In conformity with present universal and particular legislations, the government of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino depends first, on the Roman Curia’s Congregation for the Clergy, and second, on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The latter has an Episcopal Commission for the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, whose concrete functions, inclusive of its competence regarding the composition of Vigilance Commissions for Discipline and for Administration, are specified in the By-Laws of the Catholic Bishops” Conference of the Philippines (Art. VII, Sec 9).
The Episcopal Commission for the Pontifical Collegio Filippino shall be composed of the following: Their Eminences, the Cardinals, as ex officio Members, and Bishops designated for membership. The Commission shall have at most seven (7) Members, whose constitution and tenure are defined in the By-Laws of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (Art. III, Sec. 2; Art. IV, Sec. 3)
The internal life of the Collegio shall be governed more particularly by duly approved Ordinances and House Rules in accord with ecclesiastical norms, common practices and standing customs in the Philippines.
The Pontificio Collegio Filippino enjoys a juridical personality according to Canon Law (through the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy), before the laws of the Republic of Italy (as it is recognized by the Interior Ministry) and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines (through the CBCP). In the conduct of all its affairs, the Rector acts in the person of the Collegio unless otherwise prescribed by the competent authority regarding certain matters.
Section 16: Commission on the Pontificio Collegio Filippino
The Commission on the Pontificio Collegio Filippino:
a. Shall administer the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, that enjoys both ecclesiastical and civil juridical personalities, in accordance with the norms from the Congregation for Catholic Education and the consonant directives from the Conference, and pursuant to the laws of the Republics of Italy and of the Philippines.
b. Shall provide that enough number of priests chosen by the members of the Conference from their respective jurisdictions are sent to the College every scholastic year, taking into account their spiritual and emotional aptitude, priestly virtues, intellectual ability and physical health.
c. Shall determine the periodic and/or annual contribution of every Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction for the maintenance of the College in the event that such subsidy becomes necessary.
d. Shall present to the Congregation for the Clergy for their appointment, the two Ecclesiastics who are to compose the Vigilance Commission of the College, viz., one for the discipline of the student Priests and the other for the administration of the temporal goods of the College.
e. Shall look after the financial viability and stability of the College, and shall give an annual financial Report thereon to the Conference.
f. Shall make the necessary recommendations to the Conference for the continuous maintenance and improvement of the College.