Philippine Legislative Branch Overview

Article IV: Legislative

• The legislative branch, derived from the Latin word "lex, legis" meaning law, is responsible for creating and amending laws. Their duties include lawmaking, considering proposed laws, and repealing existing ones.

The Philippine Congress

• The Philippine Congress is the legislative branch of the Philippine government.
• It is bicameral, meaning it has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senators and Representatives

• Members of the upper house (Senate) are called Senators.
• Members of the lower house (House of Representatives) are called Representatives.
• Collectively, members of both houses are referred to as Congressmen.

Definition of Legislative Power

• Legislative power is the authority to create laws and alter or repeal them.

Senate Composition and Qualifications

• The Senate consists of 24 senators.
• Senators must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
• They must be at least 35 years old on the day of election.
• They must be able to read and write.
• They must be registered voters.
• They must have resided in the Philippines for at least two years prior to the election.

Senate Term of Office

• Senators serve 6-year terms, starting June 30th following the election.
• The maximum number of terms a Senator can serve is two consecutive terms.
• Voluntary resignation does not interrupt their term; the resignation is considered part of their service.

Senate Vacancies

• Senate vacancies are filled by regular election or a special election.
• The elected senator will only serve the unexpired term of the predecessor.

Senate Structure and Dynamics

• The Senate President and House Speaker are chosen by a majority vote.
• Other officers, procedures, and disciplinary actions are determined by each house.
• Each house maintains a journal documenting proceedings.
• The houses cannot adjourn without the other's consent.

House of Representatives Composition and Qualifications

• The House of Representatives has a maximum of 250 members, excluding party-list representatives and other members as specified by law.
• Representatives must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
• They must be at least 25 years old on the election day.
• They must be able to read and write.
• They must be a registered voter within the district representing.
• They must have resided in the district they represent for at least one year prior to the election.

House of Representatives Term of Office

• Members of the House serve 3-year terms, starting June 30th following the election.
• Voluntary resignation does not interrupt the term; the resignation is considered part of their complete service.
• The maximum number of consecutive terms is 3.

Congressional Privileges

• Congressmen's rights include privilege from arrest and freedom of speech and debate during a congressional session.
• Immunity from arrest for offenses punishable by less than six years in prison.
• Freedom from libel and slander for statements made during debate.

Powers of Congress

• Enact laws and control the government budget (by approving it).
• Undertake projects using CDF (Congress Development Fund) funds.
• Act on presidential vetoes concerning proposed legislation.
• Allow for referendums and constitutional conventions.
• Declare war.
• Ratify international treaties (Senate).
• Appoint public officials in some cases.
• Conduct legislative inquiries.
• Authorize certain emergency powers for the President.

Legislative Limitations

• Congress cannot increase appropriations (budgets) unless recommended by the executive branch.
• Congress cannot pass tax exemptions without a majority agreement.
• Congress cannot grant noble titles.
• Congress cannot pass ex post facto laws (laws that retroactively change the law).
• Congress cannot pass bill of attainder (laws that declare people guilty without a trial).

How a Bill Becomes Law

• Bill's journey generally goes through the House of Representatives first and then the Senate before finally going to the President to be signed or vetoed.
• Each house has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings of legislation.
• Bills pass through a committee system during the review process.
• The President can approve bills or veto them. A veto can be overrode by both houses.

This quiz covers the legislative branch of the Philippine government, specifically focusing on its structure, functions, and key components. Learn about the roles of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the powers and qualifications of their members. Test your knowledge on the intricacies of Philippine lawmaking.