PPG (Legislative, Executive, Judicial, and Elections and Party-List

The Executive Branch

  • Composed of three offices:

    • The Office of the President

    • The Office of the Vice President

    • The Executive Department

  • Various departments implement policies and programs to address the people's needs, each headed by a cabinet secretary.

  • The President oversees several sectors including:

    • Philippine National Police (PNP)

    • Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

    • TESDA, CHED

    • PhilHealth, GSIS, SSS, Pag-IBIG Fund

  • Primary role: Enforce laws created by the legislature and implement policies for national improvement.

  • The Office of the Vice President (OVP) holds no power but serves to replace the President if necessary.

The Legislative Branch

The Senate

  • Composed of 24 members elected as the highest law-making body, with specific roles assigned (e.g., health, security).

  • Half are elected every 6 years; can serve up to two consecutive terms (12 years).

  • Qualifications:

    • 35 years of age

    • Read and write

    • Registered voter

    • Natural-born Filipino

    • Residence in the Philippines for the last two years before the election

The House of Representatives

  • Lower part of Congress with 316 seats: 253 Representatives (territorial) and 63 Party List (sectoral).

  • Elected every 3 years, can serve up to three consecutive terms.

  • Qualifications:

    • 25 years of age

    • Read and write

    • Registered voter

    • Natural-born Filipino

    • Residence in the Philippines for one year before the election

Law Making Process

  • A proposed law (Bill) is introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives.

  • Undergoes three readings:

    • 1st Reading: Shared and debated.

    • 2nd Reading: If approved, amendments can be made.

    • 3rd Reading: Final vote; no amendments allowed.

  • If both houses pass differing versions, a Conference Committee resolves issues before sending it to the President.

  • The President may sign the bill or veto it. Congress can override a veto with a 67% majority vote.

The Judicial Branch

The Judicial System

  • Supreme Court is the highest court, handling appeals and overturning lower court judgments.

  • Specialized courts include:

    • Sandiganbayan (corruption cases)

    • Regional Trial Courts

    • District Courts

    • Metropolitan and Municipal Trial Courts

Shari'a Courts

  • Specialized for cases dealing with Muslim laws.

Party-List System

  • Represents minority groups in Congress, comprising 20% of House seats (63 representatives).

Examples of Party Lists

  • Address specific societal needs (e.g., women, indigenous people).

Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

  • Regulates elections and oversees the election period, considered powerful versus other branches.

Elections in the Philippines

Voting Requirements

  • Must be 18 years old, a Filipino citizen, and a resident of the voting locality for at least 1 year.

Election Process

  • Conducted every 2nd Monday of May:

    • Presidential elections every 6 years.

    • Congressional elections every 3 years.

  • Voters receive and cast votes using standard ballots and scanning machines for vote counting.

Vote Counting and Proclamation

  • Officially handled by COMELEC, with two non-partisan bodies recognized for unofficial counting.

  • In case of ties, options include recounts, declaring failure of elections, or a coin toss per electoral code.

Issues in Philippine Elections

  • Challenges include voter education, corruption, and manipulation of electoral data.