First Exam

Question 1

Which laws apply when the US takes over a territory?

Answer 1

All political or constitutional laws of the territory are abrogated. Non-political laws are kept insofar as they are consistent with the constitutional law.

Question 2

[Enumerate] Organic Laws

Answer 2

• Mckinley’s Instruction
• The Spooner Amendment
• Philippine Bill of 1902
• Jones Law of 1916

Question 3

What is the power of augmentation?

Answer 3

The power vested to the President, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of the Constitutional Commissions, to AUGMENT ANY ITEM in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from SAVINGS in other items of their respective appropriations. (Article VI, Section 25(5) of the 1987 Constitution)

Question 4

What is the case of Planas vs. COMELEC?

Answer 4

On 30 November 1972, the Convention submitted its “draft” to the President, who called on a plebiscite to ratify the Constitution. It was questioned in this case, on the ground that there can be no freedom of expression under Martial Law. But the case was rendered moot and academic because the President cancelled the plebiscite and instead held citizens’ assemblies.