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
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 is the country’s
legislative department (Art. VI, Sec. 1)
› Congress is bicameral
Upper House: Senate
Lower House: House of
Representatives
Composition 24 Senators elected at
large
Qualifications 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
Term of Office 6 years
Maximum: 2 terms
Composition 200 district reps, 50 party list
Qualifications 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 3 years
Maximum: 3 terms
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
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
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
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
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 for
the President
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
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
Referral to Committee
Debate
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~House of Representatives~
Referral to Committee
Debate
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
BICAMERAL
COMMITTEE
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~House of Representatives~
President
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~House of Representatives~
APPROVE President VETO
30 DAY PERIOD
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~House of Representatives~
-end-
