This document provides information about the legislative branch of the Philippine government. It discusses the structure of Congress, which is bicameral consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives. It outlines the qualifications, terms of office, powers and duties of members of the House of Representatives, including their freedom of speech and debate, and investigative powers. It also summarizes the law-making process in the Philippines.

1. WELCOME and MABUHAY !WELCOME and MABUHAY !
Mr. VirGILio G. GundayaoMr. VirGILio G. Gundayao, MBA/MPA, MBA/MPA
Exec. Dir., Graft-Free PhilippinesExec. Dir., Graft-Free Philippines, a national project of, a national project of PhilippinePhilippine Jaycee SenateJaycee Senate
2004 Exec. Director, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Phils.2004 Exec. Director, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Phils.
Immediate Past Exec. Director, JC Leaders InternationalImmediate Past Exec. Director, JC Leaders International
Ex-AMO, CSCEx-AMO, CSC Mamamayan Muna, Hindi Mamaya Na!Mamamayan Muna, Hindi Mamaya Na! ProgramProgram

2. WELCOME & MABUHAY ! ! !WELCOME & MABUHAY ! ! !
The Legislative AdministrationThe Legislative Administration
of the House of Representatives (LA-HOR)of the House of Representatives (LA-HOR)
January 2013 * (Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)January 2013 * (Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

3. WE greatly acknowledgeWE greatly acknowledge
aa compleatcompleat GURUGURU
Prof. JUAN C. BIRION, DPAProf. JUAN C. BIRION, DPA
PUP Vice-President, Student ServicesPUP Vice-President, Student Services

4. 3 BRANCHES
of the
GOVERNMENT
LEGISLATIVE EXECUTIVE JUDICIARY

5. Principle of SEPARATION OF POWERSPrinciple of SEPARATION OF POWERS
- each government branch is not permitted to- each government branch is not permitted to
encroach upon the powers confided to others.encroach upon the powers confided to others.
Arbitrary rule would result if the same body is toArbitrary rule would result if the same body is to
exercise all the powers of the government.exercise all the powers of the government.

6. ..

7. Principle of CHECKS AND BALANCESPrinciple of CHECKS AND BALANCES
- authorizing a considerable amount of encroachment or- authorizing a considerable amount of encroachment or
checking by one branch in the affairs of the others. Eachchecking by one branch in the affairs of the others. Each
branch is given certain powers with which to check thebranch is given certain powers with which to check the
others.others.
 Pres.may disapprove bills enacted by CongressPres.may disapprove bills enacted by Congress
 Congress may reject appointments by the Pres.Congress may reject appointments by the Pres.
 Judiciary may declare unconstitutional laws enacted byJudiciary may declare unconstitutional laws enacted by
the Congress.the Congress.

8. The Philippine CongressThe Philippine Congress
TheThe Philippine CongressPhilippine Congress is the country’sis the country’s
legislative departmentlegislative department (Art. VI, Sec. 1)(Art. VI, Sec. 1)
 Congress isCongress is bicameralbicameral
 Upper House:Upper House: SenateSenate
 Lower House:Lower House: House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
 N.B.:N.B.: Senators are CongressmenSenators are Congressmen

9. ARTICLE VI (1987 Constitution)ARTICLE VI (1987 Constitution)
The House of RepresentativesThe House of Representatives

10. SECTION 1.SECTION 1. (Art. VI, 1987 Phil. Const.)(Art. VI, 1987 Phil. Const.)
(up to Section 32 thereof)(up to Section 32 thereof)
The legislative power shall be vested inThe legislative power shall be vested in
the Congress of the Philippines whichthe Congress of the Philippines which
shall consist of a Senate and a House ofshall consist of a Senate and a House of
Representatives ….Representatives ….

11. Administrative Code of 1987Administrative Code of 1987
(E.O. 292)(E.O. 292)
Sec. 2. Seat of Legislative Power.Sec. 2. Seat of Legislative Power.
Sec. 3. Inhibitions Against Members of Congress.Sec. 3. Inhibitions Against Members of Congress.
Sec. 4. Electoral Tribunal.Sec. 4. Electoral Tribunal.
Sec. 5. Commission on Appointments.Sec. 5. Commission on Appointments.
Sec. 6. Legislative Investigation.Sec. 6. Legislative Investigation.
Sec. 7. Appearance of Heads of Departments.Sec. 7. Appearance of Heads of Departments.
Sec. 8. Initiative and Referendum.Sec. 8. Initiative and Referendum.
Sec. 9. Power to Propose Const. Amendments.Sec. 9. Power to Propose Const. Amendments.
Sec. 10. Validity of Constitutional Amendments.Sec. 10. Validity of Constitutional Amendments.

13. Congressional (Legislative) PowerCongressional (Legislative) Power
(1) Constitutional mandate to create,(1) Constitutional mandate to create,
pass, repeal lawspass, repeal laws

14. Philippine Law-MakingPhilippine Law-Making
(basic process)
Preparation
of the Bill
First Reading Committee
Action
Second
Reading
Third
Reading
Transmittal to
Senate
Senate
Action
Bicameral
Conference
Committee
Transmittal to
President
Presidential
Action
Action on
Approved Bill
Action on
Vetoed Bill
Senate goes through three readings; can be a parallel process

16. 2 Kinds of members of House of Representatives2 Kinds of members of House of Representatives
1.) District Representative1.) District Representative – elected directly and– elected directly and
personally from the territorial unit he is seekingpersonally from the territorial unit he is seeking
to represent.to represent.
2.) Party-list Representative2.) Party-list Representative – chosen indirectly,– chosen indirectly,
through the party he represents, which is the onethrough the party he represents, which is the one
voted for by the electorate. This is to give anvoted for by the electorate. This is to give an
opportunity to weak sectors to have their voicesopportunity to weak sectors to have their voices
heard.heard.

17. (2) Represents the people(2) Represents the people

18. SECTION 6.SECTION 6.
No person shall be aNo person shall be a Member of the HouseMember of the House
of Representativesof Representatives unless he is a natural-unless he is a natural-
born citizen of the Philippines and, on theborn citizen of the Philippines and, on the
day of the election, is at leastday of the election, is at least twenty-fivetwenty-five
years of ageyears of age, able to read and write, and,, able to read and write, and,
except the party-list representatives, aexcept the party-list representatives, a
registered voter in the district in which heregistered voter in the district in which he
shall be elected, and a resident thereof forshall be elected, and a resident thereof for
a period of not less than one yeara period of not less than one year
immediately preceding the day of theimmediately preceding the day of the
electionelection..

19. SECTION 7.SECTION 7.
The Members of theThe Members of the House ofHouse of
RepresentativesRepresentatives shall be elected for ashall be elected for a termterm
of three yearsof three years ……
No member of the House of RepresentativesNo member of the House of Representatives
shall serve for more thanshall serve for more than three consecutivethree consecutive
termsterms……

20. SECTION 11.SECTION 11.
A Senator or Member of the House ofA Senator or Member of the House of
Representatives shall, in all offensesRepresentatives shall, in all offenses
punishable by not more than six yearspunishable by not more than six years
imprisonment, be privilegedimprisonment, be privileged from arrestfrom arrest
while the Congress is in session. Nowhile the Congress is in session. No
Member shall be questioned nor be heldMember shall be questioned nor be held
liable in any other place for anyliable in any other place for any speech orspeech or
debatedebate in the Congress or in anyin the Congress or in any
committee thereof.committee thereof.

21.  House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
 SenatorsSenators
 43,000 basic monthly salary (516,000 per annum)43,000 basic monthly salary (516,000 per annum)
 1.3 M for salaries of staff (15.6 M per annum)1.3 M for salaries of staff (15.6 M per annum)
 200 M Pork Barrel Funds200 M Pork Barrel Funds
 Travel and other allowancesTravel and other allowances
 216.116 Million Pesos216.116 Million Pesos
SalariesSalaries (refer to the adjusted SSL)(refer to the adjusted SSL)

22. FREEDOM from ARRESTFREEDOM from ARREST
 offenses punishable by not more than sixoffenses punishable by not more than six
years imprisonmentyears imprisonment
 while Congress is in sessionwhile Congress is in session
FREEDOM of SPEECH and DEBATEFREEDOM of SPEECH and DEBATE
 remarks must be made in connection with theremarks must be made in connection with the
discharge of official duties.discharge of official duties.
 while Congress is in sessionwhile Congress is in session

23. (3) Investigative powers(3) Investigative powers

24. Reason for the congressional privileges…Reason for the congressional privileges…
To enable members of Congress to dischargeTo enable members of Congress to discharge
their functions adequately and without fear. It istheir functions adequately and without fear. It is
true that the privileges may be abused.true that the privileges may be abused.
However, the harm which would come from itsHowever, the harm which would come from its
abuse is considered slight compared to thatabuse is considered slight compared to that
which might arise if the privileges were notwhich might arise if the privileges were not
given.given.

25. SECTION 12.SECTION 12.
All Members of the Senate and the HouseAll Members of the Senate and the House
of Representatives shall, upon assumptionof Representatives shall, upon assumption
of office, makeof office, make a full disclosure of theira full disclosure of their
financial and business interestsfinancial and business interests… They… They
shall notify the House concerned of ashall notify the House concerned of a
potential conflict of interest that may arisepotential conflict of interest that may arise
from the filing of a proposed legislation offrom the filing of a proposed legislation of
which they are authorswhich they are authors..

26. SECTION 13.SECTION 13.
No Senator or Member of the House ofNo Senator or Member of the House of
Representatives may hold any other officeRepresentatives may hold any other office
or employment in the Government…or employment in the Government…
during his term without forfeiting his seat.during his term without forfeiting his seat.
Neither shall he be appointed to any officeNeither shall he be appointed to any office
which may have been created or thewhich may have been created or the
emoluments thereof increased during theemoluments thereof increased during the
term for which he was elected.term for which he was elected.

27. INCOMPATIBLE OFFICEINCOMPATIBLE OFFICE
Office which mat not be held by a member ofOffice which mat not be held by a member of
a Congress outside the legislative department.a Congress outside the legislative department.
There is a need for members to devote their timeThere is a need for members to devote their time
and attention to the discharge of their legislativeand attention to the discharge of their legislative
responsibilities.responsibilities.
FORBIDDEN OFFICEFORBIDDEN OFFICE
Office which a member of a Congress may notOffice which a member of a Congress may not
be a beneficiary by reason of being a participantbe a beneficiary by reason of being a participant
when said office was created. Hence, a member ofwhen said office was created. Hence, a member of
Congress shall not be eligible for appointment toCongress shall not be eligible for appointment to
such office even if he resigns.such office even if he resigns.

28. SECTION 15.SECTION 15.
The Congress shall convene once every yearThe Congress shall convene once every year
on the fourth Monday of July for itson the fourth Monday of July for its
regular sessionregular session, …and shall continue to be, …and shall continue to be
in session for such number of days as it mayin session for such number of days as it may
determine until thirty days before thedetermine until thirty days before the
opening of its next regular session, exclusiveopening of its next regular session, exclusive
of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
The President may call aThe President may call a special sessionspecial session atat
any time.any time.

29. SECTION 16.SECTION 16.
(1) The(1) The SenateSenate shall elect itsshall elect its PresidentPresident andand
thethe House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives itsits SpeakerSpeaker,,
by a majority vote of all its respectiveby a majority vote of all its respective
Members.Members.
(2) A majority of each House shall(2) A majority of each House shall
constitute aconstitute a quorumquorum to do business…to do business…

30. (3) Each House may determine the(3) Each House may determine the rules of itsrules of its
proceedingsproceedings, punish its Members for, punish its Members for
disorderly behavior, and, with thedisorderly behavior, and, with the
concurrence of two-thirds of all itsconcurrence of two-thirds of all its
Members, suspend or expel a Member. AMembers, suspend or expel a Member. A
penalty of suspension, when imposed, shallpenalty of suspension, when imposed, shall
not exceed sixty days.not exceed sixty days.
(4) Each House shall keep a(4) Each House shall keep a JournalJournal of itsof its
proceedings, and from time to time publishproceedings, and from time to time publish
the same, excepting such parts as may, in itsthe same, excepting such parts as may, in its
judgment, affect national security…judgment, affect national security…

31. (4) Judicial ‘capacity(4) Judicial ‘capacity’’

32. QUORUMQUORUM
- a number of membership which is competent to- a number of membership which is competent to
transact its business; is at least one-half plus onetransact its business; is at least one-half plus one
of the members of a body.of the members of a body.
LEGISATIVE JOURNALLEGISATIVE JOURNAL
- the official record of what is done and passed in a- the official record of what is done and passed in a
legislative assembly and the proceedings occurredlegislative assembly and the proceedings occurred
from day to day.from day to day.

33. SECTION 17.SECTION 17.
The Senate and the House ofThe Senate and the House of
Representatives shall each have anRepresentatives shall each have an
Electoral TribunalElectoral Tribunal which shall be the solewhich shall be the sole
judge of all contests relating to thejudge of all contests relating to the
election, returns, and qualifications ofelection, returns, and qualifications of
their respective Members…their respective Members…

34. SECTION 18.SECTION 18.
There shall be aThere shall be a Commission onCommission on
AppointmentsAppointments… shall act on all… shall act on all
appointments submitted to it…appointments submitted to it…

35. SECTION 21.SECTION 21.
The Senate or the House ofThe Senate or the House of
Representatives or any of its respectiveRepresentatives or any of its respective
committees may conductcommittees may conduct inquiries in aidinquiries in aid
of legislationof legislation in accordance with its dulyin accordance with its duly
published rules of procedure. The rightspublished rules of procedure. The rights
of persons appearing in or affected byof persons appearing in or affected by
such inquiries shall be respected.such inquiries shall be respected.

36. SECTION 26.SECTION 26.
NoNo billbill passed by either Housepassed by either House shall becomeshall become
a lawa law unless it has passedunless it has passed three readingsthree readings onon
separate days, and printed copies thereof inseparate days, and printed copies thereof in
its final form have been distributed to itsits final form have been distributed to its
Members three days before its passage…Members three days before its passage…
Upon the last reading of a bill, noUpon the last reading of a bill, no
amendment thereto shall be allowed, and theamendment thereto shall be allowed, and the
vote thereon shall be taken immediatelyvote thereon shall be taken immediately
thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered inthereafter, and the yeas and nays entered in
the Journal.the Journal.

37. Steps in the Passage of a BillSteps in the Passage of a Bill
First ReadingFirst Reading
- reading of the number, title of the measure- reading of the number, title of the measure
and name of the authorand name of the author
Second ReadingSecond Reading
- the bill is read in its entirety, scrutinized ,- the bill is read in its entirety, scrutinized ,
debated upon and amended when desireddebated upon and amended when desired
Third ReadingThird Reading
- members merely register their votes and- members merely register their votes and
explain them. No further debate is allowed.explain them. No further debate is allowed.

38. SECTION 27.SECTION 27.
Every bill passed by the Congress shall, before itEvery bill passed by the Congress shall, before it
becomes a law, be presented to the President. If hebecomes a law, be presented to the President. If he
approves the same, he shall sign it; otherwise, heapproves the same, he shall sign it; otherwise, he
shall veto it and return the same with his objectionsshall veto it and return the same with his objections
to the House where it originated, which shall enterto the House where it originated, which shall enter
the objections at large in its Journal and proceed tothe objections at large in its Journal and proceed to
reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-
thirds of all the Members of such House shall agreethirds of all the Members of such House shall agree
to pass the bill, it shall be sent…to the other Houseto pass the bill, it shall be sent…to the other House
by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and ifby which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
approved by two-thirds of all the Members of thatapproved by two-thirds of all the Members of that
House, it shall become a law… The President shallHouse, it shall become a law… The President shall
communicate his veto of any bill to the House wherecommunicate his veto of any bill to the House where
it originated within thirty days after the date ofit originated within thirty days after the date of
receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become a law asreceipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become a law as
if he had signed it.

39. GAA APPROPRIATIONS 2011 & 2012
(Amount, In thousand pesos)
FY 2012
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES................................P 9,370,140
Senate..........................................................2,853,289
Senate Electoral Tribunal........................... 105,734
Commission on Appointments........................442,971
House of Representatives...........................5,842,073
House Electoral Tribunal............................... 126,073
FY 2011
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES....................................P 8,491,338
Senate........................................................... 2,620,077
Senate Electoral Tribunal............................... 95,730
Commission on Appointments........................ 386,341
House of Representatives............................ 5,277,094
House Electoral Tribunal.............................. 112,096

40. (5) Can make or break governments(5) Can make or break governments

41. 3 ways when a bill may become a law3 ways when a bill may become a law
1.) When the President approves the bill by1.) When the President approves the bill by
signing it.signing it.
2.) When the President vetoes the bill and2.) When the President vetoes the bill and
the same is overriden by 2/3 votes of allthe same is overriden by 2/3 votes of all
the members of both Houses.the members of both Houses.
3.) When the President does not3.) When the President does not
communicate his veto within 30 dayscommunicate his veto within 30 days
after the date of receipt.after the date of receipt.

43. Philippine House of Representatives
14thCongress
•Total members: 269
•Representation: 217 (81%) District; 52
(19%) Sectoral
•Term Profile: 148 (55%), 1stterm; 54 (20%),
2ndterm; 67 (25%), 3rdterm
•Sex:202 (75%), male; 56 (21%) female
•Organization: Speaker, Deputy Speakers,
Majority Leader, Minority Leader
•Committees: 58 Standing Committees; 12
Special Committees
http://www.congress.gov.ph/index.php

45. (6) Recruitment and socialization(6) Recruitment and socialization

46. How a Bill Becomes LawHow a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
Debate
Referral to Committee

47. Debate
Referral to Committee
How a Bill Becomes LawHow a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading

48. How a Bill Becomes LawHow a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
BICAMERAL
COMMITTEE

49. How a Bill Becomes LawHow a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
~Senate~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
President

50. How a Bill Becomes LawHow a Bill Becomes Law
~House of Representatives~
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
1st Reading 2nd Reading 3rd Reading
PresidentAPPROVE VETO
30 DAY PERIOD

51. LEDAC MEMBERSHIP

52. Parliamentary PrivilegesParliamentary Privileges
Congressmen haveCongressmen have two parliamentary privilegestwo parliamentary privileges
while Congress iswhile Congress is in sessionin session::
1.1. Privilege fromPrivilege from arrestarrest
 ImmunityImmunity fromfrom offensesoffenses punishable by not more thanpunishable by not more than
six years imprisonmentsix years imprisonment
2.2. Privilege ofPrivilege of speechspeech andand debatedebate
 ImmunityImmunity fromfrom libellibel andand slanderslander

53. TransparencyTransparency
Elected Congressmen must:Elected Congressmen must:
1.1. FullyFully disclosedisclose theirtheir financialfinancial andand businessbusiness
interestsinterests
2.2. DiscloseDisclose potentialpotential conflicts of interestsconflicts of interests that arisethat arise
in the course ofin the course of legislationlegislation
3.3. Keep fromKeep from anyany other officeother office oror employmentemployment
(appointed or otherwise),(appointed or otherwise), forfeitforfeit his/herhis/her seatseat toto
do sodo so

54. Powers of CongressPowers of Congress
1.1. AppointmentAppointment of Public Officialsof Public Officials
2.2. LegislativeLegislative inquiryinquiry andand investigationinvestigation
3.3. DeclareDeclare the existence of athe existence of a state of warstate of war
4.4. RatifyRatify the country’s internationalthe country’s international
treatiestreaties ((SenateSenate))
5.5. AuthorizeAuthorize limitedlimited emergency powersemergency powers
for the Presidentfor the President

55. Powers of CongressPowers of Congress
6.6. ApproveApprove the governmentthe government budgetbudget
7.7. UndertakeUndertake projectsprojects under theunder the CDFCDF
8.8. Propose, review, and adoptPropose, review, and adopt billsbills for enactmentfor enactment
intointo lawlaw
9.9. OverturnOverturn a Presidentiala Presidential vetoveto with respect towith respect to
proposed legislationproposed legislation
10.10. Allow forAllow for referendareferenda
11.11. ProposePropose amendmentsamendments to theto the constitution andconstitution and callcall
for afor a constitutional conventionconstitutional convention

56. HOR SecretariatHOR Secretariat
VISION & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONSVISION & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
VISIONVISION
The Secretariat of the House ofThe Secretariat of the House of
Representatives is anRepresentatives is an organization of careerorganization of career
public servantspublic servants providingproviding comprehensive,comprehensive,
strategic, innovative, efficient, ethical andstrategic, innovative, efficient, ethical and
citizen-friendly servicescitizen-friendly services to the House ofto the House of
Representatives, its Members and the generalRepresentatives, its Members and the general
public, andpublic, and committed to sustaining a workcommitted to sustaining a work
culture of excellence, continuous learning,culture of excellence, continuous learning,
transparency and accountabilitytransparency and accountability..

57. HOR Strategic Directions
•A shared understanding, appreciation, and actualization of the
Secretariat vision for a more energized performance of functions by all
personnel.
•Rationalizing the systems and processes, functions and organizational
structure of the Secretariat.
•Strengthening the linkage between Planning and Budget systems of the
institution towards the optimum utilization of available resources.
•Diversification of training and development programs.
•Intensified use of information and communication technology for more
efficient and effective delivery of organization services.
•Institutionalizing mechanisms for regular interfaces of the House
leadership and the Secretariat for information sharing on legislative and
Secretariat concerns, and
•Establishing communication and feedback mechanisms to strengthen
public participation in the legislative process towards an aggressive
positive projection of House image.

58. THE HOUSE SECRETARIATTHE HOUSE SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat provides the Members ofThe Secretariat provides the Members of
the House with adequate, timely, relevant andthe House with adequate, timely, relevant and
efficient administrative and technicalefficient administrative and technical
assistance and support to enable them toassistance and support to enable them to
perform their legislative tasks and constituentperform their legislative tasks and constituent
responsibilities.responsibilities.
The Secretariat is headed by theThe Secretariat is headed by the
Secretary GeneralSecretary General. In the discharge of his. In the discharge of his
duties and responsibilities, he is assisted by:duties and responsibilities, he is assisted by:

59.  The Deputy Secretary General for OperationsThe Deputy Secretary General for Operations
 The Deputy Secretary General for Committee AffairsThe Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs
 The Deputy Secretary General for AdministrationThe Deputy Secretary General for Administration
 The Deputy Secretary General for FinanceThe Deputy Secretary General for Finance
 The Deputy Secretary General for Internal AuditThe Deputy Secretary General for Internal Audit
 The Deputy Secretary General for Engineering and Physical FacilitiesThe Deputy Secretary General for Engineering and Physical Facilities
 The Deputy Secretary General for Legal AffairsThe Deputy Secretary General for Legal Affairs
 The Director-General for the Congressional Planning & Budget ResearchThe Director-General for the Congressional Planning & Budget Research
 Congressional Budget Service,Congressional Budget Service,
 Congressional Economic Planning ServiceCongressional Economic Planning Service
 Special Projects Service, which provides technical assistance to theSpecial Projects Service, which provides technical assistance to the
Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and assistsLegislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and assists
in the formulation of the legislative agenda of the House ofin the formulation of the legislative agenda of the House of
Representatives.Representatives.
 The Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Information ResourcesThe Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Information Resources
ManagementManagement
 Congressional Library BureauCongressional Library Bureau
 Archives and Musuem Management BureauArchives and Musuem Management Bureau

60. The following offices are under the Secretary General:The following offices are under the Secretary General:
 The Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special AffairsThe Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs
BureauBureau
 Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Travel Service,Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Travel Service,
 Protocol and Special Affairs ServiceProtocol and Special Affairs Service
 Executive LoungesExecutive Lounges
 Knowledge Management Systems BureauKnowledge Management Systems Bureau
 Information and Communication Technology Service,Information and Communication Technology Service,
 Planning and Management Information ServicePlanning and Management Information Service
 Public Relations and Information BureauPublic Relations and Information Bureau
 Publishing and Design Service,Publishing and Design Service,
 Media Affairs and Public Information ServiceMedia Affairs and Public Information Service
 Public Affairs ServicePublic Affairs Service

61. Legislative LimitationsLegislative Limitations
Congress may not:Congress may not:
1.1. Increase appropriationsIncrease appropriations recommended by therecommended by the
executive branchexecutive branch
2.2. Pass tax exemptionsPass tax exemptions without the concurrence ofwithout the concurrence of
a majority of its membersa majority of its members
3.3. GrantGrant titlestitles ofof nobilitynobility
4.4. PassPass ex post facto billsex post facto bills
5.5. PassPass bills of attainderbills of attainder

62. The HOR Committees: 58 StandingThe HOR Committees: 58 Standing
and 11 Specialand 11 Special Committees (under Sections 27 & 28, HOR Rules)Committees (under Sections 27 & 28, HOR Rules)
STANDING COMMITTEES (58)STANDING COMMITTEES (58)
ACCOUNTSACCOUNTS, 55 Members, chaired by Noel, Florencio, 55 Members, chaired by Noel, Florencio
AGRARIAN REFORMAGRARIAN REFORM, 40 Members, chaired by Teves, Pryde Henry A., 40 Members, chaired by Teves, Pryde Henry A.
AGRICULTURE AND FOODAGRICULTURE AND FOOD, 65 Members, chaired by Mendoza, Mark Llandro L., 65 Members, chaired by Mendoza, Mark Llandro L.
APPROPRIATIONSAPPROPRIATIONS, 125 Members, chaired by Abaya, Joseph Emilio A., 125 Members, chaired by Abaya, Joseph Emilio A.
AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCESAQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES, 55 Members, chaired by, 55 Members, chaired by
Salimbangon, Benhur L.Salimbangon, Benhur L.
BANKS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIESBANKS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES, 45 Members, by Apostol, Sergio, 45 Members, by Apostol, Sergio
F.F.
BASIC EDUCATION AND CULTUREBASIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE, 65 Members, by (Escudero, Salvador III ), 65 Members, by (Escudero, Salvador III )
CIVIL SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL REGULATIONCIVIL SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, 35 Members, chaired by, 35 Members, chaired by
Salvacion, Andres Jr.Salvacion, Andres Jr.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTSCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, 35 Members, chaired by Ocampos, Loreto S., 35 Members, chaired by Ocampos, Loreto S.
COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENTCOOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT,, 25 Members, chaired by Ping-ay, Jose R.25 Members, chaired by Ping-ay, Jose R.

63. ECOLOGY, 35 Members, chaired by Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, 35 Members, chaired by Durano, Ramon VI H.
ENERGY, 65 Members, chaired by Abad, Henedina R.
ETHICS AND PRIVILEGES, 25 Members, chaired by Aumentado, Erico B.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 55 Members, chaired by Bichara, Al Francis DC.
GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS, 65 Members, chaired by Bagatsing, Amado S.
GOOD GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, 45 Members,
chaired by Treñas, Jerry P.
GOV’T ENTERPRISES & PRIVATIZATION, 35 Members, chaired by Fabian,
Erico Basilio A.
GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION, 25 Members, chaired by Jalosjos, Cesar
HEALTH, 65 Members, chaired by Marañon, Alfredo III D.
HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, 65 Members, chaired by Angara,
Juan Edgardo M.
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 55 Members, chaired by Valencia,
Rodolfo G.
HUMAN RIGHTS, 35 Members, chaired by Relampagos, Rene
INFO. & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, 55 Members, chaired by Tinga,
Sigfrido R.

64. NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNITIESNATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNITIES, 25 Members, chaired by Brawner, 25 Members, chaired by Brawner
Baguilat, Teddy Jr.Baguilat, Teddy Jr.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITYNATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY, 65 Members, chaired by Biazon, Rodolfo, 65 Members, chaired by Biazon, Rodolfo
NATURAL RESOURCESNATURAL RESOURCES, 65 Members, chaired by Matugas, Francisco 'Lalo' T., 65 Members, chaired by Matugas, Francisco 'Lalo' T.
OVERSEAS WORKERS AFFAIRSOVERSEAS WORKERS AFFAIRS, 35 Members, chaired by Bello, Walden F., 35 Members, chaired by Bello, Walden F.
PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATIONPEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION, 25 Members, chaired by Asilo, Benjamin DR., 25 Members, chaired by Asilo, Benjamin DR.
POPULATION AND FAMILY RELATIONSPOPULATION AND FAMILY RELATIONS, 25 Members, chaired by Espina,, 25 Members, chaired by Espina,
Rogelio J.,M.D.Rogelio J.,M.D.
POVERTY ALLEVIATIONPOVERTY ALLEVIATION, 25 Members, chaired by Mendoza, Raymond, 25 Members, chaired by Mendoza, Raymond
Democrito C.Democrito C.
INTERPARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY, 45 Members, chaired
by Ortega, Victor Francisco C.
JUSTICE, 55 Members, chaired by Tupas, Niel Jr. C.
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT, 40 Members, chaired by Ong, Emil
LEGISLATIVE FRANCHISES, 45 Members, chaired by Teodoro, Marcelino R
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, 55 Members, chaired by Arnaiz, George P.
METRO MANILA DEVELOPMENT, 30 Members, chaired by Ejercito, JVictor G.
MINDANAO AFFAIRS, 60 Members, chaired by Go, Arnulfo F.
MUSLIM AFFAIRS, 20 Members, chaired by Loong, Tupay T.

65. PUBLIC INFORMATIONPUBLIC INFORMATION, 35 Members, chaired by Evardone, Ben P., 35 Members, chaired by Evardone, Ben P.
PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETYPUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY, 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Pablo John F., 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Pablo John F.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYSPUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, 95 Members, chaired by Cosalan, Ronald M., 95 Members, chaired by Cosalan, Ronald M.
REVISION OF LAWSREVISION OF LAWS, 25 Members, chaired by Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L., 25 Members, chaired by Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L.
RULESRULES, 30 Members, chaired by Gonzales, Neptali II M. (Majority Leader), 30 Members, chaired by Gonzales, Neptali II M. (Majority Leader)
RURAL DEVELOPMENTRURAL DEVELOPMENT, 25 Members, chaired by Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M., 25 Members, chaired by Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYSCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 35 Members, chaired by Ledesma, Julio IV A., 35 Members, chaired by Ledesma, Julio IV A.
SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEV’TSMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEV’T, 25 Members, chaired by Casiño,, 25 Members, chaired by Casiño,
Teddy A.Teddy A.
SOCIAL SERVICESSOCIAL SERVICES, 35 Members, chaired by Robes, Arturo B., 35 Members, chaired by Robes, Arturo B.
SUFFRAGE AND ELECTORAL REFORMSSUFFRAGE AND ELECTORAL REFORMS, 35 Members, chaired by Barzaga, Elpidio Jr., 35 Members, chaired by Barzaga, Elpidio Jr.
TOURISMTOURISM, 55 Members, chaired by Miraflores, Florencio T., 55 Members, chaired by Miraflores, Florencio T.
TRADE AND INDUSTRYTRADE AND INDUSTRY, 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Albert Raymond S., 55 Members, chaired by Garcia, Albert Raymond S.
TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION, 85 Members, chaired by Mercado, Roger G., 85 Members, chaired by Mercado, Roger G.
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND WELFARE, 30 Members, chaired by Roman, Herminia B.VETERANS AFFAIRS AND WELFARE, 30 Members, chaired by Roman, Herminia B.
WAYS AND MEANS, 75 Members, chaired by Ungab, Isidro T.WAYS AND MEANS, 75 Members, chaired by Ungab, Isidro T.
WELFARE OF CHILDREN, 20 Members, chaired by Enerio-Cerilles, AuroraWELFARE OF CHILDREN, 20 Members, chaired by Enerio-Cerilles, Aurora
WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY, 55 Members, chaired by Amante-Matba, AngelicaWOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY, 55 Members, chaired by Amante-Matba, Angelica
YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, 35 Members, chaired by Unico, Renato Jr. J.YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, 35 Members, chaired by Unico, Renato Jr. J.


66. SPECIAL COMMITTEES (11)SPECIAL COMMITTEES (11)
(under Sec. 33, HOR Rules)(under Sec. 33, HOR Rules)
 BASES CONVERSION, Agyao, Manuel S.BASES CONVERSION, Agyao, Manuel S.
 BICOL RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Fortuno, Salvio B.BICOL RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Fortuno, Salvio B.
 EAST ASEAN GROWTH AREA, Arenas, Ma. Rachel J.EAST ASEAN GROWTH AREA, Arenas, Ma. Rachel J.
 FOOD SECURITY, Guanlao, Agapito H.FOOD SECURITY, Guanlao, Agapito H.
 GLOBALIZATION AND WTO, Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L.GLOBALIZATION AND WTO, Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L.
 LAND USE, Ferrer, Jeffrey P.LAND USE, Ferrer, Jeffrey P.
 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Marcos, Imelda R.MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Marcos, Imelda R.
 NORTH LUZON GROWTH QUADRANGLE, Dalog, Maximo B.NORTH LUZON GROWTH QUADRANGLE, Dalog, Maximo B.
 PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY, Sacdalan, Jesus N.PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY, Sacdalan, Jesus N.
 REFORESTATION, Yu, Victor J.REFORESTATION, Yu, Victor J.
 SOUTHERN TAGALOG DEVELOPMENT, Rodriguez, Isidro Jr. S.SOUTHERN TAGALOG DEVELOPMENT, Rodriguez, Isidro Jr. S.

67. The Party ListThe Party List

68. Selected Problems & IssuesSelected Problems & Issues
1.1. Political DynastyPolitical Dynasty
2.2. Oversight FunctionOversight Function
3.3. ImpeachmentImpeachment
4.4. CDF/PDAF or Pork BarrelCDF/PDAF or Pork Barrel
5.5. Party SystemParty System

69. Political Dynasty/iesPolitical Dynasty/ies
How did they emerge?How did they emerge?
 Political dynasties are observed to have beganPolitical dynasties are observed to have began
in the early 20th century during the Americanin the early 20th century during the American
colonial period when voting was limited tocolonial period when voting was limited to
rich and landed Filipinos who monopolizedrich and landed Filipinos who monopolized
public office. In other words, thepublic office. In other words, the lopsidedlopsided
structure of opportunitiesstructure of opportunities andand the social andthe social and
economic inequalitieseconomic inequalities allow a few --both inallow a few --both in
the administration and opposition --tothe administration and opposition --to
monopolize wealth and political powermonopolize wealth and political power..

70. How did they emerge?How did they emerge?
 Today, political dynasties are supposed to beToday, political dynasties are supposed to be
prohibited by the Constitution. Sec. 26 Art. IIprohibited by the Constitution. Sec. 26 Art. II
of the 1987 Constitution states:of the 1987 Constitution states:
" The State shall guarantee equal access to " The State shall guarantee equal access to
opportunities for public service, and prohibit opportunities for public service, and prohibit
political dynasties as may be defined by lawpolitical dynasties as may be defined by law."."

71. How did they emerge?How did they emerge?
 Though this prohibition does exist, an enablingThough this prohibition does exist, an enabling
law is needed . Since 1987, the anti-politicallaw is needed . Since 1987, the anti-political
dynasty bills filed never got to first base. Why?dynasty bills filed never got to first base. Why?
Most lawmakers from the administration andMost lawmakers from the administration and
opposition oppose the Constitutional ban onopposition oppose the Constitutional ban on
political dynasties because they too, come frompolitical dynasties because they too, come from
political dynasties and clans, which have beenpolitical dynasties and clans, which have been
long entrenched in power. New politicallong entrenched in power. New political
dynasties have also risen to challenge thedynasties have also risen to challenge the
traditional political clans in their bailiwicks.traditional political clans in their bailiwicks.

72. What is the relationship between politicalWhat is the relationship between political
dynasties and the current mainstream politicaldynasties and the current mainstream political
parties in the Philippines?parties in the Philippines?
 Political parties are in factPolitical parties are in fact
convenient but temporary alliancesconvenient but temporary alliances
of political dynasties or politicalof political dynasties or political
clans.clans. The basis of their alliances areThe basis of their alliances are
not because of principles or partynot because of principles or party
platforms, but may be based onplatforms, but may be based on
marriage, business connections, ormarriage, business connections, or

73. • Since there is an absence of ideology of theseSince there is an absence of ideology of these
elite parties and the similarity of their pro-elite parties and the similarity of their pro-
oligarchy and pro-U.S. positions, theiroligarchy and pro-U.S. positions, their
members often resort to turncoatism and party-members often resort to turncoatism and party-
switching. For their loyalty to a particular allianceswitching. For their loyalty to a particular alliance
of elite parties depend on the political patronageof elite parties depend on the political patronage
and spoils available that in fact determine theand spoils available that in fact determine the
alignment and re-alignment of these parties.alignment and re-alignment of these parties.

74. • Political parties thus are actually alliancesPolitical parties thus are actually alliances
among the economic and social elites/class whoamong the economic and social elites/class who
have no coherent principle or program. Theyhave no coherent principle or program. They
thrive on money machinery, political spoilsthrive on money machinery, political spoils
from the incumbent, access to power andfrom the incumbent, access to power and
patronage politics. They assure the monopolypatronage politics. They assure the monopoly
of political power by the economic elite. Theof political power by the economic elite. The
vaunted machinery of a bloc of political partiesvaunted machinery of a bloc of political parties
allied with the administration means the use ofallied with the administration means the use of
pork barrel, patronage, cash, violence andpork barrel, patronage, cash, violence and
cheating in elections, misusing thecheating in elections, misusing the
infrastructure of the state.infrastructure of the state.

75. What is the impact of political dynastic rule onWhat is the impact of political dynastic rule on
Philippine national development, on ourPhilippine national development, on our
communities, and nationhood in general?communities, and nationhood in general?
• Political dynasties distort governance, and make a sham ofPolitical dynasties distort governance, and make a sham of
democratic governance. Thru political dynasties, publicdemocratic governance. Thru political dynasties, public
office becomes an exclusive family franchise, a provider ofoffice becomes an exclusive family franchise, a provider of
more benefits to family interests. When family membersmore benefits to family interests. When family members
from a single clan dominate political positions in afrom a single clan dominate political positions in a
particular area, we can expect the weakening of checks andparticular area, we can expect the weakening of checks and
balances, and the wanton abuse of power that is detrimentalbalances, and the wanton abuse of power that is detrimental
to the community or national interest.to the community or national interest.

76. • More studies are needed to studyMore studies are needed to study
empirically the political disease calledempirically the political disease called
cronyism, and to show how fundamentally,cronyism, and to show how fundamentally,
politics and business fortunes are so muchpolitics and business fortunes are so much
intertwined. Business empires or bigintertwined. Business empires or big
business in general needs to be criticallybusiness in general needs to be critically
reexamined to see how big business isreexamined to see how big business is
really done, i.e. how business elites orreally done, i.e. how business elites or
family interests wheel and deal in thefamily interests wheel and deal in the
political system. This goes against thepolitical system. This goes against the
grain of competition and fair trade andgrain of competition and fair trade and
violates the very principles even of aviolates the very principles even of a
neoliberal economic system.neoliberal economic system.

77. Characterizing the Philippine Legislature…
•Patronage politics
-political families
-familial kinship by blood or ritual (compadrazgo)
•Economic power begets political power
-land owning class: traditional source
-entrepreneurial & ‘yuppie’ class: new source
•Political turncoatism or balimbing
•Intra-elite conflict
....DVDVideoSoftFreeYouTubeDownloadPHILIPPINE SENATE -SENATORS WASTEFUL SESSIONS.mp4

78. Concluding StatementConcluding Statement
Quoting Apolinario MabiniQuoting Apolinario Mabini
“Society…should have a ruling spirit and
authority. This authority should have a
reason to guide it—the Legislature; it should
have a will to act and function—the
Executive; it should a conscience to judge
and punish the wrong-doers—the Judiciary.
These powers should be independent of each
other,--that is to say, no one of them should
interfere with the prerogative of the other…”

79. ReferencesReferences
Paras, Corazon L.,Paras, Corazon L., The Speakers of the Philippine Legislative Branch, The Speakers of the Philippine Legislative Branch, Fil-Asia Printerss, 1996.Fil-Asia Printerss, 1996.
Executive Order No. 292, The Administrative Code of 1987.Executive Order No. 292, The Administrative Code of 1987.
The 197 Philippine Constitution.The 197 Philippine Constitution.
Prof. Lourdes Veneracion-Rallonza, PhD, Department of Political Science, Ateneode Manila University,, TheProf. Lourdes Veneracion-Rallonza, PhD, Department of Political Science, Ateneode Manila University,, The
Legislative Branch, presentation.Legislative Branch, presentation.
House of Representatives (HOR) RulesHouse of Representatives (HOR) Rules

80. Thank You!Thank You!