Legislative Branch of the Philippines

Legislative Branch of the Philippines

• The Legislative power in the Philippines is vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which is a bicameral body.
• The Congress consists of the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).
• There are 24 senators who serve 6 years terms.
• There are 253 members and 63 party-list seats in the House of Representatives, who serve 3-year terms.
• The qualifications for Senators are:
  • Natural-born citizen of the Philippines
  • At least 35 years of age
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered Voter
  • Resident of the Philippines for at least 2 years immediately preceding the day of the election.
• The qualifications for House Representatives are:
  • Natural-born citizen of the Philippines
  • At least 25 years of age
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered Voter in the district (except party-list)
  • Resident thereof for a period of not less than 1 year immediately preceding the day of the election.

Bills and Resolutions

• Congress is responsible for crafting laws to uphold the constitution.
• The legislative body uses two main documents: bills and resolutions.
• Bills are drafts of laws presented to the legislative body for enactment.
• If a bill is approved by both houses and signed by the President, it becomes a law.
• The President can veto a bill, but the House of Representatives can overturn this veto by garnering a 2/3rds vote.
• If the President doesn't act on a bill within 30 days of receipt, it becomes a law.
• Resolutions convey principles and sentiments of the Senate or the House of Representatives.
• Joint Resolutions require the approval of both chambers of Congress and the signature of the president.

Powers and Functions of the Congress

• Congress can remove impeachable government officials from office, including the President, Vice President, Supreme Court justices, members of constitutional commissions, and the Ombudsman.
• The House of Representatives can tackle impeachment complaints and submit the resolution setting the Articles of Impeachment.
• The Senate decides on impeachment cases in a full-blown trial.
• Congress has the sole power to declare a state of war, requiring a vote of two-thirds of both Houses, voting separately.
• Congress can revoke the President's proclamation of martial law with a vote of at least a majority of all members of the Senate and the House.
• Congress can extend the period of martial law beyond the mandated 60 days, if requested.
• Congress can authorize the President to exercise powers to carry out a declared national policy "for a limited period and subject to restrictions" in times of war or other national emergency.
• Congressional committees can conduct hearings "in aid of legislation" on various issues affecting the nation and release a report based on their findings.
• Congress is involved in the national budget process, deciding whether to add or reduce a government agency's budget.
• Congress, through the Commission on Appointments, can approve or reject key appointments made by the president to government agencies.
• Congress needs to concur with any amnesty granted by the president, requiring a majority vote of all members.
• Congress initiates charter changes by either convening into a Constituent Assembly or calling for an election of members of a Constitutional Convention.