THE PHILIPPINE SENATE

AND OTHER
RESPONSIBILITIES
Philippine Politics
The Philippine Senate
The Philippine Senate is the upper chamber of
the Congress of the Philippines, one of the
country's legislative branches. It is composed
of 24 senators who are elected by the public to
serve six-year terms. The Senate's primary
functions include passing laws, approving
treaties, and representing the interests of the
Filipino people.
◍ 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.
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).
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