CONSTITUTION OF THE

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

(as Amended on January 19, 2011)

 

Vision

           

We, the Liberal Party, envision a just, prosperous, peaceful and caring civil society anchored on social equity, a vigorous market economy, political openness, ecological balance and an honest, effective government.

 

            We are a responsive, accountable and broad-based political party, unleashing the potential of an empowered citizenry through the Party’s Liberal Democratic Ideals, cohesive membership and courageous, principled leadership.

 

Mission

 

            To attain that vision, we shall advance the Liberal Ideals of Society, Justice, Human Rights, a free Market Economy, Participatory Democracy, and Solidarity with all Nations.

 

Objectives

 

1.     Advance and institutionalize  the Party political ideology and philosophy;

2.     Broaden the Party’s political constituency and expand the influence of its political leaders, and;

3.     Elevate the level of political consciousness and help create a strong pluralist political system.

 

ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1. MEMBERS OF THE PARTY – The members of the Liberal Party are those who are known to have affiliated themselves with it since its organization and continuously maintained their loyalty to it, and those who, after being favorably considered for admission or re-admission formally adhere to it by taking the oath of affiliation.

 

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS – Membership in the Party shall be open to all persons, at least 15 years of age, who believe in the Party Vision, Mission and Platform of Government and subscribe to the Constitution of the Party and follow fundamental Party decisions and Party discipline.

 

SECTION 3. APPLICATION PROCEDURE – An application for membership in the Party shall be submitted to the Provincial, District, City or Municipal Committee of applicant’s residence, which shall have the authority to recommend its approval or disproval to the National Organizing and Membership Commission of the Party. Inaction by the National Organizing and Membership Commission for a period of thirty (30) days from receipt shall be considered as an approval of the recommendation. Applications may also be submitted to, and approved directly by, the Party President, the General Secretary, the National Political Council or the National Executive Council.

 

SECTION 4. OATH OF AFFLIATION – New members of the Party shall first subscribe to the following oath of affiliation:

 

I,________________________________,of_______________________________________________________________,_____________ _____________________________________
(City or Municipality)                                                                  (Province)

Having been accepted as a member of the LIBERAL PARTY. Do hereby solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will support and defend its Constitution and its Vision, Mission and Program of Government; that I will work for its victory in elections and for the realization of a free, just, democratic and progressive society with a government that is clean, honest and responsive to the needs of the People; that I will comply with such rules, regulations and decision as may be promulgated by the duly-constituted  Party authorities; and that I will serve the People and the Liberal Party faithfully without any mental reservation whatsoever.

So help me God. (In the case of affiliation, this sentence will be omitted)

 

 

 

_____________________
(Signature)

 

Sponsored by:
____________________
____________________
____________________

 

 

            SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ____ day of ________, _____ at ___________________________.

 

 

SECTION 5. ADMINISTERING OATHS – Oaths of Affiliation may be administered by any duly authorized Party officer. This authority may be issued by the President, the National Political Council or the National Executive Council.

 

SECTION 6. EQUAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES AMONG MEMBERS – All members of the Party shall have equal rights and duties as follows:

 

1. To be heard and to vote in Party meetings
2. To choose or be chosen as a Party official
3. To be informed of Party meetings, plans, activities, finances and the use of Party funds and property
4. To be accorded due process on complaints, investigations and decisions on matters affecting membership and tenure
5. To support and defend the Constitution
6. To promote the Party Vision, Mission and Program of Government
7. To be actively involved in Party meetings, activities programs and projects
8. To pay dues and assessments

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 7. GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION – Any member of the Party may be disciplined, suspended or removed from the Party on any of the following grounds:

 

1. Engaging in any act antagonistic to its objectives or inimical to its interest, or for violation of or deliberate failure to support any of its fundamental decisions;
2. Failure to attend three (3) consecutive Party meetings or at least 2/3 of the meetings duly convened within a given calendar year of the appropriate committee or organ without valid reason duly communicated within a reasonable period prior to the meeting and subsequently approved by the appropriate committee;
3. Non-participation and involvement in Party-sanctioned activities without valid reason duly communicated within a reasonable period prior to the activity and approved by the appropriate committee, and;
4. Membership in another political party, either by act or deed.

 

SECTION 8. PROCEDURE – The appropriate committee or Party organ may, motu propio or acting upon a complaint executed by any Party member, investigate and decide on the case whose decision may be appealed to the National Executive Council, whose decision(s) shall be final.

 

SECTION 9. SUSPENSION – A Party member may be suspended for a period not exceeding one (1) year.

 

SECTION 10. REINSTATEMENT – A Party member duly removed may apply for reinstatement to the Party Rolls upon written application to the appropriate committee. Said member is deemed reinstated on the day the committee acts favorably on the matter by 2/3 votes of the committee members present, there being a quorum.

 

ARTICLE II. PARTY ADMINISTRATION

 

SECTION 11. GENERAL STATEMENT – The Party shall be administered by the following:

 

1. The National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council,  the National Board and the Party President
2. The Provincial Committee and their respective Executive Committees
3. The District Committees and their respective Executive Committees
4. The City or Municipal Committee and their respective Executive Committees

 

SECTION 12. AUTONOMY AND INTERDEPENDENCE – Party administration, which is fashioned so that in the conduct of the affairs of the Party only the will of the members shall prevail, envisages autonomy in the various levels of the Party machinery, consistent with the interdependence necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the Party as provided for in this Constitution and in accordance with such decisions as from time to time may be adopted by the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President.

 

SECTION 13. THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – The Party shall establish and maintain a National Headquarters that shall be headed by a Director General aided by a functioning and effective staff complement that shall have the following functions:

• To conduct seminars and facilitate the holding of National Party meetings and activities
• To keep, and act as direct custodian of, Party records and papers
• To undertake or facilitate, by itself or in coordination with research and/or political institutes, baseline and policy research for the purpose of data banking, Party legislative work and proposals
• To assist Party members whenever appropriate and feasible, especially during elections
• To assist the National Standing Commissions
• To conduct such other functions as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Council, the National Political Council, the Party President and/or the General Secretary

 

ARTICLE III. THE LOCAL PARTY ORGANIZATIONS

 

SUB-ARTICLE 3.1. THE PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 14. COMPOSITION – The Provincial Committee shall be composed of:

 

1. The member of the National Directorate/NECO voting in the Province
2. Incumbent members of the Provincial Board who belong to the Party and votes in the Province
3. Incumbent City and Municipal Mayors belonging to the Party and votes in the Province
4. One delegate, or his alternate, for each City or Municipality who shall be elected by the respective City or Municipal Committees
5. Members of the different District Committees, should the Province consist of more than one District
6. One delegate from each of the Allied Sectoral Groups in the Province, if so established

 

SECTION 15. POWERS – Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President the Provincial Committee shall be the governing body of the Party in the Province and shall represent the Party before the people and the duly constituted authorities of the province regarding Party matters therein.

 

SECTION 16. THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – Upon call of the Party President, the Provincial Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive Committee which shall be composed of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as it may deem necessary, provided that each District into which a Province is divided shall have at least one representative therein. The Provincial Executive Committee shall exercise the power of the Provincial Committee when the latter is not in session.

 

SUB-ARTICLE 3.2. THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 17. COMPOSITION – The District Committee shall be composed of:

 

1. The members of the National Directorate/NECO and the Provincial Committee voting in the Congressional District
2. Incumbent City and Municipal Mayors voting in the District who belong to the Party
3. One regular delegate or his alternate, for each City or Municipal Committee
4. One delegate from each of the Allied Sectoral Groups in the District, if so established

 

When a Province comprises one Legislative District, the Provincial Committee shall also be the District Committee, with the Provincial Chairperson acting as District Chairperson.

 

SECTION 18. POWERS – Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President, and in coordination with the Provincial Committee, the District Committee shall be the governing body of the Party in the Congressional District and shall represent the Party before the people and the duly-constituted authorities in the District regarding Party matters.

 

SECTION 19. THE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – Upon the call of the Party President, the District Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive Committee composed of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as it may consider necessary. It shall exercise the powers of the District Committee when the latter is not in session.

 

SUB-ARTICLE 3.3. THE MUNICIPAL OR CITY COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 20. COMPOSITION – The Municipal or City Committee shall be composed of:

1. Members of the National Directorate/NECO voting in the Municipality or City
2. Members of the Provincial and District Committees voting in the Municipality or City
3. The incumbent Municipal or City Mayor who belongs to the Party
4. The incumbent Vice Mayor and Councilors belonging to the Party
5. The incumbent Barangay Captains belonging to the Party
6. One delegate from each Allied Sectoral Group, if so established in the Municipality or City
7. One regular delegate from each precinct to be named in accordance with rules to be promulgated by the National Organizing and Membership Commission

 

SECTION 21. POWERS – Subject to the supervision, control and direction of the Provincial or District Committee, the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President, the Municipal or City Committee shall be the governing body of the Party in the Municipality or City and shall represent the Party before the people and duly constituted authorities of the Municipality or City on Party matters.

 

SECTION 22. THE MUNICIPAL OR CITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – The Municipal or City Committee shall elect from among its members an Executive Committee that shall be composed of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as it may deem necessary. It shall exercise the powers of the Municipal or City Committees when the latter is not in session.

 

Sub-Article 3.4. The Regional Party Chairpersons and

NCR Area Chairpersons

 

Section 23. There shall be a Regional Party Chairperson for each of the sixteen (16) administrative regions as well as four (4) Area Party Chairpersons in the National Capital Region for North, East, West, and South sectors thereof, as may be chosen by the National Board.

 

ARTICLE IV. THE NATIONAL DIRECTORATE

 

SECTION 24. COMPOSITION – The National Directorate shall be composed of delegates elected by the General Assemblies of the Party chapters from each of the four major geographical areas of the country, namely: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

 

Each General Assembly shall be convened on the call of the Party President. The General Assemblies shall be convened at least once every six (6) years. The composition and procedures of each General Assembly shall be governed by such rules and guidelines issued by the National Executive Council (NECO) for the purpose of the Assembly, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.

 

The General Assemblies shall choose, in a free and open election, the delegates to the National Directorate, which shall not be more than one hundred (100) members unless otherwise established by the NECO, with equal representation to wit:

 

            ¼ of the delegates to come from Luzon
¼ of the delegates to come from Visayas
¼ of the delegates to come from Mindanao
¼ of the delegates to come from the National Capital Region

 

SECTION 25. FUNCTIONS – The National Directorate shall exercise the following functions:

 

1. It shall set the general policies and guidelines for the Party, which shall be executed and administered by all Party organs under the direct supervision of the NECO.

 

2.     It shall be responsible for electing the following:
Party Chairperson
Two Party Vice-Chairpersons

Party President

Party Executive Vice President

Party Vice President for

1.     Policy, Platform and Advocacy

2.     External Affairs

3.     Internal Affairs

4.     Luzon

5.     Visayas

6.     Mindanao

7.     National Capital Region

8.     Youth

9.     Women

10.  Labor

11.  Farmers/Fishers

12.  Urban Poor

Party Secretary General

Party Deputy Secretary General

Party Treasurer

Party Deputy Treasurer

Party Legal Counsel

Party Spokesperson

Party Deputy Spokesperson

Party Director General

 

SECTION 26. SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS – The National Directorate shall meet at least once every three (3) years or as often as is necessary upon the call of the Party President. It may meet at any time upon the agreement of ¾ of all its members as certified by the Party General Secretary.

 

SECTION 27. POWERS – The National Directorate shall have overall administration, direction, control and supervision of the Party and its organs either directly or, when not in session, through the Party President. Upon his refusal, failure to do so, or death such powers will be exercised by the NECO, or the National Political Council when the NECO is not in session.

 

ARTICLE V. THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 

SECTION 28. COMPOSITION – The National Executive Council (NECO) shall be composed of the following members:

 

1. The Party Chairperson
2. The Two Party Vice-Chairpersons
3. The Party President
4. The Party Executive Vice President
5. The Party Vice Presidents for Policy, Platform and Advocacy, External Affairs, Internal Affairs,  Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region, Youth, Women, Labor, Farmers/Fishers, and Urban Poor
6. The Party Secretary General
7. The Party Deputy Secretary General
8. The Party Treasurer
9. The Party Deputy Treasurer
10. The Party Legal Counsel
11. The Party Spokesperson
12. The Party Deputy Spokesperson
13. The Party Director General
14. All former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic who are members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
15. All Past Presidents of the Party
16. All incumbent Senators and members of the House of Representatives who are members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
17. All incumbent Governors of Provinces who are members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
18. All incumbent Mayors of Cities who are members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
19. All incumbent Senior Officials of the Executive Department with rank of Ambassador, Assistant Secretary, Undersecretary, and Secretary who are members of the Party in good standing for at least six (6) months
20. The Representatives of all Allied Sectors, which shall comprise twenty percentum (20%) of the entire NECO
21. Such other persons of National Stature nominated by the Party President and approved by the National Board
22. Regional Party Chairpersons from all the sixteen (16) administrative regions and four (4) Area Party Chairpersons of the National Capital Region (N,E,W,S)

 

Interim vacancies for these offices shall be filled by the NECO but only for the remaining portion of the term.

 

SECTION 29. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS – The NECO, upon formal call of the Party President, shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National Directorate when the latter is not in session. All powers exercised and functions performed by the NECO shall have the same force and effect as that of the National Directorate unless revoked or altered by the latter at the first opportunity.

 

SECTION 30. TENURE – All Party officers and members of the NECO shall hold office for three (3) years and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or unless sooner removed for cause.

 

SECTION 31. SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS – The NECO shall meet at least once a year on the call of the Party President. The time, place and agenda of the session shall be specified in the call. It may meet at any time on the call of the Party President or with the agreement of 2/3 of all its members, or by a simple majority of the members of the National Political Council, as certified by the Party General Secretary.

 

ARTICLE VI. THE NATIONAL POLITICAL COUNCIL

 

SECTION 32. COMPOSITION – There shall be a National Political Council composed of the following:

 

1. The Party Chairperson
2. The Two Party Vice-Chairpersons
3. The Party President
4. The Party Executive Vice President
5. The Party Vice Presidents for Policy, Platform and Advocacy, External Affairs, Internal Affairs,  Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region, Youth, Women, Labor, Farmers/Fishers, and Urban Poor
6. The Party Secretary General
7. The Party Deputy Secretary General
8. The Party Treasurer
9. The Party Deputy Treasurer
10. The Party Legal Counsel
11. The Party Spokesperson
12. The Party Deputy Spokesperson
13. The Party Director General
14. The Immediate Past President
15. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus
16. The Chairperson of the Caucus of Local Chief Executives
17. The Chairperson of the Liberal League of Local Legislators

 

SECTION 33. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS – The National Political Council shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National Executive Council when the latter is not in session. It shall meet at least twice a year or as often as is necessary at such time and place as the Party President may designate.

 

 

ARTICLE VII. THE PARTY NATIONAL BOARD

 

SECTION 34. THE NATIONAL BOARD – There shall be a National Board of the Party composed of the principal officers of the Party: the Chairperson, the two Vice-Chairpersons, President, Executive Vice President, and Vice President for Policy, Platform and Advocacy, Secretary-General and the Treasurer. It shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National Political Council and National Executive Council when these are not in session. It shall meet regularly.

 

ARTICLE VIII. THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

SECTION 35. COMPOSITION – There shall be established an Advisory Council composed of not less than nine (9) members, chosen by the NECO from among members of the Party of known probity, integrity and independence. They shall all have been persons of national standing who have served the Party and the Republic. It shall be chaired by the Immediate Past President of the Party and may choose such other officers as it sees fit, subject to the approval of the Party President.

 

SECTION 36. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS – The Advisory Council shall serve as the principal source of advice to the Party organs on matters involving the dynamics of internal Party organization as well as external political development. It shall regularly monitor development in and outside of the Party that it believes will have an impact on Party work.

 

It shall also undertake a regular review of the activities of the Party and its officers and the operations of the National Headquarters and it’s Staff with the view to making specific recommendations for improvement of the performance of the Party. These recommendations shall be submitted to the Party President in a written report. The Party President shall meet with the Advisory Council at least once a year.

 

ARTICLE IX. PARTY OFFICERS

 

SECTION 37.  THE PARTY CHAIRPERSON – The Party Chairperson shall be the titular head of the Liberal Party. As such, he shall preside over all the Area General Assemblies and conventions convened by the Party, as well as all the meetings of the Party National Directorate.

 

SECTION 38. THE PARTY VICE-CHAIRPERSON–The Party Vice-Chairperson shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as the Party Chairperson may from time to time assign. In case, for whatever reason, the Chairperson is temporarily unable to perform his duties he shall designate one of the Vice-Chairpersons to perform these functions in his temporary absence. In case of vacancy in the position of the Party Chairperson, one of the Party Vice-Chairpersons as determined by the National Board shall assume the office for the remaining period of the term. In such an instance, the National Executive Council shall elect a new Party Vice-Chairperson to serve for the remaining period of the term.

 

SECTION 39. THE PARTY PRESIDENT – The Party President shall be the principal leader and Chief Executive Officer of the Party. He shall also be the Party’s Spokesperson unless he designates otherwise. He shall exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the National Board, National Executive Council and National Political Council when the urgency of the matter cannot wait for the action of the National Board, National Executive Council or the National Political Council. The exercise of such powers or the performance of such functions shall be reported to the NECO at its next session. He may delegate any of his powers to any Party officer.

 

He shall preside over meetings of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council and the National Political Council

 

SECTION 40. VACANCY IN THE PARTY PRESIDENCY – In case of any vacancy of the Party Presidency or permanent disability of the incumbent, the Party Executive Vice President shall assume the office for the remaining period of the term.

 

Should the Executive Vice President for whatever reason fails to assume the Party Presidency, the National Political Council shall meet not later than 15 days from the occurrence of the vacancy to elect from among themselves a Party President to serve for the remaining period of the term. In the meantime, the Secretary General shall concurrently act as Party President.

 

SECTION 41. THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – The Executive Vice President shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as the Party President may from time to time assign.

 

In case of any vacancy in the position of Executive Vice President, the National Political Council shall elect the Executive Vice President from the incumbent Vice Presidents.

 

SECTION 42. THE VICE PRESIDENT – the Vice President shall assist the Party President as councilor and executives in all matters pertaining to their jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 43. THE SECRETARY GENERAL – The Secretary General shall be the Chief Administrative and Liaison Officer of the Party, coordinating the activities of the various Party organs at all levels. He shall be the custodian of all Party records and documents and shall be the official recorder of all meetings of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council and the National Political Council. Furthermore, he shall oversee and direct the operations of the National Headquarters and other Party support organizations with the assistance of the Deputy Secretary General.

 

Subject to approval by the Party President, he shall appoint all subordinate officials and staff for his office. He shall fix their compensation and prescribe their duties and responsibilities.

 

SECTION 44. THE DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL – The Deputy Secretary General succeeds to the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Secretary General in case of failure, disability or inability of the former to perform the same. He shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as the President and/or Secretary General may from time to time assign him.

 

SECTION 45. THE TREASURER – The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Party and, with the assistance of the Economic, Development and Finance Commission, shall raise funds that shall be disbursed upon authority of the Party President. He shall be the custodian of Party funds and properties.

 

Subject to approval by the Party President, he shall appoint all subordinate officials and staff for his office. He shall fix their compensation and prescribe their duties and responsibilities.

 

SECTION 46. THE DEPUTY TREASURER – The Deputy Treasurer succeeds to the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer in case of failure, disability or inability to perform the same. He shall be responsible for assisting the Treasurer in implementing fund-raising programs for the Party.

 

SUB-ARTICLE 9.1. DISCIPLINARY ACTION REGARDING OFFICERS

 

SECTION 47. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS –Any officer of the Party may be removed or suspended on the following grounds:

 

1. Commission of any act antagonistic to the Party objectives or inimical to its interests, or for violation of or deliberate failure to support any of its fundamental decisions
2. Membership in another political party, either by act or deed
3. Dishonesty, oppression or misconduct while in office, gross negligence, abuse of authority or dereliction of duty
4. Failure to attend two (2) consecutive Party meetings or at least ½ of the meetings duly convened within a calendar year of the appropriate committee or Party organ.

 

Any officer of the Party may be subjected to disciplinary actions, including suspension from effective exercise of his Party rights for a period of one year or less for the same or less serious cause as may be established by the National Executive Council or the National Political Council.

 

SECTION 48. PROCEDURE – The National Executive Council, if so convened for the purpose, may, motu proprio or acting upon a complaint for disciplinary action against any Party member, investigate the case and decide on the matter. The decision of the National Executive Council shall be final.

 

Municipal, City and Provincial committees, acting upon a complaint, may impose the appropriate disciplinary action on the local Party officer concerned.

 

 

ARTICLE X. THE NATIONAL STANDING COMMISSIONS

 

SECTION 49. CREATION – There shall be created a number of National Standing Commissions, each to be composed of not more than five (5) members, namely:

 

1. National Organizing and Membership
2. Economic Development and Finance
3. Political and Electoral Affairs
4. Public Policy and Advocacy
5. International Affairs
6. Media and Public Relations

 

The National Executive Council upon recommendation by the President shall appoint the Chairperson and members of the Standing Commissions.

SECTION 50. FUNCTIONS – The functions of each National Standing Commissions shall be the following:

 

1. The National Organizing and Membership Commission shall be responsible for the overall recruitment and expansion program of the Party and its local branches, and shall act on recommendations for memberships submitted by the appropriate Party committees. It shall endeavor to resolve conflicts among Party members referred to it by the National Executive Council or by the Party President.

 

2. The Economic Development and Finance Commission shall formulate an overall financial and resource-generation program and facilitate and oversee national fund-raising activities. It shall also explore different approaches for Business Development, Entrepreneurship and other self-help schemes for the benefit of the Party and its members.

 

3. The Political and Electoral Affairs Commission shall oversee the Party’s overall electoral organizing program and strategies. It shall likewise be responsible for developing a candidate pool and the conduct of appropriate training for candidates and their supporters. It shall regularly conduct political analysis of national and local situations and undertake alliance-building and unified-front work with other political forces promoting similar goals, subject to guidelines established by the Party President.

 

4. The Public Policy and Advocacy Commission shall be responsible for the public education and policy research program of the Party.

 

5. The International Affairs Commission shall be responsible for the international liaison and political work with other Liberal Parties and organizations in the world. It shall represent the Party in international meetings and conferences, whenever specifically designated by the Party President. It shall also monitor international developments that may have significance for the Party’s political work.

 

6. The Media and Public Relations Commission shall have responsibility for the overall media exposure of the Party and for the maintenance of a good public image with the general population.

 

All policies and regulations adopted by the Standing Commissions shall be subject to the approval of the National Political Council and shall be disseminated to all Party branches and Commissions.

 

ARTICLE XI: CHOICE OF PARTY CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE

GOVERNMENT POSITIONS

 

SECTION 51. CHOICE OF PARTY CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE GOVERNMENT POSITIONS – The choice of Party candidates shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the appropriate Party structure, ensuring the broadest participation from the general Party membership when appropriate and feasible, as follows:

 

1. Candidates for President, Vice President and Senator shall be chosen by the National Executive Council subject to the approval of the National Directorate

2. Candidates for member of the House of Representatives shall be chosen by the appropriate District committees subject to the approval of the National Executive Council

 

3. Candidates for Local Chief Executives and Vice Chief Executives and members of Local Legislative Councils of Provinces, highly urbanized Cities and Chartered Cities shall be chosen by the respective Party committees subject to the approval of the National Executive Council

 

4. Candidates for Councilor shall be chosen by the Provincial, City and Municipal Committees

 

When the appropriate committee or organ has not been convened and constituted or has become inoperative the Party President may, upon consultation with those affected, choose and nominate candidates for the area affected.

Appeals from decisions of the committees shall be elevated to the next highest committee.

 

SECTION 52. CERTIFICATES OF NOMINATION – Certificates shall be issued by the Party President or the General Secretary upon authorization by the former, for candidates for President, Vice President, Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

The Party President or the General Secretary may authorize in writing other Party officers to issue Certificates of Nomination to candidates for local elective offices.

 

Certificates of Nomination as guest candidates may only be issued by the Party President or the General Secretary, upon the latter’s authorization.

 

SECTION 53. QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES – Aside from the qualifications of candidates as provided by law, an official candidate of the Party must:

1. Be a member in good standing of the Party at the time of consideration of his nomination by the appropriate Party committee, AND

2. Has been a member of the Party for at least one (1) year from the date of the Election. However, the appropriate Party committee may decide, by 2/3 vote of the members present, there being a quorum, to waive said requirement.

 

ARTICLE XII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 54. PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES – The President of the Philippines, when belonging to the Party, shall be the titular head of the Party.

 

SECTION 55. RULES OF LOWER PARTY ORGANS – Every organ or unit of the Party shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal such local rules for its internal government as are not inconsistent with this Constitution or with the rules, regulations, decisions or issuances of the National Directorate, National Executive Council, National Political Council or the Party President.

 

SECTION 56. RECORDS – Every organ or unit of the Party shall keep a roll of its members. In case of controversy, the records of its proceedings shall be considered final and binding when certified by the Party President or his duly authorized representative. It may place at its offices a signboard containing the name of the Party and the designation of the organ or unit.

 

SECTION 57. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS OF DISTRICT, PROVINCIAL, CITY, MUNICIPAL OR BARANGAY COMMITTEES – Resolutions adopted by a Provincial, District, City, Municipal or Barangay Committees shall be registered with the Offices of the General Secretary and shall be binding as of the date of registration, subject to the limitations in Section 50.

 

SECTION 58. SUPPLETORY REGULATIONS – In the absence of specific provisions in this Constitution the rules, regulations, decisions or issuances of the National Directorate, the National Executive Council, the National Political Council or the Party President shall govern.

 

SECTION 59. INCUMBENT LOCAL PARTY OFFICERS – All incumbent local Party officers, whether Regional, Provincial, District, City, Municipal or Barangay shall continue to serve as such until their successors shall have been duly chosen and qualified in accordance with this Constitution.

 

SECTION 60. NATIONAL PARTY OFFICERS – In accordance with the authority vested in the Party President [given 5 October 1985 by the National Executive Committee], all incumbent national Party officers, as duly certified by him in each case, shall continue to serve as such until their successors shall have been duly chosen and qualified in accordance with this Constitution.

 

SECTION 61. QUORUM – For the purpose of transacting business, the presence of ¼ of all members of any Party organ or unit shall constitute a quorum. However, the National Executive Council or National Political Council may adopt its own rules respecting quorum.

 

SECTION 62. VACANCIES – Vacancies in the National Political Council, the National Executive Council, Provincial, District, City or Municipal Committees shall be filled by the corresponding committee or Party organ unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution.

 

SECTION 63. OFFICERS OF THE PARTY – The officers and members of the National Executive Council, National Political Council and those of the Provincial, District, City or Municipal Committees are Party officers.

 

SECTION 64. CAUCUSES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS – Members of the Party who are elected to Congress shall constitute themselves into a caucus, with a Chairperson, for purposes of defining specific policies and approaches to be pursued in each Session of Congress. All Local Chief Executives shall likewise be convened by the Party into a caucus, which shall also elect its Chairperson, to determine common concerns for promoting local autonomy and good governance.

 

SECTION 65. OATH OF OFFICE OF PARTY OFFICERS – Before entering upon the performance of their duties and assumption of their responsibilities, Party officers shall subscribe to the following Oath, the original of which shall be kept on file with the Office of the General Secretary:

 

                I, _______________, having been elected _______________, of the Liberal Party, do hereby solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of said office to the best of my ability; that I will uphold and defend the ideals and principles of the Liberal Party as embodied in its Vision and Program of Government; that I will maintain my unswerving loyalty to the Liberal Party, its Constitution, rules and decisions; and that I will serve the People and the Liberal Party with utmost fidelity without any mental reservation whatsoever.

                So help me God. (In case of affirmation, this sentence will be omitted)

                                                            ________________
(Signature)

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me this ___ day of _____, 20___ at ____________

________________________
Administering Party Officer

 

SECTION 66. COMMEMORATIONS – The Party shall publicly commemorate the following occasions:

 

1. 19 January, the Founding Anniversary of the Party
2. National Heroes Day
3. 10 December, Human Rights Day
4. 30 November, Bonifacio Day
5. 30 December, Rizal Day
6. Such other days as the National Executive Council shall designate

 

ARTICLE XIII. PROMULGATION AND AMENDMENTS

TO THIS CONSTITUTION

 

SECTION 67. PROMULGATION – This Constitution shall be promulgated by the Executive Committee at a meeting called for the purpose by the President.

 

SECTION 68. AMENDEMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION – this Constitution may be amended by the vote of 2/3 of all members of the National Executive Council at a meeting called for the purpose by the President, provided that the members of the National Executive Council present for said meeting are in quorum, which is defined as fifty percent plus one of the total membership of the National Executive Council.

 

ARTICLE XIV. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 69. The Executive Committee convened on 20 September 1999, for the purpose of amending the Party Constitution, shall elect the new set of Party officers provided for by these amendments.

 

SECTION 70. The term of office of the new set of Party officers elected by the Executive Committee shall be until 30 September 2001.

 

SECTION 71.  The Executive Council convened on 28 November 2003 for the purpose of amending the Party Constitution shall elect the new Party Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson who shall have the same term as all other Party Officers previously elected.