Legislative Department Flashcards
Composition of the Senate
24 senators elected at large
Qualifications of a Senator
- Natural-born citizen of the Philippines
- At least 35 years of age on the day of the election
- Able to read and write
- Registered Voter
- Resident of the Philippines for not less than 2 years immediately preceding the day of the election
Term of Office
6 years starting at noon on the 30th day of June following the elections. No senator shall serve for more than 2 consecutive terms.
Composition of the House of Representatives
Composed of not more than 250 members unless otherwise fixed by law consisting of:
1. District representatives - elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metro Manila
2. Party-list representatives - constitute 20% of the total number of representatives, elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations
Term of Office of Members of HOR
3 years which shall begin unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the 30th of June following the elections.
Cannot serve for more than 3 consecutive terms.
Qualifications of a District Representative
- Natural-born citizen of the Philippines
- At least 25 years on the day of the election
- Able to read and write
- Registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected
- A resident of the district in which he seeks to be elected for a period of not less than 1 year immediately preceding the day of the election
Sectoral party is one whose principal advocacy pertains to the special interest and concerns of a specific sector, either one who:
- Represents marginal and underrepresented
- Those who lack a well-defined political constituency
Qualifications of a Party-List nominee
- National born citizen
- At least 25 years old on the day of the election. If youth sector, must be at least 25 but not more than 30 years old
- Able to read and write
- Registered Voter
- Resident of the Philippines of a period not less than 1 year immediately preceding the day of the election
- Bona fide member of the party or organization which he seeks to represent for at least 90 days preceding the day of the election
What is the Congress’ privilege from arrest?
For all offenses punishable by not more than 6 years imprisonment while Congress is in session
What is the Congress’ Parliamentary Privilege of Speech and Debate?
They shall not be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate made in the Congress or any committee thereof. Remarks must be:
1. Made while the legislature or legislative committee is in session
2. Made in connection with the discharge of official duties
What is the Rule on Members of Congress holding Incompatible Offices?
No Member of congress may hold any other office or employment in the Government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including GOCCs or their subsidiaries during his term without forfeiting his seat.
He may hold it in an e officio capacity.
What is the rule on Members of Congress holding a forbidden office?
He shall not be appointed to any office which may have been created or whose emoluments had been increased during the term for which he was elected
Rule on Disclosures and Conflict of Interest
Members of the Senate and the HOR shall make a full disclosure of their financial and business interests. They shall notify the House concerned of a potential conflict of interest that may arise from a proposed legislation they are authoring.
May Members of Congress practice their professions?
Yes, except for lawyers who may practice law but may not personally appear as counsel before any court of justice, Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and administrative bodies.
“Majority of all members” means
Absolute majority of all the members of each house.