The Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction

The Philippines is a sovereign state with a presidential system of government, where the legislative power is vested in the Congress, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress is responsible for making laws, approving the national budget, and exercising oversight over the executive branch. This module aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the roles and responsibilities of the Senate and the House of Representatives, exploring their composition, powers, and functions.

Historical Background

The Philippines was a Spanish colony from 1521 to 1898, when it was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War. During the American colonial period, the country had a unicameral legislative system, with the Philippine Commission serving as the sole legislative body. In 1916, the Jones Law created a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This setup was retained in the 1935 Constitution, which established the Commonwealth of the Philippines. After gaining independence in 1946, the country adopted a presidential system of government, with a bicameral Congress.

The Senate

The Senate is the upper house of the Philippine Congress, composed of 24 senators elected by the people for a six-year term.
The Senate has several key roles and responsibilities:

1. Lawmaking: The Senate has the power to propose, amend, and approve bills, which are then sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
2. Advice and Consent: The Senate has the authority to advise and consent on presidential appointments, including those to the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, and other high-ranking government officials.
3. Impeachment: The Senate has the sole power to try and decide impeachment cases against the President, the Vice President, and other high-ranking government officials.
4. Policy Review: The Senate reviews and evaluates government policies, programs, and projects, providing recommendations for improvement.
5. Budget Review: The Senate examines and approves the national budget, ensuring that it is aligned with the country's development priorities.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower house of the Philippine Congress, composed of 316 members elected by the people for a three-year term.
The House has several key roles and responsibilities:

1. Lawmaking: The House has the power to propose, amend, and approve bills, which are then sent to the Senate for concurrence.
2. Representation: The House represents the interests of the people, providing a forum for discussion and debate on issues affecting the nation.
3. Budget Authorization: The House has the authority to initiate and approve the national budget, which is then sent to the Senate for review and approval.
4. Oversight: The House exercises oversight over the executive branch, ensuring that government agencies and officials are accountable for their actions.
5. Impeachment: The House has the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, the Vice President, and other high-ranking government officials.

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Conclusion

The Senate and the House of Representatives are vital institutions in the Philippine democratic system, playing crucial roles in lawmaking, budgeting, representation, and oversight. While they have differences in composition, powers, and functions, they share a common goal of serving the people and promoting the country's development. This module has highlighted the significance of these two institutions, emphasizing their importance in ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance in the Philippines.

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Recommendations

Based on this analysis, several recommendations can be made to enhance the effectiveness of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

• Strengthening the Committee System: The committee system in both institutions should be strengthened to facilitate more effective deliberation and review of bills and policies.
• Improving Transparency and Accountability: Both institutions should prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that their proceedings and decisions are accessible to the public.
• Enhancing Public Participation: The Senate and the House of Representatives should encourage public participation in the lawmaking process, providing opportunities for citizens to engage in discussions and debates.
• Fostering Inter-Branch Cooperation: The Senate, the House of Representatives, and the executive branch should foster cooperation and collaboration, ensuring that the country's development priorities are aligned and implemented effectively.

By implementing these recommendations, the Senate and the House of Representatives can more effectively fulfill their roles and responsibilities, promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in the Philippines.

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