Owen A.

Baylon
BA in PolSci 1A
04/04/2023
Reflection Paper: Legislative Department
PSM 2: Introduction to Philippine Politics and Governance
The Congress has the authority to enact laws. The Philippines' legislative branch is essential to
the administration of the country. It is in charge of drafting and passing laws that would be
advantageous to the Filipino people. The Philippines' legislative body is bicameral meaning it is
a type of government that has a two-house legislative system with the senate as the upper
house and the house of representatives as the lower body. The legislative department's
provision of a system of checks and balances is one of its important responsibilities, they also
have the authority to look into the activities of the executive branch and to hold officials
responsible for any misbehavior, but in the case here in the Philippines, the fangs of the law is
seen to be much more pressured to the citizens rather than those who holds power within the
government.
According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the House of Representatives can only have 250
members while the Senate has 24 members. Through popular vote, the people choose the
members of both chambers. The requirements for the Congress are identical, you must be a
registered voter, a native-born Philippine citizen, and a reader and writer. The Representative
must be at least 25 years old and a Filipino resident for at least one year, but the Senate
requires that candidates be at least 35 years old and have lived in the country for at least two
years. The requirement that you must be able to “read and write” is based on the idea of
equality. Since we live in a democratic country, everyone should be able to run for office in
Congress, it shouldn't just be open to those who come from economically privileged
households. 
During the discussion the most notable part in my opinion while listening is about the transition
of a bill towards becoming an actual law. Well, the first process is the proposal in which it
describes a new legislation or a reform to an existing law. A member of the legislative body,
such as a senator or representative, or a representative of the executive branch, such as the
president, may submit a proposal. The second is the Three Readings, which states that most
legislative bodies require three readings of a proposal before voting on it. The proposition is
introduced and read aloud during the first reading. The idea is discussed and adjusted
throughout reading. The proposition is put to a vote after the third reading. A proposal is
delivered to the executive branch for presidential action once it has been approved by both
houses of the legislative body, which is the third and last step. The head of state can either veto
the plan or sign it into law. The term “Veto” is the power of the President to refuse to approve a
bill preventing its enactment as a law. The plan becomes a law if the president signs it. When
the president vetoes a measure, the legislative body must reconsider it. A two-thirds majority
vote in both the House and the Senate is required for the legislative body to overturn the veto.
In the words of our late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, it is really mind boggling how we still
elect those who portrayed malpractices within our government, it seems like the comparison
between a circus and the government holds true based on the recent elections. It is somewhat
unfair to those who are within and still manages to produce the best of their power to give the
citizens the proper treatment that they deserve. Also the statement that she stated seems to
hold significance after her passing, her statement about those members of the Congress who
will support the President when he is wrong. This was shown during the period of the former
President Rodrigo Duterte. Political polarization, partisanship, lack of cooperation of the
lawmakers, and corruption have been known problems not only within the Senate but also in the
House of Representatives, but the one that is a sore in my eyes is the lack of accountability to
those who hold the power to create something, and yet they still manage to make excuses or
abuse their power. By simply failing to attend crucial legislative meetings, it shows the lack of
discipline within those seated. A meeting in which this is discussed thoroughly is crucial to
seeing the possible outcomes. It shows a lack of responsibility as a member and a lack of care
for the citizens. They should’ve been stricter in this matter since it is one of their major roles that
may affect the future in the long run.

Questions:
1. This question, ma’am, is about our last topic regarding the concept of the Philippine Republic.
Since in our last discussion it was brought up that Former President Marcos Sr., it has been
stated that he is a part of the Third Republic, but also, he created or formed the
Fourth Republic. How does changing the Republic work and how do you change the Republic,
ma'am, since I am confused about Marcos Sr.? He is a part of the Third Republic, and he also
created the Fourth Republic.
2. What part does the legislative branch play ma’am in ensuring that public servants are held
accountable?
3. What is your opinion, ma’am, about our former late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s claim
about the members of Congress? In your eyes, ma’am, is it still shown in today's government?