AN ACT CREATING THE CORDILLERA REGIONAL CONSULTATIVE COMMISSION

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6658 (Cordillera Regional Consultative Commission Act of 1988)

Purpose and Composition of the Commission (Sections 2-3):
- To assist and participate in the formulation by Congress of the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in the Cordilleras.
- The Commission shall be composed of not more than 30 members appointed by the President, with 18 selected from nominees proposed by different bodies in the Cordillera provinces and Baguio City.

Qualifications and Disqualifications (Sections 4-5):
- Members must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of the region for at least 5 years, qualified voters, and of recognized probity, integrity, independence, and nationalism.
- Persons disqualified under the Constitution and existing laws, and those convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, are disqualified.

Oath and Organization (Sections 6-7):
- Members shall take an oath or affirmation to discharge their duties faithfully.
- The President shall convene the Commission within 15 days after the Act's approval in Baguio City.
- The Commission shall elect a Chairman and presiding officer, determine its rules, and hold public plenary sessions.

Vacancies and Parliamentary Immunities (Sections 8-9):
- Vacancies shall be filled by the President after consultation with the represented group.
- Members shall have parliamentary immunities, including privilege from arrest for certain offenses and freedom from liability for speeches and debates.

Responsibilities and Functions (Section 10):
- The Commission shall conduct public consultations and hearings at the district and regional levels.
- It shall submit periodic and final reports to Congress within 150 days, with the final draft approved by a majority of members.

Congressional Liaison and Drafting of Organic Act (Sections 11-12):
- A special ad hoc committee from the Senate and House of Representatives shall oversee the Commission's work.
- Congress shall draft and enact the Organic Act, considering the Commission's report and recommendations.

Tenure, Staffing, and Compensation (Sections 13-15):
- The Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after submitting its final report.
- It shall maintain its own secretariat and staff, with personal staff for each Commissioner.
- Commissioners shall receive per diem of ₱500 per day, monthly cost of living allowance of ₱5,000, and travel expenses up to ₱5,000 per month.

Funding and Effectivity (Sections 16-18):
- ₱10,000,000 is appropriated from the National Treasury to carry out the Commission's purposes.
- The Act shall take effect upon publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.