In the context of Political Law and Public International Law, particularly focusing on Constitutional Commissions under the Philippine Constitution, it is crucial to meticulously understand their roles, powers, and functions, especially when Rendered in the Exercise of Administrative Functions.

I. Overview of Constitutional Commissions

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Constitutional Commissions are independent constitutional bodies, created to act as checks on government powers and ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. These commissions are:

Civil Service Commission (CSC) – ensures a merit-based, professional civil service.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – supervises and enforces election laws.
Commission on Audit (COA) – serves as the government’s auditing arm, ensuring transparency and accountability in public expenditures.

These Commissions are explicitly mentioned under Article IX of the 1987 Constitution, which is divided into three parts: A (CSC), B (COMELEC), and C (COA).

Each of these Commissions has quasi-judicial powers and administrative functions, the latter being the focus of this discussion.

II. Constitutional Basis

Article IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution defines the roles and powers of these Constitutional Commissions, which are independent from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Their powers include both quasi-judicial and administrative functions, though this section zeroes in on their administrative powers.

Relevant Provisions:

Section 2, Article IX-A: Independence of the Commissions
- "The Constitutional Commissions shall be independent."
- This independence allows them to exercise their administrative functions without undue influence from any branch of government.
Section 6, Article IX-A: Nature of Decisions
- Decisions, orders, or rulings made by these Commissions are final, executory, and reviewable only by the Supreme Court on certiorari.

III. Administrative Functions of the Constitutional Commissions

The administrative functions refer to the activities these Commissions engage in to regulate, administer, and enforce laws within their jurisdiction. While they have quasi-judicial functions (i.e., deciding disputes), their administrative role focuses on overseeing the day-to-day management and ensuring compliance with laws and standards.

1. Civil Service Commission (CSC)

The Civil Service Commission is the central human resource agency of the government, responsible for the regulation of all matters involving the civil service. It performs various administrative functions such as:

Regulating and Administering Civil Service Laws: The CSC enforces the constitutional mandate of merit and fitness in public employment. It oversees appointments, promotions, transfers, and other human resource actions in the government sector.
Issuance of Regulations: It has the power to issue administrative rules and guidelines governing civil servants, including matters like qualifications, work standards, and ethics.
Disciplinary Authority: As part of its administrative functions, the CSC can investigate and impose administrative sanctions on civil servants who violate civil service laws.
Promoting Efficiency: The CSC has the mandate to implement programs that promote efficiency and good governance in the civil service.
Examining Applicants: The CSC administers civil service examinations to qualify applicants for government positions. It formulates guidelines on the conduct of these exams.

Example: When the CSC implements a new set of regulations to improve recruitment standards, it is exercising its administrative powers.

2. Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

The Commission on Elections is tasked with the administration, supervision, and enforcement of election laws in the Philippines. Its administrative functions include:

Regulating Election Laws: COMELEC formulates guidelines and regulations to ensure free, fair, and orderly elections. This includes promulgating rules on campaign finance, election propaganda, and the conduct of the elections themselves.
Conducting Voter Registration: COMELEC oversees the registration of voters, ensuring that the voter’s list is updated and accurate.
Supervising Elections: COMELEC administers and supervises the entire electoral process, including precinct management, vote counting, and canvassing of election returns.
Accreditation of Political Parties and Organizations: It has the administrative power to regulate political parties and accredits their participation in elections.
Promulgating Rules for Electoral Contestation: Although electoral contests fall under its quasi-judicial powers, the administrative issuance of guidelines for the filing of petitions, handling of evidence, and conduct of proceedings are essential administrative functions.

Example: When COMELEC sets the calendar for election-related activities (e.g., the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy), it is exercising its administrative functions.

3. Commission on Audit (COA)

The Commission on Audit is tasked with the duty of examining, auditing, and settling all accounts pertaining to the revenue and expenditures of the government and its subdivisions. Its primary administrative functions include:

Formulation of Auditing Rules: COA issues guidelines and regulations on how government funds should be used and accounted for, including the standards for financial reporting and auditing.
Oversight of Public Funds: COA supervises how government entities use their funds, ensuring compliance with financial and auditing regulations.
Administrative Control Over Auditors: COA assigns and oversees government auditors tasked with scrutinizing the finances of various government agencies.
Issuance of Notices of Disallowances: In case of illegal or improper expenditures, COA issues notices of disallowance, mandating government agencies to account for misused funds.
Conduct of Audits and Investigations: The COA can undertake both regular and special audits, including performance audits and investigations into irregularities.

Example: When COA implements a circular outlining proper expenditure processes for local government units, it is performing its administrative role.

IV. Administrative Functions vs. Quasi-Judicial Functions

While the Constitutional Commissions also have quasi-judicial powers (where they can decide cases or disputes), their administrative functions are distinct in that these involve governance, regulation, and the supervision of compliance, rather than adjudicating disputes.

Administrative functions involve rule-making, oversight, and enforcement.
Quasi-judicial functions involve adjudication and resolution of conflicts or disputes (e.g., resolving election protests in COMELEC or disciplining erring civil servants in CSC).

For example, when the COA issues guidelines on how public funds should be audited, this is administrative. However, when COA decides that a certain expenditure is unlawful (after a formal hearing), this is quasi-judicial.

V. Finality and Review of Administrative Decisions

Under the Constitution, the administrative decisions of these Commissions are final and executory, but are subject to review by the Supreme Court on questions of law via a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court. This is particularly important in ensuring that while these Commissions are independent, they are still subject to legal scrutiny by the Judiciary, which can void acts tainted with grave abuse of discretion.

VI. Importance of Administrative Functions

The administrative functions of the Constitutional Commissions play a critical role in maintaining public order, good governance, and transparency in government operations. Their rule-making and regulatory powers help streamline governmental functions and ensure the ethical conduct of public officers, which is a cornerstone of democratic governance in the Philippines.

These administrative functions ensure that government agencies comply with the Constitution and laws, and provide a framework for ethical governance and professional public service.

Conclusion

The administrative functions of the Constitutional Commissions in the Philippines are crucial in upholding the integrity of the government system. Each Commission—CSC, COMELEC, and COA—performs key roles that ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency within their respective jurisdictions, acting independently but in concert with other branches of government to maintain the rule of law and democratic governance.