98-616: Commission on Elections (former) Central Bank of the Philippines (former) Intendencia General de Hacienda (former) The Aduana Building ( Aduana de Manila or Manila Customs House ), also known as the Intendencia , was a Spanish colonial structure in Manila , Philippines , that housed several government offices through the years. It is located in front of the BPI Intramuros (formerly
196-497: A Spanish engineer Tomás Cortes took charge of the project and began its construction in 1823. Despite objections due to insufficient space for warehousing and its distance from the port, the construction continued until its completion in 1829. However, in 1863, the Aduana suffered damage from an earthquake, which led to its demolition in 1872. Reconstruction of the building was later awarded to Luis Perez Yap-Sionjue, which began in 1874 and
294-624: A bicameral legislature called the Congress composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It vests upon Congress, among others, the power of investigation and inquiry in aid of legislation, the power to declare the existence of a state of war, the power of the purse, the power of taxation, and the power of eminent domain. Article VII vests the executive power solely in the President . The President
392-544: A chairman and two other members, to take over the functions of the secretary of the interior relative to the elections. but since the amendments could not be effective in time for the 1940 elections, the National Assembly, by Commonwealth Act No. 607, created a Commission on Elections, giving thereto the same powers which the Commission on Elections could have under the amended constitution. The statutory commission supervised
490-562: A college degree, with a majority of them, including the chairman, members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years; and must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the immediate preceding elections. The chairman and the commissioners are appointed by the president, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and hold office for seven years, without reappointment. Since 1987,
588-478: A declaration of martial law is just. The legislative power consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are twenty-four senators and the House is composed of district representatives. It also created opportunities for under-represented sectors of community to select their representative through party-list system. The judiciary branch comprises the Supreme Court and the lower courts. The Supreme Court
686-516: A former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court , as president of the commission. Several issues were of particular contention during the commission's sessions, including the form of government to adopt, the abolition of the death penalty, the retention of U.S. bases in Clark and Subic , and the integration of economic policies into the constitution. Lino Brocka , a film director and political activist who
784-851: A law for the local government, now currently the Local Government Code . Article XI establishes the Office of the Ombudsman which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials. It also vests upon the Congress the power to impeach the President, the Vice President, members of the Supreme Court, and the Ombudsman. Article XII lays down the goals and objectives of the Philippine government in terms of wealth distribution, division of goods and services and to offer job opportunities to elevate
882-657: A member of the Liberal Party and the most prominent opposition figure during the Duterte administration, won as Vice-President. While the Cabinet was mentioned several times in the article, the Constitution did not expressly provide for the creation of such body or to specifically enumerate its ordinary powers and duties. The President serves as the commander-in-chief of "all armed forces", which can be construed to encompass not only
980-526: A new constitution and issued Proclamation No. 3 on March 25, 1986, abrogating many provisions in the 1973 Constitution adopted by the Marcos regime, including the unicameral legislature (the Batasang Pambansa ), the office of Prime Minister , and additional legislative powers for the President. Often called the "Freedom Constitution", it was intended as a transitional basic law to ensure democracy, freedom of
1078-401: A petition of at least twelve percent of all registered voters, and at least three percent of registered voters within each district (called a People's Initiative ). All amendments must be ratified in a national referendum . Article XVIII establishes provisions to allow a clean transition from the preceding provisional constitution to the new Constitution. This includes provisions for directing
SECTION 10
#17328630355051176-493: A police force (presently the Philippine National Police ), the regulation of mass media and advertising industries, the doctrine of sovereign immunity , and others. Article XVII establishes the methods by which the Constitution may be amended or revised. Amendments may be proposed by either: a) a three-fourths vote of all Members of Congress (called a Constituent Assembly ), b) a Constitutional Convention , or c)
1274-407: A press briefing. The statement was made allegedly in support of a different statement by COMELEC Commissioner Socorro Inting who in turn was commenting on a statement released by supporters of then presidential candidate and Vice-president Leni Robredo who called for COMELEC to remain nonpartisan for the sake of the elections. Commissioner Inting commented that it was simply unnecessary to call on
1372-486: A way for the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, which has a function of promoting and ensuring an ethical and lawful conduct of the government. There are three possible methods by which the Constitution can be amended: a Constituent assembly (Con-Ass), Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), or People's Initiative . All three methods require ratification by majority vote in a national referendum . Following
1470-745: A woman presumed to be President Gloria Arroyo and a man presumed to be COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano . Abalos was the COMELEC chair when the election body approved a P1.3-billion contract with the Mega Pacific Consortium for the purchase of automated counting machines, which the Supreme Court in January 2004 declared as void because of "clear violation of law and jurisprudence" and "reckless disregard of COMELEC 's own bidding rules and procedure." On January 21, 2004, Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. filed criminal and administrative charges before
1568-532: Is elected directly for a single six-year term. Re-election is not allowed, except in the case where the President has not yet served for more than four years, in which they may be elected again for a full six-year term. This exception was utilized by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the 2004 presidential election , which she eventually won. The Constitution also establishes the position of Vice-President , who can serve for up to two consecutive six-year terms. The Vice-President may optionally be appointed as member of
1666-525: Is granted the power to hear any cases that deals with the constitutionality of law, about a treaty or decree of the government. It is also tasked to administrate the function of the lower courts. Through the constitution, three independent Constitutional Commissions, namely the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections, and Commission on Audit, were created. These Constitutional Commissions have different functions. The constitution also paved
1764-402: Is headed by the president and his appointed cabinet members. The executive, same with the other two co-equal branches, has limited power. This is to ensure that the country will be "safeguarded" if martial law is to be declared. The president can still declare martial law, but it expires within 60 days and Congress can either reject or extend it. The task of the Supreme Court is to review whether
1862-484: Is one of the three constitutional commissions of the Philippines . Its principal role is to enforce all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections in the Philippines . The other two Constitutional Commissions are the Commission on Audit and Civil Service Commission . According to Article IX-C, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines , the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall exercise
1960-575: The Armed Forces of the Philippines but also other armed uniformed services such as the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard . The President may mobilize these forces to prevent or suppress "lawless violence", invasions or rebellions . However, in cases where public safety necessitates it, the President is authorized to declare a state of martial law throughout the entire Philippines or in specific areas, or to suspend
2058-553: The Cabinet . The President and the Vice-President must meet the following qualifications: The President and the Vice-President are elected separately from each other. It is thus common in the Philippines for the President and the Vice-President to come from two entirely different parties or alliances. For example, in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte , running on a nationalist and populist platform, was elected President. Meanwhile, Leni Robredo ,
SECTION 20
#17328630355052156-521: The Commission on Audit (COA)—each enjoying fiscal autonomy. Other governmental bodies created under the Constitution include the Commission on Appointments (CA), the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), the Office of the Ombudsman , and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Throughout its history, the Philippines has been governed by three other constitutions: the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution, which established
2254-491: The Ombudsman against Abalos and other commissioners in connection with the deal. Abalos described the charges as a "demolition job." Pimentel accused Abalos and the other commissioners of committing an act of impropriety when they and their wives traveled to Seoul, South Korea to visit the plant of the maker of the counting machines a few months before the bidding for the contract started. Pimentel said he received information that
2352-623: The Pontifical coronation of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario - La Naval de Manila took place in front of the Aduana Building. In World War II , the building once again suffered damage; first from Japanese bombings in 1941 and later on from American and Filipino artillery during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The Aduana was repaired after the war and served as the offices of the Central Bank of
2450-433: The Supreme Court and six members of the National Assembly. In view, however, of the close official ties between the president and the secretary of interior, there was always the danger of a partisan secretary of the interior exploiting his powers and influence to ensure the victory of his party at the polls. As a consequence, the constitution was amended in 1940 to create an independent Commission on Elections, composed of
2548-434: The "Filipino family as the foundation of the nation" (Article XV, Section 1); the recognition of Filipino as "the national language of the Philippines" (Section 6, Article XIV), and even a requirement that "all educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors." (Section 19.1, Article XIV) Whether these provisions may, by themselves, be
2646-623: The "new" Commission on Elections. On February 15, 1988, Hilario G. Davide Jr. was appointed chairman, with Alfredo E. Abueg Jr., Haydee B. Yorac, Leopoldo L. Africa, Andres R. Flores, Dario C. Rama and Magdara B. Dimaampao as commissioners. Commissioner Haydee B. Yorac was appointed as acting chairman when Hilario G. Davide Jr. was appointed chairman of the Presidential Fact Finding Commission in December 1989, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 146. On June 6, 1991 Christian Monsod
2744-412: The 1973 constitution, the commission was composed of nine members, with one chairman and eight commissioners, each having seven-year terms with no reappointments. Among the first nine members appointed, the first three had seven-year terms, the next three had five-year terms, and the last three had three-year terms, all starting in 1973. The commission never reached its full complement of nine members during
2842-472: The 1987 charter for them to regulate economic sectors that can be opened for foreign investors, but this time through People's Initiative . Law expert Michael Henry Yusingco commented that Romualdez should show there is clear public support to amend it because without any such proof, plans will encounter hitches like before. The preamble and eighteen self-contained articles with a section numbering that resets for every article. The opening text introduces
2940-479: The 2025 election, even if Guo did sought reelection. The controversy also led to the Comelec to decide to publish online all the certificate of candidacies of aspirants for the 2025 election. 1987 Constitution of the Philippines • Senate The Constitution of the Philippines ( Filipino : Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas or Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas ) is the supreme law of the Philippines . Its final draft
3038-514: The AFP na sa panahong ito ay nasa ilalim ng control ng Comelec para patulan at ipahuli at ipakulong kayo,” “To those issuing public opinion that Comelec is biased or that it would cause election fraud, I am warning you that we would not hesitate to call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which is now under Comelec control, to round you up and have you jailed” - Commissioner Rey Bulay said during
Aduana Building - Misplaced Pages Continue
3136-521: The COMELEC to hold a “nonpartisan” election. The commissioner also noted how such statements are liable to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the commission and by extension the elections themselves. Local news agency Rappler noted that it was unclear why Commissioner Inting took offense to this statement released by the supporters of Leni Robredo, which simply reminded the commission to hold fair and safe elections. Several lawmakers and concerned groups slammed
3234-463: The Commission on Appointments (CA), so Commissioner Romeo A. Brawner was appointed ad interim acting chairman on February 2, 2008, and stayed as chairman until Melo was confirmed by the CA. On March 25, 2008, former Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was sworn in as new chairman of the COMELEC by acting chair Romeo A. Brawner . Melo's ad interim appointment (Congress was not in session) was sent by Malacañang to
3332-715: The Commission on Appointments (CA)." On September 27, 2007, Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico filed a 69-page impeachment complaint (3:00 p.m.) against COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. before the House of Representatives of the Philippines regarding the ZTE national broadband network (NBN) deal . It was endorsed by Representatives Teofisto Guingona III of Bukidnon and Teodoro Casiño of Bayan Muna (People First), and Zamboanga City Representative Ma. Isabelle Climaco . Affidavits of Romulo Neri and Jose de Venecia III supported
3430-488: The Commission on Appointments. On May 29, 2008, Romeo A. Brawner died from a massive heart attack . Brawner, appointed to the COMELEC to replace the controversial Virgilio Garcillano, was supposed to end his term on February 2, 2011. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo , on July 2, 2008, appointed former acting judge (Br. 74, RTC, Malabon ) Leonardo Leonida and retired justice of the Court of Appeals Lucenito Tagle as commissioners of
3528-399: The Commission on Elections. On November 7, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Armando Velasco as new election commissioner, and reappointed bypassed commissioners Leonardo L. Leonida and Lucenito N. Tagle. Eduardo Ermita stated "Velasco replaced COMELEC commissioner and former Iligan City Judge Moslemen Macarambon Jr. whose appointment had been bypassed several times by
3626-599: The Court held that a provision requiring that the State "protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology" did not require implementing legislation to become the source of operative rights. The Katipunan 's revolution led to the Tejeros Convention where, at San Francisco de Malabón , Cavite , on March 22, 1897, the first presidential and vice presidential elections in Philippine history were held—although only Katipuneros ( viz. members of
3724-687: The House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings against COMELEC Commissioner Resureccion Borra. Just six weeks before the 2016 Philippine general election , the COMELEC website was hacked by a group called " Anonymous Philippines " on the night of March 27, 2016. Anonymous Philippines asked the poll body to implement security on Precinct Count Optical Scanners (PCOS)—automated voting machines. Another group calling itself LulzSec Pilipinas , claimed to have hacked COMELEC 's website, and posted its database on their Facebook account shortly after Anonymous Philippines compromised COMELEC 's website. These exploits exposed voter data and
3822-555: The Katipunan) were able to take part, and not the general populace. A later meeting of the revolutionary government established there, held on November 1, 1897, at Biak-na-Bato in the town of San Miguel de Mayumo in Bulacan , established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato . The republic had a constitution drafted by Isabelo Artacho and Félix Ferrer and was based on the first Cuban Constitution . It
3920-741: The Korean company paid for the plane tickets and hotel accommodations for the trip. However, Abalos claimed that the expenses for the trip were paid for out of the P1 million he won in a golf tournament in Wack Wack Golf and Country Club . On September 27, 2006, the Ombudsman, in a resolution, absolved all respondents involved in the Mega Pacific controversy of all administrative and criminal liabilities "for lack of probable cause." It also reversed its June 28 resolution which contained factual findings that can be used by
4018-505: The NBN project. De Venecia is a majority shareholder of Amsterdam Holdings Inc., a company that submitted an unsolicited proposal on the NBN project. De Venecia also claimed that Abalos asked for money from the ZTE Corp. officials. Abalos was mentioned in the "Hello Garci" tape, which refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations where vote rigging in the 2004 elections was discussed by, among others,
Aduana Building - Misplaced Pages Continue
4116-809: The Philippines , the National Treasury and eventually the Commission on Elections . The building was abandoned in 1979 after it was ravaged by fire. In 1997, the National Archives acquired the building to serve as their future office. Restoration efforts were under discussion since 2015, and reconstruction commenced in 2021. According to Google Street View imagery dated May 2022, some of the façades have been reconstructed with new stonework and paint. [REDACTED] Media related to Aduana, Intramuros at Wikimedia Commons Commission on Elections (Philippines) The Commission on Elections ( Filipino : Komisyon sa Halalan ), abbreviated as COMELEC ,
4214-644: The Supreme Court , the Secretary of Justice , the Chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Justice, and representatives from the legal profession. Article IX establishes three constitutional commissions, which are governmental bodies that are independent of the three main branches of government. These are the Civil Service Commission , the Commission on Elections , and the Commission on Audit . Article X pursues for local autonomy and mandates Congress to enact
4312-406: The administration of Corazon Aquino , succeeding administrations made several attempts to amend or change the 1987 Constitution. The first attempt was in 1995. A constitution was drafted by then-Secretary of National Security Council Jose Almonte , but was never completed because it was exposed to the media by different non-government organizations. They saw through a potential change regarding
4410-449: The attempt serving the personal interests of the initiators. After the Estrada presidency, the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsed constitutional changes via a Constitutional Assembly, with then-House Speaker Jose de Venecia leading the way. However, due to political controversies surrounding Arroyo's administration, including the possibility of term extension, the proposal
4508-410: The backlash, Commissioner Bulay commented that his statement was only a warning, and that he was only reminding people to follow the law. The role of the Comelec was put into scrutiny in 2024 when Alice Guo was elected as mayor of Bamban , Tarlac in the 2022 election. Guo is alleged to be a Chinese citizen in the Senate inquiry, consequentially putting the validity of her election as mayor. Comelec
4606-469: The blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution. The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea,
4704-521: The broadband project. Abalos denied brokering for the National Broadband Network project despite admitting he knew some officials in ZTE Corp. He admitted making four trips to China and playing golf there. He also admitted that ZTE officials, who he said were his golf buddies, hosted and paid for the trips. Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. , alleged that Abalos offered him US$ 10 million to withdraw his proposal on
4802-420: The case. The Supreme Court ruled that the initiative not continue, stating that a People's Initiative requires an enabling law for it to push through. During his presidency, Joseph Ejercito Estrada created a study commission for a possible charter change regarding the economic and judiciary provisions of the constitution. The attempt never attained its purpose after various entities opposed it due apparently to
4900-449: The citizenship of Filipinos. It enumerates two kinds of citizens: natural-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect Philippine citizenship. The Philippines follows a jus sanguinis system where citizenship is mainly acquired through a blood relationship with Filipino citizens. Natural-born citizenship forms an important part of
4998-422: The commission had a fixed term of nine years each – a member being replaced every three years except in the first commission. They could be removed from office only by impeachment . They were provided with fixed salaries which could neither be increased nor diminished during their term of office. These were safeguards to ensure the independence of the commission. The administrative control of elections exercised by
SECTION 50
#17328630355055096-455: The commission or the chairman. During the 1935 constitution, the commission was composed of three members, with one chairman and two commissioners, each having nine-year terms with no reappointments. Among the first three members appointed, the first had a nine-year term, the second had a six-year term, and the last had a three-year term, all starting in the commission's reorganization on June 21, 1941, via Commonwealth Act No. 657. Starting with
5194-597: The commission. However, the Commission on Appointments did not confirm his appointment due to opposition of some commissioners led by Luzviminda Tancangco. On June 5, 2002, President Arroyo appointed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman and former Mandaluyong mayor Benjamin S. Abalos Sr. to replace Benipayo. On January 26, 2008, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed former Supreme Court associate justice Jose Melo, 77, to replace Chair Abalos. The United Opposition ( Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino ) opposed Melo's appointment. However, Melo needed to be confirmed by
5292-484: The complaint. On October 1, 2007, COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. faced with an impending impeachment case, resigned in a press conference. The COMELEC appointed Resurreccion Z. Borra as acting chairman. Abalos stated: "I'm resigning... effective immediately." "However," Abalos added during the news conference, "let not my detractors feast on this declaration. I'm not admitting guilt for any wrongdoing." An impeachment complaint against COMELEC chairman Abalos
5390-424: The conduct of the December 10, 1940, local Philippine elections. The constitutional amendment creating the Commission on Elections was finally approved on December 2, 1940. On June 21, 1941, Commonwealth Act No. 657 was enacted reorganizing the Commission on Elections as a constitutional entity. The members of the statutory commission continued as members of the constitutional commission. The chairman and members of
5488-436: The constitution and the people as the source of sovereignty. It follows past constitutions, including an appeal to God . The preamble reads: We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity
5586-576: The country. Following his ascension as president after the 2016 presidential election , he signed Executive Order No. 10 on December 7, 2016, creating the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution. A year after Bongbong Marcos was proclaimed president, his first cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez told an economic forum on December 11, 2023 that legislators from the House of Representatives will renew efforts at changing
5684-557: The current presidential system of government; the 1973 Constitution, initially reintroducing the parliamentary system but later amended to adopt a semi-presidential system ; and the 1986 Freedom Constitution, briefly implemented after the People Power Revolution . The constitution of the then- First Philippine Republic , the 1899 Malolos Constitution , which aimed to establish the first functional parliamentary republic in Asia ,
5782-468: The elections of the first members of the new Congress and of the President and the Vice President, specifying the current courts and the term limits of judges, specifying the initial salary for key members of government, mandating the newly elected Congress to pass laws to fulfill obligations set by these transitory provisions, and defining grace periods and limitations for previous treaties, laws, orders, and other instruments. This article also establishes that
5880-454: The first Muslim commissioner of the COMELEC , was appointed ambassador by President Ferdinand Marcos even before the expiration of his term. His unexpired term was taken over by Commissioner Hashim R. Abubakar. On May 17, 1980, Chairman Perez (who was later appointed minister on political affairs by President Marcos) and Commissioners Duque and Bayot, after completing their seven-years term, retired. Commissioner Santiago succeeded Perez, and
5978-517: The following powers and functions: The COMELEC was created by a 1940 amendment to the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines . Prior to the creation of the COMELEC , supervision over the conduct of elections was vested by law in the Executive Bureau under the Department of Interior and, later directly by the same department. The secretary of interior saw to it that local authorities performed
SECTION 60
#17328630355056076-416: The following were appointed commissioners: Domingo C. Pabalete; Victorino A. Savellano; Jaime C. Opinion; Noli Sagadraca; Romeo Firme: Luis Lardizabal and Ide C. Tillah. With Commissioner Lardizabal the membership of the commission was thus increased to eight, one short of the full complement of nine. Upon the retirement of Commissioners Firme, Tillah and Lardizabal on May 17, 1983, the Commission on Elections
6174-426: The government. Some essential provisions are: Article III enumerates specific protections against the abuse of state power, most of which are similar to the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Some essential provisions are: Similar to U.S. jurisprudence and other common law jurisdictions, the scope and limitations of these rights have largely been determined by the Supreme Court through case law. Article IV defines
6272-412: The lives of Filipino people. This section also provides important provisions such as: Article XIII divulge the utmost responsibility of the Congress to give the highest priority in enactments of such measures which protects and enhances the rights of all the people to human dignity through affirming that present social, economic and political inequalities as well as cultural inequities among the elites and
6370-591: The main branches of the Philippine government : a legislative department known as the Congress , which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives ; an executive department headed by a president ; and a judicial department , which includes the Supreme Court and lower courts. It also establishes three independent constitutional commissions— Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and
6468-590: The membership of the commission from three to nine members but reduced their term of office from nine years to seven years. As in the 1935 Constitution, the chairman and commissioners have staggered terms of office and could be removed from office only by impeachment. First to serve in the Commission on Elections under the 1973 Constitution were former Senator Leonardo B. Perez , as chairman, and Venacio S. Duque, Flores A. Bayot, Jose M. Mendoza, Fernando R. Veloso, Lininding Pangandaman, Venancio L. Yaneza and Casimiro R. Madarang Jr. as commissioners. Commissioner Pangandaman,
6566-541: The ministerial duties assigned to them by the Election Code. He decided administrative questions concerning elections. The courts, however, exercised exclusive and final jurisdiction over questions affecting the right to vote as well as contested elections of local elective officials. Elections contests involving members of the National Assembly were judged solely by an electoral commission composed of three justices of
6664-409: The new Constitution will take effect when ratified by a majority of votes in a plebiscite. The Constitution also contains several other provisions enumerating various state policies including, i.e., the affirmation of labor "as a primary social economic force" (Section 14, Article II); the equal protection of "the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception" (Section 12, Article II);
6762-567: The operation of the 1973 constitution until January 1986, a few weeks before the People Power Revolution . In August 2007, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla delivered a privilege speech alleging that Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos brokered for the national broadband network (NBN) project. Padilla claimed that Abalos met with officials of the Chinese firm ZTE Corp. , which got the US$ 329 million contract for
6860-515: The people, and an orderly transfer of power as the Constitutional Commission was drafting a permanent charter. The Constitutional Commission was composed of forty-eight members appointed by Aquino from varied backgrounds, including several former members of the House of Representatives , former justices of the Supreme Court , a Catholic bishop , and political activists against the Marcos regime. Aquino appointed Cecilia Muñoz-Palma ,
6958-441: The political system as only natural-born Filipinos are eligible to hold high offices, including all elective offices beginning with a representative in the House of Representatives up to the President. Article V mandates various age and residence qualifications to vote and a system of secret ballots and absentee voting. It also mandates a procedure for overseas and disabled and illiterate Filipinos to vote. Article VI provides for
7056-423: The poor shall be reduced or removed in order to secure equitable welfare and common good among Filipino people. It also establishes the role of the Commission on Human Rights which ensures appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all the persons within the Philippines as well as Filipinos residing abroad. Moreover, this section also lays down salient provisions such as: Article XV establishes
7154-442: The power to use the AFP in stifling criticisms and suppressing free speech”. In a separate statement, House Assistant Minority Leader and party-list Rep. France L. Castro called on COMELEC to withdraw its statement, calling the commission hypersensitive to criticisms thrown at it by the populace. The representative stated that citizens are well within their rights to call for "orderly, peaceful and credible elections”. Following
7252-446: The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus . While it does not specify the extent of the President's powers during martial law, the Constitution explicitly prohibits the suspension of the Constitution, the replacement of civilian courts and assemblies, and the use of military courts and agencies over civilians when civilian courts are still operational during such state. The proclamation of martial law also does not automatically suspend
7350-464: The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Article VIII vests the judicial power upon the Supreme Court and other lower courts as may be established by law (by Congress). While the power to appoint justices and judges still reside with the President, the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy, a body composed of the Chief Justice of
7448-474: The protection of the people's interests in the constitutional draft. In 1997, the Pedrosa couple created a group called PIRMA followed with an attempt to change the constitution through a People's Initiative by way of gathering signatures from voters. Many prominent figures opposed the proposition, including Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago , who brought the issue all the way to the Supreme Court and eventually won
7546-593: The public not to use the website, warning this could be a phishing site. On April 21, COMELEC apologized for the privacy attacks by the hackers. On April 23, 2022, a few weeks before the 2022 Philippine general election , COMELEC commissioner Rey Bulay threatened with arrest individuals who would publicly state that COMELEC was biased towards a certain candidate or might be involved in election fraud. “Iyon pong nagko-comment ng public opinion na ang Comelec ay may sina-side-an, may kinakampihan, at mandadaya, ako po ay nagwawarning sa inyo, we will not hesitate to call upon
7644-461: The recognition of the state on the Filipino family as the basic foundation of the nation as it shall reinforce and bolster its solidarity and steadily promote its development. Alongside with this, it also states important provisions such as: Article XVI contains several general provisions, such as a general description of the national flag , the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and
7742-592: The required membership of nine. After the tumultuous February 7, 1986 snap elections and the People Power Revolution , Chairman Savellano and all the commissioners of the COMELEC tendered their courtesy resignations which, except those of Commissioners Bacungan and Felipe, were accepted by President Corazon C. Aquino . On April 11, 1986, Commissioner Felipe was appointed acting chairman. On July 23, 1986, he took his oath of office as permanent chairman, together with Commissioners Leopoldo Africa, Haydee Yorac , Andres Flores, Anacleto Badoy, and Dario Rama as members of
7840-410: The seabed, the subsoil , the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines. Article II lays out the basic social and political creed of the Philippines, particularly the implementation of the constitution and sets forth the objectives of
7938-456: The secretary of interior was transferred to the Commission on Elections. The commission was vested with the exclusive charge of enforcing and administering all laws relative to elections and power to decide all questions affecting elections, except those involving the right to vote, which were left to final judicial determination. The courts and electoral tribunals retained their original powers over election contests. The 1973 Constitution enlarged
8036-481: The site of the old Santo Domingo Church) at Plaza España , Soriano (Aduana) Ave. corner Muralla St. in Intramuros . This two-storey governmental structure follows a Neo-Classical tradition, with an emphasized horizontality and symmetrical form, particularly on the design of its façade . The central bay had three arched entrances and two principal staircases built around the two atriums. The rectangular fenestration on
8134-475: The source of enforceable rights without accompanying legislation has been the subject of considerable debate in the legal sphere and within the Supreme Court. The Court, for example, has ruled that a provision requiring that the State "guarantee equal access to opportunities to public service" could not be enforced without accompanying legislation, and thus could not bar the disallowance of so-called "nuisance candidates" in presidential elections. But in another case,
8232-522: The statement by the Comelec. Detained Senator Leila de Lima called the threat by Commissioner Bulay "uncalled for and illegal". She noted that the Armed Force of the Philippines are only allowed to arrest individuals during times of lawless violence while under orders from the Commander-in-Chief . She noted that while COMELEC has expansive powers during an election season, this "does not include
8330-728: The terms start and end on February 2. Among the first appointees in 1987, three members served for seven years (ended in 1994), two others served for five years (ended in 1992), and two others served for three years (ended in 1989). The chairman acts as the presiding officer and chief executive officer of the commission. Assisting the commission are an executive director and deputies, 17 regional election directors, provincial election supervisors and election officers in cities and municipalities. The COMELEC has more than 15,000 employees. The commissioners exercise quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions either en banc or in division. They also perform such other functions as may be assigned by
8428-510: The upper most story were decorated with rustication. The window-like portals opening out to small balconies were framed with pilasters topped with ornate capitals and were adorned with elaborate geometrical grillework. Similar ornate grillework also decorated the main entryways in the building. The Aduana, or Custom House, was built in Intramuros to attract merchants to remain within its walls rather than outside of it. Records show that in 1822,
8526-458: The vulnerability of both voter registration data and the functionality of their website. LulzSec posts 3 mirror links on their Facebook account that can be downloaded. The incident was considered the biggest private leak data in the Philippine history and leaving millions of registered voters at risk. The sensitive information, which included the full name, complete address, and passport number of at least 55–70 million Filipino registered voters,
8624-465: Was a member of the commission, walked out before the constitution's completion, and two other delegates dissented from the final draft. The Commission finished the final draft on October 12, 1986, and presented it to Aquino on October 15. The constitution was ratified by a nationwide plebiscite on February 2, 1987 . The constitution provided for three governmental branches, namely the executive , legislative , and judicial branches . The executive branch
8722-485: Was appointed acting chairman of the commission. On January 11, 1999, President Estrada appointed Sandiganbayan Justice Harriet Demetriou as chairman of the commission. After the events of January 17 to 20, 2001 that led to the ouster and resignation of President Estrada from power, Demetriou tendered her courtesy resignation which was accepted by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo . On February 19, 2001, President Arroyo appointed Justice Alfredo Benipayo as chairman of
8820-481: Was appointed by President Aquino as chairman of the commission to serve the unexpired term of Davide. When Monsod retired on February 15, 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos appointed Court of Appeals Justice Bernardo Pardo as chairman of the commission. Pardo's term was cut short when he was appointed by President Joseph Estrada as associate justice of the Supreme Court in October 1998. Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco
8918-458: Was completed by the Constitutional Commission on October 12, 1986, and ratified by a nationwide plebiscite on February 2, 1987. The Constitution remains unamended to this day. The Constitution consists of a preamble and eighteen articles. It mandates a democratic and republican form of government and includes a bill of rights that guarantees entrenched freedoms and protections against governmental overreach. The Constitution also organizes
9016-745: Was completed in 1876. The rebuilding of the structure was still based from the original design of Cortes but it has now housed the Custom Offices, the Civil Administration Office ( Intendencia General de Hacienda ), the Treasury, and the Mint House ( Casa de Moneda ). When the Customs transferred, the offices of the Mint House and Treasury remained in the building and was renamed as Intendencia. In 1907,
9114-522: Was composed of only five members. On March 21, 1983, two new members were appointed by President Marcos, namely: Froilan Bacungan and Ramon H. Felipe Jr. With the retirement of Chairman Santiago and Commissioners Pabalete and Sagadraca on May 17, 1984, Savellano was appointed chairman. Three new members were appointed on July 27, 1985, namely: Commissioners Quirino A. Marquinez, Mangontawar Guro and Mario D. Ortiz. On January 31, 1986, Commissioners Ruben C. Agpalo and Jaime Layosa were appointed to finally complete
9212-492: Was formally filed before the House of Representatives after Neri, former chief of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), accused Abalos of attempting to bribe him. The commission proper is the policy-making body composed of the chairman and six commissioners who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines ; at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment; holders of
9310-455: Was leaked publicly on a website called wehaveyourdata , allegedly created by hacker LulzSec Philippines . Anyone who had access to this website could type the first name, surname, and middle name of the compromised registered voters on the search bar provided and the sensitive information would be revealed. The website was taken down by the NBI on April 22. COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez warned
9408-496: Was never fully implemented nationwide and did not lead to international recognition, largely due to the outbreak of the Philippine–American War . Ruling by decree in the early months of her presidency following the 1986 People Power Revolution , President Corazon Aquino was presented with three options: restore the 1935 Constitution; retain and reform the 1973 Constitution; or pass a new constitution. She decided to have
9506-483: Was questioned on why Guo's candidacy was not disputed at the time with the election body stating it cannot on its own or motu proprio question the eligibility of candidates. Someone else has to file a formal petition. Comelec opened its own investigation in July 2024. Guo was removed from office by the Ombudsman over her links to illicit activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The same still applies for
9604-478: Was rejected by the Supreme Court. The next attempt was from then-Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte Jr . during President Benigno Aquino III 's administration. Belmonte attempted to introduce amendments to the Constitution focusing on economic provisions aiming toward liberalization. The effort did not succeed. President Rodrigo Duterte oversaw the possibility of implementing federalism on
#504495