Article IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Summary

In this presentation, Kelly Servgal, a Political Science student, discusses the ninth article of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, focusing on the three independent constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit. She highlights their roles, qualifications, and functions, emphasizing their importance in maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability within the government. Each commission operates independently to avoid political influence, with specific provisions regarding membership, fiscal autonomy, and decision-making processes, ensuring effective governance and public trust.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Constitutional Commission includes the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections, and Commission on Audit, each with specific functions and independence.
• 🛡️ Independence of the Constitutional Commission is crucial to maintain the integrity of government functions.
• 📜 Section 2 prohibits members of the Constitutional Commission from holding other offices to prevent conflicts of interest.
• 💰 Section 5 provides the commission with fiscal autonomy, ensuring their funds are regularly released without external control.
• ⚖️ Each commission can establish its own rules, but these cannot modify substantive rights, ensuring consistency with existing laws.
• ⏳ Decisions must be made within 60 days, and any decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court within 30 days of receipt.
• 📚 The Civil Service Commission aims to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the government workforce through a merit-based system.
• 🗳️ The Commission on Elections ensures free and fair elections and is responsible for regulating the conduct of elections.
• 🔍 The Commission on Audit audits government accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.
• 📊 Each commission has specific qualifications for its members, typically requiring a background in law or public administration.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the ninth article of the Philippine Constitution?

The ninth article focuses on the Constitutional Commissions, which include the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit.

Why should the Constitutional Commissions be independent?

They must be independent to perform key functions in government and to protect their integrity from external pressures.

What does Section 2 of the Constitutional Commissions state regarding members holding other offices?

Section 2 states that no member of the Constitutional Commissions may hold any other office while in tenure to avoid conflicts of interest.

What are the main functions of the Civil Service Commission (CSC)?

The CSC acts as a central personnel agency, promotes morale and efficiency in the bureaucracy, and administers civil service examinations.

What qualifications are required for members of the Civil Service Commission?

Members must be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, with proven capacity for public administration, and they cannot have held an elected position.

What is the term length for the chairman and commissioners of the CSC?

The chairman serves for seven years, while the commissioners serve for five years without reappointment.

What is the primary role of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)?

COMELEC is responsible for conducting regular and special elections and ensuring that these elections are free, fair, and honest.

What are the qualifications for members of the Commission on Elections?

Members must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old, hold a degree in law, and have at least ten years of legal practice.

What powers does the Commission on Audit (COA) have?

COA audits government accounts, examines expenditures, and can promulgate accounting rules and regulations for the prevention of irregular expenditures.

How long do members of the Commission on Audit serve, and what are their qualifications?

The chairman serves for seven years and the commissioners for five years. They must be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, and have at least ten years of auditing experience.