legislative department

• What is the legislative power vested in according to the Constitution of the Philippines?

  The Congress of the Philippines
• What are the two components of the Congress of the Philippines?

  The Senate and the House of Representatives
• How many Senators are there in the Senate of the Philippines?

  Twenty-four Senators
• Who elects the Senators in the Philippines?

  The qualified voters of the Philippines
• What is the minimum age requirement to be a Senator in the Philippines?

  Thirty-five years of age
• What are the qualifications to be a Senator in the Philippines?

  • Natural-born citizen
  • At least thirty-five years old
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered voter
  • Resident for at least two years before the election
• What is the term of office for Senators in the Philippines?

  Six years
• When does the term of office for Senators commence?

  At noon on the thirtieth day of June following their election
• How many consecutive terms can a Senator serve?

  No more than two consecutive terms
• How many members can the House of Representatives have at most?

  Two hundred and fifty members
• How are the members of the House of Representatives elected?

  From legislative districts apportioned among provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area
• What percentage of the total number of representatives do party-list representatives constitute?

  Twenty percent
• What is the minimum population for a city to have at least one representative?

  At least two hundred fifty thousand
• What must Congress do within three years following every census?

  Make a reapportionment of legislative districts
• What is the minimum age requirement to be a Member of the House of Representatives?

  Twenty-five years of age
• What is the term of office for Members of the House of Representatives?

  Three years
• When does the term of office for Members of the House of Representatives begin?

  At noon on the thirtieth day of June following their election
• How many consecutive terms can a Member of the House of Representatives serve?

  No more than three consecutive terms
• When are regular elections for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives held?

  On the second Monday of May
• What happens in case of a vacancy in the Senate or House of Representatives?

  A special election may be called to fill the vacancy
• Who determines the salaries of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives?

  Law
• What is the privilege of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives regarding arrest?

  They are privileged from arrest for offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment while Congress is in session
• What must all Members of the Senate and House of Representatives disclose upon assuming office?

  Their financial and business interests
• What is prohibited for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives during their term?

  Holding any other office or employment in the Government
• What is the role of the Congress regarding its sessions?

  It convenes once every year on the fourth Monday of July
• Who elects the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

  The Members of their respective Houses
• What constitutes a quorum in each House of Congress?

  A majority of each House
• What can each House of Congress do regarding its proceedings?

  Determine the rules of its proceedings and punish Members for disorderly behavior
• What is the function of the Electoral Tribunal in Congress?

  To judge all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective Members
• Who comprises the Electoral Tribunal?

  Nine Members, including three Justices of the Supreme Court
• What is the role of the Commission on Appointments?

  To act on all appointments submitted to it within thirty session days of Congress
• What happens to the records and books of accounts of Congress?

  They are preserved and open to the public
• What can the Senate or House of Representatives conduct in aid of legislation?

  Inquiries in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure
• What are the qualifications to be a Senator in the Philippines?

  • Natural-born citizen
  • At least thirty-five years old
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered voter
  • Resident for at least two years before the election
• What are the qualifications to be a Member of the House of Representatives in the Philippines?

  • Natural-born citizen
  • At least twenty-five years old
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered voter in the district
  • Resident for at least one year before the election
• What are the rules regarding the terms of office for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives?

  • Senators: 6 years, no more than 2 consecutive terms
  • Members of the House: 3 years, no more than 3 consecutive terms
• What are the roles of the Senate and House of Representatives in terms of leadership and organization?

  • Senate elects its President
  • House elects its Speaker
  • Each House chooses other necessary officers
• What are the powers of the Congress regarding its sessions and proceedings?

  • Congress convenes annually on the fourth Monday of July
  • Each House determines its own rules of procedure
  • Each House keeps a Journal of its proceedings
• What are the functions of the Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments?

  • Electoral Tribunal: judges election contests and qualifications
  • Commission on Appointments: acts on appointments within thirty session days
• What are the privileges and restrictions for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives?

  • Privileged from arrest for minor offenses while Congress is in session
  • Must disclose financial interests
  • Cannot hold other government positions during their term