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 reports that it requests, especially those relative to the preparation and liquidation of the budgets.

At the time indicated to him by the Tribunal of Accounts, the Governor shall designate an expert acquainted with the Provincial finances, to assist the Tribunal in the examination of the Provincial accounts.

248. The provisions regarding public finances contained in the corresponding Title of this Constitution shall be applicable to the Province, so far as they are compatible with the régime thereof.

249. Provincial Councillors and the Governor shall be responsible before the courts, in the manner prescribed by law, for acts which they perform in the exercise of their functions. The position of Provincial Councillor is honorary, gratuitous and obligatory.

250. The principles of provincial government and administration that are established in the Constitution shall be so developed by law that they will respond to the administrative character of the Provincial Government.

Section 1.—Properties and Finances of the Nation

251. In addition to the property of the public domain and its own properties, the Nation is the owner of all property existing in the territory of the Republic which does not pertain to the Provinces or the Municipalities, or individually or collectively to private owners.

252. Property owned by the Nation can be alienated or encumbered only under the following conditions:

(a) That Congress so resolve by a special law, for a reason of social necessity or convenience; and always by a vote of two-thirds of each co-legislative body.

(b) That the sale be made in response to public bidding. In the case of a lease, the procedure shall be as directed by law.

(c) That the proceeds be destined to create work, attend to services or satisfy public needs.

The alienation or encumbrance can, nevertheless, be resolved upon in a regular law and effected without the requisite of public bidding, when it is done to carry out a national economic plan approved in a special law.