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The Senate of the Philippines is composed of thirty Senators who are elected at large.
The Senate of the Philippines is composed of thirty Senators who are elected at large.
False
A person must be at least forty years old to be eligible to become a Senator in the Philippines.
A person must be at least forty years old to be eligible to become a Senator in the Philippines.
False
The term of office for a Senator in the Philippines lasts for six years and starts at noon on the thirtieth day of June following their election.
The term of office for a Senator in the Philippines lasts for six years and starts at noon on the thirtieth day of June following their election.
True
The House of Representatives in the Philippines can consist of a maximum of three hundred members.
The House of Representatives in the Philippines can consist of a maximum of three hundred members.
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The party-list representatives must make up twenty-five percent of the total members of the House of Representatives.
The party-list representatives must make up twenty-five percent of the total members of the House of Representatives.
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A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives is allowed to hold another position in Government during their term without forfeiting their seat.
A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives is allowed to hold another position in Government during their term without forfeiting their seat.
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The Congress is required to convene on the first Monday of July each year for its regular session.
The Congress is required to convene on the first Monday of July each year for its regular session.
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A Senator or Member may personally appear as counsel in a court of justice during their term in office.
A Senator or Member may personally appear as counsel in a court of justice during their term in office.
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A penalty of suspension imposed on a Member of the House of Representatives can last for up to thirty days.
A penalty of suspension imposed on a Member of the House of Representatives can last for up to thirty days.
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A smaller number of Members can compel the attendance of absent Members and determine penalties as they see fit.
A smaller number of Members can compel the attendance of absent Members and determine penalties as they see fit.
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Study Notes
Legislative Department
- Legislative Power: Vested in the Congress of the Philippines, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
- Senate Composition: 24 Senators, elected at-large by qualified voters.
- Senator Qualifications: Natural-born Filipino citizen, at least 35 years old, able to read and write, registered voter, resident of the Philippines for at least two years before election.
- Senator Term: 6 years, commencing at noon on June 30th, following election. No more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation does not interrupt the term.
- House of Representatives Composition: Maximum of 250 members, elected from legislative districts based on population in provinces, cities, and Metro Manila, plus party-list representatives.
- Party-list Representatives: Minimum 20% of total representatives, initially half from certain sectors (labor, peasant, urban poor, etc., excluding religious), adjusted within 3 years after ratifcation.
- Legislative District Structure: Consists of contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory, with each city of at least 250,000 population or each province having at least 1 representative.
- Reapportionment: Every census, Congress must reapportion legislative districts.
- House of Representatives Member Qualifications: Natural-born Filipino citizen, at least 25 years old, able to read and write, registered voter and resident of election district for one year.
- House of Representatives Term: 3 years, beginning June 30th of next election year. No more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation does not interrupt the term.
- Regular Elections: On the second Monday of May, unless otherwise provided by law.
- Vacancies: Special elections fill vacancies, elected members serve only for remainder of unexpired term.
- Compensation: Determined by law. Compensation increases don't take effect until after expiration of all current members' terms.
- Arrest Privileges: Senators/Members of House have privilege from arrest for offenses punishable by not more than 6 years imprisonment while Congress in session, and can't be questioned for speeches/debates in Congress/committees.
Other Details
- Disclosure of Financial Interests: Members of Congress must disclose financial and business interests upon assuming office; notification of potential conflicts due to proposed legislation.
- Other Employment Restrictions: Members can't hold other Government jobs during their term without forfeiting their seat, nor can they be appointed to any newly-created office or with increased emoluments during term.
- Appearance as Counsel: Members of Congress cannot appear as counsel in court or before electoral tribunals, nor can they be financially interested in Gov't contracts.
- Legislative Session: Congress convenes annually on the fourth Monday of July and continues until 30 days before the next session. President can call special sessions.
- Senate and House Offices: Each House elects its President/Speaker from its members. Other officers as necessary.
- Electoral Tribunals: Composed of 9 members (3 Supreme Court Justices, 6 from Senate/House by proportional representation) to resolve electoral disputes.
- Commission on Appointments: Composed of 12 Senators and 12 House Representatives to review appointments.
- Legislative Powers: Every bill must embrace a single subject expressed in its title; must pass 3 readings in each House on separate days. Return of vetoed bill
- Appropriations Bills must be subject to appropriate procedures. Discretionary spending prohibited unless specific laws allow it. Bills relating to the general fund of the government.
- Rules of Procedure each House sets its own rules for proceedings.
- Impeachment/Removal The process of removing an official from office in the Philippines.
- War Powers: Congress, by a 2/3 vote, has the sole power to declare war.
- Taxation: Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation, and uniform/equitable taxation is the rule. Certain institutions exempt from taxation.
- Money Bills: Appropriations related to the operation of government. Only House of Representatives can propose/amend these. Funds must be actually available/appropriated for a proposed expenditure.
- Special Purpose Funds: Funds raised for special purposes are to be used for only that purpose.
- Initiative and Referendum A system allowing the people to directly propose and enact laws or to approve/reject any legislation/parts.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the legislative power of the Philippines, including the composition and qualifications of the Senate and House of Representatives. Learn about the roles and terms of senators and party-list representatives in this comprehensive quiz.
