Philippine Legislative Department: Verbal Exam Flashcards

Question and answer flashcards covering the structure, leadership, procedures, and constitutional provisions of the Philippine Legislative Department as of October 23, 2026.

Who is the current Speaker of the House?

Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the 29th Speaker. He represents Isabela’s 6th District and belongs to the PFP (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas). He was a Deputy Speaker under Martin Romualdez. Romualdez resigned on September 17, 2025 amid the flood control scandal, and the House elected Dy with 253 votes the same day. Dy comes from the Dy political family of Isabela and is the son of former governor Faustino Dy Sr. He was Cauayan mayor (1992–2001), Isabela governor (2010–2019) and Isabela vice governor (2019–2025) before winning his House seat unopposed in May 2025.

What are the two chambers of the Philippine Congress?

The Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress is bicameral under Article VI of the 1987 Constitution.

For how many days can a bill be left on the President’s table until it lapses into law?

30 days from the date the President receives it. If he does not sign or veto it within that time, it becomes law as if he had signed it.

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

By a two-thirds vote of all the members of each House, the Senate and the House voting separately. The vetoed bill then becomes law without the President’s signature.

What happens if the Senate and the House of Representatives pass different versions of a bill?

A bicameral conference committee, made up of members of both Houses, reconciles the differences. Both Houses must approve its report before the bill goes to the President.

What do the 3 stars on the Philippine flag represent?

The three principal island groups of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Who is the current Senate President?

Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, the 34th Senate President, a member of the NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition) since 2001. The 20th Congress has had four Senate Presidents: Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Tito Sotto (from September 8, 2025), Alan Peter Cayetano (from May 11, 2026), then Gatchalian. A new majority made Gatchalian Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3, 2026. On June 17, 2026, during a special session, a 13-member bloc elected him Senate President after Sen. Joel Villanueva joined the majority. Gatchalian is a businessman. He was Valenzuela City’s 1st District representative (2001–2004 and 2013–2016), Valenzuela mayor (2004–2013) and has been a senator since 2016. He is known for the Free Higher Education bill, which became law in 2017.

What is the first process in lawmaking?

Preparation and filing (introduction) of the bill. Only a member of Congress can introduce a bill. The steps that follow are first reading, committee, second reading, third reading, the other House, the bicameral conference committee if needed, and the President.

How many members does the Philippine Senate have?

24 senators, elected nationwide (at large). 12 are elected every three years.

How long is the term of the Senators?

6 years. A senator may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms.

What happens if the President does not act on a bill within the constitutionally prescribed period?

The bill lapses into law, becoming law without the President’s signature, after 30 days from his receipt of it.

What do the eight rays of the sun represent?

The eight provinces that declared a state of war against Spain in 1896: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas. The sun itself stands for progress.

What does the blue field of the Philippine flag symbolize?

Traditionally, peace, truth and justice. Note: Republic Act 8491 sets the flag’s design but does not officially define the meanings of the colors, so these are the commonly taught meanings.

What does the red field of the Philippine flag symbolize?

Traditionally, patriotism and valor (courage). As with the blue field, this is the commonly taught meaning and is not defined in Republic Act 8491.

How long is the term of a Member of the House of Representatives?

3 years, with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

Which chamber is the upper house and which is the lower house?

The Senate is the upper house (24 members). The House of Representatives is the lower house (about 317 members, including party-list representatives).

Give 1 party-list name.

4Ps Party-list. Its representative, Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, is the current House Minority Leader. Another example is Akbayan. Party-list seats are for registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations, up to 20 percent of the House.

What is a Bicameral Conference?

A committee of members from both the Senate and the House that resolves disagreements between the two chambers’ versions of a bill. Both Houses must approve its report before the bill goes to the President.

What is considered the rule book of the Chambers of the Philippines?

Each House makes its own rules of proceedings under the 1987 Constitution. The Senate follows the Rules of the Senate, and the House of Representatives follows its own Rules of the House.

Who speaks on behalf of the Blocs in the Plenary Sessions?

The floor leaders, namely the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader of each chamber. In the Senate, the Majority Leader is Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (Independent, a former Bukidnon 3rd District representative, Majority Leader again since June 3, 2026) and the Minority Leader is Alan Peter Cayetano (Independent, Senate President from May 11 to June 3, 2026 before losing the numbers). In the House, the Majority Leader is Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte 1st District, son of President Marcos, made Majority Leader in July 2025) and the Minority Leader is Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps Party-list).

Name 3 elected Senators.

Win Gatchalian (NPC), the current Senate President. Tito Sotto (NPC), Senate President Pro Tempore since June 17, 2026 and Senate President from September 8, 2025 until his ouster on May 11, 2026. Migz Zubiri (Independent), the Senate Majority Leader. Other senators include Risa Hontiveros (Akbayan), Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal), Ping Lacson, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito (NPC) and Erwin Tulfo (Lakas).