The Philippine Legislature

The Philippine Legislature

Basic Structures

Unicameral - legislative branch consist of one chamber/house

Bicameral- legislative power is vested in two chambers/houses

The Philippine

Congress

* Congress is bicameral

Upper House: Senate

Lower House: House of Representatives

The Executive-Legislative Agenda

The Executive Agenda (EA)

A document that articulates the government program

Composition

24 Senators

Not more 200 District Representatives

50 Party list

The ELA is a planning document that is mutually developed and agreed upon by both the executive and legislative departments of an LGU. It is an integrated plan that contains the major development thrusts and priorities of both the executives and legislative branches towards a common vision.

Legislative Limitations

Structure and Dynamics

Congress may not:

1. Increase appropriations recommended by the executive branch

2. Pass tax exemptions without the concurrence of a majority of its members

3. Grant titles of nobility

4. Pass es post facto bills

5. Pass bills of attainder

*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 minutes of proceedings

* Neither House can adjourn without the other consent while in session

Powers of Congress

1. Appointment of Public Officials

2. Legislative inquiry and investigation

3. Declare the existence of a state of war

4. Ratify the country's international treaties (Senate)

5. Authorize limited emergency powers for the President

6. Approve the government budget

7. Undertake projects under the CDF

8. Propose, review, and adopt bills for enactment into law

9. Overturn a Presidential veto with respect to proposed legislation

10. Allow for referenda

11. Propose amendments to the constitution and call for a constitutional convention

Parliamentary Privileges

Transparency

Elected Congressmen must:

1. Fully disclose their financial and business interest

2. Disclose potential conflicts of interests that arise in the course of legislation

3. Keep from any other office or employment (appointed or otherwise), forfeit his/her seat to do so

The Executive Agenda (EA)

Privilege of speech and debate

Immunity fro m libel and slander

The Local Legislative Department

From the Greek "legis" means a law or rule proposing and "latio" means an act of, thus, legislation is an act of proposing a law, rule or regulation.

The Multi-Faceted Functions of the Sanggunian

Legislation

Oversight

Quasi-Judicial

Privilege from arrest

Immunity from offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment

An EA is a document that articulates the government program of the executive department of a province, city or municipality in a given period. it contains development thrusts of the local administration, including the development priorities of the Local Chief Executive (LCE), towards attainment of the LGU vision.

The Legislative Agenda

A Legislative Agenda (LA) is a package of priority policies and legislative measures designed designed to support local development priorities particularly those contained in the EA.

The Relationship of the ELA with other existing LGU Plans

* Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)

* Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)

* Local Development Investment Plan (LDIP)

* Annual Investment Plan (AIP)