Term [Highlight]

• Legislative Branch - Consists of two chambers: Senate and House of Representatives, forming the Congress of the Philippines.
• Senate - Has 24 senators elected at large by qualified voters; serve 6-year terms; max of 2 consecutive terms.
• House of Representatives - Has no more than 250 members; elected for 3-year terms; max of 3 consecutive terms.
• District Representatives - Elected by voters in each congressional district.
• Party-list Representatives - Elected through proportional representation from national, regional, or sectoral parties or organizations.
• Senate President - Leader of the Senate; elected by Senate members.
• Speaker of the House - Leader of the House of Representatives; elected by House members.
• Major Roles of the Legislative Department

  • Declaration of War - Congress has the power to declare the existence of a state of war.
  • Power to Impeach - Congress can impeach the President, Vice-President, Supreme Court members, Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman.
  • Bicameral Conference Committee - Used to settle differences between the Senate and House on any bill or resolution.
  • People’s Initiative and Referendum - Allows direct lawmaking by citizens through initiative and referendum.
  • Salary Increase Restriction - Congress members cannot have their salaries increased during their term.
• The President may veto or disapprove bills enacted by Congress; he/she may modify or set aside the judgment of courts.
• Principle of checks and balances

  • Checks by the President
  • Checks by the Congress
  • Checks by the Judiciary
• Checks by the Congress

  • Override Presidential Veto - Congress can override the veto of the President.
  • Reject Appointments - Congress may reject certain presidential appointments.
  • Revoke Martial Law - Congress can revoke the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by the President.
  • Amend Court Decisions - Congress can amend or revoke court decisions by enacting new laws or amending existing ones.
• Supreme Court as the final arbiter may declare legislative measures or executive acts unconstitutional. SC also determines abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on part of Congress and President.
• Checks by the President - The President may veto or disapprove bills enacted by Congress; he/she may modify or set aside the judgment of courts.
• Checks by the Judiciary - Supreme Court as the final arbiter may declare legislative measures or executive acts unconstitutional. SC also determines abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on part of Congress and President.
• A Senator must be:

  • A natural born citizen of the Philippines;
  • At least 35 years of age on the day of the election;
  • Able to read and write;
  • A registered voter; and
  • A resident of the Philippines for not less than (2) years immediately preceding the day of the election.
• A Representative must be:

  • A natural born citizen of the Philippines;
  • At least 25 years of age on the day of the election;
  • Able to read and write;
  • Except for party-list representative, a registered voter in the district in which he/she shall be elected; and
  • A resident thereof for a period of not less than (1) year preceding the day of the election.
• A Representative must be:

  • Natural-born citizen - A person who is a citizen of the Philippines from birth, without needing to perform any act to acquire or perfect citizenship.
  • Minimum Age - Must be at least 25 years old on the day of the election.
  • Literacy Requirement - Must be able to read and write.
  • Voter Registration - Must be a registered voter in the district where he/she will be elected (not required for party-list reps).
  • Residency Requirement - Must have resided in the district for at least 1 year before the election day.