12

Philippine Politics
and Governance
Quarter 1 – Module 7
The Philippine Senate
and House of Representatives
 Philippine Politics and Governance – Grade 12
Self-learning Module
Quarter 1 – Module 7: The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor M. Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Jocelster B. Anala, Sarah Rose T. Demotica, Ma. Corazon D. Sonza

Editors: Liberty P. Lego, Eric G. Buenafe, Lerma J. Oscares, Ronaldo H. Lamit

Reviewers: Arlo L. Villalva, Leila G. Valencia, Jezereel Grace G. Tiron, Bernie P. Alcedo

Illustrator: Hilda S. Salvilla

Layout Artist: Jefferson B. Magbanua

Management Team: Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma

Elena P. Gonzaga
Donaldby
Printed in the Philippines T._______________________________.
Ginene
Mary Hazel Vivien P. Pineda
Arlo L. Villalva
Leila G. Valencia
Liberty P. Lego

Department of Education – Region VI - Western Visayas

Office Address: Duran Street, Iloilo City
Telefax: (033) 336-2816, (033) 509-7653
E-mail Address: region6@deped.gov.ph
 Grade Levels: Grade 12
Specialized Subject: Philippine Politics and Governance
Semester: First/Second Semester

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Senate

and the House of Representatives.
THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINE
SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Have you ever wondered how laws are made? The complex process
of lawmaking requires immense legal expertise. In practice, national laws,
particularly statutes, generally originate from the House of Representatives
and the House of Senate as these two houses of the Philippine Congress
possess the power to draft laws which, when approved, shall apply to all
citizens of the land. This lesson on the Philippine Senate and the House of
Representatives focuses on the lawmaking process and other significant
roles and responsibilities constitutionally granted to Congress.
The Philippines has a bicameral legislature, which means that it is
composed of two chambers - the Philippine Senate (the Upper House) and
the House of Representatives (the Lower House). The study of the functions
and duties of the Philippine Congress is crucial in developing a holistic view
of the dynamics of the Philippine government. The accorded functions to the
Senate and the House of Representatives, however, differ in certain aspects
as each of these two chambers have a definite scope of responsibilities and
a framework within which they have to operate as expressed in the
Philippine Constitution.
The activities in this module will help you identify and differentiate the
roles and responsibilities of the two chambers of Philippine Congress. In
addition, this learning resource will also pave the way to one’s appreciation
of the importance of the legislature in the conduct of political and electoral
activities in the country.

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. discuss the roles and responsibilities of the House of the

Senate and House of the Representatives; and
2. contrast the roles and responsibilities of the House of the
Senate and House of the Representatives.
 Let’s see if you have an awareness of the different roles and
responsibilities of the House of Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines. Please answer the pre-test below.

True or False
Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if otherwise. Write
your answers on the blanks before each number.
_______1. Article V of the Philippine Constitution lays down the powers of the
legislature.
_______2. Laws are written enactments made by the legislators.
_______3. The Philippine House of Representatives is made up of 100 elected
members.
_______4. The Philippine Senate is composed of 24 senators.
_______5. The legislative branch of the government is also known as the
Congress.
_______6. The Congress has no power to approve the government’s budget.
_______7. The legislative branch has the power to declare war and a state of
emergency.
_______8. Congress can overturn a presidential veto with respect to proposed
legislation.
_______9. In the Philippines, a bill becomes a law after the second reading.
_______10. If the President fails to act on the enrolled bill, it becomes a law after
30 days.

Graphic Organizer
Direction: Complete the graphic organizer. Give three (3) names of Philippine
senators and three (3) names of members of the House of Representatives
(preferably those representing legislative districts in Western Visayas). Then
answer the guide questions which follow. Use a short-sized bond paper.
Guide Questions:
1. How many senators does the Philippines have? Can you name all of them?
2. How many members does the House of Representatives have?
3. Is there a difference between these two chambers?

PicTell
Direction: Interpret the illustrations found below and write a brief description for
each one of them. After which, answer the following guide questions. You can
use another sheet of paper for this activity.

Guide Questions:
1. What do these illustrations depict?
2. Are you familiar with the roles and responsibilities of senators and
representatives? If yes, can you name some?
3. Do they have similarities or differences in terms of functions?
Textual Analysis
Direction: Read the complete discussion on the roles and responsibilities of the
House of Representatives and the Philippine Senate. After reading the text
provided, answer the related guide questions below. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

Guide Questions:
1. What is the main function of the Philippine Congress?
2. How can a bill become a law in the Philippines? How does each chamber of
Congress participate in lawmaking?
3. How does the Philippine Senate differ from the House of Representatives with
respect to the roles and responsibilities performed?
4. As a student, why do we need to study the roles and responsibilities of the
Philippine Congress?
5. Can the Philippine democracy survive without a legislative branch? Support
your answer.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Philippine Congress

The Constitution is the fundamental law of the land. It is the basis of all
other laws. Our Constitution enumerates, defines and limits powers of the three
branches of the government and prescribes the relationship between the
government and the governed. It also provides the functions, roles and
responsibilities of the citizens and leaders of the government in order to promote
the common good.
The Philippines has a democratic system of government and it has three
branches, namely, the executive, legislative and judicial branch. The study of
Philippine politics and governance requires knowledge, understanding and
critical analysis of the Philippine government, its dynamics, and how the people
are affected by and at the same time impact the nature of the country’s political
culture and government structure (Politics and Governance, Sonia Daquila, p.95)
The legislative power of the government is vested upon the Congress of
the Philippines in accordance with the 1987 Constitution. The Congress is
divided into two chambers: House of Representatives (Lower House) and the
Senate of the Philippines (Upper House) (Phil. Politics and Governance, R.A.
and Reidan Pawilen, p. 56). The House of the Senate has twenty-four (24)
senators chosen nationwide by the electorate. The House of Representatives is
composed of not more than two hundred fifty (250) members chosen from
legislative districts apportioned among provinces, cities, and Metropolitan Manila
area in accordance with the number of the respective inhabitants based on the
uniform and progressive ratio of representation (Art.VI,Sec. 5), (Politics and
Governance Sonia Daquila p.111).
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are called Representatives
or Members of the House of Representatives. They are elected to a three-year
term by voters in their respective legislative districts. A Representative can serve
for not more than three consecutive terms. There are 238 legislative districts in
the country. There are 238 representatives elected by district. In addition, there
are Representatives elected through the party-list system who constitute not
more than twenty percent (20%) of the total number of Representatives.
Lawmakers in the Senate are called Senators who are elected at large or
nationwide by qualified voters to a six-year term. Senators can serve for not
more than two consecutive terms. The Senate has twenty-four (24) Senators.
To qualify for election as a Representative, you have to be a natural-born
citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter in the district in which you seek to be
elected, a resident therein for not less than one (1) year before the day of the
election and at least twenty-five (25) years of age. To qualify for election as a
Senator, you also have to be a natural-born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, a
resident of the Philippines for at least two (2) years before the day of the election
and at least thirty-five (35) years old.
Our Constitution provides that our Congress convenes for its regular
session every year beginning on the 4th Monday of July. A regular session can
last until thirty days before the opening of its next regular session in the
succeeding year. The President may, however, call special sessions which are
usually held between regular sessions to handle emergencies or urgent matters.

House of Representatives
The Speaker of the House leads, manages and presides over the House
of Representatives. A majority of all the Members of the House elects the
Speaker. Those who vote for the Speaker belong to the Majority while those who
voted for the Speaker's opponent belong to the Minority. Representatives
belonging to the Majority choose the Majority Floor Leader who automatically
chairs the Committee on Rules, and those in the Minority choose the Minority
Floor Leader.
The other officers of the House of Representatives are the fourteen (14)
Deputy Speakers, the Secretary-General and the Sergeant-at-Arms who are also
elected by a majority of all the Representatives.
Committees, or small groups of Representatives, headed by committee
chairpersons, study proposed laws called bills, and other measures relating to
issues and concerns affecting our lives, our communities and our society. They
conduct hearings that give us, citizens, opportunities to express our views on
proposed laws or measures. Employees of the House constituting Committee
Secretariats provide the committees with legislative support services such as
research, report preparation, policy studies and the like.

The Philippine Senate

The role of the Senate is to protect the rights of individuals and safeguard
minority opinion in a system of government designed to give greater power to the
national government. While money bills originate from the House of
Representatives, the Senate may still propose or concur with amendments.
The Senate is also in-charge of all matters proposing amendments to the
Constitution of the Philippines and the compilation and revision of existing codes
and laws; election laws and implementation of constitutional provisions on
initiative and referendum on legislative acts; and recall of elective officials.
The Senate President presides over sessions; decides on all questions of
order, subject to appeal by any member; signs all acts, resolutions, memorials,
writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or upon order of the House; appoints,
suspends, dismisses or disciplines House personnel; and exercises
administrative functions.

The Differences between the Roles and Responsibilities of the House of

Representatives and the Senate
The members of the House are elected every two years, whereas
senators are elected for six-year terms. Senators are at least 30 years old and
citizens for nine years. Another difference is who they represent. Senators
represent their entire states but members of the House represent specific
legislative districts wherein they were elected by the people.
Only the Senate has the power to approve and denounce treaties via a
two-thirds supermajority and it also possesses the power to try and convict, via a
two-thirds supermajority, an impeached official.
Generally, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have equal
legislative authority, although revenue and appropriation bills may only originate
from the Lower House.

Other Responsibilities
Aside from lawmaking, the Philippine Congress is also given several
powers and responsibilities in certain situations.
The Congress' role in exacting accountability is crucial as legislators play
a part in checking on possible excesses by the executive and judicial branches
of government.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides many instances when
Congress can invoke this power:

1. Congress has the power to remove from office impeachable government

officials, including the President, Vice President, members of the Supreme Court,
members of constitutional commissions, and the Ombudsman. The House of
Representatives can tackle impeachment complaints and submit the resolution
setting the Articles of Impeachment. The Senate, meanwhile, decides on cases
of impeachment in a full-blown trial.

2. Congress has the “sole power to declare the existence of a state of war,”
according to Section 23 Article VI of the Constitution. A vote of two-thirds of both
Houses, voting separately, is needed.

3. Congress can revoke the President’s proclamation of martial law by a vote of

at least a majority of all members of the Senate and the House. If requested,
Congress can also extend the period of martial law beyond the mandated 60
days.

4. Congress may authorize the President to exercise powers to carry out a

declared national policy “for a limited period and subject to restrictions" in times
of war or other national emergency.

5. Congressional committees can conduct hearings "in aid of legislation” on

various issues that affect the nation and release a report based on findings. For
example, the Senate committee in August 2018 conducted a hearing on the
TRAIN law's impact on inflation amid rising prices of commodities.
6. Congress is also involved in the national budget process. It can decide
whether or not to add or reduce a government agency’s budget, effectively
overseeing budget appropriations and being on guard against suspected
corruption. This, however, may lead to several clashes, as seen in the 2019
budget that was just passed on Friday, February 8, after months of delay.

7. Congress, through the Commission on Appointments, can approve or reject

some key appointments made by the president to government agencies.

8. Congress needs to concur with any amnesty granted by the president,

according to Section 19, Article VII of the Constitution. A vote of majority of all
members is needed.

9. Congress is heavily involved in starting charter change. It can either convene

into a Constituent Assembly (through a vote of three-fourths of all members) and
propose both amendments and revisions, or call for an election of members of a
Constitutional Convention (vote of two-thirds of its members).

The Legislative Process

 The following is a summary of how a bill becomes a law:

Filing/Calendaring for First Reading

A bill is filed in the Office of the Secretary where it is given a
corresponding number and calendared for First Reading.

First Reading
Its title, bill number, and author’s name are read on the floor, after which
it is referred to the proper committee.

Committee Hearings/Report
Committee conducts hearings and consultation meetings. It then either
approves the proposed bill without an amendment, approves it with changes, or
recommends substitution or consolidation with similar bills filed.

Calendaring for Second Reading

The Committee Report with its approved bill version is submitted to the
Committee on Rules for calendaring for Second Reading.

Second Reading
Bill author delivers sponsorship speech on the floor. Senators engage in
debate, interpellation, turno en contra, and rebuttal to highlight the pros and
cons of the bill. A period of amendments incorporates necessary changes in the
bill proposed by the committee or introduced by the Senators themselves on the
floor.

Voting on Second Reading

Senators vote on the second reading version of the bill. If approved, the
bill is calendared for third reading.

Voting on Third Reading

Printed copies of the bill’s final version are distributed to the Senators.
This time, only the title of the bill is read on the floor. Nominal voting is held. If
passed, the approved Senate bill is referred to the House of Representatives for
concurrence.

At the House of Representatives

The Lower Chamber follows the same procedures (First Reading,
Second Reading and Third Reading).

Back to the Senate

If the House-approved version is compatible with that of the Senate’s, the
final version’s enrolled form is printed. If there are certain differences, a
Bicameral Conference Committee is called to reconcile conflicting provisions of
both versions of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. Conference
committee submits report on the reconciled version of the bill, duly approved by
both chambers. The Senate prints the reconciled version in its enrolled form.
Submission to Malacañang
Final enrolled form is submitted to Malacañang. The President either
signs it into law, or vetoes and sends it back to the Senate with veto message.

The legislative branch of the Philippine government is authorized to make

laws, alter, and repeal them through the power vested in the Philippine Congress.
The Congress is divided into two chambers - the House of Senate and the
House of Representatives. Several agencies also provide support services to the
Congress. It has an authority to enact legislation, confirms or rejects presidential
appointments, and is given the authority to declare war.
The Congress is responsible for making enabling laws to make sure the
spirit of the Constitution is upheld in the country and, at times, amend or change
the Constitution itself. In order to craft laws, the legislative body comes out with
two main documents: bills and resolutions. Resolutions convey principles and
sentiments of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bills are laws in the making. When a bill is approved by the Philippine
President after a consolidated and unified version was submitted by Congress,
such bill becomes a law. A bill may be vetoed by the President but Congress
may overturn a presidential veto by garnering a two-thirds vote. If the President
does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it will lapse into law after
30 days of receipt.

Storyboard or Timeline
Direction: On a short-sized bond paper, create a storyboard or timeline to
illustrate the lawmaking process in the Philippines. Include an appropriate title for
each panel (one for each step of the process). Write a detailed description of
each step. Include an appropriate illustration for each panel. An example of a
timeline is given below for your reference. Your work will be rated using the
following rubric:

RUBRIC FOR STORYBOARD OR TIMELINE MAKING

Accuracy: 10 points
Labeling /Chronology: 5 points
Picture illustration: 5 points
Quality of content: 10 points
Total: 30 points
Example of a Timeline:

Drafting a Sample Bill

Direction: Draft a sample bill which addresses that you would want national
legislators to sponsor. The bill that you are going to introduce should address a
relevant community issue. Use a short-sized bond paper for this activity. A rubric
presented below will be utilized to rate your output.

RUBRIC FOR SAMPLE BILL OUTPUT

Content: 15 points
Supporting facts and examples/research: 10 points
Presentation: 10 points
Grammar and structure: 5 points
Total: 40 points
Sentence Completion
Direction: Please complete the statements below. Write your insights on the
blanks provided for this reflection activity.

I have learned that

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

I have realized that

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

I will apply
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

I value
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

I would want to be
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
 You’ve learned about the roles and responsibilities of the legislative
branch of the Philippine government, as well as the differences between the two
chambers of Congress. At this point, please answer the test below for us to
check the level of your learning on this lesson. Use a separate sheet of paper for
this assessment.

Identification of Roles
Direction: Read each statement carefully and identify whether the role described
therein is that of a Senator or a Member of the House of Representatives. Write
S the statement pertains to a role performed by a Senator, R if it is a role of a
Representative, and C if it is a duty performed by either a Senator or a
Representative. Write yours on a separate sheet of pad paper.

1. Decides or tries all cases of impeachment

2. Compilation and revision of existing code and laws
3. Denounce or confirm treaties
4. Declare the existence of a state of war.
5. Involved in the national budget process
6. Can approve and reject some key appointments made by the President
7. Introduce bills and resolutions
8. Lawmaking
9. Participates in debates during lawmaking
10. Decides on the renewal of licenses of television networks
Glossary

The terms used in this module are defined as follows:

Act - Legislation enacted into law. A bill that has passed both houses of
legislature, been enrolled, ratified, signed or passed over the President office,
and printed.

Adoption - Approval or acceptance; usually applied to amendments, committee

reports or resolutions.

Amendment - Any alteration made (or proposed to be made) to a bill or clause

thereof, by adding, deleting, substituting or omitting.

Appeal - A parliamentary procedure for testing (and possibly changing) the

decision of a presiding officer.

Author - The person (usually a legislator) who presents a bill or resolution for
consideration; may be joined by others, who are known as co-authors.

Bicameral - A legislature consisting of two separate chambers/houses.

Bill - Draft of a proposed law presented to the legislature for consideration.

Budget - (1) The suggested allocation of state moneys presented to the

legislature for consideration; (2) a formal document that reflects the authorized
expenditures of the state.

Committee - A body of members appointed by the presiding officer (or another

authority specified by the chamber) to consider and make recommendations
concerning disposition of bills, resolutions and other related matters.

Conflict of Interest - Untenable position that threatens the ability of a legislator

to vote impartially due to some personal interest in a legislative issue.

Constituent - A citizen residing within the district of a legislator.

Constitution - A written instrument embodying the fundamental principles of the

state that guarantees powers and duties of the government and guarantees
certain rights to the people.

Convene - When the members of a chamber gather for the meeting of the
legislature daily, weekly and at the beginning of a session as provide by the
constitution or law.

Debate - Discussion of a matter according to parliamentary rules.

Decorum - Proper order, etiquette and conduct of members during a floor

session.
Division - A method of voting; a request that members stand or raise hands to
be counted when the outcome of a voice vote is unclear or in dispute.

First Reading - The first presentation of a bill or its title for consideration. In
some states, the first reading is done at the time of introduction.

Fiscal Year - An accounting period of 12 months.

Floor - That portion of the legislative chamber reserved for members and officers
of the assembly or other persons granted privileged access.

Impeachment - Procedure to remove from office a public official accused of

misconduct.

Joint Rules - Parliamentary rules governing joint procedures or operations of the

Senate and House.

Joint Session - A combined meeting of the Senate and House in one chamber.

Legislator - Elected member of a legislative body.

Legislature - The branch of state government responsible for enacting laws.

Majority Leader - A member of the majority political party designated to be a

leader.

Minority Leader - A member of the minority political party designated to be

leader.

Minutes - Accurate record of the proceedings of a meeting in chronological order.

Motion - Formal proposal offered by a member of a deliberative assembly.

Pro Tempore - The designated officer of the senate or house acting in the
absence of the regular presiding officer.

Quorum - When a legislative body is assembled, the minimum number of

members required to transact business.

Reading - Presentation of a bill before either chamber by the reading the bill, its
title or its number. A formal procedure required by constitution and rules that
indicates a stage in enactment process

Recess - Intermission in a daily session; intermission from one day to the next.

Referral - The assigning or referring of a bill to committee.

Repeal - A method by which a legislative action is revoked or annulled.

Resolution - A document that expresses the sentiment or intent of the
legislature or a chamber, that governs the business of the legislature or a
chamber, or that expresses recognition by the legislature or a chamber.

Session - (1) Period during which the legislature meets; (2) the daily meeting of
the Senate or House.

Regular session - The annual (or biennial) meeting of the legislature required
by constitution

Special (or extraordinary) session - A special meeting of the legislature that is

called by the President (or the legislature itself) and limited to specific matters.

Term of Office - Period of time for which a person is elected.

Title - A concise statement of the subject and the contents of a bill.

Unicameral - A legislature with only one chamber.

Veto - An act to disapprove or to stops the enactment of a bill and returns it to

the house of Congress where it originated.
Try This!
I. True or False
1. True 6. False
2. True 7. True
3. False 8. True
4. True 9. False
5. True 10. True
Do This!
* Graphic Organizer
The Philippine Senators
SenatorVicente C. Sotto III Senator Ralph G. Recto
SenatorJuan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri Senator Franklin M. Drilon
SenatorJuan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
SenatorPia S. Cayetano Senator Leila M. De Lima
SenatorRonald "Bato" M. dela Rosa Senator Win Gatchalian
SenatorChristopher Lawrence T. Go Senator Risa Hontiveros
SenatorRichard J. Gordon Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
SenatorPanfilo "Ping" M. Lacson Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan
SenatorImee R. Marcos Senator Emmanuel "Manny" D. Pacquiao
SenatorAquilino "Koko" Pimentel III Senator Grace L. Poe
SenatorFrancis "Tol" N. Tolentino Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.
Members of the House of Representatives from Western Visayas
Answers may vary. Refer to the official website of the House of Representatives for the
possible correct answers.
* PicTell
Answers may vary.
Explore!
* Textual Analysis
Answers may vary.
Apply what you have Learned
* Storyboard or Timeline
Answers may vary. Output will be rated using the rubric for storyboard or timeline
making.
* Drafting a Sample Bill
Answers may vary. Output will be rated using the rubric for the sample bill output.
Reflect!
* Sentence Completion
Answers may vary.
Assess what you have learned
* Identification of Roles
1. S 6. R
2. S 7. C
3. S 8. C
4. R 9. C
5. R 10. R
Answer Key
References

Daquila, Sonia. Politics and Governance.

Pawilen, R.A., et.al. Philippine Politics and Governance.

www.congress.gov.ph/about/?about=history

www.congress.gov.ph/legisinfo/?v=students

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_the_Philippines

https://pia.gov.ph/branches-of-gov

https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+in+the+roles+and+responsibilities
+of+the+senate+and+representative+in+the+Philippine+government&oq=differe
nce+in+the+roles+and+responsibilities+of+the+senate+and+representative+in+t
he+Philippine+government&aqs=chrome..69i57.29087j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie
=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=role+of+the+senate+in+the+philippines&oq=r
ole+of+thesenate&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l7.14686j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UT
F-8

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/gov/

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/gov/the-legislative-branch/

www.ph.net/htdocs/government/phil/legislative/index.html
For questions and feedback, write or call the following:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph