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