ARTICLE IX - CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS Flashcards
What are the characteristics of constitutional commissions to ensure their independence?
- They are constitutionally created and may not be abolished by statute
- Each is expressly described as independent
- Each is conferred certain powers and functions which cannot be reduced by statute
- The Chairmen and members cannot be removed except by impeachment
- The Chairmen and members are given a fairly long term of office of seven years
- The Chairmen and members may not be reappointed or appointed in an acting capacity
- The salaries of the Chairman and members are relatively high and may not be decreased during continuance in office
- The Commissions enjoy fiscal autonomy
- Each Commission may promulgate its own procedural rules, provided they do not diminish, increase or modify substantive rights (though subject to disapproval by the Supreme Court)
- The Chairmen and members are subject to certain disqualifications calculated to strengthen their integrity
- The Commissions may appoint their own officials and employees in accordance with Civil Service Law.
What are the independent constitutional commissions?
- Civil Service Commission
- Commission on Elections
- Commission on Audit
What is a commission?
A commission is a board or committee officially appointed and empowered to perform certain acts or exercise certain jurisdiction of a public nature or relation.
What is the composition of the CSC?
1 Chairman and 2 commissioners
What is the composition of the COMELEC?
1 Chairman and 6 commissioners
What is the composition of the COA?
1 Chairman and 2 commissioners
T or F
Although their respective functions are executive in nature, the constitutional commissions are NOT under the control of the President
True.
T or F
Although their respective functions are executive in nature, the constitutional commissions are NOT under the control of the President
True.
Is the Commission on Human Rights a constitutional commission?
No.
T or F
No member of a Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any other office or employment, nor engage in the practice of any profession or in active management or control of any business which may be affected by the functions of his office.
True.
No member of a Constitutional Commission shall be financially interested, directly or indirectly in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by the Government.
True.
T or F
The salary of the Chairman and the Commissioners shall be fixed by law and shall not be decreased during their tenure.
True.
T or F
The Constitutional Commissions shall appoint their officials and employees in accordance with law.
True.
T or F
The constitutional commissions shall enjoy fiscal autonomy, and their approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly released.
True.
What does fiscal autonomy mean?
It contemplates a guarantee of full flexibility to allocate and utilize their resources with the wisdom and dispatch that their needs require.
It means FREEDOM FROM OUTSIDE CONTROL.
T or F
Congress is not prohibited from reducing appropriations of constitutional commissions below the amount appropriated for them for the previous year.
True. Compare with Judiciary - may not be reduced below
Does the CHR enjoy fiscal autonomy?
Only limited fiscal autonomy.
T or F
Each Constitutional Commission en banc may promulgate its own rules concerning pleadings and practice before it or before any of its offices. Such rules shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive rights.
True.
T or F
Each Commission shall decided by a majority vote of all its Members, any case or matter brought before it within 30 days from the date of its submission for decision or resolution.
False, 60 days.
T or F
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.
True.
T or F
The constitutional commissions are collegial bodies whose manner of working is characterized by a sharing of responsibility among the chairman and the commissioners
True.
T or F
Each Commission shall perform such other function provided by law.
True.