Philippine Politics and Governance PPG-1.pptx

Branch of government

1. The Legislative Branch of Government–The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives GROUP 1

2. Essential Features of the Legislative Branch of Philippine Government - Legislative power shall be vested in Philippine Congress. - It is a bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers or houses-the Upper House known as the Senate and the Lower House which is also called the House of Representatives. - By a vote of two-thirds of both Houses in joint session assembled, voting separately, Philippine Congress shall have the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war.

3. - The Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives its Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective Members. - The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each have an Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective Members. - The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. - Philippine Congress confirms or rejects Presidential appointments.

4. Composition of the Philippine Senate - Lawmakers in the Senate are called Senators. - The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four (24) Senators who shall be elected at large or nationwide through popular election by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law. - Through synchronized elections, 12 senators are elected every three (3) years.

5. Terms of Office of Philippine Senators - No Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. - The regular election of the Senators shall be held on the second Monday of May. - In case of vacancy in the Senate, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.

6. Qualifications of Senator 1. A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;
2. at least thirty-five years old;
3. is able to read and write
4. a registered voter; and
5. a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years before election day.

7. Composition of the House of Representatives - Lawmakers composing the House of Representatives are called Representatives or Congressmen/Congresswomen.

8. Terms of Office of Members of House of Representatives - A Representative can serve for not more than three consecutive terms. The Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of three years which shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election. - No Member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. - The regular election of the Members of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May. - In case of vacancy in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.

9. Qualifications of Member of the House of Representatives 1. a natural-born citizen of the Philippines; 2. at least twenty-five years old; 3. is able to read and write; and 4. except the party-list representatives, a registered voter and a resident for at least one year in the district where s/he shall be elected.

10. Legislative Process Resolutions convey principles and sentiments of the Senate or the House of Representatives. These resolutions can further be divided into three different elements: - Joint Resolutions — require the approval of both chambers of Congress and the signature of the President, and have the force and effect of a law if approved. - Concurrent Resolutions — used for matters affecting the operations of both chambers of Congress and must be approved in the same form by both houses, but are not transmitted to the President for his signature and therefore have no force and effect of a law.

11. Simple Resolutions — deal with matters entirely within the prerogative of one chamber of Congress, are not referred to the President for his signature, and therefore have no force and effect of a law. Bills are laws in the making.

12. Exclusive Role of Philippine Congress