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

From the Latin lex, legis meaning law The legislative branch broadly deals with the making, deliberation over, enactment, amendment and repealing of laws

The Legislative Branch

Basic Structures
There are two basic structures for legislative branches of government:

1. Unicameral
The legislative branch consists of one chamber/house

1. Bicameral
Legislative power is vested in

The Philippine Congress is the countrys legislative department (Art. VI, Sec. 1) Congress is bicameral
Upper House: Senate Lower House: House of Representatives

The Philippine Congress

Composition

Senate
24 Senators elected at large Natural-born citizen At least 35 years old on election day Literate (can read and write) Registered voter Philippine resident for 2 years prior to election day

Qualification s

Term of

SENATOR AL KIRAM WON THE 2013 NATIONAL ELECTION. CAN HE RUN AGAIN ON THE 2019 ELECTION? YES OR NO? LEGAL BASIS. CAN HE RUN ON THE 2025 ELECTION? LEGAL BASIS!

SAMPLE ILLUSTRATION

House of Representatives Composition 200 district reps, 50 party

Qualification s list Natural-born citizen At least 25 years old on election day Literate (can read and write) Registered voter of the district District resident for 1 year prior to election day

Term of Office

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

In Case of Vacancy

Transparency
Elected Congressmen must: 1. Fully disclose their financial and business interests (SALN) 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

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 others 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 countrys international treaties (Senate) 5. Authorize limited emergency

Powers of Congress
6. Approve the government budget 7. Propose, review, and adopt bills for enactment into law 8. Overturn a Presidential veto with respect to proposed legislation 9. Propose amendments to the constitution and call for a

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

How a Bill Becomes Law

Referral to Committee

Debate

1st Reading

2nd Reading ~House of Representatives~

3rd Reading

How a Bill Becomes Law

Referral to Committee Debate 1st Reading 2nd Reading ~Senate~ 3rd Reading

1st Reading

2nd Reading ~House of Representatives~

3rd Reading

How a Bill Becomes Law

1st Reading 2nd Reading ~Senate~ BICAMERAL COMMITTEE 1st Reading 2nd Reading ~House of Representatives~ 3rd Reading 3rd Reading

How a Bill Becomes Law

President 1st Reading 2nd Reading ~Senate~ 3rd Reading

1st Reading

2nd Reading ~House of Representatives~

3rd Reading

APPROVE

How a Bill Becomes Law

President VETO 30 DAY PERIOD 1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading

1st Reading

2nd Reading ~House of Representatives~

3rd Reading

****3 READINGS OF THE BILL IN BOTH HOUSES ON SEPARATE DAYS ****IF BILL IS NOTED AS URGENT BY THE PRESIDENT THE 3 READINGS MAY BE DONE ON THE SAME DAY.

EXECUTIVE POWER -THE POWER TO ENFORCE AND ADMINISTER LAWS -PRESIDENT HAS CONTROL OF ALL EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PRES/VP QUALIFICATIONS; NATURAL BORN ABLE TO READ AND WRITE REGISTERED VOTER 40 YEARS OLD AT THE DAY OF ELECTION RESIDENT OF PHILS- 10 YEARS TERM: PRES 6 YEARS (1 TERM) VICE PRES-6 YEARS (2 TERMS)

VACANCY IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT: If the PRESIDENT DIES, PERMANENTLY DISABLED, IMPEACHED OR RESIGNS ** VP ELECT, SENATE PRES,HOUSE SPEAKER

IMMUNITY FROM SUIT RATIONALE: 1.THESINGULAR IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESIDENT AND HIS HIGH VISIBILITY. 2.THE DISTRACTION THAT SUITS WOULD BRING TO AN IMPORTANT OFFICIAL WITH ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITY.