Saint Louis Anne CollegesOld National Highway, Brgy. Nieva, San Pedro,Laguna

The Three Branches of the Philippine Government

Submitted by: Wendy D. PerolinaSubmitted to: Mr. Telesforo Prony AdralesCourse: BSIT IIIDate: March 10, 2015

Executive Branch of Government

Article VII, Section 1, of the 1987 Constitution vests executive power to the President of the Philippines, who functions as the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As chief executive, the President of the Philippines exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices.

The President of the PhilippinesThe President of the Philippines is elected by direct vote by the people for a term of six years. He may only serve for one term, and is ineligible for reelection. The term of the President of the Philippines starts at noon of the 30th day of June after an election is held.

QualificationsThe qualifications for an individual aspiring to become the President of the Philippines are outlined in Article VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution. According to the constitution, an individual may become President provided he meets the following criteria:

1. natural born Filipino;2. a registered voter;3. must be able to read and write;4. 40 years of age at the day of the election; and5. Must have resided in the Philippines ten years before the election is held.

Powers of the PresidentBesides the constitution, the powers of the President of the Philippines are specifically outlined in Executive Order No. 292, s. 1987, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987. The following powers are:

1. Power of control over the executive branchThe President of the Philippines has the mandate of control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices. This includes restructuring, reconfiguring, and appointments of their respective officials. The Administrative Code also provides for the President to be responsible for the abovementioned offices strict implementation of laws.2. Power ordinance powerThe President of the Philippines has the power to give executive issuances, which are means to streamline the policy and programs of an administration. There are six issuances that the President may issue. They are the following as defined in the Administrative Code of 1987:Executive orders Acts of the President providing for rules of a general or permanent character in implementation or execution of constitutional or statutory powers shall be promulgated in executive orders.Administrative orders Acts of the President which relate to particular aspects of governmental operations in pursuance of his duties as the administrative head shall be promulgated in administrative orders.Proclamations Acts of the President fixing a date or declaring a status or condition of public moment or interest, upon the existence of which the operation of a specific law or regulation is made to depend, shall be promulgated in proclamations which shall have the force of an executive order.Memorandum orders Acts of the President on matters of administrative detail, or of subordinate or temporary interest which only concern a particular officer or government office shall be embodied in memorandum orders.Memorandum circulars Acts of the President on matters relating to internal administration, which the President desires to bring to the attention of all or some of the departments, agencies, bureaus, or offices of the government, for information or compliance, shall be embodied in memorandum circulars.General or special orders Acts and commands of the President in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be issued as general or special orders.

It is important to note that during the term of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, he used executive issuances known as presidential decrees as a form of legislation. These decrees have the full force and effect of laws because at the time the legislature did not exist and, when the 1973 Constitution was put into full force and effect, it gave the power to the President to do as such. This continued until the first year of President Corazon C. Aquinos term. However, President Aquino opted to used executive orders instead of presidential decrees. President Aquinos executive orders, however, still had the full force and effect of laws until the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.3. Power over aliensThe President of the Philippines has the power over non-Filipinos in the Philippines. The powers he may exercise over foreigners in the country are as follows: The chief executive may have an alien in the Philippines deported from the country after due process. The President may change the status of a foreigner, as prescribed by law, from a non-immigrant status to a permanent resident status without necessity of visa.

The President may choose to overrule the Board of Commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration before their decision becomes final and executory (after 30 days of the issuance of the decision). The Board of Commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration has jurisdiction over all deportation cases. The president is also mandated by the Administrative Code of 1987 to exercise powers as recognized by the generally accepted principles of international law.4. Powers of eminent domain, escheat, land reservation and recovery of ill-gotten wealthThe President of the Philippines has the authority to exercise the power of eminent domain. The power of eminent domains means the state has the power to seize or authorize the seizure of private property for public use with just compensation. There are two constitutional provisions, however, that limit the exercise of such power: Article III, Section 9 (1) of the Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of his/her life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Furthermore, Article III, Section 9 (2), provides that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

Once the aforementioned conditions are met, the President may exercise the power of eminent domain which is as follows:

Power of eminent domain The President shall determine when it is necessary or advantageous to exercise the power of eminent domain in behalf of the national government, and direct the solicitor general, whenever he deems the action advisable, to institute expropriation proceedings in the proper court.Power to direct escheat or reversion proceedings The President shall direct the solicitor general to institute escheat or reversion proceedings over all lands transferred or assigned to persons disqualified under the constitution to acquire land.

Power to reserve lands of the public and private domain of the government (1) The president shall have the power to reserve for settlement or public use, and for specific public purposes, any of the lands of the public domain, the use of which is not otherwise directed by law. The reserved land shall thereafter remain subject to the specific public purpose indicated until otherwise provided by law or proclamation.(2) He shall also have the power to reserve from sale or other disposition and for specific public uses or purposes, any land belonging to the private domain of the government, or any of the friar lands, the use of which is not otherwise directed by law, and thereafter such land shall be used for the purposes specified by such proclamation until otherwise provided by law.Power over ill-gotten wealth The President shall direct the solicitor general to institute proceedings to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public officials or employees, from them or from their nominees or transferees.Within the period fixed in, or any extension thereof authorized by, the constitution, the President shall have the authority to recover ill-gotten properties amassed by the leaders and supporters of the previous regime, and protect the interest of the people through orders of sequestration or freezing of assets or accounts.5. Power of appointmentThe President may appoint officials of the Philippine government as provided by the constitution and laws of the Philippines. Some of these appointments, however, may need the approval of the Committee on Appointments (a committee composed of members from the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines).6. Power of general supervision over local governmentsThe President of the Philippines, as chief executive, has the mandate to supervise local governments in the Philippines, despite their autonomous status as provided by Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.Traditionally, this is done by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, headed by a cabinet secretaryan alter ego of the President.7. Other powersAside from the aforementioned powers of the President of the Philippines, he can also exercise powers enumerated in the constitution, and powers given to him by law.

Line of successionThe constitution provides for a line of succession in the event that the elected President of the Philippines is not able to discharge the duties of his office due to death, disability, or resignation. The following is the line of succession:

Vice President in cases of the death, disability, or resignation of the President Senate President in cases of the death, disability, or resignation of the President and VicePresident Speaker of the House of Representatives in cases of the death, disability, or resignation of the President, Vice President, and Senate PresidentContrary to popular belief, the constitution doesnt include the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Presidents line of succession.

The Congress of the Philippines is mandated enact a law calling for a special election three days after the vacancy in the Office of the President and Vice President. The special election should occur 40 days after the enactment of the law, but not later than 60 days after the enactment of the law.

Vice President of the PhilippinesThe Vice President of the Philippines is elected by direct vote by the people for a term of six years, and may run for reelection once. The term of the Vice President of the Philippines starts at noon of the 30th day of June after an election is held.

QualificationsThe qualifications for aspirants to the Office of the Vice President are outlined in Article VII, Section 3. According to the constitution, the qualifications for the President are the same for the Vice President.

Duties of the vice presidentAccording to the constitution, the vice president may concurrently assume a cabinet position should the President of the Philippines offer the former one. The vice president will become a secretary concurrent to the position of vice president.Aside from the cabinet post, the vice president is mandated to assume the presidency in case of the death, disability, or resignation of the incumbent President.

Line of successionShould there be a vacancy of the Office of the Vice President, the President of the Philippines is required by the constitution to nominate a replacement with the concurrence of Committee on Appointments.Cabinet secretaries

Functions of a cabinet secretaryCabinet secretaries act as the alter ego of the President executing, with his authority, the power of the Office of the President in their respective departments.The number of cabinet secretaries varies from time to time depending on the need of an administration. According to the Administrative Code of 1987, the President of the Philippines may create or dissolve any department as he sees fit.

Appointment of cabinet secretariesAccording to the Article 7, Section 16, the President may appoint anyone to executive departments with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. Names of individuals nominated to cabinet posts are submitted to the Commission on Appointments for their consideration.An individual may not assume his post in a given department unless confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. However, the constitution provides for individuals becoming cabinet secretaries in an acting capacity before they are confirmed. According to Article VII, Section 16 of the constitution, the president may appoint anyone to cabinet posts even if Congress is in recess. These appointments are valid until the Commission on Appointments disapproves them, or at the end of the next session of Congress.Not all cabinet members, however, are subject to confirmation of the Commission on Appointments. According to the Commission of Appointments website, the following need confirmation in order to assume their posts:

Executive Secretary - Lawyer Paquito Jojo Ochoa JrDepartment of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo Department of Finance Cesar Purisima Department of Justice Leila De Lima Department of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin Department of Education Bro. Armin Luistro Department of Budget and Management Florencio Butch AbadNational Economic and Development Authority Cayetano Paderanga Jr. Department of Agriculture - Quezon Rep. Proceso AlcalaDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources DENR Undersecretary Ramon PajeDepartment of Transportation and Communications Jose Ping De Jesus Department of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Baldos Department of Health Enrique Ona Department of Tourism - Alberto Lim Department of Trade and Industry Greg DomingoDepartment of Social Welfare and Development Corazon Dinky Soliman Department of Science and Technology Mario MontejoDepartment of Energy Jose Rene Almendras Department of Public Works and Highways Rogelio SingsonDepartment of Agrarian Reform Virgilio de los ReyesPresidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Julia Abad Presidential spokesman Edwin LacierdaPresidential chief legal counsel Eduardo de MesaCommission on Higher Education Patricia Licuanan Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares Department of Interior and Local Government -

Offices with Cabinet-level RankNational Economic and Development Authority: Arsenio M. BalisacanPresidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office: Ramon A. CarandangPresidential Communications Operations Office: Herminio B. Coloma, Jr.National Security Council: Cesar P. Garcia, Jr.Office of the Cabinet Secretary: Jose Rene D. AlmendrasPresidential Management Staff: Julia Andrea R. AbadOffice of the Solicitor General: Francis H. JardelezaOffice of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel: Eduardo V. De MesaMetropolitan Manila Development Authority: Francis N. TolentinoNational Commission on Muslim Filipinos: Mehol K. SadainMindanao Development Authority: Luwalhati R. AntoninoNational Anti-Poverty Commission: Jose Eliseo M. RocamoraOffice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process: Teresita Quintos-DelesPresidential Legislative Liaison Office: Manuel N. MambaOffice of the Political Adviser: Ronaldo M. LlamasTechnical Education and Skills Development Authority: Joel J. Villanueva

Powers of a cabinet secretaryAs stated above, a cabinet secretary is the alter ego of the President in their respective departments. Thus, they possess the power to issue directives relative to their departments, such as department orders. These orders only apply to offices under a specific department under the cabinet secretarys jurisdiction. Cabinet secretaries also act as advisors to the President of the Philippines for their areas.

Local governmentsThe executive branch extends beyond the national government. According to Article X, Section 4 of the constitution, the President of the Philippines is mandated to supervise local governments all over the country. However, because of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, local governments enjoy relative autonomy from the national government.

Among the social services and facilities that local government should provide, as stipulated in Section 17 of the Local Government Code, are the following: Facilities and research services for agriculture and fishery activities, which include seedling nurseries, demonstration farms, and irrigation systems; Health services, which include access to primary health care, maternal and child care, and medicines, medical supplies and equipment; Social welfare services, which include programs and projects for women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities, as well as vagrants, beggars, street children, juvenile delinquents, and victims of drug abuse; Information services, which include job placement information systems and a public library; A solid waste disposal system or environmental management system; Municipal/city/provincial buildings, cultural centers, public parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities and equipment; Infrastructure facilities such as roads, bridges, school buildings, health clinics, fish ports, water supply systems, seawalls, dikes, drainage and sewerage, and traffic signals and road signs; Public markets, slaughterhouses, and other local enterprises; Public cemetery; Tourism facilities and other tourist attractions; and Sites for police and fire stations and substations and municipal jail.Local government units also have the power to create its own sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges that shall accrue exclusively to them.

Each local government has its own chief executive. The following is the list of local chief executives:1. Barangay punong barangay (barangay chairman)2. Municipality municipal mayor3. City city mayor4. Province provincial governor

The local chief executives have the power to approve or veto local ordinances recommended by the local legislators.

Punong BarangayThe punong barangay, as the chief executive of the barangay government, shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions:1. Enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the barangay;2. Negotiate, enter into, and sign contracts for and in behalf of the barangay, upon authorization of the sangguniang barangay;3. Maintain public order in the barangay;4. Call and preside over the sessions of the sangguniang barangay and the barangay assembly;5. Appoint or replace the barangay treasurer, the barangay secretary, and other appointive barangay officials;6. Organize and lead an emergency group for the maintenance of peace and order or on occasions of emergency or calamity within the barangay;7. Prepare the annual executive and supplemental budgets of the barangay, in coordination with the barangay development council;8. Approve vouchers relating to the disbursement of barangay funds;9. Enforce laws and regulations relating to pollution control and protection of the environment;10. Administer the operation of the katarungang pambarangay;11. Exercise general supervision over the activities of the sangguniang kabataan;12. Ensure the delivery of basic social services and access to facilities;13. Conduct an annual palarong barangay which shall feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international games; and14. Promote the general welfare of the barangay.

Municipal and City MayorsThe municipal mayor and city mayor, as the chief executive of the municipal government and city government, respectively, shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions: 1. Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of the municipal or city government: Determine the guidelines of municipal policies and be responsible to the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlungsod for the program of government; Direct the formulation of the municipal or city development plan; At the opening of the regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlungsod, present the program of government and propose policies and projects for consideration; Initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlungsod; Represent the municipality or city in all its business transactions` and sign on its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, upon authorization by the Sangguniang Bayan; Carry out emergency measures as may be necessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters; Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices, officials, agents or employees of the municipality or city; Visit component barangays of the municipality or city at least once every six months; Solemnize marriages, any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding; Conduct a palarong bayan or panlungsod; and Submit to the provincial governor an annual report on the administration of the municipality or city, and supplemental reports when unexpected events and situations such as calamities arise. 2. Enforce all laws and ordinances, and implement all approved policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the municipality or city: Issue executive orders as are necessary for the proper enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances; Call conventions, seminars or meetings of any elective and appointive officials of the municipality or city; Formulate and implement the peace and order plan of the municipality or city; and Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition or to apprehend violators of the law. 3. Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, to be used for the implementation of development plans, program objectives and priorities: Prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlungsod for approval the annual executive and supplemental budgets of the municipality or city; Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the municipality or city are collected; Issue, suspend or revoke licenses and permits; Adopt measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the municipality or city; Provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the municipality or city; and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the municipality or city; and Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property. 4. Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code.

Provincial governorsThe provincial governor, as the chief executive of the provincial government, shall exercise and perform the following powers and duties: 1. Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of the provincial government: Determine the guidelines of municipal policies and be responsible to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the program of government; Direct the formulation of the provincial development plan; At the opening of the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, present the program of government and propose policies and projects for consideration; Initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; Represent the province in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, upon authorization by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; Carry out emergency measures as may be necessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters; Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices, officials, agents or employees of the province; Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the Office of the President within 72 hours after their issuance; Visit component cities and municipalities at least once every six months; Represent the province in inter-provincial or regional sports councils or committees, and coordinate the efforts of component cities or municipalities in the regional or national palaro or sports development activities; Conduct an annual palarong panlalawigan; and Submit to the Office of the President an annual report on the administration and development of the province, and supplemental reports when unexpected events and situations such as calamities arise.2. Enforce all laws and ordinances, and implement all approved policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the province: Issue executive orders as are necessary for the proper enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances; Call conventions, seminars or meetings of any elective and appointive officials of the province; In coordination with the component cities and municipalities, and the national police commission, formulate and implement the peace and order plan of the province; and Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition or to apprehend violators of the law. 3. Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, to be used for the implementation of development plans, program objectives and priorities: Prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval the annual executive and supplemental budgets of the province; Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the province are collected; Issue, suspend or revoke licenses and permits; Adopt measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the province; Provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the province; and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the province; and Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property.3. Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code.

Term limitsThe offices of the abovementioned local chief executives are limited to three consecutive three-year terms. Once they end their third term, they may not run for reelection, but may run again once they let one term pass.

Legislative Branch of Government

Introduction

The Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City is the current base of the House of Representatives.According to the 1987 Constitution, legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law; the House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than 250 (unless otherwise fixed by law), 20 percent of whom must be Party-list representatives.

The qualifications to become a senator, as stipulated in the constitution, are:1. a natural-born citizen of the Philippines;2. at least thirty-five years old;3. is able to read and write4. a registered voter; and5. A resident of the Philippines for not less than two years before election day.Meanwhile, the constitution provides for the following criteria to become a 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; and4. 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.

Legislative processCongress is responsible for making enabling laws to make sure the spirit of the constitution is upheld in the country and, at times, amend or change the constitution itself. In order to craft laws, the legislative body comes out with two main documents: bills and resolutions.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.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. They pass into law when they are approved by both houses and the President of the Philippines. A bill may be ban by the President, but the House of Representatives may overturn a presidential veto by garnering a 2/3rds vote. If the President does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it will lapse into law after 30 days of receipt.

Officers and committees of the SenateSenate officers

Senate President : Sen. Franklin DrilonSenate President Pro-Tempore : Sen. Ralph RectoMajority Floor Leader : Sen. Alan Peter CayetanoMinority Floor Leader : Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile

Committee on the Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon)Chairperson: Sen. Teofisto Guingona IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance by officers and employees of the government; implementation of the constitutional provision on nepotism; and investigation of any matter of public interest on its own initiative or brought to its attention by any member of the Senate.

Committee on AccountsChairperson: Rep.Eleandro Jesus MadronaJurisdiction: All matters relating to the auditing and adjustment of all accounts chargeable against the funds for the expenses and activities of the Senate.

Committee on Agrarian ReformChairperson: Sen. Gregorio Honasan IIJurisdiction: All matters relating to agrarian reform, landed estates, and implementation of the agrarian land reform provisions of the Constitution.

Committee on Agriculture and FoodChairperson: Sen. Cynthia VillarJurisdiction: All matters relating to agriculture, food-production and agri-business, such as agricultural experimental stations, soil survey and conservation, animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquatic resources.

Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and CurrenciesChairperson: Sen. Sergio Osmea IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to banks, financial institutions, government and private currencies, capital markets, mutual funds, securitization, coinage and circulation of money.

Committee on Civil Service and Government ReorganizationChairperson: Sen. Antonio Trillanes IVJurisdiction: All matters relating to the civil service and the status of officers and employees of the government including their compensation privileges, benefits, and collective negotiation agreements; reorganization of the government or any of its branches; and all other matters relating to the bureaucracy.

Committee on Climate ChangeChairperson: Sen. Loren LegardaJurisdiction: All matters relating to policies, programs, strategies, technologies and other innovations addressing global warming and climate change impacts.

Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of CodesChairperson: Sen. Miriam Defensor SantiagoJurisdiction: All matters proposing amendments to the constitution of the Philippines, and the revision of existing codes.

Committee on CooperativesChairperson: Sen. Manuel LapidJurisdiction: All matters relating to cooperatives, including farm credit and farm security, cooperative movements, and the implementation of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.

Committee on Cultural CommunitiesChairperson: Sen. Loren LegardaJurisdiction: All matters relating to cultural communities.

Committee on Economic AffairsChairperson: Sen. Joseph Victor EjercitoJurisdiction: All matters relating to economic planning and programming, general economic development, and coordination, regulation and diversification of industry and investments.

Committee on Education, Arts, and CultureChairperson: Sen. Pia CayetanoJurisdiction: All matters relating to education, schools, colleges, and universities; the implementation of the constitution provision for a free public elementary and secondary education; non-formal, informal and indigenous learning systems, and adult education; the preservation, enrichment and evolution of Filipino arts and culture; and the establishment and maintenance of libraries, museums, shrines, monuments, and other historical sites and edifices.

Committee on Electoral Reform and Peoples ParticipationChairperson: Sen. Aquilino Pimentel IIIJurisdiction: All matters pertaining to election laws and to the implementation of the constitutional provisions on initiative and referendum on legislative acts, recall of elective officials, the role and rights of peoples organizations, and sectoral or party list representation.

Committee on EnergyChairperson: Sen. Sergio Osmea IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to the exploration, exploitation, development, extraction, importation, refining, transport, distribution, marketing, conservation, or storage of all forms of energy; renewable and potential forms of energy resources; and generation, transmission and distribution of electric power.

Committee on Environment and Natural ResourcesChairperson: Sen. Loren LegardaJurisdiction: All matters relating to the conservation and protection of the environment, and all matters relating to the management, development, protection, exploration and utilization of the countrys national reserves such as forest and mineral resources.

Committee on Ethics and PrivilegesChairperson:Rep. Jouquin Chipeco Jr.Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity, and reputation of the Senate and its members.

Committee on FinanceChairpersons: Sen. Francis Escudero (Subcommittee A), Sen. Sergio Osmea III (Subcommittee B), Sen. Loren Legarda (Subcommittee C), Sen. Ralph Recto (Subcommittee D), Sen. Teofisto Guingona III (Subcommittee E)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to funds for the expenditures of the national government and for the payment of public indebtedness; auditing of accounts and expenditures of the national government; intergovernmental revenue sharing; and, in general, all matters relating to public expenditures.

Committee on Foreign RelationsChairperson: Sen. Miriam Defensor SantiagoJurisdiction: All matters relating to the relations of the Philippines with other nations; diplomatic and consular service; the United Nations (UN) and its agencies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other multilateral organizations; all international agreements, obligations and contracts; and overseas Filipinos.

Committee on Games, Amusement, and SportsChairperson: Sen. Juan Edgardo AngaraJurisdiction: All matters relating to games and amusement such as lotteries, horse-racing, boxing, and basketball, and matters related to amateur grassroots and elite sports development.

Committee on Government Corporations and Public EnterprisesChairperson: Sen. Cynthia VillarJurisdiction: All matters affecting government corporations, including all amendments to their charters, the interests of the government industrial and commercial enterprises, and privatization.

Committee on Health and DemographyChairperson: Sen. Teofisto Guingona IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to public health, medical, hospital and quarantine services, and population issues, concerns, policies and programs affecting individuals and their families.

Committee on Justice and Human RightsChairperson: Sen. Aquilino Pimentel IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to the organization and administration of justice, civil courts, and penitentiaries; impeachment proceedings against constitutional officers and other officers; registration of land titles; immigration and naturalization; the implementation of the constitutional provisions on human rights; and all matters pertaining to the efficiency and reforms in the prosecution service.

Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources DevelopmentChairperson: Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito EstradaJurisdiction: All matters relating to labor employment and human resource development; labor education and standards; recruitment, training and placement of workers and exports of human resources; and promotion and development of workers organizations.

Committee on Local GovernmentChairperson: Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Jurisdiction: All matters relating to autonomous regions, provinces, cities, special metropolitan political subdivisions, municipalities, and barangays.

Committee on National Defense and SecurityChairperson: Sen. Antonio Trillanes IVJurisdiction: All matters relating to national defense, and external and internal threats to national security; the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); war veterans and military retirees; civil defense; and military research and development.

Committee on Peace, Unification, and ReconciliationChairperson: Sen. Teofisto Guingona IIIJurisdiction: All matters relating to peace, armed conflict resolution, political negotiation, cessation of hostilities, amnesty, integration and development of former rebels, and national unification and reconciliation.

Committee on Public Information and Mass MediaChairperson: Sen. Grace PoeJurisdiction: All matters relating to public information, mass communication and broadcast services, the implementation of the constitutional provisions regarding ownership of mass media and the advertising industry, and the artistic standards and quality of the motion picture and television industry.

Committee on Public Order and Dangerous DrugsChairperson: Sen. Grace PoeJurisdiction: All matters relating to peace and order, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and private security agencies; the possession, use, cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of prohibited and regulated drugs, the prosecution of offenders, and rehabilitation of drug users and dependents.

Committee on Public ServicesChairperson: Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.Jurisdiction: All matters affecting public services and utilities, communications, land, air, river and sea transportation including railroads, inter-island navigation and lighthouses, and the grant or amendment of legislative franchises.

Committee on Public WorksChairperson: Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Jurisdiction: All matters relating to planning, construction, maintenance, improvement and repair of public buildings, highways, bridges, roads, ports, airports, harbors and parks, drainage and flood control, and irrigation and water utilities.

Committee on RulesChairperson: Sen. Alan Peter CayetanoJurisdiction: All matters affecting the rules of the Senate, the calendar and parliamentary rules, the order and manner of transacting business, and the creation of committees.

Committee on Science and TechnologyChairperson: Sen. Ralph RectoJurisdiction: All matters relating to science and technology, including scientific and technological research, development and advancement.

Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural DevelopmentChairperson: Sen. Maria Lourdes BinayJurisdiction: All matters relating to rural development and welfare, and the implementation of the constitution provisions on social justice.

Committee on TourismChairperson: Sen. Manuel LapidJurisdiction: All matters relating to tourism and the tourist industry.

Committee on Trade, Commerce, and EntrepreneurshipChairperson: Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IVJurisdiction: All matters relating to domestic and foreign trade and private corporations; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); social enterprises; the promotion of entrepreneurship and the regulation of entrepreneurial practice; patents, copyrights, trade names and trademarks; quality control; control and stabilization of prices of commodities; consumer protection; and handicraft and cottage industries.

Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and ResettlementChairperson: Sen. Joseph Victor EjercitoJurisdiction: All matters relating to urban land reform planning, housing, resettlement, and urban community development.

Committee on Ways and MeansChairperson: Sen. Juan Edgardo AngaraJurisdiction: All matters relating to revenue-generation, taxes and fees, tariffs, loans, and other sources and forms of revenue.

Committee on Women, Family Relations, and Gender EqualityChairperson: Sen. Pia CayetanoJurisdiction: All matters relating to the women, family relations, and equality before the law of women and men.

Committee on YouthChairperson: Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IVJurisdiction: All matters related to the youth and its vital role in nation-building, promotion and protection of their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being, and their involvement in public and civic affairs.

Officers and committees of the House of RepresentativesHouse Speaker : Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (Quezon City, 4th District)Deputy House Speakers : Rep. Henedina Abad (Batanes, Lone District) Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao (Isabela, 4th District) Rep. Sergio Apostol (Leyte, 2nd District) Rep. Pangalian Balindong (Lanao del Sur, 2nd District) Rep. Carlos Padilla (Nueva Vizcaya, Lone District) Rep. Roberto Puno (Antipolo City, 1st District)Majority Floor Leader : Rep. Neptali Gonzales II (Mandaluyong City, Lone District)Minority Floor Leader : Rep. Ronaldo Zamora (San Juan City, Lone District)Committee on AccountsChairperson: Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona (Romblon, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the internal budget of the House of Representatives, including budget preparation, submission and approval, disbursements, accounting, and financial operations.Committee on Agrarian ReformChairperson: Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. (Ifugao, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to agrarian reform, the resettlement of and other support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and the implementation and amendment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.Committee on Agriculture and FoodChairperson: Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza (Batangas, 4th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to food and agricultural production, agri-business, agricultural research and technology, soil survey and research, irrigation, farm credit and security, animal industry, and crop and livestock production.Committee on AppropriationsChairperson: Rep. Isidro Ungab (Davao City, 3rd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the expenditures of the national government including payment of public indebtedness, creation or abolition and classification of positions in government, and the determination of salaries, allowances and benefits of government personnel.Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries ResourcesChairperson: Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to aquaculture and fisheries production and development, aquaculture business, use of aquatic resources, freshwater and fisheries culture research and technology, and conservation of rivers, lakes and other fisheries resources.Committee on Banks and Financial IntermediariesChairperson: Rep. Sonny Collantes (Batangas, 3rd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to banking and currency, government-owned or controlled banks and financial institutions, non-government banks and financial institutions, insurance, and securities.Committee on Basic Education and CultureChairperson: Rep. Kimi Cojuangco (Pangasinan, 5th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to pre-school, elementary and secondary education, science high schools (except the Philippine Science High School), teachers and students welfare, alternative learning systems and community adult education, the national language, libraries and museums, and the preservation and enrichment of Filipino culture.Committee on Civil Service and Professional RegulationChairperson: Rep. Andres Salvacion Jr. (Leyte, 3rd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the organization, operation, management, rules and regulations of the civil service, the welfare and benefits of government officers and employees, and the regulation and practice of professions.Committee on Constitutional AmendmentsChairperson: Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano (Davao City, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters directly and principally relating to amendments or revisions of the constitution.Committee on Cooperatives DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Cresente Paez (COOP NATCCO Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to cooperatives (consumer, producers, marketing, service, electric, and multi-purpose), urban- and rural-based credit, and the implementation or amendment of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.Committee on Dangerous DrugsChairperson: Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. (Iligan City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to illegal or prohibited drugs, its production, manufacture, use and trafficking, and the rehabilitation and treatment of drug dependents.Committee on EcologyChairperson: Rep. Amado Bagatsing (Manila, 5th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to ecosystem management, including pollution control.Committee on Economic AffairsChairperson: Rep. Enrique Cojuangco (Tarlac, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to economic development planning and programs, inclusive of economic and socio-economic studies, and development policies and strategies.Committee on EnergyChairperson: Rep. Reynaldo Umali (Oriental Mindoro, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the exploration, development, utilization or conservation of energy resources, and entities involved in energy or power generation, transmission, distribution and supply.Committee on Ethics and PrivilegesChairperson: Rep. Joaquin Chipeco Jr. (Laguna, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges and immunities, dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives and its members.Committee on Foreign AffairsChairperson: Rep. Al Francis Bichara (Albay, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the relations of the Philippines with other countries, diplomatic and consular services, the United Nations (UN) and its agencies, and other international organizations and agencies.Committee on Games and AmusementsChairperson: Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. (Cavite, 4th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to all forms and places of gaming and amusements.Committee on Good Governance and Public AccountabilityChairperson: Rep. Oscar Rodriguez (Pampanga, 3rd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance by officers and employees of the government, inclusive of investigations of any matter of public interest on its own initiative or upon an order by the House of Representatives.Committee on Government Enterprises and PrivatizationChairperson: Rep. Jesus Sacdalan (North Cotabato, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the creation, organization, operation, reorganization, and amendments of charters of government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS), but excluding government-owned or controlled banks and financial institutions.Committee on Government ReorganizationChairperson: Rep. Romeo Acop (Antipolo City, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the reorganization of the government and its branches, departments and instrumentalities, and the creation, abolition or change of the principal functions or nature of any government department, agency, commission or board.Committee on HealthChairperson: Rep. Eufranio Eriguel, M.D. (La Union, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to public health and hygiene, and quarantine, medical, hospital and other health facilities and services.Committee on Higher and Technical EducationChairperson: Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to post-secondary and tertiary education, technical education, distance education, students and teachers welfare, and centers of excellence.Committee on Housing and Urban DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to shelter delivery, and the management of urbanization issues and concerns such as urban planning and development, urban land reform and welfare of the urban poor.Committee on Human RightsChairperson: Rep. Guillermo Romarate Jr. (Surigao del Norte, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the protection and enhancement of human rights, assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families, the prevention of violations of human rights, and the punishment of perpetrators of such violations.Committee on Information and Communications TechnologyChairperson: Rep. Joel Roy Duavit (Rizal, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to postal, telegraph, radio, broadcast, cable television, telephone, convergence, computers and telecommunications technologies, information systems inclusive of hardware, software and content applications, mobile short messaging system (SMS) applications, and networks that enable access to online technology.Committee on Interparliamentary Relations and DiplomacyChairperson: Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to inter-parliamentary relations and linkages with international parliamentary organizations, establishment of inter-parliamentary friendship societies, and visits of parliamentary delegations as well as other foreign dignitaries.Committee on JusticeChairperson: Niel Tupas Jr. (Iloilo, 5th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the administration of justice, the Judiciary, the practice of law and integration of the Bar, legal aid, penitentiaries, impeachment proceedings, registration of land titles, immigration, deportation, naturalization, and the definition of crimes and their penalties.Committee on Labor and EmploymentChairperson: Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles (Davao City, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to labor, the advancement and protection of workers rights and welfare, employment and manpower development, labor standards, and the organization and development of the labor market including the recruitment, training and placement of manpower.Committee on Legislative FranchisesChairperson: Rep. Marcelino Teodoro (Marikina City, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters directly and principally relating to the grant, amendment, extension or revocation of franchises.Committee on Local GovernmentChairperson: Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (South Cotabato, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to autonomous regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, including their revenues and expenditures.Committee on Metro Manila DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Winston Castelo (Quezon City, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs to promote and enhance the development of the Metro Manila area.Committee on Mindanao AffairsChairperson: Rep. Arnulfo Go (Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the development of Mindanao, including the preparation of a comprehensive and integrated development plan for Mindanao.Committee on Muslim AffairsChairperson: Rep. Tupay Loong (Sulu, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to Muslim affairs inclusive of the welfare of Muslim Filipinos, and the development of predominantly Muslim areas.Committee on National Cultural CommunitiesChairperson: Rep. Nancy Catamco (North Cotabato, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to national cultural communities, and the development of predominantly cultural community areas.Committee on National Defense and SecurityChairperson: Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Muntinlupa City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to national defense and national security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), military bases, coast and geodetic surveys, and disaster relief and rescue.Committee on Natural ResourcesChairperson: Rep. Francisco Matugas (Surigao del Norte, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to natural resources (except energy and fisheries resources) and their exploration, conservation, management and utilization, public domain lands, mines and minerals, forests, parks and wildlife, and marine resources.Committee on Overseas Workers AffairsChairperson: Rep. Walden Bello (Akbayan Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.Committee on Peoples ParticipationChairperson: Rep. Benjamin Asilo (Manila, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the role, rights and responsibilities of peoples organizations, non-government and civic organizations, and other similar groups, and the establishment of mechanisms on peoples participation in governance and legislation.Committee on Population and Family RelationsChairperson: Rep. Rogelio Espina, M.D. (Biliran, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to population growth and family planning, population census and statistics, family relations, and care of the elderly.Committee on Poverty AlleviationChairperson: Rep. Salvio Fortuno (Camarines Sur, 5th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs to address the poverty situation in the country and other actions to alleviate the plight of the poor, and promote their right to equal access to opportunities.Committee on Public InformationChairperson: Rep. Jorge Almonte (Misamis Occidental, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the production and dissemination of information to the public through all forms of mass communications and media such as print and broadcast media, movie and television, video, advertising, cable television, and the internet.Committee on Public Order and SafetyChairperson: Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Negros Occidental, 4th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the suppression of criminality including those on illegal gambling, private armies, terrorism, organized crime and illegal drugs, regulation of firearms, firecrackers and pyrotechnics, civil defense, private security agencies, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).Committee on Public Works and HighwaysChairperson: Rep. Ronald Cosalan (Benguet, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the planning, construction, maintenance, improvement and repair of public infrastructure inclusive of buildings, highways, bridges, roads, parks, drainage, flood control and water utilities.Committee on Revision of LawsChairperson: Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (Pangasinan, 6th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the revision and codification of laws.Committee on RulesChairperson: Rep. Neptali Gonzales II (Mandaluyong City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the rules of the House of Representatives, rules of procedure in impeachment proceedings, order of business, calendar of business, the referral of bills, resolutions, speeches, committee reports, messages, and the creation of committees.Committee on Rural DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Manuel Agyao (Kalinga, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the development of rural areas and islands through policies, programs, and support services including livelihood and enterprise development, microfinancing, community mobilization and development, and access to rural projects funding and financing.Committee on Science and TechnologyChairperson: Rep. Victor Yu (Zamboanga del Sur, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to science and technology including scientific and technological research and development, science and technology education including the Philippine Science High School System, intellectual property rights on biotechnology, and climate and weather forecasting.Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Neil Benedict Montejo (An Waray Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs on entrepreneurship development including the promotion of entrepreneurship, support to entrepreneurs, and the establishment and development of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).Committee on Social ServicesChairperson: Rep. Arturo Robes (San Juan del Monte City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the social development and welfare of persons with disabilities or special needs, including social services and interventions that enhance quality of life.Committee on Suffrage and Electoral ReformsChairperson: Rep. Fredenil Castro (Capiz, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the protection and advancement of the right of suffrage, and the conduct of elections, plebiscites, initiatives, recalls and referenda.Committee on TourismChairperson: Rep. Rene Relampagos (Bohol, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the development and promotion of tourism and the tourist industry, both domestic and international.Committee on Trade and IndustryChairperson: Rep. Mark Villar (Las Pias City, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to domestic and foreign trade, intellectual property rights, patents, standards, weights and measures, quality control, consumer protection, prices of commodities, handicrafts and cottage industries, and the development, regulation and diversification of industry and investments.Committee on TransportationChairperson: Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (Catanduanes, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to land, sea, and air transportation, the establishment, operation, management and regulation of airports, seaports and other mass transportation systems including rail systems and roll on-roll off (RO-RO) systems, civil aviation, air transport agreements, transportation safety standards, air transport security, and maritime security.Committee on Veterans Affairs and WelfareChairperson: Rep. Herminia Roman (Bataan, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the welfare of war veterans, veterans of military campaigns, military retirees, and their surviving spouses and beneficiaries.Committee on Ways and MeansChairperson: Rep. Romero Quimbo (Marikina City, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the fiscal, monetary and financial affairs of the national government, including tariff, taxation, revenues, borrowing, and credit and bonded indebtedness.Committee on Welfare of ChildrenChairperson: Rep. Aurora Enerio Cerilles (Zamboanga del Sur, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the needs, education and overall welfare of Filipino children.Committee on Welfare and Gender EqualityChairperson: Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (Bulacan, 4th District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the rights and welfare of women and female children and youth, inclusive of their education, employment and working conditions, and concerns relating to gender equality.Committee on Youth and Sports DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Anthony Del Rosario (Davao del Norte, 1st District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to youth development, including the development of their leadership potentials and the promotion of their moral, physical, intellectual and social well-being, and sports development.Special Committee on Bases ConversionChairperson: Rep. Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales (CIBAC Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs relating to bases conversion, the operation of special economic zones in former military bases, sale of military camps, relocation of military camps and personnel, and the construction of new military camps.Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs to promote the development of the Bicol region, inclusive of developmental projects, care programs and the Bicol River basin project.Special Committee on the East ASEAN Growth AreaChairperson: Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to social, political, economic policies affecting the countries within the area, and the promotion of trade and investment among these countries.Special Committee on Food SecurityChairperson: Rep. Agapito Guanlao (Butil Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to programs and policies relating to food production and distribution, sustained growth and self-reliance in the production of basic food commodities, the availability of these commodities to the people, and long-term food security for the nation.Special Committee on Globalization and WTOChairperson: Rep. Irwin Tieng (Buhay Party-list)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the effects on various social sectors of World Trade Organization (WTO) policies, and other actions to harness opportunities offered by globalization for development.Special Committee on Land UseChairperson: Rep. Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to land use issues inclusive of the enhancement of resource use and management of indigenous cultural communities, preservation of historical and cultural heritage sites, and linkages among agencies and stakeholders in land resource management.Special Committee on Millennium Development GoalsChairperson: Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. (Aklan, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the achievement of the countrys commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.Special Committee on the North Luzon Growth QuadrangleChairperson: Rep. Maximo Dalog (Mountain Province, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to all policies and programs concerning the development of municipalities, cities, provinces, and other local communities in the northwest Luzon area.Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, and UnityChairperson: Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman (Basilan, Lone District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to negotiations and other initiatives in pursuit of the peace process and national reconciliation, the cessation of hostilities generated by internal armed conflicts, and the welfare of rebel-returnees.Special Committee on ReforestationChairperson: Rep. Susan Yap (Tarlac, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to policies and programs on reforestation, and other actions to ensure the implementation of a sustained community-based nationwide reforestation program.Committee on Southern Tagalog DevelopmentChairperson: Rep. Isidro Rodriguez Jr. (Rizal, 2nd District)Jurisdiction: All matters relating to the development of the Southern Tagalog area, inclusive agricultural areas, tourism, economic, and industrial estates and processing areas therein.History of the Legislature

Representation in the Spanish CortesPrior to the creation of a legislature in the Philippines, Filipinos, from time to time, were allowed to sit in the Spanish Cortes as representatives of the Philippine Islands. In 1810, the Spanish government allowed Filipinos to receive Spanish citizenship and appropriate representation in the Cortes. When the Cadiz Constitution was in full force and effect, Filipino representation became a standard in the Cortes. However, in 1837, the liberal Cortes finally abolished representation and declared that overseas territories of Spain to be ruled by special laws. This loss of representation was one of the main points that Jose Rizal and other propagandists were fighting for during the Propaganda movement.

Malolos Republic, 1899 1901The first Filipino legislature was convened on September 15, 1898 in Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan. Later known as the Malolos Republic, it drafted the first constitution of the Philippines, which was also the first democratic constitution in Asia. The Congress included delegates from different provinces of the Philippines, some elected and some appointed. It was a short-lived legislature, unable to pass any laws due to the onset of the Philippine-American War. The first Philippine Republic was ended on March 23, 1901 with the capture of President Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela.

Philippine Commission, 1899 1916In 1899, United States President William McKinley appointed a commission led by Dr. Jacob Schurman to study and investigate the conditions in the Philippine Islands. This would be known as the first Philippine Commission. It was followed by another investigative commission led by William Howard Taft in 1900, which also had limited legislative and executive powers. From 1901 onwards, the Philippine Commission would be regularized. It exercised both executive and legislative powers, with three Filipino delegates, namely Benito Legarda, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Jose Luzuriaga. After the organization of the Philippine Assembly (see below) in 1907, the commission stayed on as the upper house of the legislature.

Philippine Assembly, 1907 1916Electoral representation in the Philippines by Filipinos began when the American insular government allowed partial self-governance by establishing the Philippine Assembly. The assembly, as the lower house, shared legislative power with the Philippine Commission, which remained under American control, as membership in the Philippine Commission was still restricted to appointed American officials. In 1907, still under American rule, the Philippines held its first national elections for the newly created representative body, which had an inaugural membership of 81 Filipinos representing their respective districts. In the succeeding years, the number of districts were increased to 85 in 1910, and 91 in 1912.

Resident commissioners, 1907 1946From 1907 to 1946, the Philippine legislature sent a representative to sit in the U.S. House of Representatives, as resident commissioner. Under Spain, the Philippines had also been given limited representation in the Spanish Cortes, and like the resident commissioners, they had the right to speak, but not to vote. The restoration of Philippine independence in 1946 ended Philippine representation in the U.S. Congress. (Note: To this day, Puerto Rico still has a resident commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives.)

The Philippine Legislature, 1916 1935Upon the enactment of the Jones Law in 1916, the Filipinos were subsequently granted the opportunity to hold other offices in the government. Positions in the Philippine Senate were opened to Filipinos, with 12 senatorial districts and two senators elected from each. The inaugural President of the Senate in 1916 was Manuel L. Quezon, representing the fifth senatorial district. He would hold this position until the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935. For the 19 years prior to the Commonwealth, the Senate presidency was the highest position a Filipino could hold.From the first Philippine Commission to the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the Philippine legislature were passing public acts. This form of legislation is started at Congress, with the approval of the American governor-general of the Philippine Islands.

Commonwealth of the Philippines, 1935 1946On November 15, 1935, Quezon took his oath as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, giving control of the executive branch of government to the Filipinos. It was also in this era that the Supreme Court of the Philippines was completely Filipinized. By virtue of the 1935 Constitution, the bicameral Philippine legislature was merged to form the unicameral National Assembly.Two elections were held under the Commonwealth. The first, in 1935, elected the President of the Philippines as well as members of the National Assembly; the second, in 1939, elected only members of the National Assembly. The National Assembly would be retained until 1941, when a new structure for the legislature was introduced through a constitutional amendment.From the Commonwealth period to the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic, the Philippine legislature was passing Commonwealth acts (CA). This form of legislation is started at the National Assembly and approved by the President of the Philippines.

Constitutional amendments of 1941After six years under a unicameral legislature, the Constitution of 1935 was amended, dividing the National Assembly into two separate houses. The Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives were reestablished, with a Senate President and a Speaker of the House leading their respective chambers.The elections for members of these newly created chambers were held in 1941. However, the onset of World War II prevented the elected members from assuming their posts and the legislature of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was dissolved upon the exile of the government of the Philippines.

The Second Republic, 1943On October 14, 1943, the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic was inaugurated, with Jose. P. Laurel as the President. This government followed the newly crafted 1943 Constitution, and reverted the legislature back to a unicameral National Assembly. The National Assembly of the Second Republic would remain in existence until the arrival of the Allied forces in 1944, which liberated the Philippines from the Imperial Japanese forces.

Restoration of the Philippine Commonwealth, 1945 1946Upon the reestablishment of the Commonwealth in 1945, President Sergio Osmea called for a special session of Congress. The first Congress convened on June 9 of that year, with most of the senators and representatives, who were elected in 1941, assuming their positions. Manuel Roxas and Jose C. Zulueta served as Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively. Not all, however, were allowed to take their post because some were incarcerated for collaboration with the Japanese.The inaugural session, was held in a converted school house in Lepanto St., Manila, as the Legislative Building in Manila was reduced to ruins as an outcome of the war.On April 23, 1946, national elections were held to choose new members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President of the Philippines. After the elections the second Congress of the Commonwealth convened on May 25, 1946. It would only last until July 4, 1946, with the inauguration of the Third Republic of the Philippines.

The Third Republic, 1946 1972The independent Republic of the Philippines was finally proclaimed on July 4, 1946 with Manuel Roxas as President. The Second Congress of the Commonwealth was transformed into the first Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, also made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This would mark the beginning of the count of Congresses of the Republic until the imposition of Martial Law in 1972, when Congress would be dissolved.This era started the legislation of republic acts which would continue until 1972. Upon the restoration of democracy in 1986 and the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, the naming of laws as republic acts would be reinstated.

Martial law and the Fourth Republic, 1972-1986On September 23, 1972 President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire country under Martial Law. This coincided with the closing of the sessions of both chambers of Congress. Days before the scheduled reopening of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Marcos promulgated the 1973 Constitution, which effectively abolished the bicameral legislature and replaced it with a unicameral legislature. Opposition legislators reported to the Legislative Building on January 22, 1973, but found the building padlocked and under an armed guard.Under martial rule, Marcos created the Batasang Bayan in 1976, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 995, to serve as a legislative advisory councila quasi-legislative machinery to normalize the legislative process for the eventual actualization of the 1973 Constitution. The Batasang Bayan would hold office in the Philippine International Convention Center (a modernist structure designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complexa pet project of First Lady Imelda R. Marcos). The consultative body would serve until 1978.The Batasang Bayan would be replaced in 1978 by an elected unicameral body: the Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP), a parliamentary legislature, as provided for in the 1973 Constitution. On April 7, 1978, elections for were held. Those elected to the IBP would be called Mambabatas Pambansa (Assemblymen) who would be elected per region, via a bloc-voting system. The IBP opened on Independence Day 1984 in the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.Members of the Regular Batasang Pambansa (RBP) were elected in 1984, this time at-large and per province. The RBP held its inaugural session on July 23, 1984.In 1986, President Marcos succumbed to international pressure and called for a snap presidential election. Though Marcos and his running mate former Senator and Assemblyman Arturo Tolentino were proclaimed by the Batasang Pambansa as the winners of the election, a popular revolt installed opposition leaders Corazon C. Aquino and Salvador H. Laurel as President and Vice President, respectively.For both the IBP and RBP, the laws passed would be called Batas Pambansa, which did not continue the previous numbering of Republic Acts.

The Fifth Republic, 1987 presentOn March 25, 1986, President Aquino declared a revolutionary government by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 3, s. 1986, which suspended some provisions of the 1973 Constitution and promulgated in its stead a transitory constitution. This effectively abolished the Batasang Pambansa. A constitutional commission, tasked with drafting a new charter, was created by virtue of Proclamation No. 9 issued on April 23, 1986.Following the overwhelming ratification of the 1987 Constitution through a national plebiscite held on February 2, 1987, the 1987 Constitution finally came into full force and effect on February 11, 1987. It re-established a bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, much like the way it was before martial law. The former, being much larger in composition, reopened in the Batasan Pambansa while the Senate, still with its 24 members, returned to the Legislative Building. In 1997, the Senate of the Philippines moved to the GSIS building where it is currently housed.Laws passed by the bicameral legislature would restore Republic Acts, as the laws were named in the Third Republic (1946-1972). Moreover, it was decided to maintain the old count, taking up where the last pre-martial law Congress left off. Thus, the last Congress under the 1935 Constitution was the seventh Congress, and the first Congress under the 1987 Constitution became the eighth Congress.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Judiciary Branch of Government IntroductionJudicial power rests with the Supreme Court and the lower courts, as established by law (Art. VIII, sec. 1 of the 1987 Constitution). Its duty is to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable (Art. VIII Sec. 1 (2)).The judiciary enjoys fiscal autonomy. Its appropriation may not be reduced by the Legislature below the appropriated amount the previous year (Art. VIII, Sec. 3).

Rules and proceduresThe Rules of Court of the Philippines, as amended and the rules and regulations issued by the Supreme Court, define the rules and procedures of the judiciary. These rules and regulations are in the form of administrative matters, administrative orders, circulars, memorandum circulars, memorandum orders, and OCA circulars. The Supreme Court disseminates these rules and regulations to all courts, publishes important ones in newspapers of general circulation, prints them in book or pamphlet form, and uploads them to the Supreme Court website and the Supreme Court E-Library website.On June 21, 1988, the Supreme Court promulgated the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession. The draft was prepared by the Committee on Responsibility, Discipline and Disbarment of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.Appointments to the judiciaryBy virtue of Article VIII, Section 8, appointments to the judiciary are made by the President of the Philippines based on a list submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council which is under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Its principal function is to screen prospective appointees to any judicial post. It is composed of the chief justice as ex-officio chairman, the Secretary of Justice and representatives of Congress as ex-officio members, and a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a retired member of the Supreme Court and a representative of the private sector as members.Philippine Judicial AcademyThe Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) is the training school for justices, judge, court personnel, lawyers and aspirants to judicial posts. It was originally created by the Supreme Court on March 16, 1996 by virtue of Administrative Order No. 35-96, and was institutionalized on February 26, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8557. No appointee to the bench may commence the discharge his adjudicative function without completing the prescribed court training in the academy. Its organizational structure and administrative setup are provided for by the Supreme Court in its en banc resolution (Revised A.M. No. 01-1-04-sc-PHILJA).Philippine Mediation CenterThe Philippine Mediation Center was organized pursuant to the en banc Supreme Court Resolution A.M. No. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA, dated October 16, 2001, and in line with the objectives of the Action Program for Judicial Reforms (APJR) to decongest court dockets, among others, the court prescribed guidelines in institutionalizing and implementing the mediation program in the Philippines. The same resolution designated the Philippine Judicial Academy as the component unit of the Supreme Court for Court-Annexed Mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and established the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC).

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office was organized to implement the rules on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education for members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (B.M. No. 850 Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)). It holds office in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines main office.

Katarungang Pambarangay

Presidential Decree No. 1508, or the Katarungang Pambarangay Law, took effect on December 11, 1978, and established a system of amicably settling disputes at the barangay level. This decree and the Local Government Code provided rules and procedures, Title I, Chapter 7, Sections 339-422. This system of amicable settlement of dispute aims to promote the speedy administration of justice by easing the congestion of court dockets. The court does not take cognizance of cases filed if they are not filed first with the Katarungang Pambarangay.Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system

Republic Act No. 9285 institutionalized the use of an alternative dispute resolution system, which serves to promote the speedy and impartial administration of justice and unclog the court dockets. This act shall be without prejudice to the adoption of the Supreme Court of any ADR system such as mediation, conciliation, arbitration or any combination thereof. The Supreme Court

History of the Supreme Court

Royal audencia

The royal audencia was established on May 5, 1583, composed of a president, four oidores (justices) and a fiscal. The audencia exercised both administrative and judicial functions. Its functions and structure were modified in 1815 when a chief justice replaced its president and the number of justices was increased. It came to be known as the Audencia Territorial de Manila with two branches, civil and criminal. A royal decree issued on July 24, 1861 converted it to a purely judicial body with its decisions appealable to the Court of Spain in Madrid. A territorial audencia in Cebu, and audencia for criminal cases in Vigan were organized on February 26, 1898.

Philippine Revolution and First Republic

In the three phases of the revolution: 1896-1897; 1898; 1899-1901, the exigencies of war prevented the thorough organization of the administration of justice. Katipunan councils, then the provisional governments of Tejeros, Biak-na-Bato, and the Revolutionary Republic proclaimed in Kawit, essentially had General Emilio Aguinaldo exercising decree-making powers instituting ad hoc courts and reviewing any appeals concerning their decisions.

In 1899, when the Malolos Constitution was ratified, it provided for a Supreme Court of Justice. President Aguinaldo proposed the appointment of Apolinario Mabini as Chief Justice, but the appointment and the convening of the Supreme Court of Justice never materialized because of the Philippine-American War.

American military rule

During the Philippine-American War, General Wesley Merrit suspended the audencias when a military government was established after Manila fell to American forces in August, 1898. Major General Elwell S. Otis re-established the Audencia on May 29, 1899 by virtue of General Order No. 20, which provided for six Filipino members of the audencia.

Establishment of the Supreme Court

With the establishment of civil government, Act No. 136 of the Philippine Commission abolished the audencia and established the present Supreme Court on June 11, 1901, with Cayetano Arellano as the first chief justice together with associate justicesthe majority of whom were Americans.

Commonwealth: Filipinization of the Supreme Court

With the ratification of the 1935 Constitution, the membership was increased to 11 with two divisions of five members each. The Supreme Court was Filipinized upon the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines on November 15, 1935. The composition of the court was reduced by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 3. It provided for a Supreme Court, headed by a chief justice with six associate justices.

World War II and the Third Republic

During World War II, the National Assembly passed legislation granting emergency powers to President Manuel L. Quezon; Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos was made concurrent Secretary of Justice and acting President of the Philippines in unoccupied areas. After his capture and execution at the hands of the Japanese, the Commonwealth government-in-exile had no system of courts.

Meanwhile, the Japanese organized the Philippine Executive Commission in occupied areas on January 8, 1942, which gave way to the Second Republic in October 14, 1943. By the end of World War II, the regular function of the courts had been restored, beginning with the appointment of a new Supreme Court on June 6, 1945. On September 17, 1945, the laws of the Second Republic were declared null and void; a Supreme Court decision on Co Kim Cham v. Eusebio Valdez Tan Keh and Arsenio P. Dizon recognized this.

Martial lawThe Supreme Court was retained during the martial law years under rules similar to the 1935 Constitution, but with the exception few key factors, e.g.: 1 The 1973 Constitution further increased the membership of the Supreme Court to 15, with two divisions; 2The process by which a chief justice and associate justices are appointed was changed under to grant the president (Ferdinand Marcos during this time) the sole authority to appoint members of the Supreme Court. There were five chief justices that were appointed under this provision.Present-day Supreme CourtPursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, the Supreme Court is composed of a chief Justice and 14 associate justices who serve until the age of 70. The court may sit en banc or in one of its three divisions composed of five members each. The chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the President of the Philippines, chosen from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council. The president must fill up a vacancy within 90 days of occurrence.Article VIII, Section 4 (2) of the constitution explicitly provides for the cases that must be heard en banc, and Section 4 (3) for cases that may be heard by divisions.The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 transferred the administrative supervision of all courts and their personnel from the Department of Justice to the Supreme Court. This was affirmed by Article VIII, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution. To effectively discharge this constitutional mandate, the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) was created under Presidential Decree No. 828, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 842 (and its functions further strengthened by a resolution of the Supreme Court en banc dated October 24, 1996). Its principal function is the supervision and administration of the lower courts throughout the Philippines and all their personnel. It reports and recommends to the Supreme Court all actions that affect the lower court management. The OCA is headed by the court administrator, three deputy court administrators, and three assistant court administrators.

According to the 1987 Constitution, Article VIII, Section 5, the Supreme Court exercises the following powers:

1 Exercise jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus. 2 Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm, on appeal or certiorari, as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and orders of the lower courts in: All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in question; All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any penalty imposed in relation thereto; All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue; All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher; All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved; 3 Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest may require. Such temporary assignments shall not exceed six months without the consent of the judge concerned. 4 Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

1 Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts; the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar; and legal assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts the same grade, and shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court. 2 Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law (Sec. 5 , id.).

The Supreme Court has adopted and promulgated the Rules of Court for the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleadings and practice and procedure in all courts, and the admission in the practice of law. Amendments are promulgated through the Committee on Revision of Rules. The Court also issues administrative rules and regulations in the form of court issuances posted on the Supreme Court E-Library website. The Chief JusticeThe incumbent

Ma. Lourdes P. A. SerenoTenure as Chief Justice: August 24, 2012 presentAppointed by: Benigno S. Aquino IIIAge at Appointment: 52

Full roster of chief justicesThe position of chief justice was created in 1901 by virtue of the establishment of the Philippine Supreme Court. At the time, the chief justice was appointed by the President of the United States: the court was composed mainly of American citizens with a Filipino chief justice.The incumbent Chief Justice, Ma. Lourdes P.A. Sereno, appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, took her oath of office on August 25, 2012. She is the first woman to hold the position.

There were six chief justices appointed by the President of the United States. In 1935, upon the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the po