14/06/2025
What is the purpose of the Senate?
We have senators in the Philippines to serve as part of the legislative branch of government, specifically in the Senate of the Philippines, which is one of the two chambers of Congress—the other being the House of Representatives. Here’s why senators are important:
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🔹 1. Check and Balance
Senators provide a check on both the executive and judicial branches. They review laws, investigate issues of national concern, and ensure that the President’s actions are lawful and in the country’s best interest.
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🔹 2. National Lawmaking
Unlike members of the House who represent districts, senators are elected nationwide and are expected to consider the national interest when crafting or voting on laws. They draft, debate, and pass legislation that affects the whole country.
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🔹 3. Oversight Power
Senators have the authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation. This means they can call hearings, question public officials, and expose corruption or wrongdoing in government agencies.
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🔹 4. Treaty Approval and Appointments
The Senate must ratify international treaties and agreements made by the President. It also confirms or rejects appointments to key government positions through the Commission on Appointments (which includes some senators).
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🔹 5. Impeachment Trials
The Senate acts as the impeachment court. If the House of Representatives files articles of impeachment against a high-ranking official, it is the Senate that tries and decides whether to convict or acquit.
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🔹 Quick Facts:
• There are 24 senators in the Philippines.
• They serve 6-year terms, with elections held every 3 years for half the seats (12 senators).
• Senators represent the entire Filipino nation, not just a single district or region.
