A constitutional convention was called to change the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines, written to establish the Commonwealth of the Philippines. A special election was held on November 10, 1970 to elect the convention's delegates, which would convene in 1971. Former Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia was sworn in as the President of the Constitutional Convention on June 1, 1971. However, he died thirteen days after taking oath. Former President Diosdado Macapagal replaced Garcia. Sotero H. Laurel served as the President Pro-Tempore of the convention.