Philippines: Republic Act and Enactment Process

Definition and Purpose

• A Republic Act is a law in the Philippines that is passed by the Congress of the Philippines, which is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• It is a legislative act that outlines the policies, rules, and regulations of the government.
• Republic Acts are enacted to promote the general welfare, protect the rights of citizens, and provide for the common good.

Process of Enactment

• A bill is filed in either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
• The bill is referred to a committee, which conducts hearings and deliberations.
• The committee reports the bill to the plenary, which debates and votes on the bill.
• If the bill is approved, it is sent to the other chamber for concurrence.
• If the bill is approved by both chambers, it is sent to the President for signature.
• If the President signs the bill, it becomes a Republic Act.

Characteristics

• A Republic Act is a national law that applies to the entire country.
• It is a permanent law, unless amended or repealed.
• It is published in the Official Gazette and takes effect 15 days after publication.
• It is enforceable by the executive and judicial branches of government.

Types of Republic Acts

• Ordinary Act: A law that deals with a specific subject or issue.
• Special Act: A law that affects a particular individual, group, or locality.
• General Act: A law that applies to the entire country and affects the general public.
• Rider Act: A law that is attached to a budget or appropriation bill.

Amendments and Repeal

• A Republic Act can be amended by Congress through a new law.
• A Republic Act can be repealed by Congress through a new law.
• The President can veto a law, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Definition and Purpose of Republic Acts

• Republic Acts are laws passed by the Congress of the Philippines, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• These acts outline policies, rules, and regulations of the government.
• The main objective of Republic Acts is to promote general welfare, protect citizens' rights, and provide for the common good.

Process of Enactment

• A bill is filed in either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
• The bill is referred to a committee, which conducts hearings and deliberations.
• The committee reports the bill to the plenary, which debates and votes on the bill.
• If approved, the bill is sent to the other chamber for concurrence.
• If both chambers approve the bill, it is sent to the President for signature.
• If the President signs the bill, it becomes a Republic Act.

Characteristics of Republic Acts

• Republic Acts are national laws applying to the entire country.
• They are permanent laws, unless amended or repealed.
• They are published in the Official Gazette and take effect 15 days after publication.
• They are enforceable by the executive and judicial branches of government.

Types of Republic Acts

• Ordinary Acts deal with specific subjects or issues.
• Special Acts affect particular individuals, groups, or localities.
• General Acts apply to the entire country and affect the general public.
• Rider Acts are attached to budget or appropriation bills.

Amendments and Repeal

• Republic Acts can be amended by Congress through new laws.
• Republic Acts can be repealed by Congress through new laws.
• The President can veto a law, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.