LA-HOR: The Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives is a quick reference presentation for this nth Congress under the Speakership of Hon. Feliciano "Sunny" Belmonte. While there are voices to abolish the Legislature, this branch of the Government is constitutionally created and cannot just be drastically abolished under the same 1987 Philippine Constitution...

1. WELCOME and MABUHAYWELCOME and MABUHAY
!!
Mr. VirGILio G. GundayaoMr. VirGILio G. Gundayao, MBA/MPA, MBA/MPA
Exec. Dir., Graft-Free PhilippinesExec. Dir., Graft-Free Philippines , a national project of, a national project of PhilippinePhilippine Jaycee SenateJaycee Senate
2004 Exec. Director, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Phils.2004 Exec. Director, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Phils.
Immediate Past Exec. Director, JC Leaders InternationalImmediate Past Exec. Director, JC Leaders International
Ex-AMO, CSCEx-AMO, CSC Mamamayan Muna, Hindi Mamaya Na!Mamamayan Muna, Hindi Mamaya Na! ProgramProgram

2. WELCOME & MABUHAY ! ! !
The Legislative AdministrationThe Legislative Administration
of the House of Representatives (LA-of the House of Representatives (LA-
HOR)

3. WE GREATLY ACKNOWLEDGE
A COMPLEAT GURU
PROF. JUAN C. BIRION, DPA
PUP VICE-PRESIDENT, STUDENT SERVICES

4. 3 BRANCHES
of the
GOVERNMENT
LEGISLATIVE EXECUTIVE JUDICIARY

5. Principle of SEPARATION OF POWERS
- each government branch is not permitted to encroach upon the powers
confided to others. Arbitrary rule would result if the same body is to exercise
all the powers of the government.

6. .

7. Principle of CHECKS AND BALANCES
- authorizing a considerable amount of
encroachment or checking by one branch in
the affairs of the others. Each branch is
given certain powers with which to check the
others.
 Pres.may disapprove bills enacted by
Congress
 Congress may reject appointments by the
Pres.

8. THE PHILIPPINE
CONGRESS
TheThe Philippine CongressPhilippine Congress is the country’sis the country’s
legislative departmentlegislative department (Art. VI, Sec. 1)(Art. VI, Sec. 1)
 Congress isCongress is bicameralbicameral
 Upper House:Upper House: SenateSenate
 Lower House:Lower House: House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
 N.B.:N.B.: Senators are CongressmenSenators are Congressmen

9. ARTICLE VI (1987 Constitution)
The House of Representatives

10. SECTION 1. (Art. VI, 1987 Phil.
Const.)
(up to Section 32
thereof)
The legislative power shall be
vested in the Congress of the
Philippines which shall consist of
a Senate and a House of
Representatives ….

11. ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987
(E.O. 292)
Sec. 2. Seat of Legislative Power.
Sec. 3. Inhibitions Against Members of Congress.
Sec. 4. Electoral Tribunal.
Sec. 5. Commission on Appointments.
Sec. 6. Legislative Investigation.
Sec. 7. Appearance of Heads of Departments.
Sec. 8. Initiative and Referendum.
Sec. 9. Power to Propose Const. Amendments.
Sec. 10. Validity of Constitutional Amendments.

13. CONGRESSIONAL (LEGISLATIVE) POWER
(1) CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO
CREATE, PASS, REPEAL LAWS

14. Philippine Law-MakingPhilippine Law-Making
(basic process)
Preparation
of the Bill
First Reading Committee
Action
Second
Reading
Third
Reading
Transmittal to
Senate
Senate
Action
Bicameral
Conference
Committee
Transmittal to
President
Presidential
Action
Action on
Approved Bill
Action on
Vetoed Bill
Senate goes through three readings; can be a parallel process

16. 2 KINDS OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
1.) District Representative – elected directly and personally from the territorial
unit he is seeking to represent.
2.) Party-list Representative – chosen indirectly, through the party he represents,
which is the one voted for by the electorate. This is to give an opportunity to
weak sectors to have their voices heard.

17. (2) REPRESENTS THE PEOPLE

18. SECTION 6.
No person shall be a Member of
the House of Representatives
unless he is a natural-born citizen
of the Philippines and, on the day
of the election, is at least twenty-
five years of age, able to read and
write, and, except the party-list
representatives, a registered voter
in the district in which he shall be
elected, and a resident thereof for
a period of not less than one year
immediately preceding the day of
the election.

19. SECTION 7.
The Members of the House of
Representatives shall be elected
for a term of three years …
No member of the House of
Representatives shall serve for
more than three consecutive
terms…

20. SECTION 11.
A Senator or Member of the
House of Representatives shall, in
all offenses punishable by not
more than six years
imprisonment, be privileged from
arrest while the Congress is in
session. No Member shall be
questioned nor be held liable in
any other place for any speech or
debate in the Congress or in any
committee thereof.

21. SALARIES (REFER TO THE ADJUSTED SSL)
House of Representatives
Senators
 43,000 basic monthly salary (516,000 per annum)
 1.3 M for salaries of staff (15.6 M per annum)
 200 M Pork Barrel Funds
 Travel and other allowances
 216.116 Million Pesos

22. FREEDOM from ARREST
offenses punishable by not more than six
years imprisonment
while Congress is in session
FREEDOM of SPEECH and DEBATE
remarks must be made in connection with the
discharge of official duties.
while Congress is in session

23. (3) Investigative powers(3) Investigative powers

24. REASON FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL
PRIVILEGES…
To enable members of Congress to discharge their functions adequately and
without fear. It is true that the privileges may be abused. However, the harm
which would come from its abuse is considered slight compared to that
which might arise if the privileges were not given.

25. SECTION 12.
All Members of the Senate and
the House of Representatives
shall, upon assumption of office,
make a full disclosure of their
financial and business interests…
They shall notify the House
concerned of a potential conflict
of interest that may arise from
the filing of a proposed
legislation of which they are

26. SECTION 13.
No Senator or Member of the
House of Representatives may
hold any other office or
employment in the Government…
during his term without forfeiting
his seat. Neither shall he be
appointed to any office which
may have been created or the
emoluments thereof increased
during the term for which he was

27. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICE
Office which mat not be held by a member of a Congress outside the
legislative department. There is a need for members to devote their time and
attention to the discharge of their legislative responsibilities.
FORBIDDEN OFFICE
Office which a member of a Congress may not be a beneficiary by reason of
being a participant when said office was created. Hence, a member of Congress
shall not be eligible for appointment to such office even if he resigns.

28. SECTION 15.
The Congress shall convene once
every year on the fourth Monday of
July for its
regular session, …and shall
continue to be in session for such
number of days as it may
determine until thirty days before
the opening of its next regular
session, exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays, and legal holidays. The

29. SECTION 16.
(1) The Senate shall elect its
President and the House of
Representatives its Speaker, by a
majority vote of all its respective
Members.
(2) A majority of each House shall
constitute a quorum to do
business…

30. (3) Each House may determine the
rules of its proceedings, punish its
Members for disorderly behavior,
and, with the concurrence of two-
thirds of all its Members, suspend
or expel a Member. A penalty of
suspension, when imposed, shall
not exceed sixty days.
(4) Each House shall keep a Journal
of its proceedings, and from time
to time publish the same,

31. (4) JUDICIAL ‘CAPACITY’

32. QUORUM
- a number of membership which is competent to transact its business; is at least
one-half plus one of the members of a body.
LEGISATIVE JOURNAL
- the official record of what is done and passed in a legislative assembly and the
proceedings occurred from day to day.

33. SECTION 17.
The Senate and the House of
Representatives shall each have
an Electoral Tribunal which shall
be the sole judge of all contests
relating to the election, returns,
and qualifications of their
respective Members…

34. SECTION 18.
There shall be a Commission on
Appointments… shall act on all
appointments submitted to it…

35. SECTION 21.
The Senate or the House of
Representatives or any of its
respective committees may
conduct inquiries in aid of
legislation in accordance with its
duly published rules of
procedure. The rights of persons
appearing in or affected by such
inquiries shall be respected.

36. SECTION 26.
No bill passed by either House shall
become a law unless it has passed
three readings on separate days,
and printed copies thereof in its
final form have been distributed to
its Members three days before its
passage… Upon the last reading of
a bill, no amendment thereto shall
be allowed, and the vote thereon
shall be taken immediately
thereafter, and the yeas and nays
entered in the Journal.

37. STEPS IN THE PASSAGE OF A BILL
First Reading
- reading of the number, title of the
measure and name of the author
Second Reading
- the bill is read in its entirety,
scrutinized , debated upon and
amended when desired
Third Reading
- members merely register their
votes and explain them. No further

38. SECTION 27.
Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to
the President. If he approves the same, he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it
and return the same with his objections to the House where it originated, which
shall enter the objections at large in its Journal and proceed to reconsider it. If,
after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all the Members of such House shall agree
to pass the bill, it shall be sent…to the other House by which it shall likewise be
reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the Members of that House, it
shall become a law… The President shall communicate his veto of any bill to the
House where it originated within thirty days after the date of receipt thereof;
otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had signed it.

39. GAA APPROPRIATIONS 2011 & 2012
(Amount, In thousand pesos)
FY 2012
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES................................P 9,370,140
Senate..........................................................2,853,289
Senate Electoral Tribunal........................... 105,734
Commission on Appointments........................442,971
House of Representatives...........................5,842,073
House Electoral Tribunal............................... 126,073
FY 2011
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES....................................P 8,491,338
Senate........................................................... 2,620,077
Senate Electoral Tribunal............................... 95,730
Commission on Appointments........................ 386,341
House of Representatives............................ 5,277,094
House Electoral Tribunal.............................. 112,096

40. (5) CAN MAKE OR BREAK GOVERNMENTS

41. 3 WAYS WHEN A BILL MAY BECOME A
LAW
1.) When the President approves
the bill by signing it.
2.) When the President vetoes the
bill and the same is overriden
by 2/3 votes of all the members
of both Houses.
3.) When the President does not
communicate his veto within 30
days after the date of receipt.

43. Philippine House of Representatives
14thCongress
•Total members: 269
•Representation: 217 (81%) District; 52
(19%) Sectoral
•Term Profile: 148 (55%), 1stterm; 54 (20%),
2ndterm; 67 (25%), 3rdterm
•Sex:202 (75%), male; 56 (21%) female
•Organization: Speaker, Deputy Speakers,
Majority Leader, Minority Leader
•Committees: 58 Standing Committees; 12
Special Committees
http://www.congress.gov.ph/index.php

45. (6) Recruitment and socialization(6) Recruitment and socialization

46. HOW A BILL BECOMES
LAW
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
Debate
Referral to Committee

47. Debate
Referral to Committee
HOW A BILL BECOMES
LAW
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading

48. HOW A BILL BECOMES
LAW
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
BICAMERAL
COMMITTEE

49. HOW A BILL BECOMES
LAW
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
President

50. HOW A BILL BECOMES
LAW
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
PresidentAPPROVE VETO
30 DAY PERIOD

51. LEDAC MEMBERSHIP

52. PARLIAMENTARY
PRIVILEGES
Congressmen haveCongressmen have two parliamentarytwo parliamentary
privilegesprivileges while Congress iswhile Congress is in sessionin session::
1.1. Privilege fromPrivilege from arrestarrest
 ImmunityImmunity fromfrom offensesoffenses punishable by not morepunishable by not more
thanthan six years imprisonmentsix years imprisonment
2.2. Privilege ofPrivilege of speechspeech andand debatedebate
 ImmunityImmunity fromfrom libellibel andand slanderslander

53. TRANSPARENCY
Elected Congressmen must:Elected Congressmen must:
1.1. FullyFully disclosedisclose theirtheir financialfinancial andand businessbusiness
interestsinterests
2.2. DiscloseDisclose potentialpotential conflicts of interestsconflicts of interests thatthat
arise in the course ofarise in the course of legislationlegislation
3.3. Keep fromKeep from anyany other officeother office oror employmentemployment
(appointed or otherwise),(appointed or otherwise), forfeitforfeit his/herhis/her seatseat
to do soto do so

54. POWERS OF CONGRESS
1.1. AppointmentAppointment of Public Officialsof Public Officials
2.2. LegislativeLegislative inquiryinquiry andand investigationinvestigation
3.3. DeclareDeclare the existence of athe existence of a state ofstate of
warwar
4.4. RatifyRatify the country’s internationalthe country’s international
treatiestreaties ((SenateSenate))
5.5. AuthorizeAuthorize limitedlimited emergency powersemergency powers
for the Presidentfor the President

55. POWERS OF CONGRESS
6.6. ApproveApprove the governmentthe government budgetbudget
7.7. UndertakeUndertake projectsprojects under theunder the CDFCDF
8.8. Propose, review, and adoptPropose, review, and adopt billsbills for enactmentfor enactment
intointo lawlaw
9.9. OverturnOverturn a Presidentiala Presidential vetoveto with respect towith respect to
proposed legislationproposed legislation
10.10. Allow forAllow for referendareferenda
11.11. ProposePropose amendmentsamendments to theto the constitution andconstitution and
call for acall for a constitutional conventionconstitutional convention

56. HOR SECRETARIAT
VISION & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
VISION
The Secretariat of the House of Representatives is an organization of
career public servants providing comprehensive, strategic, innovative,
efficient, ethical and citizen-friendly services to the House of
Representatives, its Members and the general public, and committed to
sustaining a work culture of excellence, continuous learning, transparency
and accountability.

57. HOR Strategic Directions
•A shared understanding, appreciation, and actualization of the
Secretariat vision for a more energized performance of functions by
all personnel.
•Rationalizing the systems and processes, functions and
organizational structure of the Secretariat.
•Strengthening the linkage between Planning and Budget systems of
the institution towards the optimum utilization of available resources.
•Diversification of training and development programs.
•Intensified use of information and communication technology for
more efficient and effective delivery of organization services.
•Institutionalizing mechanisms for regular interfaces of the House
leadership and the Secretariat for information sharing on legislative
and Secretariat concerns, and
•Establishing communication and feedback mechanisms to
strengthen public participation in the legislative process towards an
aggressive positive projection of House image.

58. THE HOUSE SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat provides the Members of the House with adequate,
timely, relevant and efficient administrative and technical assistance and
support to enable them to perform their legislative tasks and constituent
responsibilities.
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General. In the discharge
of his duties and responsibilities, he is assisted by:

59. The Deputy Secretary General for Operations
The Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs
The Deputy Secretary General for Administration
The Deputy Secretary General for Finance
The Deputy Secretary General for Internal Audit
The Deputy Secretary General for Engineering and Physical
Facilities
The Deputy Secretary General for Legal Affairs
The Director-General for the Congressional Planning & Budget
Research
 Congressional Budget Service,
 Congressional Economic Planning Service
 Special Projects Service, which provides technical assistance to the
Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and assists in
the formulation of the legislative agenda of the House of Representatives.
The Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Information
Resources Management

60. The following offices are under the Secretary
General:
The Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special
Affairs Bureau
Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Travel Service,
Protocol and Special Affairs Service
Executive Lounges
Knowledge Management Systems Bureau
Information and Communication Technology Service,
Planning and Management Information Service
Public Relations and Information BureauPublic Relations and Information Bureau
Publishing and Design Service,
Media Affairs and Public Information Service
Public Affairs Service

61. LEGISLATIVE LIMITATIONS
Congress may not:Congress may not:
1.1. Increase appropriationsIncrease appropriations recommended by therecommended by the
executive branchexecutive branch
2.2. Pass tax exemptionsPass tax exemptions without the concurrencewithout the concurrence
of a majority of its membersof a majority of its members
3.3. GrantGrant titlestitles ofof nobilitynobility
4.4. PassPass ex post facto billsex post facto bills
5.5. PassPass bills of attainderbills of attainder

62. THE HOR COMMITTEES: 58 STANDING
AND 11 SPECIAL COMMITTEES (UNDER SECTIONS 27 & 28, HOR
RULES)
STANDING COMMITTEES (58)
ACCOUNTS, 55 Members, chaired by Noel, Florencio
AGRARIAN REFORM, 40 Members, chaired by Teves, Pryde Henry A.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, 65 Members, chaired by Mendoza, Mark
Llandro L.
APPROPRIATIONS, 125 Members, chaired by Abaya, Joseph Emilio A.
AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES, 55 Members, chaired by
Salimbangon, Benhur L.
BANKS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES, 45 Members, by Apostol,
Sergio F.
BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE, 65 Members, by (Escudero,
Salvador III )
CIVIL SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, 35 Members, chaired

63. ECOLOGY, 35 Members, chaired by Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, 35 Members, chaired by Durano, Ramon VI H.
ENERGY, 65 Members, chaired by Abad, Henedina R.
ETHICS AND PRIVILEGES, 25 Members, chaired by Aumentado, Erico B.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 55 Members, chaired by Bichara, Al Francis DC.
GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS, 65 Members, chaired by Bagatsing, Amado S.
GOOD GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, 45 Members,
chaired by Treñas, Jerry P.
GOV’T ENTERPRISES & PRIVATIZATION, 35 Members, chaired by Fabian,
Erico Basilio A.
GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION, 25 Members, chaired by Jalosjos, Cesar
HEALTH, 65 Members, chaired by Marañon, Alfredo III D.
HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, 65 Members, chaired by Angara,
Juan Edgardo M.
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 55 Members, chaired by Valencia,
Rodolfo G.
HUMAN RIGHTS, 35 Members, chaired by Relampagos, Rene
INFO. & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, 55 Members, chaired by Tinga,
Sigfrido R.

64. NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNITIES, 25 Members, chaired by
Brawner Baguilat, Teddy Jr.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY, 65 Members, chaired by Biazon,
Rodolfo
NATURAL RESOURCES, 65 Members, chaired by Matugas, Francisco
'Lalo' T.
OVERSEAS WORKERS AFFAIRS, 35 Members, chaired by Bello,
Walden F.
PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION, 25 Members, chaired by Asilo, Benjamin
DR.
POPULATION AND FAMILY RELATIONS, 25 Members, chaired by
Espina, Rogelio J.,M.D.
INTERPARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY, 45 Members, chaired
by Ortega, Victor Francisco C.
JUSTICE, 55 Members, chaired by Tupas, Niel Jr. C.
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT, 40 Members, chaired by Ong, Emil
LEGISLATIVE FRANCHISES, 45 Members, chaired by Teodoro, Marcelino R
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, 55 Members, chaired by Arnaiz, George P.
METRO MANILA DEVELOPMENT, 30 Members, chaired by Ejercito, JVictor G.
MINDANAO AFFAIRS, 60 Members, chaired by Go, Arnulfo F.
MUSLIM AFFAIRS, 20 Members, chaired by Loong, Tupay T.

65. PUBLIC INFORMATION, 35 Members, chaired by Evardone, Ben P.
PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY, 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Pablo John
F.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, 95 Members, chaired by Cosalan, Ronald
M.
REVISION OF LAWS, 25 Members, chaired by Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L.
RULES, 30 Members, chaired by Gonzales, Neptali II M. (Majority Leader)
RURAL DEVELOPMENT, 25 Members, chaired by Enverga, Wilfrido Mark
M.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 35 Members, chaired by Ledesma, Julio IV A.
SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEV’T, 25 Members, chaired by
Casiño, Teddy A.
SOCIAL SERVICES, 35 Members, chaired by Robes, Arturo B.
SUFFRAGE AND ELECTORAL REFORMS, 35 Members, chaired by Barzaga,
Elpidio Jr.
TOURISM, 55 Members, chaired by Miraflores, Florencio T.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY, 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Albert Raymond
S.
TRANSPORTATION, 85 Members, chaired by Mercado, Roger G.

66. SPECIAL COMMITTEES (11)
(under Sec. 33, HOR Rules)
BASES CONVERSION, Agyao, Manuel S.
BICOL RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Fortuno, Salvio B.
EAST ASEAN GROWTH AREA, Arenas, Ma. Rachel J.
FOOD SECURITY, Guanlao, Agapito H.
GLOBALIZATION AND WTO, Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L.
LAND USE, Ferrer, Jeffrey P.
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Marcos, Imelda R.
NORTH LUZON GROWTH QUADRANGLE, Dalog, Maximo B.
PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY, Sacdalan, Jesus N.
REFORESTATION, Yu, Victor J.

67. THE PARTY LIST

68. SELECTED PROBLEMS &
ISSUES
1.Political Dynasty
2.Oversight Function
3.Impeachment
4.CDF/PDAF or Pork Barrel
5.Party System

69. POLITICAL DYNASTY/IES
HOW DID THEY EMERGE?
Political dynasties are observed to have began in the early 20th century
during the American colonial period when voting was limited to rich and
landed Filipinos who monopolized public office. In other words, the
lopsided structure of opportunities and the social and economic
inequalities allow a few --both in the administration and opposition --to
monopolize wealth and political power.

70. HOW DID THEY EMERGE?
Today, political dynasties are supposed to be prohibited by the Constitution.
Sec. 26 Art. II of the 1987 Constitution states:
" The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public
service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law."

71. HOW DID THEY EMERGE?
Though this prohibition does exist, an enabling law is needed . Since 1987, the
anti-political dynasty bills filed never got to first base. Why? Most
lawmakers from the administration and opposition oppose the
Constitutional ban on political dynasties because they too, come from
political dynasties and clans, which have been long entrenched in power.
New political dynasties have also risen to challenge the traditional political
clans in their bailiwicks.

72. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLITICAL
DYNASTIES AND THE CURRENT MAINSTREAM
POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Political parties are in fact convenient but temporary alliances
of political dynasties or political clans. The basis of their
alliances are not because of principles or party platforms,
but may be based on marriage, business connections, or
political accommodation , etc.

73. • Since there is an absence of ideology of these elite parties and the similarity of
their pro-oligarchy and pro-U.S. positions, their members often resort to
turncoatism and party-switching. For their loyalty to a particular alliance of elite
parties depend on the political patronage and spoils available that in fact
determine the alignment and re-alignment of these parties.

74. • Political parties thus are actually
alliances among the economic and
social elites/class who have no
coherent principle or program. They
thrive on money machinery, political
spoils from the incumbent, access to
power and patronage politics. They
assure the monopoly of political
power by the economic elite. The
vaunted machinery of a bloc of
political parties allied with the
administration means the use of pork
barrel, patronage, cash, violence and

75. WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL DYNASTIC
RULE ON PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
ON OUR COMMUNITIES, AND NATIONHOOD IN
GENERAL?
• Political dynasties distort governance, and
make a sham of democratic governance. Thru
political dynasties, public office becomes an
exclusive family franchise, a provider of more
benefits to family interests. When family
members from a single clan dominate political
positions in a particular area, we can expect the
weakening of checks and balances, and the

76. • More studies are needed to study
empirically the political disease
called cronyism, and to show how
fundamentally, politics and
business fortunes are so much
intertwined. Business empires or
big business in general needs to
be critically reexamined to see
how big business is really done,
i.e. how business elites or family
interests wheel and deal in the
political system. This goes against
the grain of competition and fair

77. Characterizing the Philippine Legislature…
•Patronage politics
-political families
-familial kinship by blood or ritual (compadrazgo)
•Economic power begets political power
-land owning class: traditional source
-entrepreneurial & ‘yuppie’ class: new source
•Political turncoatism or balimbing
•Intra-elite conflict
....DVDVideoSoftFreeYouTubeDownloadPHILIPPINE SENATE -SENATORS WASTEFUL SESSIONS.mp4

78. CONCLUDING STATEMENT
QUOTING APOLINARIO MABINI
“Society…should have a ruling spirit and authority. This
authority should have a reason to guide it—the Legislature; it
should have a will to act and function—the Executive; it should a
conscience to judge and punish the wrong-doers—the Judiciary.
These powers should be independent of each other,--that is to say,
no one of them should interfere with the prerogative of the other…”

79. REFERENCES
Paras, Corazon L., The Speakers of the Philippine Legislative Branch, Fil-Asia
Printerss, 1996.
Executive Order No. 292, The Administrative Code of 1987.
The 197 Philippine Constitution.
Prof. Lourdes Veneracion-Rallonza, PhD, Department of Political Science,
Ateneode Manila University,, The Legislative Branch, presentation.
House of Representatives (HOR) Rules

80. THANK YOU!