ARTICLE 6: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENARTICLE IV: LEGISLATIVE

PREPARED BY RAIZZA P. CORPUZ

The Legislative Branch

From the Latin lex, legis meaning lawbroadly deals with:1. making2. deliberation over enactment 3. amendment 4. repealing of laws

The Philippine Congress

(Art. VI, Sec. 1)

The Philippine Congress is the country’s legislative department

Congress is bicameralUpper House: SenateLower House: House of Representatives

Senators and Representatives

When we say Congress, we refer to both houses of the legislative branch of government in the Philippines.

- Congressmen in the Upper House are called Senators

- Congressmen in the Lower House are called Representatives

Both Congressmen

Definition of Legislative Power:

The authority to make laws and to alter or repeal them.

Sections 2-4. SENATE , Composition & Qualification

24 senators who shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law.

1. Natural-born citizen;2. At least 35 years old on the day of election;3. Able to read and write;4. A registered voter; and5. Philippine resident for at least 2 years immediately

preceding the day of the election.

Term of Office:

6 years, commencing (unless otherwise provided by law) at noon, 30 June next following their election.

Maximum: 2 terms

Term Limitations: No Senator shall serve for more than 2 consecutive

terms. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time

shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.

In Case of Vacancy…

Vacancy can be filled through regular electionSpecial elections can be called for the

purpose of filling the vacancyIn either circumstance, the one elected

merely sits for the unexpired term

Structure and Dynamics Senate President and House Speaker elected by

majority vote Other officers, procedures and the discipline of

its members is at the discretion of each house Quorum: Majority Each House maintains a journal and record of

proceedings Neither House can adjourn without the other’s

consent while in session

Sections 5-7. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Composition: Not more than 25 members, unless otherwise fixed by law; and Party-list Representative Election of 250 members Qualifications Natural born citizen of the Philippines; At least 25 years old on the day of the election; Able to read and write; Registered voter in the district he seeks to represent; and A resident of such district for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the

election.

TERM of OFFICE and Term Limitations

Each member of the House shall be elected for a term of three (3) years which shall commence (unless otherwise provided for by law) at noon on 30 June next following their election.

Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.

LIMITATION: No member of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Privileges

Congressmen have two parliamentary privileges while Congress is in session:

1. Privilege from arrest Immunity from offenses punishable by not more than six years

imprisonment

2. Privilege of speech and debate Immunity from libel and slander

Powers of Congress

1. Appointment of Public Officials2. Legislative inquiry and investigation3. Declare the existence of a state of war4. Ratify the country’s international treaties

(Senate)5. Authorize limited emergency powers for the

President

Powers of Congress

6. Approve the government budget7. Undertake projects under the CDF8. Propose, review, and adopt bills for enactment into law9. Overturn a Presidential veto with respect to proposed legislation10. Allow for referenda11. Propose amendments to the constitution and call for a constitutional convention

Legislative LimitationsCongress may not:1. Increase appropriations recommended by the executive branch2. Pass tax exemptions without the concurrence of a majority of its

members3. Grant titles of nobility4. Pass ex post facto bills ("from after the action" or "after the facts") is

a law that retroactively changes )5. Pass bills of attainder (bill of pains and penalties) is an act of a

legislature declaring a person or group of persons guilty of some crime and punishing them without a trial)

How a Bill Becomes Law

~House of Representatives~

1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading

DebateReferral to Committee

DebateReferral to Committee




~Senate~





~Senate~


BICAMERAL COMMITTEE




~Senate~


President





PresidentAPPROVE VETO30 DAY PERIOD

References

Political Law, Nachura 1987 Constitution, de Leon Some excerpt from SLIDE SHARE and GOOGLE IMAGES

Education

ARTICLE 6: LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT