SA Pre-Mid Reviewer PDF

GROUP 1 (PART 1) POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming operations) are online gambling companies that operate in the Philippines, primarily serving customers in other countries, especially China. POGOs offer various forms of online gambling, including casino games, betting, poker and sports. According...

GROUP 1 (PART 1) POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming operations) are online gambling companies that operate in the Philippines, primarily serving customers in other countries, especially China. POGOs offer various forms of online gambling, including casino games, betting, poker and sports. According to Marayag, POGOs are used as fronts by organized crime, facilitating illegal activities such as human trafficking, cyber scam, illegal drug trade, torture, surveillance and cyberattack on government agencies. POGOs have been involved in issues including unpaid taxes, employment of illegal foreign workers, and operation of illegal firms. HOUSE BILL 10525 or Anti-Pogo Act of 2024, which is in response to the alleged proliferation of illegal activities connected to Pogos. A bill seeking to revoke licenses and ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) in the country has been filed by Makabayan bloc lawmakers in the House of Representatives. FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE WAY A BILL IS DELIBERATED: 1. THE MEDIA - significantly impacts what is considered news and how it is reported. Public opinion plays a large part in legislative decisions particularly in high cases like the disbandment of POGOs over the Alice Gou case. Interest groups and advocacy groups influence lawmakers, increasing pressure through campaigns. 2. POLITICAL CLIMATE - (is the mood and opinions of a political society at a particular time - it is generally used to describe when the state of mood and opinion is changing or unstable) The political climate influences how a bill is deliberated by determining the level of support or opposition it faces. If the bill aligns with the majority party's agenda, it’s likely to move through deliberations more smoothly. Conversely, if the bill is unpopular, it might face delays, intense debate, or even rejection. In the POGO case, the political climate is crucial in shaping the bill’s deliberation. As public concerns over crimes and economic impacts associated with POGOs rise, lawmakers feel compelled to act. 3. LAWS AND REGULATIONS - they are exisiting laws and regulations to check, report and inspect the POGOs yet despite its existance dili gihapon effective kay may mga POGOs la gihapon na naka pasok (these are the laws and regulations failed to do their part) National Internal Revenue Code - is the body of law that codifies(arrange into a systematic way) all federal tax laws, including income, estate, gift, excise, alcohol, tobacoo, and employment taxes. Philippine Immigration Act - an act to control and regulate immigrants of Aliens into the Philippines  The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - to regulate, operate, authorize and license games of chance, games of cards, and games of numbers, particularly casino gaming in the Philippines; generate revenues for the Philippine government’s socio-civic and national development programs. 4. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT Revenue Considerations - POGOs contribute to government revenue through taxes and fees and licensing fees, if POGOs will be prohibited in the Philippines it might affect our economy but according to Sec. Ralph Recto, banning POGOs won’t significantly affect the economy because the costs of keeping them outweigh the benefits. Employment - Legislators must consider potential job losses for Filipinos, as 41,347 of POGO employees are foreign nationals, while 25,200 are Filipinos. Crime and Safety - Crimes like illegal gambling and human trafficking affects the safety of all Filipinos. 5. LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES AND MECHANISMS PAGCOR estimates that around 250 POGOs, are operating illegally. Only 46 of these hold valid licenses. Criminal syndicates exploited the leniency of PAGCOR in the past, using these platforms for illicit activities instead of legitimate gaming operations. PROCEDURES OF POGO BILL: SENATE BILL 2689 - Senate Sherwin Gatchalian filed this bill seeking to repeal the taxability of offshore gaming in the PH. The bill aims to overturn Republic Act 11590, which currently legitimizes POGO operations. HOUSE PANEL APPROVAL - The House games and amusements committee approved measures to ban all POGO operations in the country. Proponents argue that it's time to immediately abolish POGOs due to the government's failure to effectively address POGO-related crimes over the past five years. PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE - President Bongbong R. Marcos Jr. announced plans to ban POGOs and ordered PAGCOR to wind down the operations of all POGOs by the end of the year during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024. POSSIBLE WAYS TO IMPROVE THIS LEGISLATION 1. SENATE HEARINGS 2. STRENGTHENING LAW ENFORCEMENT 3. MEDIA EXPOSURE 4. COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAM 16TH CONGRESS (Legislative Highlights and Insights) Members of the 16th Congress: - Sonny M. Angara - Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV - Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay - Alan Peter Companero S. Cayetano - Pia S. Cayetano - Miriam Defensor Santiago - Franklin M. Drilion - Jinggoy E. Estrada - Joseph Victor G. Ejercito - Juan Ponce Enrile - Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero - Teofisto “TG” Guingona III - Gregorio B. Honasan II - Manuel “Lito Lapid” - Loren B. Legarda - Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. - Sergio R. Osmena Jr. - Aquilino “Koko” L. Pimentel III - Grace L. Poe - Ralph G. Recto - Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. - Vicente C. Sotto III - Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV - Cynthia A. Villar Number of Bills Approved as laws during the 16th congress - ?? Notable Legislative Areas 1. Economic Reforms: Several laws were passed to improve economic conditions, including reforms in tax policies and regulations. 2. Social Legislation: Laws addressing social issues, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, were also a significant focus. 3. Anti-Corruption: Bills Laws addressing social issues, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, were also a significant focus. aimed at combating corruption and enhancing transparency in government operations. NOTABLE LAWS PASSED: - RA no. 10645: provides for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage of all senior citizens. - RA no. 10667: the primary competition law of the Philippines for promoting fair competition in the marketplace and protecting the well-being of consumers in the process. - RA no. 10653: an act adjusting the 13th month pay and other benefits ceiling excluded from the computation of gross income for purposes of income taxation.  - RA no. 10687: An act providing for a comprehensive and unified student financial assistance system for tertiary education (UNIFAST), thereby rationalizing access thereto. BILLS VETOED BY THE PRESIDENT: - Senate Bill No. 2518 Removing The Conditions For The Condonation Of All Unpaid Taxes Due From Local Water Districts, Amending For The Purpose Section 289-A Of The National Internal Revenue Code, As Amended. - Senate Bill No. 2720 Providing For A Comprehensive Nursing Law Towards Quality Health Care System - House Bill No. 5842 Mandating A Two Thousand Peso (P2,000) Across-The-Board Increase In The Monthly Pension With Corresponding Adjustment Of The Minimum Monthly Pension Under The Social Security System, Amending For The Purpose Section 12 Of Republic Act No. 1161, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The Social Security Act Of 1997. LAWS STRUCK DOWN BY THE SUPREME COURT - Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012): This law aimed to address cybercrime, including online fraud, hacking, and cybersex. - Republic Act No. 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012: Known as the RH Law, it aimed to provide access to contraception, reproductive health education, and services. (PART 2) BRAZIL “federal republic of the Philippines” Form of Government Chief Executive Form of Legislative Economy and Development Federal Current President: - Federal Senate - Brazil's economy is Presidential Luiz Inácio Lula da (Senado the largest in South Republic regarded Silva Federal) Upper America. House - Brazil has a large as a Constitutional - Chamber of and growing middle Republic. Deputies (Câmara class, but also dos Deputados) significant income Lower House inequality. - Brazil is one of the world giants of mining, agriculture, and manufacturing,  and it has a strong and rapidly growing service sector. JAMAICA Form of Government Chief Executive Form of Legislative Economy and Development Representative - The King of Parliament is - expanding in real Parliamentary Jamaica Charles III composed of an terms by 2.9 percent Democratic - Governor General appointed Senate y-o-y in the first three of Jamaica - Sir and an elected quarters of 2023. Constitutional Patrick Allen House of - economy is mixed Monarchy The 1962 - Prime Minister of Representatives. but increasingly Constitution of Jamaica - Andrew based on services, Jamaica established Holness notably tourism a parliamentary and finance. system whose - Mining and political and legal manufacturing became more traditions closely important to the follow those of the economy in the latter United Kingdom. part of the 20th century, while the export of agricultural commodities declined BRAZIL JAMAICA Democratic federative republic with a parliamentary democracy and constitutional presidential system. monarchy. President is the head of state and gov’t Head of state is the King of Jamaica. Head of gov’t is their Prime Minister. The President appoints the Ministers of the The governor-general is nominated by the state, who assist in gov’t. Prime Minister and the Cabinet members. And formally appointed by the Monarch Executive, Legislative, Judicial Executive, Legislative and Judicial The National Congress is the Federation's Bicameral: House of Representatives (Lower bicameral legislature, consisting of the House) and the Senate (Upper House) Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate.  Their law is based on the civil law Their law is based on a common law system derived from English law and Commonwealth of Nations Armed forces of Brazil are the largest in Latin Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is the small but America and the largest in military equipment. professional military force. The JDF is based on the British military model with similar organization, training, weapons and traditions. Rich in natural resources. Largest national Rich in agricultural exports (exceptional economy in Latin America quality) of sugar, cocoa, molasses, grapefruit, rum, yams, allspice (of which it is the world's largest largest producers of various agricultural Major sectors: agriculture, mining, commodities, has a large cooperative sector manufacturing, tourism, petroleum refining, that provides 50% of the food in the country financial and insurance services. Blue and world’s largest producer of coffee for 150 Mountain Coffee is known as the World years. gourmet brand. (PART 3) Gasa sa Gugma (which translates to “Gift of Love” in english) is a home for the aged, dying, and abandoned People. It’s a place where those who are elderly, impoverished, and without families find refuge. Gasa sa Gugma embodies the spirit of selfless service. - Gasa sa Gugma was founded in 1987 by Mother Teresa, who initiated the opening of the home for the destitute in Cebu. - Operated by the Missionaries of Charity, the sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Purpose: offer a safe haven for the abandoned while providing essential medical care, spiritual guidance, and a sense of community. - Goal: to expand its services to care for more individuals in need, develop sustainable funding models for long-term patient support, and enhance community outreach programs to attract more volunteers and benefactors. Romualdez Clan - Strongest clan hailing from Leyte, in which this clan become successful in various fields - in business, politics, artists and even, beauty queens. - One of the wealthiest families of the Philippines written by Torrosa Subido “Manila 60”, 1950. GROUP 2 Amendment of Universal Health Care Act “Republic Act 11223”  - The Senate Bill No. 2620, filed during the 19th Congress of the Philippines on March 19, 2024, aims to amend the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223). WAYS TO IMPROVE A BILL: - Clarify Objectives and Scope - Enhance stakeholder engagement: Include relevant stakeholders such as community groups, affected parties or experts who can provide solutions and help identify issues in the drafting and revision process. - Increase Funding and Resources - Incorporate Feedback Data - Improve Accessibility and Communication - Establish Evaluation and Accountability Measures - Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compatibility: Review the bill for compatibility with existing laws and regulations. Address any conflicts or overlaps to ensure seamless integration with the current legal framework. - Promote Transparency - Foster Collaboration PERFORMANCE OF THE 16TH CONGRESS The 16th Congress - The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, met from July 22, 2013 until June 6, 2016, during the last three years of Benigno Aquino III presidency. - Senate President: Franklin Drilon - Senate President Pro-Tempore: Ralph Recto - Majority Leader: Alan Peter Cayetano - Minority Leader: Juan Ponce Enrile - 16th Congress Senators: - Sonny Angara - Bam Aquino - Nancy Binay - Pia Cayetano - Miriam Defensor Santiago - Joseph Ejercito - Chiz Escudero - Jinggoy Estrada - Teofisto Guingona - Gregorio Honasan - Lito Lapid - Loren Legarda - Bongbong Marcos - Sergio Osmeña - Koko Pimentel - Grace Poe  - Bong Revilla - Tito Sotto - Sonny Trillanes - Cynthia Villar - No impeachment proceedings were initiated against any official more than once during the 16th Congress. Bills passed during the 16th Congress - The 16th Congress passed 295 bills (according to a summary of enacted laws by the 16th Congress provided by the presidential legislative liaison office) that President Benigno Aquino III either signed or lapsed into law (If the President does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it will lapse into law after 30 days of receipt, according to the Official Gazette). - Some notable laws include: - Republic Act 10911, or “Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act” -> The State shall promote equal opportunities in employment for everyone. Promote employment of individuals based on their abilities, knowledge, skills, and qualifications rather than their age. - Republic Act 10643, or “The Graphic Health Warnings Law” -> An act to effectively instill health consciousness through graphic health warnings on tobacco products. Protect consumers from trade malpractices and substandard tobacco products. - Republic Act 10655, An Act Repealing the Crime of Premature Marriage Under Article 351 of RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code -> 3815 - penalizes women, particularly widows, and women whose marriages have been dissolved, who shall contract a subsequent marriage within 301 days from the death of her husband. This is to prevent doubtful paternity and filiation from arising. LAWS THAT WERE VETOED BY THE PRESIDENT - President Benigno Aquino III vetoed 3 bills during the 16th Congress. - Among them was the P2,000 monthly increase for SSS pensioners and the pay hike for entry-level nurses. 16th CONGRESS PERFORMANCE - July 22, 2013 to June 6, 2016 under President Benigno Aqunio III, enacted 295 laws. - Legislative performance was criticized for lacking substance and failing to address national issues effectively.  - failed to pass such important measures as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Freedom of Information Bill (both of which were signed into law during the 17th Congress), and the Anti-Dynasty Law (which still lacks an enabling law). - the 16th Congress was embroiled in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, more popularly known as the pork barrel scam, which surfaced in 2013. (part 2) TURKEY ISRAEL LEGISLATIVE UNICAMERAL UNICAMERAL STRUCTURE LEGISLATIVE BODY THE GRAND NATIONAL KNESSET - cornerstone of ASSEMBLY its legislative system. MEMBERS 600 MEMBERS 120 MEMBERS ELECTION MEMBERS ELECTED THROUGH A ELECTED THROUGH A NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE PROPORTIONAL PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION REPRESENTATION SYSTEM FOR A FIVE SYSTEM FOR A FOUR YEAR TERM YEAR TERM PRESIDENTIAL Significant executive Ceremonial powers with POWERS powers, appointing the Prime Minister holding ministers, and vetoing the primary executive legislation authority LOCAL GOVERNANCE Managed by elected Handled by municipal municipal and provincial councils, with mayors or councils, with mayors heads of councils elected elected directly by the by residents of public municipalities (part 3) BUKAS PALAD FOUNDATION - A catalyst for positive change, providing essential services and support to vulnerable populations. - Mission: to empower and uplift those in need  - Their programs and initiatives revolves in addressing issues including poverty, education, healthcare and disaster relief. (part 4) DURANO FAMILY OF CEBU: A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Who started the Dynasty? - Ramon M. Durano Sr. known as “Manong Amon” (December 24, 1905 - October 3, 1988) - Manong Amon spanned his political career for 54 years. He started as a barangay captain, then became a municipal councilor, city mayor, and eventually a congressman. - His political power peaked during the 1965 elections when he supported Ferdinand Marcos against then-President Diosdado Macapagal. What were their achievement/s actions that established the family’s political influence/power? - Manong Amon played a crucial role in delivering a significant majority of votes for Marcos in Cebu province. - Aside from politics, he is also known for his generosity and philanthropy. He used his wealth to help the less fortunate through the Durano Foundation, which provided various services, including healthcare, education, and religious support. B. GOVERNANCE How did the members lead and what is their leadership style? - Ramon Durano Sr.: He was known to operate by brutal intimidation, assassination and corruption. - Ramon “Nito” Durano III: emphasizing the need for collaboration to optimize the delivery of essential services. - Ramon “Red” Durano VI: He delivers the services that are expected from a public servant like him, a way of etching his name in the minds of his people. C. IMPACT/INFLUENCE What were some of their notable decisions/actions? Consider both the positive and negative effects 1. Siding with Ferdinand Marcos 2. Restoration of the Department of Education of the Division of Danao City 3. Neglect of duty and Suspension - Ramon “Nito” Durano III was found liable for simple neglect of duty and was ordered suspended for three months without pay. 4. Confict with the police force GROUP 3 Anti-Terrorism Bill (what is) Proposed Improvements to the legislation process: - Lack of Strong supporting claims - provide and cite supporting claims to defend the bill. - Ambiguous and absent provisions - put more effort into drafting description-specific provisions than ambiguous ones such as the criteria of how one can become classified as a terrorist. - Adherence of the constitution - construct bill to adhere to the highest law of the land. 16th CONGRESS (Attendance records) SENATORS High Attendance ○ Sen. Vicente Sotto III scored a perfect attendance among 18 senators who had full terms during the six-year Aquino administration, which spans the 15th to 16th Congress. ○ Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Senator Loren Legarda, recorded perfect or near-perfect attendance during the 16th Congress, with Legarda attending 370 sessions and Lapid attending 361. Low Attendance ○ Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. attended only 146 out of 214 sessions, making him one of the tardiest senators. He was also late 34 times. ○ Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III was absent for nearly half of the 16th Congress, having been present in only 110 session days. He was late 15 times. ○ Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada were notably absent for the entirety of the second and third regular sessions due to their detention on charges of plunder. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES High Attendance ○ In the House of Representatives, a notable number of congressmen achieved perfect attendance. 68 members of the House had perfect attendance records for the duration of the 16th Congress. Low Attendance ○ Congressman Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao was absent 22 times in plenary sessions of the House of Representatives from July 27, 2015 to June 6, 2016, the third and final regular session of the 16th Congress. Of this number, 16 were absent “without notice.” Number of Bills approved as laws First Regular Session (July 22, 2013 – June 13, 2014) Total Bills signed into Law: 32 Second Regular Session (July 28, 2014 – May 25, 2015) Total Bills signed into Law: 83 Third Regular Session (July 27, 2015 – June 6, 2016) Total Bills signed into Law: 180 TOTAL NUMBER OF BILLS APPROVED AS LAWS: 295 Laws Vetoed or struck down by the Supreme Court VETOED BY THE PRESIDENT 1. S. No. 2518 - Removing The Conditions For The Condonation Of All Unpaid Taxes Due From Local Water Districts, Amending For The Purpose Section 289-A Of The National Internal Revenue Code, As Amended 2. H. No. 6411 - An Act Providing For A Comprehensive Nursing Law Towards A Quality Health Care System, And Appropriating Funds Therefor, Repealing For The Purpose Republic Act No. 9173, Otherwise Known As The Philippine Nursing Act Of 2002 3. H. No. 5842  - Mandating A Two Thousand Peso (P2,000) Across-The-Board Increase In The Monthly Pension With Corresponding Adjustment Of The Minimum Monthly Pension Under The Social Security System, Amending For The Purpose Section 12 Of Republic Act No. 1161, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The Social Security Act Of 1997 4. H. No. 6080 - An Act Modifying The Qualifications For, And Creating A Screening Committee In The Election Or Appointment Of The Directors And Officers Of Electric Cooperatives, Amending For The Purpose Sections 26-A And 26-B Of Presidential Decree No. 269, As Amended By Republic Act No. 10531, Otherwise Known As The National Electrification Administration Reform Act Of 2013 5. Senate BillNo. 2419 - An Act Banning The Re-appointment Of A Regular Member Of The Judicial And Bar Council (JBC) Who Has Already Served Two Full Term PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHT OF THE 16TH CONGRESS The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education or UniFAST Act (RA 10687) - Establishes a unified system of student financial assistance for tertiary education, ensuring that all deserving students have access to educational opportunities. Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014 (RA 10648) - Provides scholarship grants to all public high school students belonging to the top ten (10) of the graduating class who will enroll in state university as freshmen. Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for Senior Citizens (RA 10645) - Automatically enrolls all senior citizens in the National Health Insurance Program under PhilHealth. Microfinance NGOs Act (RA 10693) - Provides incentives and benefits to microfinance non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that help improve the welfare of the poor through financial services. K-12 Education Program - Added Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education