Amicus Curiae Brief presented by ClientEarth 21 November 2016 g. Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; h. Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority; i. Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions; j. Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and k. Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law". 19. As is clear from the above list of specific constitutional powers and functions, the Commission is not a court. Judicial power in the Philippines is clearly vested by Article 8 of the Constitution in the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Section 1 of Article 8 provides that: "[t]he judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law. Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the Government." 11