and Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President of the Senate
the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written
confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of declaration that no inability exists, he shall reassume the powers and
the Congress, voting separately. duties of his office. Meanwhile, should a majority of all the Members of
Section 10. The Congress shall, at ten o'clock in the morning of the the Cabinet transmit within five days to the President of the Senate
third day after the vacancy in the offices of the President and Vice- and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written
President occurs, convene in accordance with its rules without need of declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and
a call and within seven days enact a law calling for a special election to duties of his office, the Congress shall decide the issue. For that
elect a President and a Vice-President to be held not earlier than forty- purpose, the Congress shall convene, if it is not in session, within forty-
five days nor later than sixty days from the time of such call. The bill eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of call.
calling such special election shall be deemed certified under paragraph If the Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written
2, Section 26, Article V1 of this Constitution and shall become law upon declaration, or, if not in session, within twelve days after it is required
its approval on third reading by the Congress. Appropriations for the to assemble, determines by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, voting
special election shall be charged against any current appropriations and separately, that the President is unable to discharge the powers and
shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, duties of his office, the Vice- President shall act as President;
Article V1 of this Constitution. The convening of the Congress cannot otherwise, the President shall continue exercising the powers and
be suspended nor the special election postponed. No special election duties of his office.
shall be called if the vacancy occurs within eighteen months before the
date of the next presidential election. Section 12. In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall
be informed of the state of his health. The members of the Cabinet in
Section 11. Whenever the President transmits to the President of the charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff
Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shall not be denied access to
declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his the President during such illness.
office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the
contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice- Section 13. The President, Vice-President, the Members of the
President as Acting President. Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise
provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment
Whenever a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit to the during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure, directly or
President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any business, or
Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable be financially interested in any contract with, or in any franchise, or
to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice-President shall special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision,
agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment of the
controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid Congress.
conflict of interest in the conduct of their office. Section 17. The President shall have control of all the executive
The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth departments, bureaus, and offices. He shall ensure that the laws be
civil degree of the President shall not during his tenure be appointed faithfully executed.
as Members of the Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Section 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all
Ombudsman, or a Secretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary,
bureaus or offices, including governmentowned or controlled he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless
corporations and their subsidiaries. violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when
Section 14. Appointments extended by an Acting President shall the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty
remain effective, unless revoked by the elected President within days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the
ninety days from his assumption or reassumption of office. Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight
Section 15. Two months immediately before the next presidential hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the
elections and up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a
shall not make appointments, except temporary appointments to report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting
executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or
public service or endanger public safety. special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which
revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative
Section 16. The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such
Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the
departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety
officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, requires it.
and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this
Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Government The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours
whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with
whom he may be authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by its rules without need of a call.
law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by
President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of
agencies, commissions, or boards. martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the
The President shall have the power to make appointments during the extension thereof, and must its decision thereon within thirty days from
recess of the Congress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such its filing.
appointments shall be effective only until disapproval by the
A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Section 22. The President shall submit to the Congress within thirty
Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or days from the opening of every regular session, as the basis of the
legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on general appropriations bill, a budget of expenditures and sources of
military courts and agencies over where civil courts are able to financing, including receipts from existing and proposed revenue
function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ. measures.
The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons Section 23. The President shall address the Congress at the opening
judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly of its regular session. He may also appear before it at any other time.
connected with invasion.
During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus
arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, ARTICLE VIII Judicial Department
otherwise he shall be released.
Section 19. Except in cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court
in this Constitution, the President may grant reprieves, commutations, and in such lower courts as may be established by law.
and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction by final Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual
judgment. controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and
He shall also have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave
a majority of all the Members of the Congress. abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the
part of any branch or instrumentality of the Government.
Section 20. The President may contract or guarantee foreign loans on
behalf of the Republic of the Philippines with the prior concurrence of Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe,
the Monetary Board, and subject to such limitations as may be provided and apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts but may not
by law. The Monetary Board shall, within thirty days from the end of deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated
every quarter of the calendar year, submit to the Congress a complete in Section 5 hereof. No law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary
report of its decision on applications for loans to be contracted or
when it under-mines the security of tenure of its Members.
guaranteed by the Government or government-owned and controlled
corporations which would have the effect of increasing the foreign debt, Section 3. The Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations
and containing other matters as may be provided by law. for the Judiciary may not be reduced by the legislature below the
Section 21. No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and amount appropriated for the previous year and, after approval, shall
effective unless concurred in by at least twothirds of all the Members be automatically and regularly released.
of the Senate. Section 4. (1) The Supreme Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice
and fourteen Associate Justices. It may sit en banc or in its discretion,
in division of three, five, or seven Members. Any vacancy shall be filled 1. All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost,
within ninety days from the occurrence thereof. assessment, or toll, or any penalty imposed in relation
(2) All cases involving the constitutionality of a treaty, international thereto.
2. All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in
or executive agreement, or law, which shall be heard by the Supreme
Court en banc, and all other cases which under the Rules of Court are issue.
required to be heard en banc, including those involving the 3. All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion

constitutionality, application, or operation of presidential decrees, perpetua or higher.

proclamations, orders, instructions, ordinances, and other regulations, 4. All cases in which only an error or question of law is
shall be decided with the concurrence of a majority of the Members involved.
who actually took part in the deliberations on the issues in the case 4. Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as
and voted thereon. public interest may require. Such temporary assignment shall not
exceed six months without the consent of the judge concerned.
(3) Cases or matters heard by a division shall be decided or resolved 5. Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage
with the concurrence of a majority of the Members who actually took of justice.
part in the deliberations on the issues in the case and voted thereon,
6. Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of
and in no case, without the concurrence of at least three of such
constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all
Members. When the required number is not obtained, the case shall be
courts, the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar,
decided en banc: Provided, that no doctrine or principle of law laid
and legal assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall
down by the court in a decision rendered en banc or in division may be
provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy
modified or reversed except by the court sitting en banc.
disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts of the same
Section 5. The Supreme Court shall have the following powers: grade, and shall not diminish, increase, modify substantive
1. Exercise original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial
other public ministers and consuls, and over petitions for bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme
certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas Court.
corpus. 7. Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance
2. Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari with the Civil Service Law.
as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments Section 6. The Supreme Court shall have administrative supervision
and orders of lower courts in: over all courts and the personnel thereof.
3. All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty,
Section 7. (1) No person shall be appointed Member of the Supreme
international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree,
Court or any lower collegiate court unless he is a natural-born citizen
proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in
of the Philippines. A Member of the Supreme Court must be at least
question.
forty years of age, and must have been for fifteen years or more a
judge of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy.
Philippines. Such appointments need no confirmation.
(2) The Congress shall prescribe the qualifications of judges of lower For the lower courts, the President shall issue the appointments within
courts, but no person may be appointed judge thereof unless he is a ninety days from the submission of the list.
citizen of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Bar. Section 10. The salary of the Chief Justice and of the Associate
(3) A Member of the Judiciary must be a person of proven competence, Justices of the Supreme Court, and of judges of lower courts shall be
integrity, probity, and independence. fixed by law. During their continuance in office, their salary shall not
Section 8. (1) A Judicial and Bar Council is hereby created under the be decreased.
supervision of the Supreme Court composed of the Chief Justice as ex Section 11. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower
officio Chairman, the Secretary of Justice, and a representative of the courts shall hold office during good behavior until they reach the age
Congress as ex officio Members, a representative of the Integrated Bar, of seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of
a professor of law, a retired Member of the Supreme Court, and a their office. The Supreme Court en banc shall have the power of
representative of the private sector. discipline judges of lower courts, or order their dismissal by a vote of
(2) The regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the a majority of the Members who actually took part in the deliberations
President for a term of four years with the consent of the Commission on the issues in the case and voted thereon.
on Appointments. Of the Members first appointed, the representative Section 12. The Members of the Supreme Court and of other courts
of the Integrated Bar shall serve for four years, the professor of law for established by law shall not be designated to any agency performing
three years, the retired Justice for two years, and the representative quasi-judicial or administrative functions.
of the private sector for one year. Section 13. The conclusions of the Supreme Court in any case
(3) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio submitted to it for decision en banc or in division shall be reached in
of the Council and shall keep a record of its proceedings. consultation before the case is assigned to a Member for the writing of
(4) The regular Members of the Council shall receive such the opinion of the Court. A certification to this effect signed by the Chief
emoluments as may be determined by the Supreme Court. The Justice shall be issued and a copy thereof attached to the record of the
Supreme Court shall provide in its annual budget the appropriations for case and served upon the parties. Any Members who took no part, or
the Council. dissented, or abstained from a decision or resolution must state the
reason therefor. The same requirements shall be observed by all lower
(5) The Council shall have the principal function of recommending collegiate courts.
appointees to the Judiciary. It may exercise such other functions and
duties as the Supreme Court may assign to it. Section 14. No decision shall be rendered by any court without
expressing therein clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on which
Section 9. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower it is based. No petition for review or motion for reconsideration of a
courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three
decision of the court shall be refused due course or denied without A. Common Provisions
stating the legal basis therefor.
Section 1. The Constitutional Commissions, which shall be
Section 15. (1) All cases or matters filed after the effectivity of this
independent, are the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on
Constitution must be decided or resolved within twenty-four months
Elections, and the Commission on Audit.
from date of submission for the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced
by the Supreme Court, twelve months for all lower collegiate courts, Section 2. No member of a Constitutional Commission shall, during
and three months for all other lower courts. his tenure, hold any other office or employment. Neither shall he
engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management
(2) A case or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision or
or control of any business which in any way may be affected by the
resolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum
functions of his office, nor shall he be financially interested, directly or
required by the Rules of Court or by the court itself.
indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted
(3) Upon the expiration of the corresponding period, a certification by the Government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or
to this effect signed by the Chief Justice or the presiding judge shall instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled
forthwith be issued and a copy thereof attached to the record of the corporations or their subsidiaries.
case or matter, and served upon the parties. The certification shall
Section. 3. The salary of the Chairman and the Commissioners shall
state why a decision or resolution has not been rendered or issued
be fixed by law and shall not be decreased during their tenure.
within said period.
Section 4. The Constitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials
(4) Despite the expiration of the applicable mandatory period, the
and employees in accordance with law.
court, without prejudice to such responsibility as may have been
incurred in consequence thereof, shall decide or resolve the case or Section 5. The Commission shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their
matter submitted thereto for determination, without further delay. approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly
released.
Section 16. The Supreme Court shall, within thirty days from the
opening of each regular session of the Congress, submit to the Section 6. Each Commission en banc may promulgate its own rules
President and the Congress an annual report on the operations and concerning pleadings and practice before it or before any of its offices.
activities of the Judiciary. Such rules however shall not diminish, increase, or modify substantive
rights.
Section 7. Each Commission shall decide by a majority vote of all its
ARTICLE IX CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS Members any case or matter brought before it within sixty days from
the date of its submission for decision or resolution. A case or matter
is deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the
last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by the rules of the
Commission or by the Commission itself. Unless otherwise provided by positions which are policy- determining, primarily confidential, or
this Constitution or by law, any decision, order, or ruling of each highly technical, by competitive examination.
Commission may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari by the (3) No
officer or employee of the civil service shall be removed or
aggrieved party within thirty days from receipt of a copy thereof. suspended except for cause provided by law.
Section 8. Each Commission shall perform such other functions as may (4) Noofficer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or
be provided by law. indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.
(5) The
right to self-organization shall not be denied to government
B. The Civil Service Commission employees.

Section 1. (1) The civil service shall be administered by the Civil (6) Temporary employees of the Government shall be given such
Service Commission composed of a Chairman and two Commissioners protection as may be provided by law.
who shall be naturalborn citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of Section 3. The Civil Service Commission, as the central personnel
their appointment, at least thirtyfive years of age, with proven capacity agency of the Government, shall establish a career service and adopt
for public administration, and must not have been candidates for any measures to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness,
elective position in the elections immediately preceding their progressiveness, and courtesy in the civil service. It shall strengthen
appointment. the merit and rewards system, integrate all human resources
(2) The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the development programs for all levels and ranks, and institutionalize a
President with the consent of the management climate conducive to public accountability. It shall submit
Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years without to the President and the Congress an annual report on its personnel
reappointment. Of those first appointed, the Chairman shall hold office programs.
for seven years, a Commissioner for five years, and another Section 4. All public officers and employees shall take an oath or
Commissioner for three years, without appointment. Appointment to affirmation to uphold and defend this Constitution.
any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
Section 5. The Congress shall provide for the standardization of
In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary
compensation of government officials and employees, including those
or acting capacity.
in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters,
Section 2. (1) The civil service embraces all branches, subdivisions, taking into account the nature of the responsibilities pertaining to, and
instrumentalities, and agencies of the Government, including the qualifications required for their positions.
government owned or controlled corporations with original charters.
Section 6. No candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one
(2) Appointsin the civil service shall be made only according to merit year after such election, be appointed to any office in the Government
and fitness to be determined, as far as practicable, and, except to or any governmentowned or controlled corporations or in any of their
subsidiaries.
Section 7. No elective official shall be eligible for appointment or office for seven years, two Members for five years, and the last
designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his Members for three years, without reappointment. Appointment to any
tenure. vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no
Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or
position, no appointive official shall hold any other office or acting capacity. Section 2. The Commission on Elections shall exercise
employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency or the following powers and functions:
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled (1) Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the
corporations or their subsidiaries. conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall. (2)
Section 8. No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the
receive additional, double, or indirect compensation, unless specifically elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective regional, provincial,
authorized by law, nor accept without the consent of the Congress, any and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all contests involving
present, emolument, office, or title of any kind from any foreign elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of general
government. jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by trial
courts of limited jurisdiction.
Pensions or gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double, or
indirect compensation. Decisions, final orders, or rulings of the Commission on election
contests involving elective municipal and barangay offices shall be
final, executory, and not appealable.
(3) Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions
C. The Commission on Elections
affecting elections, including determination of the number and location
of polling places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and
Section 1. (1) There shall be a Commission on Elections composed of
registration of voters.
Chairman and six Commissioners who shall be natural-born citizens of
the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty- (4) Deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement
five years of age, holders of a college degree, and must not have been agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed
candidates for any elective position in the immediately preceding Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free,
elections. However, a majority thereof, including the Chairman, shall orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.
be members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the (5) Register, after sufficient publication, political parties,
practice of law for at least ten years. organizations, or coalitions which, in addition to other requirements,
(2) The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the must present their platform or program of government; and accredit
President with the consent of the citizens' arms of the Commission on Elections. Religious denominations
Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years without and sects shall not be registered. Those which seek to achieve their
reappointment. Of those first appointed, three Members shall hold goals through violence or unlawful means, or refuse to uphold and
adhere to this Constitution, or which are supported by any foreign Section 4. The Commission may, during the election period, supervise
government shall likewise be refused registration. or regulate the enjoyment or utilization of all franchises or permits for
Financial contributions from foreign governments and their agencies to the operation of transportation and other public utilities, media of
political parties, organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to communication or information, all grants, special privileges, or
elections constitute interference in national affairs, and, when concessions granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency, or
accepted, shall be an additional ground for the cancellation of their instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled
registration with the Commission, in addition to other penalties that corporation or its subsidiary. Such supervision or regulation shall aim
may be prescribed by law. to ensure equal opportunity, equal rates therefor, for public information
campaigns and forums among candidates in connection with the
(6) File, upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions objective of holding free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible
in court for inclusion or exclusion of voters; investigate and, where elections.
appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including
acts or omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and Section 5. No pardon, amnesty, parole, or suspension of sentence for
malpractices. violation of election laws, rules, and regulations shall be granted by the
President without the favorable recommendation of the Commission.
(7) Recommend to the Congress effective measures to minimize
election spending, including limitation of places where propaganda Section 6. A free and open party system shall be allowed to evolve
materials shall be posted, and to prevent and penalize all forms of according to the free choice of the people, subject to the provisions of
election frauds, offenses, malpractices, and nuisance candidacies. this Article.

(8) Recommend to the President the removal of any officer or Section 7. No votes cast in favor of a political party, organization, or
employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary coalition shall be valid, except for those registered under the party-list
action, for violation or disregard of, or disobedience to its directive, system as provided in this Constitution.
order, or decision. Section 8. Political parties, or organizations or coalitions registered
(9) Submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive under the party-list system, shall not be represented in the voters'
report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, registration boards, boards of election inspectors, boards of
referendum, or recall. canvassers, or other similar bodies. However, they shall be entitled to
appoint poll watchers in accordance with law.
Section 3. The Commission on Elections may sit en banc or in two
divisions, and shall promulgate its rules of procedure in order to Section 9. Unless otherwise fixed by the Commission in special cases,
expedite disposition of election cases, including pre- proclamation the election period shall commence ninety days before the day of
controversies. All such election cases shall be heard and decided in election and shall end thirty days thereafter.
division, provided that motions for reconsideration of decisions shall be Section 10. Bona fide candidates for any public office shall be free
decided by the Commission en banc. from any form of harassment and discrimination.
Section 11. Funds certified by the Commission as necessary to defray government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters,
the expenses for holding regular and special elections, plebiscites, and on a post- audit basis: (a) constitutional bodies, commissions and
initiatives, referenda, and recalls, shall be provided in the regular or offices that have been granted fiscal autonomy under this Constitution;
special appropriations and, once approved, shall be released (b) autonomous state colleges and universities; (c) other government-
automatically upon certification by the Chairman of the Commission. owned or controlled corporations and their subsidaries; and (d) such
non-governmental entities receiving subsidy or equity, directly or
indirectly, from or through the Government, which are required by law
or the granting institution to submit to such audit as a condition of
D. The Commission on Audit
subsidy or equity. However, where the internal control system of the
audited agencies is inadequate, the Commission may adopt such
Section 1. (1) There shall be a Commission on Audit it composed of a
measures,including temporary or special pre-audit, as are necessary
Chairman and two Commissioners, who shall be natural-born citizens
and appropriate to correct the deficiencies. It shall keep the general
of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-
accounts of the Government and, for such period as may be provided
five years of age, certified public accountants with not less than ten
by law, preserve the vouchers and other supporting papers pertaining
years of auditing experience, or members of the Philippine Bar who
thereto.
have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years, and
must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections (2) The Commission shall have exclusive authority, subject to the
immediately preceding their appointment. At no time shall all Members limitations in this Article, to define the scope of its audit and
of the Commission belong to the same profession. examination, establish the techniques and methods required therefor,
and promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations,
(2) The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the
including those for the prevention and disallowance of irregular,
President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a
unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditures,
term of seven years without reappointment. Of those first appointed,
or uses of government funds and properties.
the Chairman shall hold office for seven years, one Commissioner for
five years, and the other Commissioner for three years, without Section 3. No law shall be passed exempting any entity of the
reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the Government or its subsidiary in any guise whatever, or any investment
unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor. In no case shall any of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the Commission on Audit.
Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity. Section 4. The Commission shall submit to the President and the
Section 2. (1) The Commission on Audit shall have the power, Congress, within the time fixed by law,an annual report covering the
authority, and duty to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining financial condition and operation of the Government, its subdivisions,
to the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and agencies, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or
property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, controlled corporations, and non-governmental entities subject to its
or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including audit, and recommend measures necessary to improve their
effectiveness and efficiency. It shall submit such other reports as may Section 5. Each local government unit shall have the power to create
be required by law. its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees and charges subject
to such guidelines and limitations as the Congress may provide,
consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such taxes, fees,
and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local governments.
ARTICLE X Local Government
Section 6. Local government units shall have a just share, as
determined by law, in the national taxes which shall be automatically
General Provisions released to them.
Section 7. Local governments shall be entitled to an equitable share
Section 1. The territorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of
in the proceeds of the utilization and development of the national
the Philippines are the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
wealth within their respective areas, in the manner provided by law,
There shall be autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the
including sharing the same with the inhabitants by way of direct
Cordilleras as hereinafter provided.
benefits.
Section 2. The territorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy local
Section 8. The term of office of elective local officials, except barangay
autonomy.
officials, which shall be determined by law, shall be three years and no
Section 3. The Congress shall enact a local government code which such official serve for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary
shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered
structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for
mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the which he was elected.
different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and
Section 9. Legislative bodies of local governments shall have sectoral
resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and
representation as may be prescribed by law.
removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local
officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and Section 10. No province, city, municipality, or barangay may be
operation of the local units. created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially
altered, except in accordance with the criteria established in the local
Section 4. The President of the Philippines shall exercise general
government code and subject to approval by a majority of the votes
supervision over local governments. Provinces with respect to
cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected.
component cities an municipalities, and cities and municipalities with
respect to component barangays shall ensure that the acts of their Section 11. The Congress may, by law, create special metropolitan
component units are within the scope of their prescribed powers and political subdivisions, subject to a plebiscite as set forth in Section 10
functions. hereof. The component cities and municipalities shall retain their basic
autonomy and shall be entitled to their own local executives and
legislative assemblies. The jurisdiction of the metropolitan authority Section 17. All powers, functions, and responsibilities not granted by
that will thereby be created shall be limited to basic services requiring this Constitution or by law to the autonomous regions shall be vested
coordination. in the National Government.
Section 12. Cities that are highly urbanized, as determined by law, Section 18. The Congress shall enact an organic act for each
and component cities whose charters prohibit their voters from voting autonomous region with the assistance and participation of the regional
for provincial elective officials, shall be independent of the province. consultative commission composed of representatives appointed by the
The voters of component cities within a province, whose charters President from a list of nominees from multisectoral bodies. The
contain no such prohibition, shall not be deprived of their right to vote organic act shall define the basic structure of government for the region
for elective provincial officials. consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both
Section 13. Local government units may group themselves, of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political
consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for units. The organic acts shall likewise provide for special courts with
purposes commonly beneficial to them in accordance with law. personal, family, and property law jurisdiction consistent with the
provisions of this Constitution and national laws.
Section 14. The President shall provide for regional development
councils or other similar bodies composed of local government officials, The creation of the autonomous region shall be effective when
regional heads of departments and other government offices, and approved by majority of the votes cast by the constituent units in a
representatives from nongovernmental organizations within the plebiscite called for the purpose, provided that only provinces, cities,
regions for purposes of administrative decentralization to strengthen and geographic areas voting favorably in such plebiscite shall be
the autonomy of the units therein and to accelerate the economic and included in the autonomous region.
social growth and development of the units in the region. Section 19. The first Congress elected under this Constitution shall,
within eighteen months from the time of organization of both Houses,
Autonomous Regions pass the organic acts for the autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao
and the Cordilleras.
Section 15. There shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Section 20. Within its territorial jurisdiction and subject to the
Mindanao and in the Cordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, provisions of this Constitution and national laws, the organic act of
municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive autonomous regions shall provide for legislative powers over:
historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and
(1) Administrativeorganization; (2) Creation of sources of revenues; (3)
other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution
and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Ancestral domain and natural resources; (4) Personal, family, and
Republic of the Philippines. property relations; (5) Regional urban and rural planning
development; (6) Economic, social, and tourism development; (7)
Section 16. The President shall exercise general supervision over Educational policies; (8) Preservation and development of the
autonomous regions to ensure that laws are faithfully executed. cultural heritage; and (9) Such other matters as may be authorized
by law for the promotion of the general welfare of the people of the on oath or affirmation. When the President of the Philippines is on
region. trial, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside, but shall
Section 21. The preservation of ponstitution, treason, bribery, graft not vote. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of
and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. All other two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.
public officers and employees may be removed from office as provided (7) Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than
by law, but not by impeachment. removal from office and disqualification to hold any office under the
Section 3. (1) The House of Representatives shall have the exclusive Republic of the Philippines, but the party convicted shall nevertheless
power to initiate all cases of impeachment. be liable and subject to prosecution, trial and punishment according
to law.
(2) Averified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any Member
(8) The Congress shall promulgate its rules on impeachment to
of the House of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution
of endorsement by any Member thereof, which shall be included in effectively carry out the purpose of this section.
the Order of Business within ten session days, and referred to the Section 4. The present anti-graft court known as the Sandigan-bayan
proper Committee within three session days thereafter. The shall continue to function and exercise its jurisdiction as now or
Committee, after hearing, and by a majority vote of all its Members, hereafter may be provided by law.
shall submit its report to the House within sixty session days from Section 5. There is hereby created the independent Office of the
such referral, together with the corresponding resolution. The Ombudsman, composed of the Ombudsman to be known as Tanod-
resolution shall be calendared for consideration by the House within bayan, one overall Deputy and at least one Deputy each for Luzon,
ten session days from receipt thereof. Visayas, and Mindanao. A separate Deputy for the military
(3) Avote of at least one-third of all the Members of the House shall be establishment may likewise be appointed.
necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the Articles of Section 6. The officials and employees of the Office of the
Impeachment of the Committee, or override its contrary resolution. Ombudsman, other than the Deputies, shall be appointed by the
The vote of each Member shall be recorded. Ombudsman according to the Civil Service Law.
(4) Incase the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed Section 7. The existing Tanodbayan shall hereafter be known as the
by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall Office of the Special Prosecutor. It shall continue to function exercise
constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall its powers as now or hereafter may be provided by law, except those
forthwith proceed. conferred on the Office of the Ombudsman created under this
(5) No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same Constitution.
official more than once within a period of one year. Section 8. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall be natural-born
(6) TheSenate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of citizens of the Philippines, and at the time of their appointment, at least
impeachment. When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be forty years old, or recognized probity and independence, and members
of the Philippine Bar, and must not have been candidates for any such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or
elective office in the immediately preceding election. The Ombudsman inefficient.
must have for ten years or more been a judge or engaged in the (2) Direct,
upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or
practice of law in the Philippines. employee of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or
During their tenure, they shall be subject to the same disqualifications instrumentality thereof, as well as of any government-owned or
and prohibitions as provided for in Section 2 of Article 1X-A of this controlled corporation with original charter, to perform and expedite
Constitution. any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and correct any
Section 9. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall be appointed by abuse or impropriety in the performance of duties.
the President from a list of at least six nominees prepared by the (3) Direct
the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a
Judicial and Bar Council, and from a list of three nominees for every public official or employee at fault, and recommend his removal,
vacancy thereafter. Such appointments shall require no confirmation. suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure
All vacancies shall be filled within three months after they occur. compliance therewith.
Section 10. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall have the rank of (4) Direct
the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to
Chairman and Members, respectively, of the Constitutional such limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies
Commissions, and they shall receive the same salary, which shall not of documents relating to contracts or transactions entered into by
be decreased during their term of office. his office involving the disbursement or use of public funds or
Section 11. The Ombudsman and his Deputies shall serve for a term properties, and report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit
of seven years without reappointment. for appropriate action.
They shall not be qualified to run for any office in the election (5) Request
any government agency for assistance and information
immediately succeeding their cessation from office. necessary in the discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if
Section 12. The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the necessary, pertinent records and documents.
people, shall act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner (6) Publicize
matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so
against public officials or employees of the Government, or any warrant and with due prudence.
subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government- (7) Determinethe causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement,
owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in appropriate cases, notify fraud, and corruption in the Government and make
the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof. recommendations for their elimination and the observance of high
Section 13. The Office of the Ombudsman shall have the following standards of ethics and efficiency.
powers, functions, and duties: (8) Promulgate
its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or
(1) Investigate
on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or perform such functions or duties as may be provided by law.
omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when
Section 14. The Office of the Ombudsman shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. ARTICLE XII National Economy and Patrimony
Its approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly
released. Section 1. The goals of the national economy are a more equitable
distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase
Section 15. The right of the State to recover properties unlawfully
in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the
acquired by public officials or employees, from them or from their
benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to
nominees or transferees, shall not be barred by prescription, laches, or
raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged.
estoppel.
The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on
Section 16. No loan, guaranty, or other form of financial
sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through
accommodation for any business purpose may be granted, directly or
industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural
indirectly, by any government-owned or controlled bank or financial
resources, and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign
institution to the
markets. However, the State shall protect Filipino enterprises against
President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, the
unfair foreign competition and trade practices.
Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Commissions, the
Ombudsman, or to any firm or entity in which they have controlling In the pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions
interest, during their tenure. of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private
enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective
Section 17. A public officer or employee shall, upon assumption of
organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their
office and as often thereafter as may be required by law, submit a
ownership.
declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net worth. In the
case of the President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, Section 2. All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal,
the Congress, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Commissions and petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy,
other constitutional offices, and officers of the armed forces with fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural
general or flag rank, the declaration shall be disclosed to the public in resources are owned by the State. With the exception of agricultural
the manner provided by law. lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated. The
exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be
Section 18. Public officers and employees owe the State and this
under the full control and supervision of the State. The State may
Constitution allegiance at all times, and any public officer or employee
directly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production,
who seeks to change his citizenship or acquire the status of an
joint venture, or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens,
immigrant of another country during his tenure shall be dealth with by
or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of whose
law.
capital is owned by such citizens. Such agreements may be for a period
not exceeding twenty-five years, renewable for not more than twenty-
five years, and under such terms and conditions as may be provided
by law. In cases of water rights for irrigation, water supply fisheries, or
industrial uses other than the development of water power, beneficial Taking into account the requirements of conservation, ecology, and
use may be the measure and limit of the grant. development, and subject to the requirements of agrarian reform, the
The State shall protect the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagic Congress shall determine, by law, the size of lands of the public domain
waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its which may be acquired, developed, held, or leased and the conditions
use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens. therefor.

The Congress may, by law, allow small-scale utilization of natural Section 4. The Congress shall, as soon as possible, determine by law
resources by Filipino citizens, as well as cooperative fish farming, with the specific limits of forest lands and national parks, marking clearly
priority to subsistence fishermen and fish- workers in rivers, lakes, their boundaries on the ground. Thereafter, such forest lands and
bays, and lagoons. national parks shall be conserved and may not be increased nor
diminished, except by law. The Congress shall provide, for such period
The President may enter into agreements with foreign-owned as it may determine, measures to prohibit logging in endangered
corporations involving either technical or financial assistance for large- forests and watershed areas.
scale exploration, development, and utilization of minerals, petroleum,
and other mineral oils according to the general terms and conditions Section 5. The State, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and
provided by law, based on real contributions to the economic growth national development policies and programs, shall protect the rights of
and general welfare of the country. In such agreements, the State shall indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands to ensure their
promote the development and use of local scientific and technical economic, social, and cultural well-being.
resources. The Congress may provide for the applicability of customary laws
The President shall notify the Congress of every contract entered into governing property rights or relations in determining the ownership and
in accordance with this provision, within thirty days from its execution. extent of ancestral domain.

Section 3. Lands of the public domain are classified into agricultural, Section 6. The use of property bears a social function, and all
forest or timber, mineral lands and national parks. Agricultural lands of economic agents shall contribute to the common good. Individuals and
the public domain may be further classified by law according to the private groups, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar
uses to which they may be devoted. Alienable lands of the public collective organizations, shall have the right to own establish, and
domain shall be limited to agricultural lands. Private corporations or operate economic enterprises, subject to the duty of the State to
associations may not hold such alienable lands of the public domain promote distributive justice and to intervene when the common good
except by lease, for a period not exceeding twenty-five years, so demands.
renewable for not more than twenty-five years, and not to exceed one Section 7. Save in cases of hereditary succession, no private lands
thousand hectares in area. Citizens of the Philippines may lease not shall be transferred or conveyed except to individuals, corporations, or
more than five hundred hectares, or acquire not more than twelve associations qualified to acquire or hold lands of the public domain.
hectares thereof by purchase, homestead, or grant.
Section 8. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this Article, organized under the laws of the Philippines at franchise, certificate, or
a naturalborn citizen of the Philippines who has lost his Philippine authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than fifty
citizenship may be a transferee of private lands, subject to limitations years. Neither shall any such franchise or right be granted except under
provided by law. the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or
Section 9. The Congress may establish an independent economic and repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires. The State
planning agency headed by the shall encourage equity participation in public utilities by the general
President, which shall, after consultations with the appropriate public public. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of
agencies, various private sectors, and local government units, any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share
recommend to Congress, and implement continuing integrated and in its capital, and all the executive and managing officers of such
coordinated programs and policies for national development. corporation or association must be citizens of the Philippines.

Until the Congress provides otherwise, the National Economic and Section 12. The State shall promote the preferential use of Filipino
Development Authority shall function as the independent planning labor, domestic materials and locally produced goods, and adopt
agency of the government. measures that help make them competitive.

Section 10. The Congress shall, upon recommendation of the Section 13. The State shall pursue a trade policy that serves the
economic and planning agency, when the national interest dictates, general welfare and utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange
reserve to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations on the basis of equality and reciprocity.
at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens, or Section 14. The sustained development of a reservoir of national
such higher percentage as Congress may prescribe, certain areas of talents consisting of Filipino scientists, entrepreneurs, professionals,
investments. The Congress shall enact measures that will encourage managers, high-level technical manpower and skilled workers and
the formation and operation of enterprises whose capital is wholly craftsmen in all fields shall be promoted by the State. The State shall
owned by Filipinos. encourage appropriate technology and regulate its transfer for the
In the grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering the national national benefit.
economy and patrimony, the State shall give preference to qualified The practice of all professions in the Philippines shall be limited to
Filipinos. Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by law.
The State shall regulate and exercise authority over foreign Section 15. The Congress shall create an agency to promote the
investments within its national jurisdiction and in accordance with its viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments for social justice
national goals and priorities. and economic development.
Section 11. No franchise, certificate, or any other form of Section 16. The Congress shall not, except by general law, provide for
authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except the formation, organization, or regulation of private corporations.
to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations Government-owned or controlled corporations may be created or
established by special charters in the interest of the common good and loans obtained or guaranteed by the Government shall be made
subject to the test of economic viability. available to the public.
Section 17. In times of national emergency, when the public interest Section 22. Acts which circumvent or negate any of the provisions of
so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under this Article shall be considered minimical to the national interest and
reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the subject to criminal and civil sanctions, as may be provided by law.
operation of any privately owned public utility or business affected with
public interest.
Section 18. The State may, in the interest of national welfare or ARTICLE XIII Social Justice and Human Rights
defense, establish and operate vital industries and, upon payment of
just compensation, transfer to public ownership utilities and other Section 1. The Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment
private enterprises to be operated by the Government. of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to
Section 19. The State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and
public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political
unfair competition shall be allowed. power for the common good.

Section 20. The Congress shall establish an independent central To this end, the State shall regulate the acquisition, ownership, use,
monetary authority, the members of whose governing board must be and disposition of property and its increments.
natural-born Filipino citizens, of known probity, integrity, and Section 2. The promotion of social justice shall include the
patriotism, the majority of whom shall come from the private sector. commitment to create economic opportunities based on freedom of
They shall also be subject to such other qualifications and disabilities initiative and self-reliance.
as may be prescribed by law. The authority shall provide policy
Labor
direction in the areas of money, banking, and credit. It shall have
supervision over the operations of banks and exercise such regulatory Section 3. The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and
powers as may be provided by law over the operations of finance overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment
companies and other institutions performing similar functions. and equality of employment opportunities for all.
Until the Congress otherwise provides, the Central Bank of the It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization,
Philippines, operating under existing laws, shall function as the central collective bargaining and negotiations,and peaceful concerted
monetary authority. activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law. They shall
Section 21. Foreign loans may only be incurred in accordance with law be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a
and the regulation of the monetary authority. Information on foreign living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making
processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by Section 6. The State shall apply the principles of agrarian reform or
law. stewardship, whenever applicable in accordance with law, in the
The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between disposition or utilization of other natural resources, including lands of
workers and employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in the public domain under lease or concession suitable to agriculture,
settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual subject to prior rights, homestead rights of small settlers, and the
compliance therewith to foster industrial peace. rights of indigenous communities to their ancestral lands.

The State shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, The State may resettle landless farmers and farmworkers in its own
recognizing the right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production agricultural estates which shall be distributed to them in the manner
and the right of enterprises to reasonable returns to investments, and provided by law.
to expansion and growth. Section 7. The State shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen,
especially of local communities, to the preferential use of the communal
Agrarian and Natural Resources Reform marine and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide
support to such fishermen through appropriate technology and
Section 4. The State shall, by law, undertaken an agrarian reform research, adequate financial, production, and marketing assistance,
program founded on the right of farmers and regular farmworkers, who and other services. The State shall also protect, develop, and conserve
are landless, to own directly or collectively the lands they till or in the such resources. The protection shall extend to offshore fishing grounds
case of other farmworkers, to receive a just share of the fruits thereof. of subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion. Fishworkers shall
To this end, the State shall encourage and undertake the just receive a just share from their labor in the utilization of marine and
distribution of all agricultural lands, subject to such priorities and fishing resources.
reasonable retention limits as the Congress may prescribe, taking into Section 8. The State shall provide incentives to landowners to invest
account ecological, developmental, or equity considerations, and the proceeds of the agrarian reform program to promote
subject to the payment of just compensation. In determining retention industrialization, employment creation, and privatization of public
limits, the State shall respect the right of small landowners. The State sector enterprises. Financial instruments used as payment for their
shall further provide incentives for voluntary landsharing. lands shall be honored as equity in enterprises of their choice.
Section 5. The State shall recognize the right of farmers, farmworkers,
and landowners, as well as cooperatives, and other independent Urban Land Reform and Housing
farmers' organizations to participate in the planning, organization, and
management of the program, and shall provide support to agriculture Section 9. The State shall, by law, and for the common good,
through appropriate technology and research, and adequate financial, undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program
production, marketing, and other support services. of urban land reform and housing which will make available at
affordable cost decent housing and basic services to underprivileged
and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas. It shall welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of
also promote adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. In the nation.
the implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights
of small property owners. Role and Rights of People's Organization
Section 10. Urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their
dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and Section 15. The State shall respect the role of independent people's
humane manner. organizations to enable the people to pursue and protect, within the
democratic framework, their legitimate and collective interests and
No resettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.
adequate consultation with them and the communities where they are
to be relocated. People's organizations are bona fide associations of citizens with
demonstrated capacity to promote the public interest and with
identifiable leadership, membership, and structure.
Health
Section 16. The right of the people and their organizations to effective
Section 11. The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political, and
approach to health development which shall endeavor to make economic decisionmaking shall not be abridged. The State shall, by
essential goods, health and other social services available to all the law, facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation mechanisms.
people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the Human Rights
under-privileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The
State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers. Section 17. (1) There is hereby created an independent office called
Section 12. The State shall establish and maintain an effective food the Commission on Human Rights.
and drug regulatory system and undertake appropriate health (2) TheCommission shall be composed of a Chairman and four Members
manpower development and research, responsive to the country's who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and a majority
health needs and problems. of whom shall be members of the Bar. The term of office and other
Section 13. The State shall establish a special agency for disabled qualifications and disabilities of the Members of the Commission shall
person for their rehabilitation, selfdevelopment and self-reliance, and provided by law.
their integration into the mainstream of society. (3) Until this Commission is constituted, the existing Presidential
Women Committee on Human Rights shall continue to exercise its present
functions and powers.
Section 14. The State shall protect working women by providing safe (4) Theapproved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be
and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal automatically and regularly released.
functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their
Section 18. The Commission on Human Rights shall have the following (11) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
powers and functions: Section 19. The Congress may provide for other cases of violations of
(1) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights that should fall within the authority of the Commission,
human rights violations involving civil and political rights; taking into account its recommendations.
(2) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for
contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of
Court; ARTICLE XIV Education
(3) Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human
rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens
residing abroad, and provide to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to
make such education accessible to all.
for preventive measures and legal aid services to the
underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need Section 2. The State shall:
protection; (1) Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and
(4) Exercise visitatorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and
facilities; society;

(5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and (2) Establish and maintain, a system of free public education in the
information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; elementary and high school levels. Without limiting the natural rights
of parents to rear their children, elementary education is compulsory
(6) Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human for all children of school age;
rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of
human rights, or their families; (3) Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student
loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available
(7) Monitor the Philippine Government's compliance with international to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to
treaty obligations on human rights; the underprivileged;
(8) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony (4) Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning
or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study
or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation onducted programs particularly those that respond to community needs; and
by it or under its authority;
(5) Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with
(9) Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency training in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.
in the performance of its functions;
(10) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
Section 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the dependents and, unless otherwise provided by law, for other foreign
Constitution as part of the curricula. temporary residents.
(2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster lover of (3) All revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational
humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national institutions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational
heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the dissolution
and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, or cessation of the corporate existence of such institutions, their assets
develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and shall be disposed of in the manner provided by law.
creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and Proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively
promote vocational efficiency. owned, may likewise be entitled to such exemptions subject to the
(3) At the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, limitations provided by law including restrictions on dividends and
religion shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in public provisions for reinvestment.
elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by (4) Subject to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments,
instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the donations, or contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for
religion to which the children or wards belong, without additional cost educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.
to the Government.
Section 5. (1) the State shall take into account regional and sectoral
Section 4.(1) The State recognizes the complementary roles of public
needs and conditions and shall encourage local planning in the
and private institutions in the educational system and shall exercise
reasonable supervision and regulation of all educational institutions. development of educational policies and programs. (2) Academic
(2) Educational institutions, other than those established by religious freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.
groups and mission boards, shall be owned solely by citizens of the (3) Every citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study,
Philippines or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of subject to fair, reasonable, and equitable admission and academic
the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, requirements.
however, require increased Filipino equity participation in all (4) The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional
educational institutions. advancement. Non-teaching academic and nonacademic personnel
The control and administration of educational institutions shall be shall enjoy the protection of the State.
vested in citizens of the Philippines.
(5) The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education
No educational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the
no group of aliens shall comprise more than one-third of the enrollment best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means
in any school. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to of job satisfaction and fulfillment.
schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their
Language technological capabilities, and their application to the country's
productive systems and national life.
Section 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it
Section 11. The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax
evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of
deductions, to encourage private participation in programs of basic and
existing Philippine and other languages.
applied scientific research. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms
Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem of incentives shall be provided to deserving science students,
appropriate, the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and specially gifted
use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language citizens.
of instruction in the educational system. Section 7. For purposes of
Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the
communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines
adaptation of technology from all sources for the national benefit. It
are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.
shall encourage the widest participation of private groups, local
The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the governments, and community-based organizations in the generation
regions and shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein. and utilization of science and technology.
Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional Section 13. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of
basis. scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens to their
Section 8. This Constitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial to the
English and shall be translated into major regional languages, Arabic, people, for such period as may be provided by law.
and Spanish.
Arts and Culture
Section 9. The Congress shall establish a national language
commission composed of representatives of various regions and
Section 14. The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and
disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote researches
dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle
for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and
of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual
other languages.
expression.

Science and Technology Section 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the partronage of the State.
The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's
Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic
development and progress. The State shall give priority to research creations.
and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to Section 16. All the country's artistic and historic wealth constitutes
science and technology education, training, and services. It shall the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of
support indigenous, appropriate, and self- reliant scientific and the State which may regulate its disposition.
Section 17. The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights Section 3. The State shall defend:
of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their (1) The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their
cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider these rights in religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;
the formulation of national plans and policies.
(2) The right of children to assistance, including proper care and
Section 18. (1) The State shall ensure equal access to cultural nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse,
opportunities through the educational system, public or private cultural cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their
entities, scholarships, grants and other incentives, and community development;
cultural centers, and other public venues.
(3) The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and
(2) The State shall encourage and support researches and studies on
the arts and culture. (4) Theright of families or family associations to participate in the
planning and implementation of policies and programs that affect
them.
Sports
Section 4. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but
Section 19. (1) The State shall promote physical education and the State may also do so through just programs of social security.
encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports,
including training for international competitions, to foster self- General Provisions
discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy
and alert citizenry. Section 1. The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue,
(2) All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the people
throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other and recognized by law.
sectors. Section 2. The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the
country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall all be truly
reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the
people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the
ARTICLE XV THE FAMILY
people in a national referendum.
Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation Section 3. The State may not be used without its consent.
of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively Section 4. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be composed of
promote its total development. a citizen armed force which shall undergo military training and serve,
Section 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the as may be provided by law. It shall keep a regular force necessary for
foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State. the security of the State.
Section 5. (1) All members of the armed forces shall take an oath or Section 7. The State shall provide immediate and adequate care,
affirmation to uphold and defend this Constitution. benefits, and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans
(2) TheState shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans. Funds shall
consciousness of the military, and respect for people's rights in the be provided therefor and due consideration shall be given them in the
performance of their duty. disposition of agricultural lands of the public domain and, in appropriate
cases, in the utilization of natural resources.
(3) Professionalismin the armed forces and adequate remuneration and
benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State. The Section 8. The State shall, from time to time, review to increase the
armed forces shall be insulated from partisan politics. pensions and other benefits due to retirees of both the government and
the private sectors.
No member of the military shall engage directly or indirectly in any
partisan political activity, except to vote. Section 9. The State shall protect consumers from trade malpractices
and from substandard or hazardous products.
(4) No
member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any
time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position Section 10. The State shall provide the policy environment for the full
in the Government including government-owned or controlled development of Filipino capability and the emergence of
corporations or any of their subsidiaries. communication structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the
nation and the balanced flow of information into, out of, and across the
(5) Laws on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of country, in accordance with a policy that respects the freedom of
their service. speech and of the press.
(6) The
officers and men of the regular force of the armed forces shall Section 11. (1) The ownership and management of mass media shall
be recruited proportionately from all provinces and cities as far as be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives
practicable. or associations, whollyowned and managed by such citizens.
(7) Thetour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces shall not The Congress shall regulate or prohibit monopolies in commercial mass
exceed three years. However, in times of war or other national media when the public interest so requires. No combinations in
emergency declared by the Congress, the President may extend such restraint of trade or unfair competition therein shall be allowed.
tour of duty.
(2) The advertising industry is impressed with public interest, and shall
Section 6. The State shall establish and maintain one police force, be regulated by law for the protection of consumers and the promotion
which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be of the general welfare.
administered and controlled by a national police commission. The
authority of local executives over the police units in their jurisdiction Only Filipino citizens or corporations or associations at least seventy
shall be provided by law. per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens shall be
allowed to engage in the advertising industry.
The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of entities cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days nor
in such industry shall be limited to their proportionate share in the later than ninety days after the approval of such amendment or
capital thereof, and all the executive and managing officers of such revision.
entities must be citizens of the Philippines. Any amendment under Section 2 hereof shall be valid when ratified by
Section 12. The Congress may create a consultative body to advise a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier
the President on policies affecting indigenous cultural communities, the than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the certification by the
majority of the members of which shall come from such communities. Commission on Elections of the sufficiency of the petition.

ARTICLE XVIII Transistory Provisions

ARTICLE XVII Amendments or Revisions
Section 1. The first elections of Members of the Congress under this
Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be Constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1987.
proposed by: The first local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the
(1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or President, which may simultaneous with the election of the Members
of the Congress. It shall include the election of all Members of the city
(2) A constitutional convention.
or municipal councils in the Metropolitan Manila area.
Section 2. Amendments to this Constitution may likewise be directly
Section 2. The Senators, Members of the House of Representatives,
proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least
and the local officials first elected under this Constitution shall serve
twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which
until noon of June 30, 1992.
every legislative district must be represented by at least three per
centum of the registered votes therein. No amendment under this Of the Senators elected in the election in 1992, the first twelve
section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification of obtaining the highest number of votes shall serve for six years and the
this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter. remaining twelve for three years.
The Congress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of Section 3. All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
this right. letters of instructions, and other executive issuances not inconsistent
with this Constitution shall remain operative until amended, repealed,
Section 3. The Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of all its
or revoked.
Members, call a constitutional convention, or by a majority vote of all
its Members, submit to the electorate the question of calling such a Section 4. All existing treaties or international agreements which have
convention. not been ratified shall not be renewed or extended without the
concurrence of at least twothirds of all the Members of the Senate.
Section 4. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under
Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes
Section 5. The six-year term of the incumbent President and Vice- or the lower courts prior to the effectivity of this Constitution. A similar
President elected in the February 7, 1986 election is, for purposes of plan shall be adopted for all special courts and quasijudicial bodies.
synchronization of elections, hereby extended to noon of June 30, Section 13. The legal effect of the lapse, before the ratification of this
1992. Constitution, of the applicable period for the decision or resolution of
The first regular elections for the President and Vice-President under the cases or matters submitted for adjudication by the courts, shall be
this Constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1992. determined by the Supreme Court as soon as practicable.
Section 6. The incumbent President shall continue to exercise Section 14. The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4), Section 15 of
legislative powers until the first Congress is convened. Article VIII of this Constitution shall apply to cases or matters filed
Section 7. Until a law is passed, the President may fill by appointment before the ratification of this Constitution, when the applicable period
from a list of nominees by the respective sectors the seats reserved for lapses after such ratification.
sectoral representation in paragraph (2), Section 5 of Article V1 of this Section 15. The incumbent Members of the Civil Service Commission,
Constitution. the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit shall
Section 8. Until otherwise provided by the Congress, the President continue in office for one year after the ratification of this Constitution,
may constitute the Metropolitan Authority to be composed of the heads unless they are sooner removed for cause or become incapacitated to
of all local government units comprising the Metropolitan Manila area. discharge the duties of their office or appointed to a new term
thereunder. In no case shall any Member serve longer than seven years
Section 9. A sub-province shall continue to exist and operate until it including service before the ratification of this Constitution.
is converted into a regular province or until its component
municipalities are reverted to the mother province. Section 16. Career civil service employees separated from the service
not for cause but as a result of the reorganization pursuant to
Section 10. All courts existing at the time of the ratification of this Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 and the reorganization
Constitution shall continue to exercise their jurisdiction, until otherwise following the ratification of this Constitution shall be entitled to
provided by law. The provisions of the existing Rules of Court, judiciary appropriate separation pay and to retirement and other benefits
acts, and procedural laws not inconsistent with this Constitution shall accruing to them under the laws of general application in force at the
remain operative unless amended or repealed by the Supreme Court time of their separation. In lieu thereof, at the option of the employees,
or the Congress. they may be considered for employment in the Government or in any
Section 11. The incumbent Members of the Judiciary shall continue in of its subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies, including
office until they reach the age of seventy years or become incapacitated government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
to discharge the duties of their office or are removed for cause. This provision also applies to career officers whose resignation,
tendered in line with the existing policy, had been accepted.
Section 12. The Supreme Court shall, within one year after the
ratification of this Constitution, adopt a systematic plan to expedite the Section 17. Until the Congress provides otherwise, the President shall
decision or resolution of cases or matters pending in the Supreme Court receive an annual salary of three hundred thousand pesos; the Vice-
President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Section 23. Advertising entities affected by paragraph (2), Section 11
Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two of Article XV1 of this Constitution shall have five years from its
hundred forty thousand pesos each; the ratification to comply on a graduated and proportionate basis with the
Senators, the Members of the House of Representatives, the Associate minimum Filipino ownership requirement therein.
Justices of the Supreme Court, and the Chairmen of the Constitutional Section 24. Private armies and other armed groups not recognized by
Commissions, two hundred four thousand pesos each; and the duly constituted authority shall be dismantled. All paramilitary forces
Members of the Constitutional Commissions, one hundred eighty including Civilian Home Defense Forces not consistent with the citizen
thousand pesos each. armed force established in this Constitution, shall be dissolved or,
Section 18. At the earliest possible time, the Government shall where appropriate, converted into the regular force.
increase the salary scales of the other officials and employees of the Section 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between
National Government. the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America
Section 19. All properties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities, concerning Military Bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities
and other assets of any office or body abolished or reorganized under shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly
Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 or this Constitution shall be concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified
transferred to the office or body to which its powers, functions, and by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum
responsibilities substantially pertain. held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other
Section 20. The first congress shall give priority to the determination contracting State.
of the period for the full implementation of free public secondary Section 26. The authority to issue sequestration or freeze orders
education. under Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 in relation to the
Section 21. The Congress shall provide efficacious procedures and recovery of ill-gotten wealth shall remain operative for not more than
adequate remedies for the reversion to the State of all lands of the eighteen months after the ratification of this Constitution. However, in
public domain and real rights connected therewith which were acquired the national interest, as certified by the President, the Congress may
in violation of the Constitution or the public land laws, or through extend period.
corrupt practices. No transfer or disposition of such lands or real rights A sequestration or freeze order shall be issued only upon showing of a
shall be allowed until after the lapse of one year from the ratification prima facie case. The order and the list of the sequestered or frozen
of this Constitution. properties shall forthwith be registered with the proper court. For
Section 22. At the earliest possible time, the Government shall orders issued before the ratification of this Constitution, the
expropriate idle or abandoned agricultural lands as may be defined by corresponding judicial action or proceeding shall be filed within six
law, for distribution to the beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program. months from its ratification. For those issued after such ratification, the
judicial action or proceeding shall be commenced within six months
from the issuance thereof.
The sequestration or freeze order is deemed automatically lifted if no
judicial action or proceeding is commenced as herein provided.
Section 27. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its
ratification by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite held for the
purpose and shall supersede all previous Constitutions.
The foregoing proposed Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
was approved by the Constitutional Commission of 1986 on the twelfth
day of October Nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and accordingly
signed on the fifteenth day of October Nineteen hundred and eighty-
six at the Plenary Hall, National Government Center, Quezon City, by
the Commissioners whose signatures are hereunder affixed.
Adopted, Cecilia Munoz Palma, President
Ambrosio B. Padilla, Vice-President
Napoleon G. Rama, Floor Leader
Ahmad Domocao Alonto, Assistant Floor Leader
Jose D. Calderon, Assistant Floor Leader
Yusuf R. Abubakar Vicente B. Foz
Edmundo G. Garcia
Felicitas S. Aquino
Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon
Adolfo S. Azcuna
Serafin V.C. Guingona
Teodoro C. Bacani
Alberto M. K. Jamir
Jose F. S. Bengzon, Jr.
Teodulo C. Natividad
Ponciano L. Bennagen
Ma. Teresa F. Nieva
Joaquin G. Bernas
Jose N. Nolledo
Florangel Rosario Braid
Blas F. Ople
Crispino M. de Castro
Minda Luz M. Quesada
Jose C. Colayco Roberto R.
Florenz D. Regalado
Concepcion Hilario G.
Rustico F. de los Reyes, Jr.
Davide, Jr.
Cirilo A. Rigos

Fr J. an Ro cism

co ul

A. o

Ro Decoroso R. Rosales dri Rene V. Sarmiento

Jose E. Suarez
go
Lorenzo M. Sumulong
Ri
Jaime S. L. Tadeo
ca
Christine O. Tan
rd
Gregorio J. Tingson
o

Jose B. Laurel, Jr. Efrain B. Trenas

Eulogio R. Lerum Lugum L. Uka

Regalado E. Wilfrido V. Maambong

Villacorta

Christian S. Monsod Bernardo M.

Villegas

Attested by :
Flerida Ruth P. Romero Secretary-General

Ordinance
APPORTIONING THE SEATS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
CONGRESS OF THE
PHILIPPINES TO THE DIFFERENT LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS IN PROVINCES AND
CITIES AND THE METROPOLITAN MANILA AREA
Section 1. For purposes of the election of Members of the House of Representatives
of the First Congress of the Philippines under the Constitution proposed by the 1986
Constitutional Commission and subsequent elections, and until otherwise provided
by law, the Members thereof shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned
among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila Area as follows:
Metropolitan Manila Area
MANILA, six (6) - First District: Barangays Nos. 1-146, N-City Boundary between
Manila and Caloocan; E - From
Estero de Sunog Apog going South to Estero de Vitas up to the bridge spanning
Juan Luna Street, eastward to
Tayuman Street up to the Railroad Tracks along Dagupan Street, thence southward
to Claro M. Recto Avenue; SE - From point Claro M. Recto Avenue extending
westward to Manila Bay; W - Manila Bay northward to City boundary between
Manila and Caloocan. Second District: Barangays Nos. 147-267, N - City boundary
between Manila and Caloocan; E - From end of Rizal Avenue Extension extending
southward to Railroad Tracks at Antipolo Street; from corner Antipolo Street and
Rizal Avenue on southern side of Railroad Tracks extending westward to Estero de
San Lazaro, southward along Estero de San Lazaro up to corner of C. M. Recto
Avenue westward to bridge spanning Claro M. Recto at Estero de la Reina; W -
Estero de la Reina to Estero de Vitas to Estero Sunog Apog to City boundary
between Manila and Caloocan; Third District: Barangays Nos. 268-394, N -
City boundary between Manila and Caloocan; E - A. Bonifacio Street extending
southward to Dimasalang, to Anda-lucia, Claro M. Recto Avenue eastward to Estero
de San Miguel ending at Pasig River; S - Mouth of Estero de San Miguel at Pasig
River, westward to Del Pan Bridge, thence to Del Pan Street; W - Del Pan Street
northward up to Claro M. Recto Extension to Estero de San Lazaro, northward to
Antipolo Street, eastward to Rizal Avenue Extension, northward to boundary
between Manila and Caloocan; Fourth District: Barangays Nos.
395 - 586 SW - Estero de San Miguel up to Mendiola Bridge, thence to C. M. Recto
Avenue to Quezon
Boulevard; W - Quezon Boulevard, Andalucia, Dimasalang up to boundary between
Manila and Quezon City;
NE - City boundary between Manila and Quezon City up to Ramon Magsaysay
Boulevard; SE - Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard up to V. Mapa Street; S - Ramon
Magsaysay Boulevard up to point Estero de San Miguel where Ramon Magsaysay
Boulevard spans Estero de San Miguel; Fifth District: Barangays Nos. 649-828 N -
Mouth of Pasig River inland to point Paz M. Guanzon Street extending to Estero de
Pandacan; NE - Estero de Pandacan up to Pedro Gil Street to Tejeron Street up to
boundary of Manila and Makati; SE - City boundary between Manila and Makati up
to Estero de Tripa de Gallina; S - City boundary between Pasay and Manila down
to Roxas Boulevard up to edge of reclaimed areas westward to Manila Bay; W -
Manila Bay up to mouth of Pasig
River, Sixth District: Barangays Nos. 587-648; and 829-905 N - Starting from point
which is mouth of Estero de
San Miguel going eastward to Mendiola Bridge, following line along Estero de San
Miguel up to point where Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard eastward to City boundary
between Manila and Quezon Cityl; NE - City boundary up to point city boundary of
Manila, San Juan and Quezon City; E - Manila-San Juan-Mandaluyong-Makati
boundaries up to Tejeron Street; SE - Tejeron Street to Pedro Gil Street up to
bridge spanning Estero de Pandacan; SW & W - Estero de Pandacan going
northward to Paz M. Guanzon Street, then northward on Paz M. Guazon Street up
to Pasig River to mouth of Estero de San Miguel on Pasig River.
QUEZON CITY, four (4) - First District : Barangays Del Monte, Paltok, Bungad, San
Antonio, Katipunan, Veterans Village, Talayan, Damayan, Mariblo, Paraiso, Sta.
Cruz, Nayong Kanluran, Philam, West Triangle, N.S.
Amoranto, Paang Bundok, San Isidro Labrador, Sta. Teresita, Salvacion, Maharlika,
St. Peter, Lourdes, Sto.
Domingo, Sienna, San Jose, Manresa, Pag-ibig sa Nayon, Balingasa, Masambong,
Damar, Bahay Toro, St.
Cristo, Ramon Magsaysay, Project 6, Vasra, Alicia, and Bagong Pag-asa; Second
District: Barangays Fairview,
New Era, Holy Spirit, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Payatas, Bagong Silangan,
Sauyo, Talipapa, Bagbag, San
Bartolome, Sta. Lucia, Gulod, Novaliches Proper, San Agustin, Nagkaisang Nayon,
Sta. Monica, Kaligayahan, Pasong Putik, Apolonio Samson, Unang Sigaw, Tandang
Sora, Pasong Tamo, Culiat, Baesa, Capri, Balumbato, and Sangandaan: Third
District : Barangays E. Rodriguez, Silangan, Quirino 3-A, Duyan-Duyan, Quirino
3B, Amihan, Socorro, San Roque, Manga, Zobel Dioquino, Tagumpay, Aguinaldo,
Escopa 1, Escopa 2, Escopa 3,
Escopa 4, West Kamias, East Kamias, Quirino 2 A, Quririno 2 B, Quirino 2 C, Ugong
Norte, Bagumbayan, Libis,
Villa Maria Clara, Masagana, Milagrosa, Marilag, Bagumbayan, Loyola Heights,
Pansol, and Matandang Balara;
Fourth District: Barangays Bagong Lipunan, Kaunlaran, San Martin, Immaculate
Concepcion, South Triangle, Sacred Heart, Laging Handa, Paligsahan, Obrero,
Roxas, Kamuning, Kanluran, Kamuning Silangan, Tatalon, Don Manuel, Dona
Josefa, San Isidro, Dona Aurora, Santo Nino, Santol, Dona Imelda, Kristong Hari,
Kalusugan, Damayang Lagi, Mariana, Valencia, Horseshoe, Pinagkaisahan, San
Vicente, U.P. Campus, Krus Na Ligas, Central, Old Capital Site, U.P. Village,
Teacher's East, Teacher's West, Sikatuna, Malaya, Pinahan, and Botocan.
CALOOCAN CITY, two (2) - First District : 70 Barangays; All of Caloocan North
EDSA; Second District: 118 Barangays; All of Caloocan South EDSA. PASAY CITY,
one (1) MALABON and NAVOTAS, one (1) SAN JUAN and MANDALUYONG, one (1)
MARIKINA, one (1) MAKATI, one (1) PASIG, one (1) PARANAQUE, one (1) LAS
PINAS and MUNTINGLUPA, one (1) PATEROS and TAGUIG, one (1) VALENZUELA,
one (1)

Region I
ABRA, one (1)
BENGUET with the City of Baguio, two (2) - First District: Baguio City; Second
District: all the Municipalities of Benguet.
ILOCOS NORTE with Laog City, two (2) - First District: Laog City and the
Municipalities of Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagud-Pagud, Pasuquin, Piddig, Sarrat,
Vintar, Adams, Carasi, and Dumalneg; Second District: Municipalities of Badoc,
Batac, Currimao, Dingras, Espiritu, Marcos, Nueva Era, Paoay, Pinili, San Nicolas,
and Solsona.
ILOCOS SUR, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Bantay, Cabugao, Caoayan,
Magsingal, San Ildefonso,
San Juan, San Vicente, San Catalina, Santo Domingo, Sinait, and Vigan; Second
District: Municipalities of
Alilem, Banayoyo, Burgos, Candon, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar,
Lidlidda, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, Santa,
Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Suyo, Tagudin, Sigay, and
Sugpon.
LA UNION, two (2) - First District : Municipalities of Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar,
Luna, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santol, and Sudipen; Second District:
Municipalities of Agoo, Aringay, Bagulin, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo,
Rosario, Santo Tomas, and Tubao.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, one (1)
PANGASINAN with the Cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, six (6) - First District:
Municipalities of Bolinao, Bani,
Agno, Burgos, Dasol, Infanta, Mabini, Alaminos, Anda and Sual; Second District:
Municipalities of Labrador, Lingayen, Bugallon, Aguilar, Mangatarem, Binmaley,
Urbiztondo, and Basista; Third District: San Carlos City, and the Municipalities of
Malasiqui, Bayambang, Calasiao, Mapandan, and Sta. Barbara; Fourth District:
Dagupan City and the Municipalities of Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, and
Manaoag; Fifth District: Municipalities of Binalonan, Laoac, Urdaneta, Villasis,
Sison, Pozorrubio, Bautista, Alcala, and Sto. Tomas; Sixth District: Municipalities
of Rosales, Asingan, Balungao, Sta. Maria, Umingan, San Quintin, Natividad,
Tayug, San Nicolas, and San Manuel.

Region II
BATANES, one (1)
CAGAYAN, three (3) - First District: Municipalities of Aparri, Camalaniugan, Lallo,
Buguey, Sta. Teresita, Gonzaga, Sta. Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, and Alcala; Second
District: Municipalities of Sta. Praxedes, Sanchez Mira, Claveria, Pamplona, Abulug,
Ballesteros, Allacapan, Lasam, Sto. Nino, Rizal, Piat, and Calayan; Third District:
Municipalities of Tuguegarao, Solana, Enrile, Penablanca, Iguig, Amulung, and
Tuao.
IFUGAO, one (1)
ISABELA, four (4) - First District: Municipalities of Sta. Maria, San Pablo, Cabagan,
Sto. Tomas, Albano, Tumauini, Ilagan, Divilican, Maconacon, and Palanan; Second
District: Municipalities of Aurora, San Manuel, Roxas, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino,
Burgos, Gamu, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, An Mariano; Third District:
Municipalities of Reina Mercedes, Cauayan, Luna, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Alicia,
Angadanan, and San Guillermo; Fourth District: Municipalities Cordon, Santiango,
Ramon, San Isidro, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, and Dinapigui.
KALINGA-APAYAO, one (1)
NUEVA VIZCAYA, one (1)
QUIRINO, one (1)
Region III
BATAAN, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani,
Samal, Abucay, and Morong, Second District: Municipalities of Pilar, Orion, Limay,
Bagac, Mariveles, and Balanga.
BULACAN, four (4) - First District : Municipalities of Hagonoy, Paombong, Malolos,
Calumpit, Pulilan, and
Bulacan; Second Distict: Municipalities Baliuag, Bustos, Plaridel, Guiguinto,
Balagtas, Pandi, and Bocaue; Third District: Municipalities of San Miguel, San
Ildefonso, San Rafael, Angat, Norzagaray, and Remedios Trinidad; Fourth District:
Municipalities of San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Marilao, Meycauayan,, and
Obando.
NUEVA ECIJA, with the Cities of Cabanatuan, Palayan and San Jose, four (4) - First
District: Municipalities of Nampicuan, Cuyapo, Guimba, Quezon, Talavera, Licab,
Sto. Domingo, Aliaga, and Zaragoza, Second District: San Jose City and the
Municipalities of Lupao, Munoz, Talugtog, Caranglan, Pantabangan, Lanera, and
Rizal;
Third District: Cabanatuan City; Palayan City, and the Municipalities of General
Natividad, Bongabong, Laur, Gabaldon, and Sta. Rosa, Fourth District:
Municipalities fof San Leonardo, General Tinio, Penaranda, Gapan, San Isidro,
Cabiao, San Antonio, and Jaen.
PAMPANGA with Angeles City, four (4) - First District : Angeles City and the
Municipalities of Mabalacat and Magalang; Second District: Municipalities of Lubao,
Guagua, Floridablanca, Porac, Sta. Rita, and Sexmoan; Third District: Municipalities
of San Fernando, Arayat, Mexico, Bacolor, and Sta. ana; Fourth District:
Municipalities of Candaba, Apalit, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, San
Luis, and San Simon.
TARLAC, three (3) - First District: Municipalities of Mayantoc, Sta. Ignacia,
Camiling, Moncada, San Manuel, Anao, Paniqui, Ramos, San Clemente, and Pura;
Second District: Municipalities of Tarlac, Gerona, and Victoria; Third District:
Municipalities of Bamban, Capas, Concepcion, and La Paz.
ZAMBALES with Olongapo City, two (2) - First District: Olongapo City and the
Municipalities of Subic, Castillejos, and San Marcelino, Second District:
Municipalities of Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, San
Antonio, San Felipe, San Narciso, and Sta. Cruz.

Region IV
AURORA, one
(1) BATANGAS with the Cities of Batangas and Lipa, four (4) - First District:
Municipalities of Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Balayan, Tuy, Calaca, Lemery, and
Taal; Second District: Batangas City and the Municipalities of
Lobo, San Pascual, Bauan, Mabini, San Luis, and Tingloy; Third District:
Municipalities of Balete, Malvar, Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo,
San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, and Mataas na Kahoy; Fourth District
: Lipa City and the Municipalities of San Juan, Taysan, Rosario, P. Garcia, Ibaan,
and San Jose.
CAVITE with the Cities of Tagaytay, Cavite and Trece Martires, three (30 - First
District: Cavite City and the
Municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario; Second District: Trece
Martires City and the Municipalities of Imus, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Gen. Mariano
Alvarez, General Trias, and Tanza; Third District: Tagaytay City and the
Municipalities of Alfonso, Amadeo, General Aguinaldo, Indang, Magallanes,
Maragondon, Mendez-Nunez, Naic, Silang, and Ternate.
LAGUNA with San Pablo City, four (4) - First District: Municipalities of Binan, San
Pedro and Sta. Rosa; Second District: Municipalities of Bay, Cabuyao, Calamba,
and Los Banos; Third District: San Pablo City and the
Municipalities of Calauan, Alaminos, Rizal, Nagcarlan, Liliw, and Victoria: Fourth
District: Municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Pila, Lumban, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, Kalayaan,
Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Mabitac, Sta. Maria, Magdalena, Luisiana, and
Majayjay.
MARINDUQUE, one (1)
OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, one (1)
ORIENTAL MINDORO, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Baco, Calapan,
Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Victoria, Pola, and Socorro; Second District:
Municipalities of Bansud, Bongabon, Bulalakao, Gloria, Mansalay, Pinamalayan, and
Roxas.
PALAWAN with Puerto Princesa City, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of
Agutaya, Araceli, Busuanga,
Cagayancillo, Coron, Cuyo, Dumaran, El Nido, Linapacan, Magsaysay, Roxas, San
Vicente, Taytay, and Kalayaan; Second District: Puerto Princesa City and the
Municipalities of Aborlan, Balabac, Batarasa, Brooke's Point, Narra, Quezon, and
Marcos.
QUEZON with Lucena City, four (4) - First District: Municipalities of Burdeos, Gen.
Nakar, Infanta, Jumalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polilio, Real, Sampaloc, Mauban,
Pagbilao, Lucban, and Tayabas; Second District:
Lucena city and Municipalities of Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, and
Tiaong; Third District:
Municipalities of Catanauan, Gen. Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Pitogo, San Andres,
San Francisco, San Narciso,
Buenavista, Padre Burgos, Agdangan, and Unisan; Fourth District: Municipalities of
Calauag, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Lopez, Tagkawayan, Atimonan, Plaridel, Alabat,
Perez, and Quezon
RIZAL, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Antipolo, Taytay, Cainta, Angono,
and Binangonan; Second District: Municipalities of E. Rodriguez, San Mateo,
Morong, Cardona, Teresa, Baras, Tanay, Pililla, and JalaJala.
ROMBLON, one (1)

Region V
ALBAY with Legaspi City, three (3) - First District: Municipalities of Bacacay,
Malinao, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Tabaco, and Tiwi, Second District: Legaspi City
and the Municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Manito, and RapuRapu; Third District:
Municipalities of Guinobatan, Jovellar, Libon, Ligao, Oas, Pio Duran, and Polangui.
CAMARINES NORTE, one (1)
CAMARINES SUR including the Cities of Naga and Iriga, four (4) - First District:
Municipalities of Del Gallego,
Ragay, Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Cabusao, Pamplona, Pasacao, Minalabac, and San
Fernando, Second District
: Naga City and the Municipalities of Bonbon, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman,
Gainza, Magarao, Milaor, Ocampo, and Pili; Third District: Municipalities of
Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sangay, San Jose, Tigaon,
Tinambac, and Siruma; Fourth District: Iriga City and the Municipalities of Baao,
Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, and Nabua.
CATANDUANES, one (1)
MASBATE, three (3) - First District Municipalities of San Pascual, Claveria, Monreal,
San Jacinto, San
Fernando, and Batuan; Second District: Municipalities of Masbate, Mobo, Milagros,
Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, and Mandaon; Third District: Municipalities of Uson,
Dimasalang, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, and Cawayan.
SORSOGON, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Sorsogon, Pilar, Donsol,
Castilla, Bacon, Casiguran, and Magallanes; Second District: Municipalities of
Barcelona, Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Juban, Bulusan, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, and
Bulan.

Region VI
AKLAN, one (1)
ANTIQUE, one (1)
CAPIZ including Roxas City, two (2) - First District: Roxas City and the
Municipalities of Panay, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas, Ma-ayon, and Panitan;
Second District: Municipalities of Dumalag, Jamindan, Mambusao, Sapian, Sigma,
Tapaz, Cuartero, Dao, Dumarao, and Ivisan.
ILOILO, five (5) - First District: Municipalities of Guimbal, Igbaras, San Joaquin,
Tigbauan, Tubungan, Miagao, and Oton; Second District; Municipalities of Jordan,
Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, Zarraga,
Alimodian, Leon, and San Miguel; Third District: Municipalities of Maasin, Cabatuan,
janiuay, Badiangan, Mina, Pototan, Calinog, Lambunao, and Bingawan; Fourth
District: Municipalities of Passi,
San Enrique, Duenas, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Anilao, and Banate; Fifth
District: Municipalities of Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Ajuy, Lemery, Concepcion,
Sara, San Dionisio, Batad, Estancia, Balasan, and Carles.
ILOILO CITY, one (1)
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, with the Cities of San Carlos, Cadiz, Bago, La Carlota, and
Silay, six (6) - First District: San Carlos City and the Municipalities of Toboso,
Calatrava, Escalante, and S. Benedicto; Second District:
Cadiz City and the Municipalities of Sagay and Manapla; Third District: Silay City
and the Municipalities of
Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Talisay, and Murcia; Fourth District: Bago City and
the Municipalities of
Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, and La Carlota; Fifth District:
Municipalities of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan,
and Hinigaran; Sixth District: Municipalities of Kabankalan, Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni,
Sipalay, and Hinobaan.
BACOLOD CITY, ONE ( 1 )

Region VII
BOHOL, with Tagbilaran City, three (3) - First District: Tagbilaran City and the
Municipalities of Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian,
Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, and Tubigon; Second
District: Municipalities of Clarin, Inabangan, Sagbayan, Buenavista, Jetafe,
Dagohoy, Danao, San Miguel, Trinidad, Talibon, Ubay, Bien Unido, San Isidro, and
Pres. C. P. Garcia; Third District: Municipalities of Loay, Loboc, Bilar, Batuan,
Carmen, Sevilla, Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Garcia-Hernandez, Jagna, Duero,
Guindulman, Candijay, Mabini, Alicia, Anda, Sierra Bullones, and Pilar.
CEBU, with the Cities of Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, and Toledo, six (6) - First
District: Municipalities of Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, and
Sibongan; Second District: Municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon,
Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moal- boal,
Alcantara, Ronda, and Dumanjug; Third District: Toledo City and the Municipalities
of Barili, Alonguinsan,
Pinamungajan, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan; Fourth District: Municipalities of
Tabuelan, San Remigio, Sta.
Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Daan- bantayan, Medellin, Bogo, and Tabogon; Fifth
District: Danao City and the Municipalities of Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen,
Compostela, Liloan, San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar; Sixth District: Lapulapu
City, Mandanue City, and the Municipalities of Cordova and Consolacion.
CEBU CITY, two (2) - First District: Barangays of Adlawon, Agsungot, Apas,
Bacayan, Banilad, Binaliw, Budlaan, Busay, Cmbinocot, Camputhaw, Capitol Site,
Carreta, Central Proper, Cogon-Ramos, Day-as, Ermita, Guba, Hipodromo,
Kalubihan, Kamagayan, Kasambagan, Lahug, Lorega, Lusaran, Luz, Mabini,
Mabolo, Malubog,
Pahina Central, Parian, Paril, Pit-os, Pulang Bato, Sambag 1, Sambag 11, San
Antonio, San Jose, San Roque,
Sta. Cruz, Sirao, T. Padilla, Talamban, Taptap, Tejero, Tinago, and Zapatera;
Second District: Barangays of
Babag, Basak Pardo, Basak San Nicolas, Bonbon, Buhisan, Bulacao pardo,
BoutTaup, Calamba, Cogon Pardo,
Duljo Fatima, Guadalupe, Inayawan, Kalunasan, Kinasang-an Pardo, Labangon,
Mambaling, Pahina San Nicolas, Pamutan, Pardo, Pasil Abuno, Sibugay, Punta
Princesa, Quiot, San Nicolas, Sawang Calero, Sinsin, Suba Pasil, Sudlon,
Sapangdako, Tabunan, Tigbao, Tisa, and Toong.
NEGROS ORIENTAL, with the Cities of Bais, Canlaon, and Dumaguete, three (3) -
First District: Canlaon City and the Municipalities of Vallehermoso, Guihulngan, La
Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, and Manjuyod; Second District:
Bais City, Dumaguete City, and the Municipalities of Mabinay, Tanjay, Pamplona,
Amlan, San Jose, and Sibulan; Third District: Municipalities of Valencia, Bacong,
Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan, and Basay.
SIQUIJOR, one (1)

Region VIII
LEYTE with the Cities of Tacloban and Ormoc, five (5) - First District: Tacloban City
and the municipalities of Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, San Miguel, Sta. Fe,
Tanauan, and Talosa; Second District: Municipalities of
Barugo, Barauen, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Julita, La Paz,
Mayorga, MacArcthur, Pastrana,
Tabontabon, and Tunga; Third District: Municipalities of Almeria, Biliran,
Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Calubian,
Culaba, Kawayan, Leyte, Maripipi, Naval, San Isidro, Tabango, and Villaba; Fourth
District: Ormoc city and the Municipalities of Albuera, Isabel, Kananga, Matagob,
Merida, and Palompon; Fifth District: Municipalities of Abuyog, Bato, Baybay,
Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Javier, Mahaplag, and Matalom.
SOUTHERN LEYTE, one (1)
EASTERN SAMAR, one (1)
NORTHERN SAMAR, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Allen, Biri, Bobon,
Capul, Catarman, Lavezares,
Lope de Vega, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente, Victoria,
and Mondragon; Second District: Municipalities of Silvino Lobos, San Roque,
Pambuyan, Las Navas, Catubig, Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig.
SAMAR with Calbayog city, two (2) - First District: Calbayog City and the
Municipalities of almagro, Gandara, Matuguinao, Pag- sanghan, San Jorge, Santa
Margarita, Sto. Nino, Tagapul-an, and Tarangnan; Second District: Municipalities
of Basey, Calbiga, Catbalogan, Daram, Hinabangan, San Jose de Buan, Jiabong,
Marabut, Motiong, Pinabacadao, San Sebastian, Sta. Rita, Talalora, Villareal,
Wright, and Zumarraga.

Region IX
BASILAN, one (1)
SULU, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Jolo, Marungas, Indanan,
Pangutaran, Parang, Talipao, Maimbung, and Patikul; Second District:
Municipalities of Siasi, Pandami, Pata, Luuk, K. Culuang, Panamao, New Panamao,
Tapul, Lungus, and Tongkil.
TAWI-TAWI, one (1)
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE with the Cities of Dapitan and Dipolog, three (3) - First
District: Dapitan City and the Municipalities of Sibutad, Rizal, La Libertad, Mutia,
Pinan, Sergio Osmena, Sr., and Polanco; Second District: Dipolog City and the
Municipalities of Katipunan, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, Manukan, Ponot, Siayan, and
Sindangan; Third District: Municipalities of Salug; Godod, Liloy, Tampilisan,
Labason, Gutalac, Siocon, Baliquian, Siraway, Bacungan, and Sibuco.
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, with Pagadian City, three (3) - First District: Pagadian City
and the Municipalities of
Dumingag, Mahayag, Molave, Tambulig, Midsalip, R. Magsaysay, Labangan,
Aurora, Tukuran, Josefina, and Don Mariano Marcos; Second District: Municipalities
of Dumalinao, San Pablo, Tabina, Dima- taling, Dinas, San Miguel, Margosatubig,
Lapuyan, Kumalarang, Bayog, Lakewood, Pitogo, and Vincenzo A. Sagun; Third
District: Municipalities of Malangas, Alicia, Olutanga, Mabuhay, Siay, Kabasalan,
Naga, Ipil, Titay, Tungawan, Buug, Imelda, Payao, Talusan, Diplahan, and Roseller
Lim.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, one (1)

Region X
AGUSAN DEL NORTE, with the City of Butuan, two (2) - First District: Butuan City
and the Municipality of Las Nieves, Second District: Municipalities of Buenavista,
Cabadbaran, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Nasipit, Santiago, Tubay,
and Remedios T. Romualdez.
AGUSAN DEL SUR, one (1)
BUKIDNON, three (3) - First District: Municipalities of Talakag, Baungon, Malitbog,
Libona, Manolo Fortich,
Sumialo, Panganto-can, and Kalilangan; Second District: Municipalities of
Malaybalay, Lantapan, Cabanglasan, Valencia, San Fernando, and Impasugong;
Third District: Municipalities of Maramag, Quezon, Don Carlos, Kitaotao,
Dangcagan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Kadingilan.
CAMIGUIN, one (1)
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL with the Cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub, two (2) -
First District: Oroquieta City and the Municipalities of Baliangao, Plaridel, Calamba,
Sapang Dalaga, Lopez Jaena, Aloran, Concepcion, Panaon, and Jimenez; Second
District: Ozamiz City, Tangub City, and the Municipalities of Bonifacio, Tudela,
Clarin, Sinacaban, and Don Mariano Marcos.
MISAMIS ORIENTAL, with Gingoog City, two (2) - First District: Gingoog City and
the Municipalities of
Magsaysay, Talisayan, Balingoan, Medina, Kinogitan, Sugbongcogon, Binuangan,
Salay, Lagonglong, and Balingasag; Second District: Municipalities of Claveria,
Jasaan, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Alubijid, El Salvador, Gitagum, Initao, Laguindingan,
Libertad, Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, and Opol.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY one (1)
SURIGAO DEL NORTE with the City of Surigao, two (2) - First District: Municipalities
of Sta. Monica, San Isidro,
Del Carme, Pilar, General Luna, Dapa, Socorro, Burgos, San Benito, Loreto, Libjo,
Dinagat, Cagdianao, Tubajon, and Basilisa; Second District: Surigao City and the
Municipalities of San Francisco, Tagana-an, Sison, Placer, Malimono, Bacauag,
Gigaquit, Tubod, Mainit, Alegria, and Claver.

Region XI
DAVAO DEL NORTE, three (3) - First District: Municipalities of Moncayo, Montevista,
Compostela, Nabunturan,
New Bataan, Mawab, and San Mariano; Second District: Municipalities of San
Vicente, Capalong, Asuncion, New Corella, Tagum, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan;
Third District: Municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Carmen, Panabo, Babak, Samal, and
Kaputian.
DAVAO ORIENTAL, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Boston, Cateel,
Baganga, Caraga, Manay, and Tarragona; Second District: Municipalities of Mati,
Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro, and Governor Generoso.
DAVAO DEL SUR, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Magsaysay, Bansalan,
Sta. Cruz, Matanao, Digos, Hagonoy, and Padada; Second District: Municipalities
of Kiblawan, Sulop, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Malita, Jose Abad Santos, Don Marcelino,
and Saranggani.
DAVAO CITY, three (3) - First District: Districts of Poblacion and Talomo; Second
District: Districts of Buhangin,Bunawan, and Paquibato; Third District: Districts of
Toril, Tugbok, Calinan, and Baguio.
SOUTH COTABATO with General Santos City, three (3) - First District: General
Santos City, and the
Municipalities of Polomolok, Tampakan, and Tupi; Second District: Municipalities of
Tantangan, Norala, Banga, Sto. Nino, Surallah, Koronadal, Tiboli, and Lake Sebu;
Third District: Municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum,
and Malungon.
SURIGAO DEL SUR, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Bayabas, Cantilan,
Carrascal, Cortes, Lanuza, Madrid, San Miguel, Tago, Tandag, Cagwit, Marihatag,
San Agustin, Carmen, and Lianga; Second District: Municipalities of Barobo, Bislig,
Hinatuan, Lingig, and Tagbina.

Region XII
LANAO DEL NORTE with Iligan City, two (2) - First District: Iligan City, Linamon,
Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, and Baroy; Second District:
Baloi, Pantar, Tagoloan, Poona-Piagapo, Pantao-Ragat, Matungao, Tangkal, Munai,
Nunungan, Magsaysay, Salvador, Kapatagan, Karomatan. Sapad, and Lala.
LANAO DEL SUR with Marawi City, (2) - First District: Marawi City and the
Municipalities of Marantao, Piagapo, Saguiaran, Tagoloan, Kapai, Ditsaan - Ramain,
Bubong, Buadiposo-Buntong, Bumbaran, Maguing, Wao,
Molundo, Taraka, Lumba-Bayabao, Poona-Bayabao, Masiu and Tamparan; Second
District: Municipalities of
Balindong, Tugaya, Bacolod Grande, Madalum, Madamba, Pualas, Ganassi,
Pagayawan, Sultan Gumander, Malabang, Balabagan, Kapatagan, Marogong,
Tubaran, Binidayan, Lumbatan, Lumbayanague, Butig, Bayang and Calanogas.
MAGUINDANAO with Cotabato City, two (2) - First District: Cotabato City and the
Municipalities of Parang,
Sultan Kudarat, Buldon, Barira, Dinaig, Kabuntalan, Matanog and Upi; Second
District: Municipalities of
Pagalunga, Buluan, Sultan sa Barongis, Maganoy, Talaya, South Upi, Datu Piang,
Datu Paglas, and Ampatuan.
NORTH COTABATO, two (2) - First District: Municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan,
Libungan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, Pikit, Aleosan, Banisilan, and Alamada; Second
District: Municipalities of Kidapawan, Makilala, Matalam, Antipas, Mlang, Pres.
Roxas Tulunan, and Magpet.
SULTAN KUDARAT, one (1)
Section 2. The Commission on Elections is hereby empowered to make minor
adjustments of the reapportionment herein made.
Section 3. Any province that may hereafter be created, or any city whose
population may hereafter increase to more than two hundred fifty thousand shall
be entitiled in the immediately following election to at least one Member or such
number of Members as it may be entitled to on the basis of the number of its
inhabitants and according to the standards setforth in paragraph (3), Section 5 of
Article VI of the Constitution. The number of Members apportioned to the province
out of which such new province was created or where the city, whose population
has so increased, is geographically located shall be correspondingly adjusted by
the Commission on Elections but such adjustment shall not be made within one
hundred and twenty days before the election.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall be appended to the Constitution proposed by the
1986 Constitutional Commission, and shall be submitted to a plebiscite
simultaneously with such Constitution, and shall take effect upon its ratification by
a majority of the votes cast in such plebiscite.
Adopted, October 15, 1986
Cecilia Munoz Palma, President
Attested: Flerida Ruth P. Romero, Secretary General