How a bill become a law in the Philippines

Summary

The video script outlines the legislative process in the Philippines, detailing how a bill becomes law. It explains the role of Congress, divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the stages a bill undergoes, including committee deliberation, plenary debates, and readings. The process may involve a bicameral conference committee to reconcile differences between the two chambers. Once approved by both houses, the bill is sent to the President for signature, potentially becoming law upon his approval and publication in an official gazette or newspaper.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The legislative process in the Philippines begins with a bill filed in Congress, which is then subject to a series of reviews and amendments.
• 📖 The Congress of the Philippines is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, both playing crucial roles in the bill's journey to becoming law.
• 📝 A bill, or 'proposed legislation', is introduced to address a societal problem and is crafted to provide a solution through new law.
• 🗣️ Bills undergo three readings in the House of Representatives, with each stage involving different levels of scrutiny and debate.
• 📑 The first reading involves the bill's introduction and referral to an appropriate committee for detailed deliberation and potential edits.
• 🔍 Committee members engage with experts and resource persons during technical working groups to refine the bill's provisions.
• 🗳️ Following committee approval, the bill proceeds to plenary sessions where it is sponsored and defended by the main proponent against questions and potential amendments.
• 🗯️ The plenary stage allows for debate and amendments, culminating in a vote to approve the bill in its final form for second reading.
• 📚 In the second reading, members vote on the bill's approval, and if successful, it moves to a third reading with at least three days' notice for review.
• 📝 The third reading is the final vote to approve the bill, after which it is transmitted to the Senate for concurrence or further action.
• 🤝 If the House and Senate disagree, a bicameral conference committee is formed to reconcile differences and produce a unified version of the bill.
• 🏢 Once both chambers agree, the bill is enrolled, signed by legislative officials, and sent to the President for signature or veto.
• ✅ Upon the President's signature, the bill becomes law and takes effect following publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Q & A

What is the initial step for a bill to become a law in the Philippines?

The initial step is for a member of Congress to file a bill, which is a proposed legislation identifying a societal problem and providing a solution.

How is the Congress of the Philippines structured?

The Congress of the Philippines is divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives, composed of district and party list representatives, and the Senate, composed of senators.

What is the role of a committee in the legislative process?

A committee is a body within the House of Representatives that focuses on specific topics for legislation. It deliberates on the provisions of the bill, brings in experts, and edits the bill if necessary, culminating in a committee report.

What happens after a bill is approved by the committee?

An approved committee report is referred to the Committee on Rules, which schedules it for sponsorship, interpolation, and amendments at the plenary level.

What is the significance of the plenary in the legislative process?

The plenary, composed of all members of the House, is where the bill is sponsored by the main proponent and defended against questions and potential amendments from fellow members.

What are the key questions that members of the House may ask during the plenary?

Members may ask whether there is a real problem, how the bill solves the problem, if it's the best approach available, and if the bill is constitutional.

What is the purpose of the second reading of a bill?

The purpose of the second reading is for all members to vote to approve the bill in its final form, after which it is set for consideration on third reading.

What is required before a bill is considered on third reading?

At least three days before the third reading, printed copies of the bill are distributed to all members of the House for their review.

What happens if the Senate and the House do not agree on the provisions of a bill?

A bicameral conference committee is created, composed of representatives from both chambers, to harmonize the differences and produce an amended or new version of the bill.

What are the president's options after receiving a bill for his signature?

The president can either sign the bill as it is, sign it with vetoed items (rejecting certain provisions), or veto the bill outright.

When does a bill signed by the president become law?

A bill signed by the president becomes law after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.