Finals Week 16-A The Legislative Department PDF

THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT  Overview Congress: the Legislative Branch of government in the Philippines Purpose, functions and structure of Congress Constitutional mandates with respect to Congress  The Legislative Branch From the Latin lex, legis meaning law The legis...

THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT  Overview Congress: the Legislative Branch of government in the Philippines Purpose, functions and structure of Congress Constitutional mandates with respect to Congress  The Legislative Branch From the Latin lex, legis meaning law The legislative branch broadly deals with making, deliberation over, enactment, amendment and repealing of laws  Basic Structures There are two basic structures for legislative branches of government: 1. Unicameral – The legislative branch consists of one chamber/house 2. Bicameral – Legislative power is vested in two chambers/houses  The Philippine Congress The Philippine Congress is the country’s legislative department (Art. VI, Sec. 1) – Congress is bicameral Upper House: Senate Lower House: House of Representatives N.B.: Senators are Congressmen  Senate Composition 24 Senators elected at large Natural-born citizen At least 35 years old on Qualification election day s Literate (can read and write) Registered voter Philippine resident for 2 years prior to election day 6 years Maximum: 2 terms Term of Office  House of Representatives 200 district reps, 50 party list Composition Natural-born citizen At least 25 years old on election day Qualifications Literate (can read and write) Registered voter of the district District resident for 1 year Term of Office prior to election day 3 years Maximum: 3 terms  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  Parliamentary 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  Transparency Elected Congressmen must: 1. Fully disclose their financial and business interests 2. Disclose potential conflicts of interests that arise in the course of legislation 3. Keep from any other office or employment (appointed or otherwise), forfeit his/her seat to do so  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  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 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  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 5. Pass bills of attainder How a Bill Becomes Law Referral to Committee Debate 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~House of Representatives~ How a Bill Becomes Committee Law Referral to Debate 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~Senate~ 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~House of Representatives~ How a Bill Becomes Law 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~Senate~ BICAMERAL COMMITTEE 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~House of Representatives~ How a Bill Becomes Law President 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~Senate~ 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~House of Representatives~  How a Bill Becomes APPROVE Law President VETO 30 DAY PERIOD 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading ~House of Representatives~ -end-