Practice question
The incumbent President’s first cousin, related by consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, is proposed for appointment as a department secretary during that President’s tenure. Supporters concede the relationship but rely on the cousin’s exceptional professional competence. What is the effect of Article VII, Section 13?
- Professional competence automatically creates an exception to the restriction.
- The restriction applies only to a spouse and never to cousins.
- The restriction applies only to appointments made after the President’s term.
- A department secretary is not among the covered offices.
- The appointment is prohibited despite the claimed competence because the relationship and office fall within the express restriction.
Legal references
- 1987 Constitution, Article VII, Sections 3, 6 and 13: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/3/353; Section 13, second paragraph.
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