Summary
Highlights
Inherent powers are those necessary for the President and Congress to get their jobs done. These include police power (protecting public health and safety), power of taxation (imposing and collecting taxes), and power of eminent domain (taking private property for public use).
The power to make laws is a core function of Congress. A bill must address only one subject, expressed in its title. The process involves bill filing, first reading, committee hearings, calendaring for second reading, second reading with debates and amendments, voting on second reading, third reading, referral to the other chamber, bicameral conference for differing versions, and finally, submission to the President. The President can approve it, veto it (which can be overridden by Congress), or let it lapse into law if no action is taken within 30 days.
Congress exercises the power of taxation, mandated to have a progressive system where higher incomes pay higher taxes. Certain entities are exempt from tax, including charitable institutions, churches, mosques, non-profit cemeteries, and specific lands, buildings, and improvements directly used for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. Congress requires a majority concurrence to pass tax exemptions.
The power of the purse allows Congress to control public funds, much like how a parent controls an allowance. Public funds can only be spent with an appropriation law. Congress can refuse to increase the budget recommended by the President and cannot appropriate public funds for religious purposes. The Philippine budget process involves four phases: preparation by the executive, legislation by Congress, execution by agencies, and accountability by the executive.
No international treaty or agreement is valid without the agreement of two-thirds of the Senate members. Congress also has the sole power to declare the existence of war, requiring a two-thirds vote from both houses in a joint session, voting separately.
In times of war or national emergency, Congress can authorize the President to exercise necessary powers for a limited period, subject to congressional restrictions. These emergency powers can be withdrawn by a congressional resolution.
Congress determines its own rules of procedure for conducting sessions, electing officers, and imposing penalties. They also have the power to conduct inquiries: legislative inquiries (to gather information for legislation, with limitations against aiding prosecution) and question hours (to obtain information from department heads, who are not required to appear against their will or when prohibited by the president).