14th Congress of the Philippines
The 14th Congress of the Philippines (Filipino: Ikalabing-apat na Kongreso ng Pilipinas), composed of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, met from July 23, 2007, until June 9, 2010, during the last three years of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's presidency. The convening of the 14th Congress followed the 2007 general elections, which replaced half of the Senate membership and the entire membership of the House of Representatives. It celebrated the centennial year of the Philippine legislature.
| 14th Congress of the Philippines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||
 | |||||
| Overview | |||||
| Term | July 23, 2007 – June 9, 2010 | ||||
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo | ||||
| Vice President | Noli de Castro | ||||
| Senate | |||||
| Members | 24 | ||||
| President |
| ||||
| President pro tempore | Jinggoy Estrada | ||||
| Majority leader | Migz Zubiri | ||||
| Minority leader | Aquilino Pimentel Jr. | ||||
| House of Representatives | |||||
| Members | 270 | ||||
| Speaker |
| ||||
| Deputy Speakers | |||||
| Majority leader | Arthur Defensor Sr. | ||||
| Minority leader | Ronaldo Zamora | ||||
Events
editBatasang Pambansa bombing
editOn the evening of November 13, 2007, an explosion[1] at the South Wing of the Batasang Pambansa Complex killed six people, including Rep. Wahab Akbar (Lakas-CMD, Basilan). The other fatalities included an aide of Akbar, a driver of Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, and three aides of Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (Lakas-CMD, Negros Oriental–3rd).[2] Ten others were injured in the blast, including Reps. Ilagan and Teves.
Arroyo impeachment
editOn October 5, 2007, Lawyer Robert Pulido filed a three-page impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This complaint was considered as a ploy by Malacañang according to the opposition. It was only supported by Rep. Edgar S. San Luis (independent, 4th District Laguna). On November 4, the House Committee on Justice, dominated by pro-Arroyo lawmakers, declared as "sufficient in form" the three-page impeachment complaint against President Arroyo.[3] On November 6, the committee then deliberated whether the complaint (due to the National Broadband Network controversy) is "sufficient in substance." If the complaint was declared "sufficient in form", it would be considered as an impeachment proceeding; only one impeachment proceeding is allowed by the constitution, if the committee declares the complaint "insufficient in substance", it would give Arroyo an immunity from impeachment for a year.[4] The committee ultimately voted to trash the complaint, with minority members boycotting the hearing.[5]
Bribery scandal investigation
editOn November 13, 2007, there was also the Senate's hearing on the bribery scandal that occurred in the presidential palace.[6]
The Manila Peninsula Rebellion
editThe Manila Peninsula rebellion occurred in the Philippines on November 29, 2007. Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, General Lim and other Magdalo (mutineers) officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati, calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and seizing the second floor of The Peninsula Manila Hotel along Ayala Avenue. Former Vice-president Teofisto Guingona also joined the march to the hotel.
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim surrendered to authorities after an armored personnel carrier rammed into the lobby of the hotel.[7] Director Geary Barias declared that the standoff at the Manila Peninsula Hotel is over as Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim along with other junior officers agreed to leave the hotel and surrender to Barias after the 6 hour siege.[8] There was difficulty getting out for a while due to the tear gas that was covering the area where they were hiding.
Days after the mutiny, the Makati Regional Trial Court dismissed the rebellion charges against all 14 civilians involved in the siege, and ordered their release.
National Broadband Network Scandal
editThe Philippine National Broadband Network controversy is a political affair that centers upon allegations of corruption primarily involving Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Benjamin Abalos, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regarding the proposed government-managed National Broadband Network (NBN) for the Philippines and the awarding of its construction to the Chinese firm Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited (ZTE), a telecommunications and networking equipment provider.
The issue has captivated Filipino politics since it erupted in Philippine media around August 2007, largely through the articles of newspaper columnist Jarius Bondoc of the Philippine Star. It has also taken an interesting turn of events, including the resignation of Abalos as COMELEC chairman, the alleged bribery of congressmen and provincial governors (dubbed as "Bribery in the Palace"), the unseating of Jose de Venecia, Jr. as House Speaker, and the alleged "kidnapping" of designated National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) consultant-turned-NBN/ZTE witness Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, Jr.
The Spratly Islands Joint Exploration Agreement
editIn connection to the Philippine National Broadband Network controversy, The Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) is a tripartite agreement between the Philippines, China and Vietnam to conduct seismic exploration in an area spanning 142,886 square kilometers west of Palawan. More specifically, it is an agreement between Philippine National Oil Company -Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation (PetroVietnam), that was signed in September 2004 and took effect in July 2005.[9] JMSU has already finished the first phase of the seismic exploration which lasted from September 1 to November 16, 2006, covering 11,000 line kilometers. A Chinese vessel conducted the survey, Vietnam processed the data gathered and this was interpreted by PNOC-EC in Manila. The second phase started in October 2007, covering 11,800 line kilometers. It was supposed to end January 2008.
Charter Change
editEarly in 2008, a proposal towards federalism was raised from both members of the Senate and the House of Representatives led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. This however was later not pushed through due to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally backing the proposal.[10] Later on, allies of President Arroyo successfully passed House Resolution 1109 on June 2, 2009, by viva voce in a move to shift the government from the current presidential to parliamentary.[11] All amendments would have needed the approval of three-fourths approval of Congress.[12] The resolution was later shelved by the Senate as it has objected it being passed and due to public outcry towards it.[13]
Sessions
editLegislation
editLeadership
editSenate
edit- President:
- Manny Villar (Nacionalista), until November 17, 2008
- Juan Ponce Enrile (PMP), from November 17, 2008
- President pro tempore: Jinggoy Estrada (PMP)
- Majority Floor Leader: Migz Zubiri (Lakas)
- Minority Floor Leader: Aquilino Pimentel Jr. (PDP–Laban)
House of Representatives
edit- Speaker:
- Jose de Venecia Jr. (Pangasinan–4th, Lakas), until February 5, 2008
- Prospero Nograles (Davao City–1st, Lakas), from February 5, 2008
- Deputy Speakers:
- Luzon:
- Visayas:
- Mindanao:
- Women:
- Majority Floor Leader: Arthur Defensor Sr. (Iloilo–3rd, Lakas)
- Minority Floor Leader: Ronaldo Zamora (San Juan, NPC)
Members
editComposition
edit
| Party | Senate | House of Representatives | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagumbayan | 1 | 0 | |
| LDP | 1 | 1 | |
| Lakas–Kampi | 4 | 119 | |
| LM | 0 | 0 | |
| Lingkod Taguig | 0 | 1 | |
| Liberal | 4 | 31 | |
| Nacionalista | 3 | 25 | |
| NPC | 1 | 30 | |
| PDP–Laban | 1 | 2 | |
| PRP | 1 | 0 | |
| PMP | 2 | 3 | |
| Independent | 5 | 3 | |
| Sectoral representatives | NA | 53 | |
| Vacancies | 1 | 4 | |
| Total | 24 | 272 |
Senate
editThe following are the terms of the senators of this Congress, according to the date of election:
- For senators elected on May 10, 2004: June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2010
- For senators elected on May 14, 2007: June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2013
| Senator | Party[a] | Term | Term ending | Bloc[b] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgardo Angara | LDP | 2 | 2013 | Majority | |
| Benigno Aquino III[c] | Liberal | 1 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Joker Arroyo | Lakas | 2 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Rodolfo Biazon | Liberal | 2 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Alan Peter Cayetano | Nacionalista | 1 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Pia Cayetano | Nacionalista | 1 | 2010 | Minority | |
| Miriam Defensor Santiago | PRP | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Francis Escudero | Independent | 1 | 2013 | Majority | |
| Jinggoy Estrada | PMP | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Dick Gordon | Bagumbayan–VNP | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Gregorio Honasan | Independent | 1 | 2013 | Majority | |
| Panfilo Lacson | Independent | 2 | 2013 | Majority | |
| Lito Lapid | Lakas | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Loren Legarda | NPC | 1 | 2013 | Majority | |
| Jamby Madrigal | Independent | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Francis Pangilinan | Liberal | 2 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Aquilino Pimentel Jr. | PDP–Laban | 2 | 2010 | Minority | |
| Juan Ponce Enrile | PMP | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Bong Revilla | Lakas | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Mar Roxas | Liberal | 1 | 2010 | Majority | |
| Antonio Trillanes | Independent | 1 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Manny Villar | Nacionalista | 2 | 2013 | Minority | |
| Migz Zubiri | Lakas | 1 | 2013 | Majority | |
House of Representatives
edit
Notes
edit- ^ Based on the certificates of candidacies.
- ^ Based upon election for the Senate President on November 17, 2008. Those who voted for Enrile are in the majority bloc, while those who voter otherwise, abstained or did not vote are in the minority bloc.[16]
- ^ Took office as President of the Philippines on June 30, 2010.
- ^ Assassinated on November 13, 2007.
- ^ Pablo P. Garcia is also affiliated with 1-CEBU.[17]
- ^ Pablo John Garcia is also affiliated with 1-CEBU.[18]
- ^ Election annulled on January 11, 2010 after an electoral protest.
- ^ Won an electoral protest on January 11, 2010, replacing Benhur Salimbangon.[19] Took office on May 24, 2010.
- ^ Appointed as secretary-general of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on February 4, 2010.[20]
- ^ Election annulled on November 20, 2009, but was reversed by the Supreme Court on January 4, 2010.
- ^ Removed on September 24, 2009 after an electoral protest.
- ^ Took office on November 17, 2009 after winning an electoral protest, replacing Alvin S. Sandoval.[21]
- ^ Died on June 7, 2008.[22]
- ^ Died on February 8, 2008.[1]
- ^ Removed on May 24, 2010 after an electoral protest.
- ^ Won an electoral protest on May 24, 2010, replacing Henry Dueñas Jr..
- ^ Died on March 2, 2010.[23]
- ^ Died on May 20, 2008.[24]
- ^ Succeeded Crispin Beltran.
- ^ Died on January 29, 2010.[25]
- ^ Succeeded Leonila V. Chavez.
See also
editFurther reading
edit- Philippine House of Representatives Congressional Library
- Corazon L. Paras. (2000). The Presidents of the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines. Quezon City: Giraffe Books. ISBN 971-8832-24-6.
References
edit- ^ Bomb rocks Congress; solon among 4 killed – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos Archived January 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Jeannette Andrade (February 1, 2008). "Court tells DoJ to finish probe of Batasan blast in 20 days". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved November 28, 2009.
- ^ House panel declares Pulido complaint 'sufficient in form' GMANews.tv
- ^ JDV says House to continue impeachment proceedings on Wednesday GMANewws.tv
- ^ House justice panel thrashes impeach complaint vs Arroyo GMANews.tv
- ^ Bulacan gov can't attend Senate 'cash gifts' probe GMANews.tv
- ^ Gma News, Trillanes, Lim decide to call it quits – report
- ^ GMA News, 'It's over,' says Barias of hotel standoff Archived March 17, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Ho, Abigail L.; Juliet Labog-Javellana (March 7, 2008). "Arroyo hit on Spratlys deal". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Manila. Archived from the original on April 2, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2008.
- ^ newsinfo.inquirer.net, Arroyo resurrects Charter change, Dureza: Federalism needs constitutional amendment Archived August 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Dalangin-Fernandez, Lira (June 2, 2009). "House approves constituent assembly". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
- ^ "House approves constituent assembly". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 2, 2009. Archived from the original on June 5, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
- ^ "Enrile on Cha-cha: No way before 2010 polls". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 31, 2009. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
- ^ a b "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "(UPDATE) 14th Congress opens 2nd regular session - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". Archived from the original on August 8, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2008.
- ^ Mendez, Christina (November 18, 2008). "Villar ousted; Enrile elected Senate president". Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
- ^ "Cebu situationer - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
- ^ "Rep. Garcia says One Cebu backing Teodoro, not Villar". balita.ph. March 24, 2010. Archived from the original on April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ G.R No. 189034 Martinez vs. HRET and Benhur L. Salimbangon Accessed on July 22, 2013.
- ^ "Cuenco gets top post in ASEAN assembly - Philstar.com". philstar.com. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ New Malabon-Navotas lawmaker sworn in Archived September 8, 2012, at archive.today Accessed on November 19, 2009.
- ^ Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro - Misamis Oriental grieves over lawmaker's death Archived June 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Accessed on June 9, 2008.
- ^ "Tarlac loses political giant with death of peacemaker Yap". inquirer.net. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "Doctors declare 'Ka Bel' dead due to severe head injuries". gmanews.tv. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "Party-list solon passes away". Archived from the original on February 22, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
External links
edit- "List of Senators". Senate of the Philippines. Archived from the original on September 14, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2006.
- "The LAWPHiL Project – Philippine Laws and Jurispudance Databank". Arellano Law Foundation. Archived from the original on September 1, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2006.
- House of Representatives of the Philippines
- Philippine Senate