Ching, Catherine13, 2010 Dinaque, Keren A52 Espiritu, Nikka Guzman, Clarisse October LEGISLA – The Third Republic (1946-1972) HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION On April, 1946, elections were held in the Philippines. The Democratic Alliance won the election but they were not allowed to proceed to their seats for the accusation that the election was manipulated by the use of coercion. The United States ceased its sovereignty over the Philippines on July 4, 1946 by the power of the Treaty of General Relations signed by the US and the Philippines. Manuel Roxas (from the Liberal Party), having been inaugurated as President, and strengthened political and economic ties with the United States. The Philippines remained highly dependent on the US markets as evident in the controversial Philippine-US Trade Act. In March, 1947, the Philippines and the United States signed a military assistance pact which allowed the US to participate equally in the exploitation of the country's natural resources and rented sites for 23 military bases to the US for 99 years. World War II had left the Philippines demoralized and severely damaged. The seven congresses under the Third Republic were expected to play a significant role in uplifting the country from its unfortunate devastation and in strengthening the nation politically, economically, and even culturally as a newly-independent country. The congresses of the Third Republic were among the most influential legislatures in the Third World and exhibited significant performance in crafting rules and policies that served as the foundation of the Philippine rule-making body The Third Republic covered five Philippine presidents, excluding the tendentious dictator, Ferdinand Marcos whose ascension to the seat for presidency marked the end of the Third Republic. The first president of the newly-independent state was Manuel Roxas who ran as the nominee of the liberal wing of the Nacionalista Party. He won 54 percent of the vote and the Liberal Party won a majority in the legislature. He was able to get rehabilitation funds from the US and was forced to concede military bases. He imposed trade restrictions for the Philippine citizens and grant special privileges for foreign property owners and investors. His administration was accused of graft and corruption and the wrongdoings of the provincial military police led to the rise of the Huk rebellion. He died of heart attack which led to the succession of his vicepresident, Elpidio Quirino (LP) in office in 1948. The following year, he ran for presidency against Jose P. Laurel (NP) in which he won in a four-year term. The Quirino administration was highly characterized by the prevalence of communist HUKBALAHAP movement. In the election of 1953, Magsaysay won over the Sec. the present Congress of the Philippines shall be known as the First Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.000 acts were passed into law. Approved. All laws enacted by the said Congress on or after said date shall be serially numbered beginning with number one and shall be known as Republic Acts. 2. DYNAMICS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC The amendment of the 1935 Constitution. By the approval of Republic Act No. Carlos P. The system of checks and balances featured a bicameral legislature. This Act shall take effect as of July four. 1946. Sec. As of the date of the proclamation of the Republic of the Philippines on the fourth day of July.incumbent Elpidio Quirino. supported by Manuel Quezon. The second Congress of the Commonwealth was the existing congress when the Philippines was granted its independence. . 6 AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT AS OF THE DATE OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES THE PRESENT CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE FIRST CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Section 1. various attempts have been made to increase the size of the House of Representatives. Garcia was seated as president right after Magsaysay's death. Diosdado Macapagal was the last president of the Third Republic whose foreign policy sought closer relations with neighboring Asian nations. His administration was famous for the “Filipino first” policy arguing that the Filipino people should be given the chances to improve the country's economy. One attempt was the Redistricting Bill of 1961 (RA 3040) which was passed by the Fourth Congress. REPUBLIC ACT No. Lower House – composed of not more than 120 representatives elected by district according to population for a term of four years. His administration lost popularity because of issues of corruption. It separated the government into three branches namely: executive. legislative and judiciary. It is composed of two Houses namely: 1. nineteen hundred and forty-six. nineteen hundred and forty-six. It was in this administration that Independence Day was changed from July 4 to June 12 in commemoration of Emilio Aguinaldo's proclamation of independence in 1898. As the population of the Philippines increased and the creation of. 3. August 5. over 6. but was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. which took place in 1939 resulted to a shift from a unicameral model to a bicameral model of legislature. Throughout the transition of seven congresses during the entire period from 1946 to 1972. this present congress was known as the First Congress of the Republic of the Philippines. 6. 3. Legislators may enact laws but is limited with regards to laws which may possibly go against the freedom of the people. A joint session is assembled by the vote of all the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives voting separately – they could propose amendments to the Constitution or call a convention for that purpose. they must give up their seats in the legislature. a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected. on the day of the election. and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the election. The power of impeachment. CONGRESS'S LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUENT POWERS 1. a registered voter. and. (Section 3. 5. The power to determine the character. religion) are prohibited. on the day of the election. 2. 6. 2. 2. The Congress was prohibited from passing laws which made certain crimes punishable even if they were committed before the specific law punishing that crime was passed. Laws which are explicitly biased (i. except the party-list representatives. 4.e. able to read and write. Each senator has a term of 6 years with 8 senators elected every 2 years. 8. Legislators are not allowed to hold any other office in the government concurrent with their term as elected legislators. felony and breaches of peace. They are immune from arrest except in cases involving treason. 7. No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and. Legislators are not allowed to appropriate money to any religious group. The constitution also prohibited the Congress from passing any law which impaired the obligations imposed by contracts. . Legislators were also not allowed to have any financial interest in any contract with the government.No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and. Article VI of the 1987 Constitution) LIMITATIONS OF LEGISLATORS 1. These amendments were incorporated into the Constitution after the ratification by the people in an election. and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election. If they prefer another job in government office. is at least twenty-five years of age. able to read and write. is at least thirty-five years of age. Upper House – composed of 24 senators elected at large by qualified voters. The legislature is not allowed to pass any law creating aristocracy and oligarchy. the proceedings of which consist of: (a) Indictment: the impeachment of the accused by at least 2/3 vote of all the members of the House of Representatives. structure or mode of operation of the government. Special sessions could be called by the President before or after the regular session – could not be longer than 30 days exclusive of Sundays. Civil Service. The last three congresses of the Third Republic wound up with a president at odds with the majority in Congress. Manuel Quezon tried to altered it to a system where the legislative body is subordinate to the executive. relief and rehabilitation were the primary issues. 2. most of the members of the legislature. The sole power to declare war. joint canvassing committees every election) 4. . sub-committees – tasked to parcel the work of standing or special committees.e. Commerce and Industry. although this could be changed as Congress saw fit. Special temporary committees 3.e. CONGRESS'S NON-LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUENT POWERS 1. The Liberal Party was born in this era when Manuel Roxas ran for president. The power to ratify treaties entered into by the executive – the concurrence of 2/3 of all the members of the Senate was necessary before a treaty negotiated by the President or his representatives could have force and become part of the laws of the land. These parties became machines for elections rather than supporting specific policies or stands on issues. This was not always the case for the reason that some personal reasons caused members of the legislature to block the president's legislative agenda. Banks and Corporations. Agriculture. They commenced their regular sessions every fourth Monday of January. Every Congress had four regular sessions lasting for 100 days. joint committees (i. NP and LP had similar platforms which are antiCommunist. ISSUES FACED BY THE CONGRESS During the First Republic. Party politics was also very rampant during the era of the Third Republic. excluding Sundays. First Congress (1946-1949) Since the Philippines was just starting to recover from the devastation of World War II. Congress with the concurrence of 2/3 of all the members of each House. Appropriations. The power to pass upon the appointments made by the President. The government was . and the elected presidents came from the same party – fostering cooperation in both branches of the government. A two-party system was in effect although both parties. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES The Congress of the Philippines followed a certain schedule for the session of both houses. The Third Republic was pretty much characterized by an arch rivalry between the Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party.(b) Trial of the accused by the Senate where conviction required at least ¾ vote of all the members. during the Third Republic. However. Codes. the Malolos constitution provided for a legislature stronger than the executive. COMMITTEES 1. Education) 2. Accounts. Artivle VI of the 1935 Constitution. Standing or permanent committees (i.Section 29. The continuity of the sessions could be broken for a time in agreement of both Houses. 3. Avelino (LP) Mariano Jesus L. The Nacionalist Party spoke out against Roxas (a member of the Liberal Party) and accused him of setting up a dictatorship. 1949 Special Joint Session: December 13. 1949 Senate President ProMelecio Arranz (LP) Tempore: Majority Floor Leader: Tomas L. 1946 Second Regular Session: January 27 to May 22.also dealing with the domestic insurgency of the Huks who were asking for social justice. Aside from the candidates fielded by both parties for the Congress. Many prewar legislators were jailed and accused of collaboration with the Japanese. 1948 Fourth Regular Session: January 24 to May 19. 1949 LEGISLATION . thus reducing the number of skilled legislators who could serve the First Congress. Sr. Roxas died in 1948 and his vice president. (NP. Perez (LP. There were also issues of corruption in his administration and not geared towards service for the people. Garcia (NP) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker: Eugenio P. 4th District Pangasinan) SESSIONS The First Congress of the Philippines First Regular Session: July 5 to September 18. Cuenco (LP). the Democratic Alliance – which was supported by the Huks and the Popular Front ran for seats in the Congress. 1st District La Union) Majority Floor Leader: Raul Leuterio (LP. 1948 Second Special Session: June 14 to June 26. 1947 Third Regular Session: January 26 to May 20. 2nd District Pangasinan) Speaker Pro-Tempore: Francisco Ortega (LP. elected February 21. The first post-war election took place on April 23. Manuel Roxas won the position for presidency and the Liberal party dominated the Congress. linked with the Tydings Rehabilitation Act which needed constitutional amendment which would grant the Americans the same rights to exploit Philippine natural resources. One significant legislation during the First Congress was the Bell Trade Act. Another was the Military Bases Agreement which leased Philippine bases to the Americans. 1946 First Special Session: September 25 to September 30. The Liberal Party fielded Manuel Roxas (for president) and Elpidio Quirino (for vice-president) to go against Nacionalista Party's Sergio Osmeña (for president). 1946. MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS SENATE President of the Senate: Jose D. Cabili (LP) Minority Floor Leader: Carlos P. The decline of the First Congress was brought about internal party politics. Primicias. Elpidio Quirino took over. Lone District Mindoro) Minority Floor Leader: Cipriano P. 11 Act to prohibit the slaughtering of male and female carabaos. 265 Created Central Bank RA No. 16 An act authorizing the president of the Philippines to obtain such loans or incur indebtedness with the government of the United States and its agencies. RA No. 330 Authorized the president of the Philippines to establish a system of import controls RA No. 73 An act to submit to the Filipino people. 343 Required the teaching of Spanish language in . 1 An act of appropriating funds for the operation of the government. RA No. RA No.421 laws passed: Republic Act No. RA No. horses. 2 An act of appropriating fifty thousand pesos to defray the expenses of a state funeral for Manuel Quezon and for the erection of a mausoleum. 115 Reforestation of parts of the Philippines RA No. 1 to 421 SOME IMPORTANT LAWS PASSED DURING THE FIRST CONGRESS REPUBLIC ACT DESCRIPTION RA No. 5 The establishment of the National Coconut Corporation. mares and cows. 10 An act penalizing usurpation of public authority RA No. of National Defense RA No. 3 Allowed the continuation of the Philippine Tariff Law of 1909 RA No. RA No. 71 An act requiring price tags or labels to be affixed on all articles of commerce offered for sale. RA No. RA No. 9 Republic of the Philippines Military Assistance Act RA No. 311 Abolished the People's Court RA No. 7 An act to establish the foreign funds control office and for other purposes. for approval or disapproval. 337 Regulation of banks RA No. 85 Rehabilitation Finance Corporation RA No. the amendment to the Constitution of the Philippines. 296 Systematized the judiciary (Judiciary Act of 1948) RA No. RA No. 65 Created Veterans Board in the Dept. In 1953. Sr. elected April 17. Briones (LP).1949.high school. So in 1951. elected May 20. Abada was replaced by Manuel C. 1953 Majority Floor Leader: Raul Centeno (LP) Minority Floor Leader: Carlos P. elected March 5. 1953 Jose C. elected March 5. 1952 Camilo O. From Jose Avelino who was replaced after 17 days to Quintin Paredes. elected April 30. the Liberal Party was able to grab the 8 seats which were open in the Senate. elected April 17. The legitimacy of Quirino administration was slowly declining due to the previously held elections which was said to be dirty. Rodriguez. 1953 Manuel C. Paredes (LP) Esteban R. Paredes became the pro tempore chair but he was also replaced by Esteban Abada. Cuenco (LP) Quintin B. Quirino was proclaimed president. Fernando Lopez as the Vice president by the outgoing Congress. elected May 7. Second Congress (1950-1953) The elections held on November 8. Briones. 1952 Jose C. Zulueta. 1953 Senate President Pro-Tempore: Quintin B. Market Stalls Act of 1946 Nationalized retail trade in markets by granting Filipino citizens preference in leasing public market stalls. elected April 17. 1952 Camilo O. Jose Laurel Jr. Senate President of the Senate: Mariano Jesus L. 1953 Eulogio A. elected April 30. (NP). Zulueta (NP). Zulueta (NP). Briones (LP). during the Second Congress was said to be fraudulent. (NP). to Osias who was then replaced by Jose Zulueta also in 1952. Rodriguez. Garcia (NP) . 1952 Eulogio A. Paredes (LP). Abada (LP). and then Briones by Jose C. Quirino’s party. The person who was handling the Senate president kept on being changed. elected April 30. Here the Nacionalista candidates won all the eight available seats for senator. National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) was created by the citizens and was assigned to look after the ballots. they were also able to win 68 out of 102 seats in the House of Representatives. Eugenio Perez was speaker of the lower house while Raul Centeno was majority floor leader. 1952 Manuel C. Osias (NP). Domingo Veloso was speaker pro tempore. was the minority floor leader. Osias (NP). Osias became SP as again who was then replaced by Jose Zulueta. Sr. 634 . municipalities and barrios Handle communism threats and radical groups such as the Huks Handle threats Investigate corruption The Second congress successfully made 552 acts from 1950 until 1953. 1951 Fourth Special Session: January 8 – January 19. 1951 Third Regular Session: January 28 – May 22. Most of these acts were geared towards the creation of public utilities.R. 1950 Third Special Session: December 4. 1951 Fifth Special Session: May 21 – May 29. 1952 Sixth Special Session: June 23 – July 15. 541 – increased the AFP to fight/control the Huks . 1950 – January 6.R. 2nd District Pangasinan) Speaker Pro-Tempore: Domingo Veloso (LP. Laurel. 1950 First Regular Session: January 23 – May 18. The second congress also amended some of the acts which were created by the First congress. 3rd District Batangas) Sessions: First Special Session: December 30. (NP. 1953 Joint Session: December 8.R. Tydings and Mcduffe . cities and municipalities as well as barrios.A.R.R. Some of the important acts included: .R. 875 – Magna Carta of Labor (enabled workers to form unions) . bureaus and offices . 2nd District La Union) Majority Floor Leader: Raúl Leuterio (LP. 422 – authorization of the government for the reorganization of executive departments. 1952 Fourth Regular Session: January 26.A.Filipino citizenship for Sen. 1949 – January 5.A.House of Representatives Speaker: Eugenio Perez (LP. 1953 – May 21. 1951 Second Regular Session: January 22 – May 17.A. 613 – Export Control Law . Lone District Oriental Mindoro) Minority Floor Leader: Jose B.A. 1952 Seventh Special Session: November 4 – November 8.A. 1950 Second Special Session: August 1 – August 25. 602 – Minimum Wage Law . 1953 Committees established: NAMFREL (created by the citizens) Cattle Industry Social and Agrarian Problems National Capital Town Planning CUFA Guerilla Affairs Blue Ribbon Committee To guard ballots Support economy Consider setting up a new area at QC Creation of cities. Jr. Primicias. became president of the Philippines after the November 11. Romualdez (NP. Sr. this is probably because his administration focused on socioeconomic reforms. 3rd District Batangas) Speaker Pro-Tempore: Daniel Z. NAMFREL along with some pressure from the US. The third congress made 1077 acts from 1954 until 1957.Most of them were about economic and social reforms.Magsaysay’s closeness with the US did not prevent him from being popular with the people.The second congress also agreed to the sending of Philippine forces to Korea (PEFTOK) for the Korean War. Briones (NP) Majority Floor Leader: Cipriano P. Tañada (CP) House of Representatives Speaker: Jose B. Tolentino (NP. (NP. Committees were also established in order to further address socioeconomic problems. Senate President of the Senate: Eulogio A. (NP) Minority Floor Leader: Lorenzo N. Daniel Romualdez was speaker pro tempore. Jr. 1954 . while Eugenio Perez (the only one from LP) became minority floor leader. 1954. 2nd District Pangasinan) Sessions: First Regular Session: January 25 – May 20. (NP) Senate President Pro-Tempore: Manuel C. Sr. 1954 First Special Session: July 19 – August 3. Third Congress (1953-1957) Ramon Magsaysay. Laurel. prevented the reoccurrence of dirty elections which happened in 1949. a former LP. Aklan was established as a province in 1956 which added another member to the House of Representatives making it 103. 4th District Leyte) Majority Floor Leader: Arturo M. 3rd District Manila) Minority Floor Leader: Eugenio Perez (LP. 1953 elections. Eulogio Rodriguez became the Senate president. Arturo Tolentino became majority floor leader. Manuel Briones was president pro tempore while Jose Laurel Jr. Rodriguez. The NP became dominant both in the executive and the legislative branches. was speaker of the house. The first regular session was held on January 25. A. This resulted to a conflict in the passing of bills. 1957 Joint Session: December 10.A. Fourth Congress (1958-1961) As the 1957 elections proclaimed Carlos P..A. 1956 Third Special Session: June 21 – July 25.A. 1909 – Phil. Primicias Sr. . It was primarily led by senate president Eulogio A. 1792 – Social Security Act . Manuel Briones.R.R. Coastwide shipping act of 1956 . the bicameral legislature continued its experimentation with the Philippine government. All of which came from .R. find new sources Some of the important acts included: . 1955 Second Special Session: July 7 – August 10. Garcia as the 8 th president of the Philippines. the congress targeted the discouragement of foreign investments by passing nationalization proposals. 1957 – May 23. 1130– Anti-dummy act (prevent foreigners from using Filipinos in avoiding Phil. Second Regular Session: January 24 – May 19.R.R.R. While Magsaysay wanted to focus on land reform. 1956 Fourth Regular Session: January 28. 1294– Artisan Well act of 1955 . laws) . the president pro tempore which would entail the replacement of the senate president role in case of absence. The fourth congress started in 1958 up until 1961. 1955 Third Regular Session: January 23 – May 17.Rizal Act – included studying of Noli Me tangere and El Filibusterismo in High school curriculum .R.A. 1957 Some committees which were established: Court of Agrarian Relations Abaca Corporation of the Philippines National Marketing Corporation Board of Travel and Tourist Industry National Civil defense administration Commission on National Integration Board of National Education Philippine Nuclear Energy Commission Ensure justice in agrarian reforms Protect abaca farmers and workers Address problem of stabilizing prices Monitor tourists (foreign and local) Peace and order problems.A. The majority floor leader is Cipriano P. 1700 – outlawed the Communist Party of the Phils. and Huk uprisings Address problem of lack or representation of minority groups Monitor the status of national education in the country Monitor amount of nuclear energy. 1180 – Retail trade nationalization law (establishment of Filipino Retailers’ Fund) . Rodriguez Sr.A. 1789 – Reparations Act (national policy for procurement and utilization of war reparations from Japan) The congress did not really recognize Magsaysay as the president because of his switching of parties (From LP to NP) and because of his close ties with the US. the legislature passed R. the R. 2259. Constancio Castaneda of Tarlac’s second district. Ferdinand Marcos. The legislature has supported this. Senators such as Oscar Ledesma. the minority leader.A. On other economic aspects.2370 called the Barrio Autonomy Act. The laws posed guidance and requirements on such professions especially the indications of minimum wages. has produced 1. This act is called the Local Autonomy Act. The Speaker pro tempore.1 to include the US veterans in the Philippines as beneficiaries. Cavite. vice-mayor and councilors in chartered cities. Emmanuel Pelaez. Recto. With the US veterans’ presence in the country. 2260 and R. Among all the said leaders of the House of Representatives.the Nacionalista Party. Some of it are focused on the Filipino’s incentives to contribute to the economy. Arturo Tolentino. There are two acts pertaining to this subject. The domination of the Nacionalista Party is also very much evident on the members of the senate themselves. one informal meeting and one joint session. who was later replaces by Ambrosio Padilla are both from the Liberal Party. 2664 to take good care of the Filipino World War II Veterans by giving benefits and pensions.401 laws namely the Republic Acts 2050 to 3450. Alejandro Almendras. 2382. respectively. regulating the election in such cities and fixing the salaries and tenure of such offices. Gil Puyat. The lower house on the other hand has Daniel Romualdez from 4 th district Leyte as the House Speaker. 77 were members of the NP. But the law. Such are the political improvements made by the 4th legislature. Out of 24 seats. It channels a better development for the credit system by extending it to the city and provincial development banks.A. In alignment with the Filipino First Policy. It is made to be a replacement for Rehabilitation Finance Corporation. Civil Service Act and Medical Act. Along . 2081 established the Development Bank of the Philippines. the rest were part of the Nacionalista Party. three special sessions. It’s ultimate intention though is to increase the productivity of corn and rice by the accessible credits. Claro M. The bill was approved last June 19. And Out of 103 seats from the lower house.” The law basically eradicated the appointive means of selecting local leaders. did not apply to certain cities like Manila. The Congress all in all. Regulating professions is also one of the key feature of the laws passed by the 4th congress.A. Trece Martires and Tagaytay.A. One of its noted laws passed is the R. the RA 2264 allowed the reconstruction of the governance of the local governments through the grant of autonomy and therefore autonomous hold on finances. In relation to this aspect. only Villareal was a member of the Liberal Party.A. at that time. saying that it is an “Act making elective the offices of the mayor. 23 are members of the Nacionalista Party. five seats were taken by the party members. And that it was composed of four regular sessions. it was also agreed upon in the Joint Resolution No. 1959. But what the laws focused upon is President Garcia’s “Filipino First Policy”. during the 1959 senatorial elections. Medical Act distinctly emphasized the requirements for the admissions. Also. Jose Aldeguer of Iloilo as the majority leader and Cornelio Villareal as the minority leader. Lorenzo Tanada (who’s actually a member of Nationalist-Citizen’s Party that’s slightly influenced by the NP) and many more. Smaller units like the barrios were also given power with R. the R.A. Romualdez (NP. Fernandez (LP) House of Representatives Speaker: Daniel Z. elected on April 5. the subcommitteeof Government operations made inquiries on the governance to compare it with the public clamor. Rodriguez. Lone District Cavite) Minority Floor Leader: Cornelio T. Sr. Primicias. Other laws passed. 2nd District Capiz). but the lower house had 72 NP’s out of the 103 representatives.A. 2nd District Capiz) Daniel Z. During this time. Sr. 4th District Leyte) Cornelio T. (NP) Ferdinand E. effect genuine land reform and a socioeconomic program in order for the nation to flourish. The Fifth Congress (1961-1965) The Fifth Congress was the meeting of the legislature of the Republic of the Philippines. that can be seen until the present congress originated from this time. elected March 9. Under the committee on Good Government. 1962 The Senate was divided between Nacionalista Party and Liberal Party. Villareal (LP. Tolentino (NP) Minority Floor Leader: Estanislao A. 1962 until December 17 1965. but not in the Legislature in the 1961 election.with this. The Liberal Party was brought back to power in the presidency. composed of the Senate and House of the Representatives from January 22. Diosdado Macapagal was elected in the presidential seat with the plans to eradicate corruption in the government. And lastly. the Veterans Foundation of the Philippines was established to organize these veteran organizations in one whole system. the 14 th Congress was able to make a feedback system in order to keep the public informed. 3060 that screens the movies and designating ratings upon them. In the Senate. Romualdez (NP. Amang . 1963 Senate President Pro-Tempore: Fernando Lopez (NP) Majority Floor Leader: Cipriano P. The leaders of the Fifth Congress include: Senate President of the Senate: Eulogio A. Pendatun (LP. Villareal (LP. Marcos (LP). Montano (LP. 4th District Leyte) elected March 9. (NP) Arturo M. 1962 Speaker Pro-Tempore: Salipada K. One of those is the establishment of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures or R. Lone District Cotabato) Majority Floor Leader: Justiniano S. 1965 Sixth Special Session: June 30 – July 12.A 3040. established the Bureau of Agricultural Economics to systematize . Foreign Trade and Tourism. Daniel Z. reorganized the House and the Commission on Appointments that is why there existed two commissions. 1962 Second Regular Session: January 28 – May 23.A 4221. Reparations. of the LP. These include: R. 1965 First Joint Session: March 1 – May 5. 1964 Fourth Regular Session: January 25 – May 20. In 1920. was an attempt to apportion an allowed 120 seats by the Constitution throughout the country. created the National Irrigation Administration. Immigration and Naturalization. The new committees that was created during the term of office of the lower house of the Fifth Congress were those on Economic Affairs. continued on as the speaker of the House until March 1962. the Fifth Congress was still able to pass a total of 1. 1965 Fifth Special Session: May 21 – June 24. The House of Representatives was enlarged to 106 members with the separation of Samar into 3 provinces. The Liberal Party then after gaining the majority seats. one NP and the other LP. from Nacionalista Party. R.A 3627. but the House of Representatives was split. A number of NP’s defected to the Liberal Party’s Allied Majority without giving up their party membership. but he was then replaced by Ferdinand Marcos in 1963.A 3591. War Veterans and Scientific and Technical and Scientific development.A 3601. Good Government. until the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the first Nacionalista Party commission. from Liberal Party. but unfortunately the act was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. 1965 Second Joint Session: December 14 – December 17. after party switching and realignments. when he was replaced by Cornelio Villareal. Constitutional Amendments. The sessions of the Fifth Congress of the Philippines include: First Regular Session: January 22 – May 17. The LP managed to obtain a majority with the NP’s defectors. National Minorities. and Justiniano Montano was the majority leader. Despite the crisis in party control. The Liberal Party was the ruling party at the time with Macapagal as the president. Pendatun. 1964 Third Special Session: June 26 – July 8. 1964 Fourth Special Session: August 3 – August 15. which created the Philippine Deposit and Insurance. Many of the laws passed dealt with the economy. R. but not until after the NP members of the House organized various committees and elected their people to the Commission of Appointments. 1965 A crisis was developed during the first session of this Congress because of the impasse in the Senate. Eastern Samar and Western Samar as stated in R. Fernando Lopez was Senate president pro tempore throughout the term. Romualdez. 1963 Third Regular Session: January 27 – May 21. two Commissions on Appointments came into existence because of the power struggle between the Nacionalistas and the Liberals. R. Games and Amusements. 1964 Second Special Session: May 22 – June 25.192 acts during its regular and special sessions from 1962 to 1965. 1963 First Special Session: June 10 – July 12. namely Northern Samar. The speaker pro tempore was Salipada K.Rodriguez continues as the Senate President. nurses and civic action personnel.P.A 4419. government policy to promote the education to blind. regulated social work R.A 3661. required hospital to secure government licenses. authorized the City of Manila to create the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila The Fifth Congress also gave attention to Filipino veterans. created the National Water and Air Commission R.A 3562. 4165. R.A 4209. These laws include: R. the Private Development Banks Act R. prohibited the cutting of trees in plaza. the U. R. comprehensive Land Transportation and Traffic Code.A 3870. authorized the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and Carp Murphy and Fort Mckinley were renamed as Camp Aguinaldo and Fort Bonifacio.A 4093.A 4226. which is composed of doctors. The Food. R.A 4136. R. the Philippine Investment Incentives Act. parks. research and the compilation of statistics relating to agriculture. R.A.A 4176.A 4368. and other areas.A 368.A 4274. R. R. the National Historical Commission R. created the Philippine Science High School R. R. required contractors to be licensed. converted the Philippine Nautical School into the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy R.A 4379. R.A 3931. which is an example of how the Congress created regional development authorities to assist underdeveloped areas in the country.A 4132.A 4566.A 4162. National Commission on Culture R. Some of the laws passed also regulate various professions and businesses which had direct relations with the public.A 3720.A 3518.A 4373. the U. . Laws are also passed in the field of education: R. creation of the Northern Samar Development Authority.A 3835. armed forces. schools. regulated mining engineering. allowed the sending of the Philippine Contingent Vietnam (PHILCON).A 3571. These include: R.A 3850. R.P Institute of Mass Communications R. regulated the dental profession R.A 3765. the Truth in Lending Act. Law Center R.A 4041. an act to develop the dairy industry of the Philippines. Drugs and Cosmetics Act set standards which would protect the public in these important areas. the Agricultural Land Reform Code which provided for the government to buy private farm lands for redistribution to landless tenants on easy terms. created the Philippine Veterans Bank R. regulated the professions of geologists. R. R. ecology. and helping Southeast Asian ally. public roads. R.A 3844. The Congress blocked legislation of new taxes and related laws to carry out Macapagal’s Five Year Socioeconomic Program. In the case of the Legislature. pursuant to R. 1966 to June 17. however. Tolentino (NP) Minority Floor Leader: Ambrosio Padilla (LP) House of Representatives Speaker: Cornelio T. elected February 2. Arturo M. from NP. formerly from Liberal Party. Osias (LP) Jose J. Villareal (LP. 1967 Speaker Pro-Tempore: Salipada K. later replaced by Jose Aldeguer. Puyat (NP). In the Senate. Kalinga.. (NP. from LP. Aldeguer (NP. NP. when he was replaced by Jose Laurel Jr. The Liberals dominated the House of Representatives. Cornelio VIllareal. Pendatun (LP. In the 1965 election. Tolentino was elected Senate President. Senate President of the Senate: Arturo M. with Lorenzo Sumulong as president pro temper. Lone District Cotabato) Jose M. as the majority floor leader. 1967 Senate President Pro-Tempore: Lorenzo M. The Agrarian Reform Act of 1963 was passed only after great effort and lobbying by Macapagal. Ifugao. there was a party shift again. 5th District Iloilo) . In 1967. was replaced by Marcelino Jose. even so he had to call the Congress to seven special sessions in order to get it passed. 1969. Guanzon (NP) Arturo M. elected January 26. Salipada Pendatun continued on as Speaker Pro Tempore. Apayao and Benguet. Roy (NP) Majority Floor Leader: Jose J. This time. Tolentino (NP) Gil J. with the victory of Ferdinand Marcos. Sumulong (NP) Camilo O. 3rd District Batangas). Jr. the lower house had increased to 109 members with the division of the Mountain Province into four provinces namely. and Osias would late be replaced by Jose J. 2nd District Capiz) Jose B. Justiniano Montano. The Sixth Congress (1965-1969) This congress starts from January 17. Laurel.A 4695. Nacionalistas recapture the presidency. continued on as a Speaker of the House until February 1967. Roy in 1968. a reshuffle of power when a Nacionalista majority ensued from the Senate elections led to their replacement by Gil Puyat and Camilo Osias.More lasting and important acts were not passed for the reason that the adversarial relationship between the President and the Congress. Roy (NP) Rodolfo T. 1966 Second Special Session: May 20 – June 18. Laurel.A 4850. Jr. (NP. with the aim of drawing up a long –range socio economic plan. . Lone District Cavite) Marcelino B. created development authorities for Laguna Lake. passing a total of 1. 1968 Third Joint Session: February 20 – March 1. June 1. In 1968. R. February 27. amended the civil service act of 1959. 1967 Second Joint Session: January 30. separate acts. R. 1967 Third Regular Session: January 22 – May 16. 1968 Eighth Special Session: August 12 – August 31. monetary.A 6040. 1969 Acts was passed by this Congress dealt with economic problems plaguing the country.482 acts during its regular and special sessions from 1966 to 1969. Sessions: First Special Session: January 17 – January 22. 1967 Fourth Special Session: June 1 – July 5. 1969 Fourth Joint Session: June 11 – June 17. March 8. 1966 Third Special Session: August 15 – August 27. This was a major development and was seen as an attempt by the Congress to address the Magna Carta of Social Justice and Economic Freedom in 1969.6070.Majority Floor Leader: Justiniano S. March 14 – March 16. fiscal. 3rd District Leyte) Minority Floor Leader: Jose B. 1968 Fourth Regular Session: January 27 – May 22. 1968 Sixth Special Session: May 17 – May 28. Other acts sought to make government more efficient . 1966 Second Regular Session: January 23 – May 18. 1968 Seventh Special Session: July 8 – August 10. 1969 Ninth Special Session: June 2 – July 5. February 13. 1967 Fifth Special Session: July 17 – August 18. Montano (NP. Ilocos Sur. such as: R.6042. the lower house established the Congressional Economic Planning Office (CEPO) to make studies on industrial.A 5724. which proposed a selfsufficient economic system which gave more importance to the country’s needs rather than the needs of a select few. It also had the most number of special sessions – nine in all. April 25. sought to develop the metal industry of the Philippines and push the Philippines towards industrialization. Veloso (NP. and foreign trade policies. 3rd District Batangas) This Congress was the most productive of the Congress of the Third Republic. 1966 First Joint Session: April 25. 1966 First Regular Session: January 24 – May 19. Sulu and other areas. R.A 5921. creation of the Department of Social Welfare R. R.A 6038.A 4914. Seventh Congress (1970-1972) Ferdinand Marcos. the other one was Ramon Mitra Jr. authorized the president to reorganize the executive branch of government with the assistance of as special commission.A 4652.A 4881.A 5416. created the National Electrification Administration to oversee the government’s plan to bring electricity to every barrio. R. however short it may seem. of Camarines Sur elected . Jose Roy with majority and minority leaders. Actual amendments were discussed among which was the increasing the number of representatives from 120 to 180. R. 1971.A 5166. natural gas and methane gas. establishment of constitutional convention which would amend the 1935 Constitution.A 4726. Arturo M. regulated the pharmacy in the country R. Jose Aldeguer of Iloilo on the other hand maintained its position as speaker pro tempore. created the Philippine Coast Guard R. R. of Batangas until Cornelio Villareal of Capiz was elected in April 1. authorized the president to send increased Philippine economic and technical assistance to South Vietnam R. created council for the protection of children. The amendments were submitted to the people in a plebiscite timed with the 1967 elections.A 5173. The House of Representatives on the other hand has been more prone to reelections (of the congressional leaders). Tolentino and Gerardo Roxas. 1971 and Ramon Felipe Jr. has elected three minority floor leaders. the Medical Care act of 1969. of Palawan elected last June 12. ending the third republic. The House Speaker was Jose Laurel Jr. to build and operate monorail system in the cities of Manila and Cebu . Marcelino Veloso of Leyte.A 5435.A 4913 & R. it’s pro tempore.A 5092. now a member of the Nacionalista Party was reelected for the second time and launched the seventh congress of the third republic. respectively. On this particular congress.Other laws reflected the need to regulate important and sensitive professions such as: R. The seventh congress will mark the last time where the 1935 constitution will take its place on the bicameral legislature as Ferdinand Marcos will declare Martial Law in 1972. The first one is Justiniano Montano of Cavite. but the public rejected them. R. The senate president then was Gil Puyat.A 6111. R. Other laws passed in this Congress include. regulated the profession of accountants. provide all government employees with medical insurance.However this act did not push through. The congress lasted from 1970 to 1972. defined the word condominium and set appropriate standards. R. The same thing happened with the majority leader. promotes the development of geothermal energy.A 4664. 7th Congress of the Philippines: Legislation. In total. Here are some of the first few Republic Acts made.servinghistory. excluding R. Act 6349 Rent Control Regulation 6366 Rehabilitation and Modernization of the Philippine National Railways 6551 General Appropriations Act of 1972 6395 National Power Corporation Charter Revision 6139 Regulation of Tuition and other school fees of private educational institutions Serving History. there were 43 committees left. with its short time span. achieved three regular sessions and nine special sessions. In turn. 6129 on the other hand stated the Minimum Wage Act. there are acts that are directed towards the regulation of the professions.A.last January 24. September 23. Electrification. The legislature however. R. 6597 to 6635. How different it is from the other congressional acts is that there is a fixed uniform standard of living. the 7th congress also encouraged some exports by the R. Power and Water resources. was still dominated by the Nacionalista Party.com/topics/7th_Congress_of_the_Philippines::sub::Legislati on The period was filled with mass violence and student demonstrations that eventually took a primary issue for the legislature. However. 6124 and 6361 stated a slightly fixed pricing (as it is the maximum amount that was controlled) and R. 6132 drafted the Constitutional Convention of 1971 and urged the legislators to draft a new constitution for the country. 1972 when President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law.A. the support for Marcos has extremely lessened and therefore resulted to failure. 1972. The congress not only added some but has also taken way some of the previously existing committees. The 512 acts it passed. as these are signed by Marcos and not by the legislature. For example. Every law passed is striving for and egalitarian way of living. Retrieved last October 11. All of the minority leaders are from the Liberal Party. 2010 from http://www. Health and safety measures were also taken by the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1970 and National Building Code of the Philippines. And yet even though the laws are quite linient on the domestic and internal development. They eventually have to do something about it. The latter ones are said to be intervened by the president Marcos due to the violence taking place and the lack of time (on Marcos’ side).).A. (n. There must be a minimum wage wherein everyone complies despite the variety or level in his/her profession. The congress. if one will closely look at it are slightly directed towards a socialist view. 6135.d.A. . Social Amelioration. At this time. these led to the Price Control Council and the Wage Commission.A. Hence R. the 7th congress established new committees namely. Housing and Public Order and Security. Republic Act No. lawphil.d. 2010 from http://www.com/topics/7th_Congress_of_the_Philippines:: sub::Legislation Wikipedia.d.html Serving History. 2010 from http://www.). 7th Congress of the Philippines: Legislation.(n.d.References: Arellano Law Foundation.).wikipedia.net/index. 2010 from http://en. Retrieved last October 08.servinghistory. (n. The LawPhil Project. Retrieved last October 08.). Retrieved last October 08. Congresses of the Philippines.org/wiki/Congresses_of_the_Philippines . (n.