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Definition of Terms

Legislative History includes any of various materials generated in the course of creating
legislation, such as committee reports, analysis by legislative counsel, committee hearings, floor
debates, and histories of actions taken.
Minutes of Committee Meetings a record of what has happened at a meeting held by the
committee. They should set out, clearly and concisely, decisions taken and any follow up actions
agreed and who will be responsible for those actions.
Committee Reports are one set of documents among the variety of document types produced
by the committee that address legislative and other policy issues, investigations, and internal
committee matters. Committee reports usually are one of these types: (1) reports that accompany
a legislative measure when it is reported for chamber action; (2) reports resulting from oversight
or investigative activities; (3) reports of conference committees; and (4) committee activity
reports, published at the conclusion of a Congress.
Bicameral Committee Reports report by the House of Representatives and Senate committees
that contain the reconciled version of the bill duly approved by both houses.
Legislative Reports any written expression of the proposed bill or draft legislation, It serves to
initiate discussions about legislation and certain proposed administrative actions and also aid the
administration in developing a unified position.
Legislative Journals an account of the proceedings of a legislative body. A daily record of the
legislative proceedings kept by the clerk.
Privilege Speeches - a legal immunity that some legislators will enjoy in the course of their
duties. This is also known as parliamentary privilege and given the legislators protection for their
action.

What is a Bill?
A draft of a law submitted to the consideration of a legislative body for its adoption.

Congress of the Philippines


tasked with the legislative power to enact laws
composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Limitations on the Power of Congress


Substantive
Formal

Prohibition Against Delegation of Legislative Powers


Separation of Powers
Rules not Absolute

Prohibition Against Irrepealable Laws


Essence of Legislative power
Consequences to public welfare

Requirements as to Subject and Title of Bills


One title, one subject
Purposes of constitutional requirements

Hodge-Podge/Log Rolling Legislation


Steps:

1. First Reading
bill signed by author
filed with the secretary of either the Lower or Upper House
bill gets a number
gets referred to the appropriate committee

1a. Committee
evaluated to determine the need for public hearings
schedules discussions
amendments may be added
if approved, moves on the next step; if not, it dies a natural death

2. Second Reading
forwarded to the Committee on Rules and scheduled for a second reading
read in its entirety along with amendments by the Committee in A.1
debates will then take place
approval is then sought, before schedule for a third reading
if approved, the bill is printed in its final form, copies are distributed to the members

3. Third Reading
only the title of the bill is read
voting happens via roll call or nominal voting
each is given 3 minutes for a speech explaining his vote
no amendments allowed on this stage
a majority of the members present is needed to approve the bill

*Why Three Readings?


The readings must take place on separate days to allow time for discussions and research
To prevent hasty and improvident legislation and the railroading of bills
For careful examination of the proposed laws
The three readings affords the opportunity for these purposes

4. Referral to the Other House


the bill is referred to the other House where the same procedure takes place
if approved without changes, final version is then signed by the Senate President and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives

5. Submission to Joint Bicameral Committee


a conference Committee, composed of members from each house settles and agrees on any
provision of the bill
the committee prepares a report to be signed by all
no amendment is allowed at this point

6. Submission to the President


the final bill will be submitted to the President
he either signs it into law, or vetoes the bill to disapprove
a vetoed bill may be re-passed if 2/3 of the Houses approve its enactment
*Presidents Participation
enables the Executive Department to protect its integrity
provides a check on hasty, corrupt, or ill-mannered legislation

A bill becomes a law when:


1. The president vetoes the bill and returns it with his objections, and the same is repassed over his
veto of two-thirds of ALL members
2. If he does not communicate his veto within 30 days upon receipt, the bill shall become a law as if
he signed it
3. If he signs it with his approval

Formal Parts of a Law


1. Title
2. Preamble
3. Enacting Clause
4. Body
5. Effectivity Clause

Eight of the Silliest Proposed Laws Our Lawmakers Tried to Pass


1. The Anti Planking Act
2. The No Blowing of Car Horns Every Sunday Law
3. My Husbands Lover Act
4. The Lets Just Choose Random Things and Make Them National Things Law
5. The No Cutting in Line Law
6. The Anti Sex Toy Act
7. The Half-Rice Bill
8. The Anti-Koreanovela Bill

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