2. The Legislative Branch
From the Latin lex, legis meaning law
broadly deals with:
1. making
2. deliberation over enactment
3. amendment
4. repealing of laws
3. The Philippine Congress
(Art. VI, Sec. 1)
The Philippine Congress is the country’s legislative
department
Congress is bicameral
Upper House: Senate
Lower House: House of Representatives
4. Senators and Representatives
When we say Congress, we refer to both houses of the
legislative branch of government in the Philippines.
- Congressmen in the Upper House are called Senators
- Congressmen in the Lower House are called
Representatives
Both Congressmen
6. Sections 2-4. SENATE , Composition &
Qualification
24 senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as
may be provided by law.
1. Natural-born citizen;
2. At least 35 years old on the day of election;
3. Able to read and write;
4. A registered voter; and
5. Philippine resident for at least 2 years immediately
preceding the day of the election.
7. Term of Office:
6 years, commencing (unless otherwise provided by law) at noon, 30
June next following their election.
Maximum: 2 terms
Term Limitations:
No Senator shall serve for more than 2 consecutive terms.
Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be
considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for
the full term for which he was elected.
8. In Case of Vacancy…
Vacancy can be filled through regular election
Special elections can be called for the purpose of
filling the vacancy
In either circumstance, the one elected merely sits for
the unexpired term
9. Structure and Dynamics
Senate President and House Speaker elected by
majority vote
Other officers, procedures and the discipline of its
members is at the discretion of each house
Quorum: Majority
Each House maintains a journal and record of
proceedings
Neither House can adjourn without the other’s consent
while in session
10. Sections 5-7. HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
Composition:
Not more than 25 members, unless otherwise fixed by law; and
Party-list Representative
Election of 250 members
Qualifications
Natural born citizen of the Philippines;
At least 25 years old on the day of the election;
Able to read and write;
Registered voter in the district he seeks to represent; and
A resident of such district for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the election.
11. TERM of OFFICE and Term Limitations
Each member of the House shall be elected for a term of three (3) years which
shall commence (unless otherwise provided for by law) at noon on 30 June next
following their election.
Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as
an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was
elected.
LIMITATION: No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than
three (3) consecutive terms.
12. Privileges
Congressmen have two parliamentary privileges while Congress is in
session:
1. Privilege from arrest
Immunity from offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment
2. Privilege of speech and debate
Immunity from libel and slander
13. Powers of Congress
1. Appointment of Public Officials
2. Legislative inquiry and investigation
3. Declare the existence of a state of war
4. Ratify the country’s international treaties (Senate)
5. Authorize limited emergency powers for the
President
14. Powers of Congress
6. Approve the government budget
7. Undertake projects under the CDF
8. Propose, review, and adopt bills for enactment into law
9. Overturn a Presidential veto with respect to proposed legislation
10. Allow for referenda
11. Propose amendments to the constitution and call for a constitutional convention
15. Legislative Limitations
Congress may not:
1. Increase appropriations recommended by the executive branch
2. Pass tax exemptions without the concurrence of a majority of its members
3. Grant titles of nobility
4. Pass ex post facto bills ("from after the action" or "after the facts") is a law that
retroactively changes )
5. Pass bills of attainder (bill of pains and penalties) is an act of a legislature
declaring a person or group of persons guilty of some crime and punishing
them without a trial)
17. 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
18. How a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
BICAMERAL COMMITTEE
19. How a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
President
20. 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
21. References
Political Law, Nachura
1987 Constitution, de Leon
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