The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, has a rich and complex history of governance. From its early days as a Spanish colony to its current status as a democratic republic, the country has undergone significant transformations in its legislative system. This module aims to provide a comprehensive history of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines, tracing their development from the early 20th century to the present day.
The Philippines was a Spanish colony from the 16th century until the Philippine Revolution in 1898. Following the country's independence, the United States took control of the islands, and in 1907, the Philippine Assembly was established as the first legislative body. The Assembly was a unicameral body composed of 80 members, with the Governor-General of the Philippines serving as its presiding officer.
In 1916, the Jones Act was passed, which provided for the creation of a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate had 24 members, with 12 elected by the people and 12 appointed by the Governor-General. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, had 92 members, all of whom were elected by the people.
During this period, the legislative body was dominated by the Nacionalista Party, which was founded by Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. The party advocated for Philippine independence and was instrumental in shaping the country's early legislative agenda.
In 1935, the Philippines became a commonwealth of the United States, with Manuel Quezon as its first president. The 1935 Constitution established the Senate and House of Representatives as the country's legislative body. The Senate had 24 members, all of whom were elected by the people, while the House of Representatives had 120 members, also elected by the people.
During this period, the legislative body focused on passing laws that would prepare the country for independence. The National Defense Act, the Philippine Constitution, and the Tydings-McDuffie Act were some of the significant laws passed during this time.
During World War II, the Philippines was occupied by Japan, and the legislative body was dissolved. In its place, the Japanese established the Philippine Executive Commission, which was headed by Jorge Vargas. The Commission was responsible for implementing Japanese policies in the country.
After the war, the Philippines gained independence from the United States, and the 1946 Constitution established the Senate and House of Representatives as the country's legislative body. The Senate had 24 members, all of whom were elected by the people, while the House of Representatives had 120 members, also elected by the people.
During this period, the legislative body was dominated by the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), the President's party. The KBL was instrumental in passing laws that would consolidate the President's power and suppress opposition to his regime.
In 1986, the EDSA Revolution toppled the Marcos regime, and a new Constitution was drafted. The 1987 Constitution established the Senate and House of Representatives as the country's legislative body. The Senate had 24 members, all of whom were elected by the people, while the House of Representatives had 200 members, also elected by the people.
During this period, the legislative body focused on passing laws that would promote democracy and human rights. The Local Government Code, the Omnibus Election Code, and the 1988 Labor Code were some of the significant laws passed during this time.
In 1992, the Philippine Congress was restored, and the Senate and House of Representatives resumed their legislative functions. The Senate has 24 members, all of whom are elected by the people, while the House of Representatives has 297 members, also elected by the people.
During this period, the legislative body has focused on passing laws that would promote economic development, social justice, and human rights. The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2001 impeachment of President Joseph Estrada, and the 2013 pork barrel scam were some of the significant events that shaped the legislative agenda during this time.
The history of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines is a complex and dynamic narrative that reflects the country's struggle for independence, democracy, and development. From its early days as a Spanish colony to its current status as a democratic republic, the Philippines has undergone significant transformations in its legislative system. This module has provided a comprehensive history of the Senate and House of Representatives, highlighting their development, achievements, and challenges over the years.
This module is a general overview of the history of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines. It is not an exhaustive account, and there may be other events, laws, and personalities that are not included in this narrative.