PHILIPPINE CONGRESS HISTORY

EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM

The Philippine legislative system has undergone a series of evolutions that reflected the sociopolitical conditions of the times and the level of political maturity of society.

It began with the unicameral Malolos Congress of the short-lived Philippine Republic of 1898-1899, followed by the Philippine Commission of 1901, a colonial legislative system composed of all-American appointees. 

This body then evolved into a bicameral, predominantly elective, Filipino-controlled legislature by virtue of the Jones Act of 1916, and lasted until November 1935 when the semi-independent Commonwealth Government was inaugurated. 

A unicameral National Assembly replaced the bicameral body after the 1935 Philippine Constitution was ratified. In 1941, the Constitution was amended, again restoring the bicameral legislature that came to be called the Congress of the Philippines.

Except during the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic from 1942-1945, the Congress functioned as the national legislature until September 1972 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos placed the country under martial law.

 

THE BATASANG PAMBANSA - A UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE 2

When martial law was declared, the Constitutional Convention, by virtue of an Act of Congress in 1971, was in the process of drafting a new Constitution. 

The final draft was adopted by the Convention on November 29, 1972. 

This was ratified and proclaimed by President Marcos on January 17, 1973 amidst widespread protest and controversy. 

With the proclamation of a new Constitution, the presidential form of government was changed to a modified parliamentary form. 

Congress was abolished and was replaced by an elected unicameral National Assembly, known as Batasang Pambansa.

The Batasang Pambansa was made up of a maximum of 200 Members elected from different provinces with their component cities, highly urbanized cities and districts of Metropolitan Manila, appointed representatives from various sectors such as the youth, agricultural and industrial labor sectors, and those chosen by the President from the members of the Cabinet. The Members had a term of six years.

 

THE PRESENT PHILIPPINE CONGRESS

THE FEBRUARY 1986 REVOLUTION PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION 3

1986 EDSA RevolutionThe world-famed bloodless coup of February 22-25, 1986 ushered in a new political regime. President Corazon Aquino, backed by a coalition of forces from both ends of the political spectrum, forged a new government, triggering a chain of events that dramatically changed the political landscape of the country and signalled the rebirth of democracy. 

These political changes were: the abolition of the Batasang Pambansa following the proclamation of a new revolutionary government; the organization of a Constitutional Commission that drafted a new charter which, in turn, was ratified in February 1987; the rebirth of the old bicameral system; and the election of Members to the new Congress.

 

THE NEW CONGRESS 4

The new Congress has the biggest membership and is probably the most powerful among its predecessor legislatures. The Constitutional Commission (ConCom) clothed it with vast powers to perform a wider and more dynamic role. 

This fact is partly reflected in the Charter itself, which devotes 32 sections to the legislative department compared with only 23 for the executive and 16 for the judicial departments.

The new bicameral Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The upper chamber or the Senate is composed of 24 Members elected at-large by the qualified voters of the Philippines. 

On the other hand, the lower chamber or the House of Representatives is composed of

 

"not more than 250 Members, who are elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio and those, as provided by law, elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations". [Sec. 5(1), Art. VI, 1987 Philippine Constitution]

 

———————

Evolution of the Philippine Legislative System

The Philippine legislative system has undergone a series of evolutions that reflected the sociopolitical conditions of the times and the level of political maturity of society.

It began with the unicameral Malolos Congress of the short-lived Philippine Republic of 1898-1899, followed by the Philippine Commission of 1901, a colonial legislative system composed of all-American appointees.

This body then evolved into a bicameral, predominantly elective, Filipino-controlled legislature by virtue of the Jones Act of 1916, and lasted until November 1935 when the semi-independent Commonwealth Government was inaugurated.

A unicameral National Assembly replaced the bicameral body after the 1935 Philippine Constitution was ratified. In 1941, the Constitution was amended, again restoring the bicameral legislature that came to be called the Congress of the Philippines.

Except during the Japanese-sponsored Philippine Republic from 1942-1945, the Congress functioned as the national legislature until September 1972 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos placed the country under martial law.

The Batasang Pambansa - A Unicameral Legislature

When martial law was declared, the Constitutional Convention, by virtue of an Act of Congress in 1971, was in the process of drafting a new Constitution. The final draft was adopted by the Convention on November 29, 1972. This was ratified and proclaimed by President Ferdinand Marcos on January 17, 1973 amidst widespread protest and controversy.

With the proclamation of a new Constitution, the presidential form of govjernment was changed to a modified parliamentary form. Congress was abolished and was replaced by an elected unicameral National Assembly, known as Batasang Pambansa.

The Batasang Pambansa was made up of a maximum of 200 members elected from different provinces with their component cities, highly urbanized cities and districts of Metropolitan Manila, appointed representatives from various sectors such as the youth, agricultural and industrial labor sectors, and those chosen by the President from the members of the Cabinet. The members had a term of six years.

 

THE PRESENT PHILIPPINE CONGRESS

THE FEBRUARY 1986 REVOLUTION PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION

1986 EDSA Revolution

The world-famed bloodless coup of February 22-25, 1986 ushered in a new political regime. 

President Corazon Aquino, backed by a coalition of forces from both ends of the political spectrum, forged a new government, triggering a chain of events that dramatically changed the political landscape of the country and signalled the rebirth of democracy. These political changes were: the abolition of the Batasang Pambansa following the proclamation of a new revolutionary government; the organization of a Constitutional Commission that drafted a new charter which, in turn, was ratified in February 1987; the rebirth of the old bicameral system; and the election of Members to the new Congress.

 

THE NEW CONGRESS 

The new Congress has the biggest membership and is probably the most powerful among its predecessor legislatures. The Constitutional Commission (ConCom) clothed it with vast powers to perform a wider and more dynamic role. This fact is partly reflected in the Charter itself, which devotes 32 sections to the legislative department compared with only 23 for the executive and 16 for the judicial departments.

The new bicameral Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The upper chamber or the Senate is composed of 24 Members elected at-large by the qualified voters of the Philippines. On the other hand, the lower chamber or the House of Representatives is composed of

 

"not more than 250 Members, who are elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio and those, as provided by law, elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations". [Sec. 5(1), Art. VI, 1987 Philippine Constitution]

  wantta join us? sure, manure...

THE HOUSE SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat provides the Members of the House with adequate, timely, relevant and efficient administrative and technical assistance and support to enable them to perform their legislative tasks and constituent responsibilities.

The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General. In the discharge of his duties and responsibilities, he is assisted by:

1. The Deputy Secretary General for Operations who oversees the:
• Plenary Affairs Bureau, which provides Secretariat services in the processing of bills/resolutions and documentation of plenary proceedings and debates.
• Reference and Research Bureau, which provides bill drafting, legislative counseling and research services to the House Members. 
2. The Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs who oversees the:
• Committee Affairs Department, which provides technical and administrative support services to the standing and special committees of the House of Representatives, through its nine Committee Technical Support Services and one Committee Administrative Support Service. 

1. The Deputy Secretary General for Administration who oversees the:
• Administrative Management Bureau, which is responsible for personnel transactions and human resource development, printing and reproduction, medical and dental, records, property and procurement services.

1. The Deputy Secretary General for Finance who is responsible for the management of the financial resources of the House by providing direction, assistance and advice on budgetary matters, and control on the utilization of funds of the House. He oversees the:
• Accounting, Budget and Cashiering Services, which are responsible for implementing approved programs, systems and procedures relating to financial matters.
2. The Deputy Secretary General for Internal Audit who oversees the:
• Management Audit Service, which conducts periodic examination and evaluation of the administrative systems on personnel records, procurement and property management to determine compliance with internal policies, applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Fiscal Control Service, which evaluates the adequacy of the internal control system in safeguarding assets and properties and coordinates with the Commission on Audit in implementing recommendations contained in its annual audit report.

1. The Deputy Secretary General for Engineering and Physical Facilities who oversees the:
• Engineering Service, which maintains all mechanical, electrical and communication facilities of the House.
• Building and Grounds Maintenance Service, which oversees the construction, maintenance and repair of the House grounds and facilities.
2.  The Deputy Secretary General for Legal Affairs who oversees the:
• Office of Legal Affairs, which provides legal services including the investigation and review of administrative cases of Secretariat personnel, legal research and the rendering of legal opinions on matters of local and national concern.
3.  The Deputy Secretary General for the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (per Administrative Order No. 05-15, 05 October 2015) oversees the Socio-Economic Research Bureau (SERB) and the Budget and Tax Research Bureau (BTRB) in providing technical service in the formulation of national economic, fiscal, and social policies.
• The Socio-Economic Research Bureau (SERB), provides technical assistance to the Speaker, House Members, and House Committees in the conceptualization, formulation, review, and evaluation of economic and social policies. The SERB shall have two Services, namely:
• The Economic Policy Research Service (EPRS), prepares technical papers and studies on the macroeconomy including an analysis of the national budget and its conformity with macroeconomic assumptions and forecasts; undertakes simulations and analyses of key macroeconomic variables, industry, infrastructure and other socio-economic data necessary for the consideration of pertinent legislative measures; and assists in the review of the national development plan and relevant economic policies.
• The Social Policy Research Service (SPRS), undertakes researches and studies on social and rural policy concerns in aid of legislation and in support of the oversight functions of the House of Representatives; coordinates and liaises with government agencies, multi-lateral institutions, academe and civil organizations for knowledge sharing; maintains databases on social and rural development concerns; reviews various national development plans and other sectoral reform documents.
•  
• Budget and Tax Research Bureau (BTRB), provides technical assistance to the Speaker, House Members, and House Committees in the formulation and review of policies relating to budget and taxation, and in the analyses of the government’s fiscal position and use of funds. The BTRB shall have two Services, namely:
• The Budget Policy Research Service (BPRS) , provides information on the budget and bills authorizing and providing budget authority or tax expenditures; prepares macro analysis of the national budget; monitors and evaluates government programs and projects and assistance in the oversight functions of the House of Representatives; and reviews and analyzes the performance of various government agencies.
• The Tax Policy Research Service (TPRS) , provides technical inputs on tax proposals and revenue-generating systems; conducts research on tax measures and the effects of fiscal incentives, tax concessions, and foreign agreements on tariff and international trade; monitors and assesses existing revenue-generating systems and recommendation of possible alternative sources and forms of revenue; and identifies areas of improvement in revenue collection and recommendation of studies and research on the conduct of tax collection and other fiscal matters.
4.  The Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Information Resources Management is responsible for managing legislative information and information-related resources, and services to serve the needs of the House of Representatives in serving its constitutional mandate, the House Members in performing their lawmaking, constituency, and oversight duties and responsibilities, and the general public in accessing legislative information. As the House of Representatives historian, the Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Information Resources Management oversees the:
• Congressional Library Bureau
• Archives and Musuem Management Bureau
5.  The Deputy Secretary General for the Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department (IPAD) oversees the
• Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Bureau (IPRSAB) and the
• Press and Public Affairs Bureau (PPAB) as these Bureaus manage the public affairs of the HRep and its Members, and as they ensure substantive participation in international affairs and conferences. The Department advocates and promotes the legislative accomplishments of the institution through media releases and the production of institutional materials for internal and external distribution. It also builds, fosters and strengthens relations of the HRep and its Members with their constituents, sectors, stakeholders, the media, foreign legislative bodies and government offices, and inter-parliamentary organizations.

 

The following offices are under the Secretary General:

1.  Knowledge Management Systems Bureau which oversees the:
• Information and Communication Technology Service, which is responsible for the overall planning, development and implementation of the ICT plans and programs for the House of Representatives. It serves as a support function of the Secretariat to achieve more effective and efficient legislation and operations throught the establishment of appropriate information, and communication infrastructures, and the implementation of comprehensive automated information systems.
• Planning and Management Information Service which institutionalizes systems in the Secretariat to eneble formulation and periodic assessment of its plans, programs, and policies, and provides technical and administrative support to the EXCOM (Executive Committee), and various Secretariat units such as the conduct of studies to maximize resource and manpower utilization.

————————

Ang Secretariat ng House of Representatives  

(Constitutional Mandate)

Sa 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, ganun na rin sa mga nagdaang mga saligang batas, ang kapangyarihan ng ating pamahalaan ay nakasalalay sa legislative, executive, at sa judiciary.

 

1. Ang Legislative Power ay nakasangon sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas na siyang binubuo ng Senado at ng Kamara de Representantes, Mababang Kapulungan o House of Representatives, liban na lamang sa nakareserbang kapangyarihan sa mga mamamayan paminsan-minsan sa pamamagitan ng mga probisyon hinggil sa initiative and referendum.

2. Ang Executive Power ay nasa poder ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas, at;

3. Ang Judicial Power ay nasa isang Kataas-taasang Hukuman o ang Supreme Court at sa mga lower court na siya namang itakda ng batas.

 

Sangayosn sa Konstitusyon, ang House of Representatives ay bubuuhin ng hindi hihigit sa two hundred and fifty (250) members, liban na lamang kung may itatatkda pa ang batas, at ang mga ito ay halal sa mga legislative district na nakaapportion sa mga lalawigan, lungsod, at sa Metropolitan Manila area batay na rin sa populasyon ng naturang distrito, at base na rin sa isang uniform at progressive ratio, yaong mga nahalal sa pamamagitan ng party-list system ng registered national, regional, at sectoral parties o organizations. Ang party-list representatives ay bubuuhin ng twenty per cent (20%) ng total number of representatives at kasama na sila roon. Ang isang  Member ng House of Representatives ay dapat natural-born citizen ng bansang Pilipinas, sa araw ng election, ay at least twenty-five (25) years old, marunong bumasa at sumulat, at, maliban sa party list representatives, isang registered voter ng distrito kung saan siya ay iboboto at residente doon ng hindi bababa sa isang taon bago mag-eleksiyon. Ang termino ang mga Miyembro ng House of Representatives ay tatlong taon, at sila ay manunungkulan ng hindi hihigit sa tatlong magkakasunod na termino.

 

Secretariat Offices

 

Ang primary role ng Secretariat ng Kamara de Representantes ay upang maggawad ng administrative at legislative services para sa isang efficient and responsive support sa mga yunit ng Kapulungan sa larangan ng formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of plans, programs, projects, at systems and procedures ganun na rin ang maintenance, development, administration and management ng lahat ng available library facilities. Ang Secretariat ay pinamumunuan ng Secretary General. Sa pagpapatupad niya ng kanyang duties and responsibilities, siya tinutulungan ng:

 

1. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Operations ay ang nag-ooversee ng: (1) Plenary Affairs Bureau, na siyan naming responsible sa paggagawad ng Secretariat services sa papo-proseso ng mga panukalang batas (bills), kapasyahan (resolutions) at ang documentation ng proceedings at mga debate sa plenary session; ang (2) Reference and Research Bureau naman ang angsasagawa drafting, legislative counseling at research services para sa mga Miyembro.

2. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs ay siya namang responsible para sa secretariat at administrative support sa iba’t-ibang Standing at Special Committees.

3. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Administration ang siya namang nago-oversee ng: (1) Administrative Management Bureau na siya namang responsible para sa personnel transactions at human resource development, printing and reproduction, medical and dental, cashiering and records, property and procurement; at (2) Engineering and Physical Facilities Bureau.

4. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Finance ay siya namang mago-oversee ng operations ng Accounting and Budget Divisions na responsible para sa developing, coordinating, implementing and continuously improving programs, systems and procedures na nauugnay sa financial matters. Ang Deputy Secretary General ay responsible para sa paggawad ng assistance at advice hinggil sa mga budgetary matter and control tungkol sa utilization of funds ng House of Representatives.

5. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Services (IPRSS) ay responsible naman para sa pag-promote at pag-sustain ng inter-parliamentary relations and diplomacy ng Kamara de Representates sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng technical at administrative assistance hinggil sa establishment, development at maintenance ng mga linkage with inter-parliamentary and international organizations, sa ating pagho-host ng inter-parliamentary meetings and conferences at pagpo-formulate ng mga programa para sa mga visiting parliamentarian ganun na rin sa paggawad ng protocol and special services.

 

 

Vision

 

We are truly servants of the people. We love and we are loyal to the ideals of the HOR. We fulfill our daily tasks conscious of our constitutional duty and accountability to the public. We are committed to serve and respond to the needs and expectations of the Members of the HOR with integrity, competence and efficiency so that they too, can fulfill their commitment to the people.

We strive to serve the public with fairness, dispatch and courtesy. We are members of a team. We treat each other with mutual trust and respect. We value the dignity of every individual worker in the organization. We look to the interest and welfare of our institution, superior, peers and co-workers. We take pride in belonging to the Secretariat.

Mission

 

The mission of the Secretariat is to provide the Members of the House of Representatives with adequate, accurate, efficient and timely administrative and technical assistance and support to enable them to perform their lawmaking tasks and constituency work.

Develop the Secretariat into a cohesive organization

 

Objectives

1. Promote and enhance professionalism among employees

2. Inculcate higher moral values and ethical standards among employees

3. Achieve the highest level of efficiency in the delivery of services

4. Ensure delivery of accurate and timely information

5. Help effect the passage of responsive legislation

6. Enhance the public image of the House of Representatives

////////////////

Ang Secretariat ng Hous of Representatives

Constitutional Mandate

 

Sa 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, ganun na rin sa mga nagdaang mga saligang batas, ang kapangyarihan ng ating pamahalaan ay nakasalalay sa legislative, executive, at sa judiciary.

 

1. Ang Legislative Power ay nakasangon sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas na siyang binubuo ng Senado at ng Kamara de Representantes, Mababang Kapulungan o House of Representatives, liban na lamang sa nakareserbang kapangyarihan sa mga mamamayan paminsan-minsan sa pamamagitan ng mga probisyon hinggil sa initiative and referendum.

2. Ang Executive Power ay nasa poder ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas, at;

3. Ang Judicial Power ay nasa isang Kataas-taasang Hukuman o ang Supreme Court at sa mga lower court na siya namang itakda ng batas.

 

Sangayon sa Konstitusyon, ang House of Representatives ay bubuuhin ng hindi hihigit sa two hundred and fifty (250) members, liban na lamang kung may itatatkda pa ang batas, at ang mga ito ay halal sa mga legislative district na nakaapportion sa mga lalawigan, lungsod, at sa Metropolitan Manila area batay na rin sa populasyon ng naturang distrito, at base na rin sa isang uniform at progressive ratio, yaong mga nahalal sa pamamagitan ng party-list system ng registered national, regional, at sectoral parties o organizations. Ang party-list representatives ay bubuuhin ng twenty per cent (20%) ng total number of representatives at kasama na sila roon. Ang isang  Member ng House of Representatives ay dapat natural-born citizen ng bansang Pilipinas, sa araw ng election, ay at least twenty-five (25) years old, marunong bumasa at sumulat, at, maliban sa party list representatives, isang registered voter ng distrito kung saan siya ay iboboto at residente doon ng hindi bababa sa isang taon bago mag-eleksiyon. Ang termino ang mga Miyembro ng House of Representatives ay tatlong taon, at sila ay manunungkulan ng hindi hihigit sa tatlong magkakasunod na termino.

 

Secretariat Offices

 

Ang primary role ng Secretariat ng Kamara de Representantes ay upang maggawad ng administrative at legislative services para sa isang efficient and responsive support sa mga yunit ng Kapulungan sa larangan ng formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of plans, programs, projects, at systems and procedures ganun na rin ang maintenance, development, administration and management ng lahat ng available library facilities. Ang Secretariat ay pinamumunuan ng Secretary General. Sa pagpapatupad niya ng kanyang duties and responsibilities, siya tinutulungan ng:

 

1. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Operations ay ang nag-ooversee ng: (1) Plenary Affairs Bureau, na siyan naming responsible sa paggagawad ng Secretariat services sa papo-proseso ng mga panukalang batas (bills), kapasyahan (resolutions) at ang documentation ng proceedings at mga debate sa plenary session; ang (2) Reference and Research Bureau naman ang angsasagawa drafting, legislative counseling at research services para sa mga Miyembro.

2. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs ay siya namang responsible para sa secretariat at administrative support sa iba’t-ibang Standing at Special Committees.

3. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Administration ang siya namang nago-oversee ng: (1) Administrative Management Bureau na siya namang responsible para sa personnel transactions at human resource development, printing and reproduction, medical and dental, cashiering and records, property and procurement; at (2) Engineering and Physical Facilities Bureau.

4. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Finance ay siya namang mago-oversee ng operations ng Accounting and Budget Divisions na responsible para sa developing, coordinating, implementing and continuously improving programs, systems and procedures na nauugnay sa financial matters. Ang Deputy Secretary General ay responsible para sa paggawad ng assistance at advice hinggil sa mga budgetary matter and control tungkol sa utilization of funds ng House of Representatives.

5. Ang Deputy Secretary General for Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Services (IPRSS) ay responsible naman para sa pag-promote at pag-sustain ng inter-parliamentary relations and diplomacy ng Kamara de Representates sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng technical at administrative assistance hinggil sa establishment, development at maintenance ng mga linkage with inter-parliamentary and international organizations, sa ating pagho-host ng inter-parliamentary meetings and conferences at pagpo-formulate ng mga programa para sa mga visiting parliamentarian ganun na rin sa paggawad ng protocol and special services.

 

 

Vision

 

We are truly servants of the people. We love and we are loyal to the ideals of the HOR. We fulfill our daily tasks conscious of our constitutional duty and accountability to the public. We are committed to serve and respond to the needs and expectations of the Members of the HOR with integrity, competence and efficiency so that they too, can fulfill their commitment to the people.

We strive to serve the public with fairness, dispatch and courtesy. We are members of a team. We treat each other with mutual trust and respect. We value the dignity of every individual worker in the organization. We look to the interest and welfare of our institution, superior, peers and co-workers. We take pride in belonging to the Secretariat.

Mission

 

The mission of the Secretariat is to provide the Members of the House of Representatives with adequate, accurate, efficient and timely administrative and technical assistance and support to enable them to perform their lawmaking tasks and constituency work.

Develop the Secretariat into a cohesive organization

 

Objectives

1. Promote and enhance professionalism among employees

2. Inculcate higher moral values and ethical standards among employees

3. Achieve the highest level of efficiency in the delivery of services

4. Ensure delivery of accurate and timely information

5. Help effect the passage of responsive legislation

6. Enhance the public image of the House of Representatives wantta join us? sure, manure...