12

Philippine
Politics and
Governance
Quarter 2 – Module 6 and
Roles,Responsibilities and
Powers of the the
Executive,Legislative and
Judicial Branches of the
Government
Social Science– Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Week 1,2,3-Module 6,7,8: Roles, Responsibilities and Powers of the
Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the Government
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or
office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit.
Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: HAYDEE Prado-NIETO
Editors: Dr. Cynthia B. Tablang Benedicta B. Santos
Reviewers: Dr. Orlando I. Guerrero Dr. Robert V. Flores
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Jestoni H. Amores
Management Team: Dr. Ronald B. Radoc
Dr. Orlando I. Guerrero
Dr. Rosario O. Cabrera
Dr. Lorna G. Bugayong

Printed in the Philippines by ; Schools Division of Alaminos City

Department of Education –Region I

Office Address: Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City,La Union

Telefax: (072) 682-2324 ; (072) 607-8137 : 607-8136 (f) ; 607-8133
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 12
Philippine
Politics and
Governance
Quarter 2 – Module
6:Roles,Responsibilites and
Powers of the
Executive,Legislative and
Judicial Branches of the
Government
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance –Grade 12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Roles, Responsibilities and
Powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the
Government

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators

both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body
of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Social Science 12 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on

the Roles, Responsibilities and Powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial
Branches of the Government

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used
to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies
in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be
enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to This will give you an idea of the skills or

Know competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as
a story, a song, a poem, a problem opener,
an activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

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 What I Have This includes questions or blank
Learned sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
Additional In this portion, another activity will be
Activities given to you to enrich your knowledge or
skill of the lesson learned. This also tends
retention of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

This module presents the Roles, responsibilities and powers of the

Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the government. It will help
students to understand the Roles, Responsibilities and Powers of the
executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Government

The module is focused on the study of the Roles, Responsibilities and

Powers of the executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the
Government :
1. The Executive Department
2. Legislative Department or the Philippine Congress
3. The Judicial Department or the Supreme Court

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY (MELC)- Analyze the Roles, Responsibilities and
Powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the Government

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain the powers of the Philippine president

2. Discuss how contemporary Philippine presidents exercised their
powers
3. Discuss the functions and responsibilities of the Philippine Sente and
the House of Representatives
4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Judiciary
5. Evaluate the performance of the Philippine Judiciary as a dispenser
of justice and a protector of constitutional safeguards to freedom
.
This module is divided into three topics:
1. The Executive Department
2. Legislative Department
3. Judicial Department

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 What I Know

To start with our new lesson, answer the questions below to assess
your readiness to this new topic. This will give you insights about the
things to be tackled in this module
Activity 1. Pretest : Are You Ready?

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write
the chosen letter on separate sheet of paper.

1. The members of the Congress shall enjoy freedom from arrest and
of speech and debate while the Congress is in session. The reason
for this is;
a. To enable the members of the Congress to discharge their
functions adequately and without fear.
b. They are public official that is why they should enjoy these
privileges.
c. Because they are public officials, they are the persons to be
trusted .Public office is a public trust, as stated in Art.11 Sec.1 of
the 1987 Constitution.
d. A member of the Congress shall not be eligible for appointment
to any government office even if he resigns
2. Which statement is true?
a. The President have the power to declare martial law without
informing the Congress.
b. The Congress can override the veto power of the President with
at least ¼ vote of all its members.
c. Th President shall not be eligible for reelection.
d. One of the powers of the Congress is to grant amnesty.

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3. It refers to an action by the government to recover an office or
franchise from an individual or corporation usurping or unlawfully
holding it.
a. Certiorari b. Prohibition c. Mandamus d.Quo warranto
4. The following are the powers of the Supreme Court except;
a. Veto power
b. Order a change of venue for a trial
c. Assignment of judges to the lower courts
d. Promulgate rules of court
5. It refers to n act of a sovereign power granting a general pardon for
a past offense usually granted in favor of a certain class of persons
which have committed crimes of a political character.
a. Reprieve b. Amnesty c. Pardon d.
Commutation
6. Which of the following is not a classification of the members of the
House of Senate?
a. Able to read and write
b. At least thirty- five years of age
c. A registered voter
d. At least resided in the Philippines for at least 10 years
immediately preceding such election
7. Which statement is true with regards to the appointing power of the
President?
a. The President shall nominate and appoint heads of executive
department, ambassadors and other ministers and consuls etc.
upon the approval of both houses of the Congress
b. The Commission on Appointments shall recommend to the
President appointees like heads of executive department,
ambassadors and other ministers and consuls etc
c. The President shall nominate and appoint heads of executive
department, ambassadors and other ministers and consuls etc.
with the consent of the Commission on Appointments
d. The Supreme Court will has the power to confirm the
appointment
made by the President
8. Which is true with regards to the principle of separation of powers?
a. The president vetoes the bill and the same is overridden by 2/3
votes of all the members of both Houses.
b. Each government branch is not permitted to encroach upon the
powers confided to others.
c. Matters affecting national security and public order
d. Judiciary must declare unconstitutional laws passed by the
Congress
9. .It is an order issued by a higher court commanding a lower court or
a corporation board , or person to perform certain act , which is its
duty to do.It orders a compliance or performance of an act.

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 a. Certiorari b. Prohibition c. Mandamus d.Quo warranto

10.The President of the Philippines of the Philippines has the power to

contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of the
Philippines with the concurrence of;
a. Congress of the Philippines c. Philippine National Bank
b. Landbank of the Philippines d. Monetary Board of BSP
11. It is the opening of the regular session of the Congress

a. Every 2nd Monday of May c. Last Monday of June

b. 4th Monday of July d. 2nd week of July

12. The Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

a. Chief Justice of the Philippines c. Secretary of National Defense
b. President of the republic of the Philippines d. Vice- President
13. It refers to the postponement of the execution of a death sentence.
a. Reprieve b. Commutation c. Amnesty d. Pardon
14. No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective
unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of;
a. Supreme Court c. House of Representatives
b. Members of the Senate d. Commission on Appointments
15. The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular
session. This act refers to_____________
a. Welcome Address c. Opening Remarks
b. State of the Nation Address d. Inspirational talk

Lesso The Executive

n

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 Department, Legislative
1 and Judicial Department

Good day learner! In your previous lesson, you learned about the
political development of our country. To continue learning, welcome to
lesson of module 6, quarter 2 . This lesson will introduce to you the
Executive Department of the Philippines . The roles and powers of the
president of the country as well as the important part of the executive
branch plays vital role in this democratic country.

On the other hand, this module will also explain the roles and
responsibilities of the legislative department in the progress of the
country.

Lastly,from this module you can learn a deep understanding in the

development of the development of the Philippine judicial system. It will
also cover topics such as justices and judges’ qualification, scope of
judicial power and judicial organizational structure.

The Branches of Philippine Government

Branches of the Government

Legislative Executive Judiciary

Principle of Separation of Powers

Each government branch is not permitted to encroach upon the

powers confided to others. The arbitrary rule will result if same body is to
exercise all powers of the government,

Principle of Check and Balance

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 Authorizing a considerable amount of encroachment or checking
by one branch in the affairs of others.Each branch is given certain powers
with which to check the others.

 President may disapprove bills enacted by the Congress

 Congress may reject appointments by the President
 Judiciary may declare unconstitutional laws passed by the Congress
Executive Order No. 464

September 26,2005

This is to implement the Constitutional provisions on the

separation of powers between co-equal branches of the government, all
heads of department of the Executive branch of the government shall
secure the consent of the President before appearing before either House
of Congress.

Supreme Court Ruling on E.O.464

Congress undoubtedly has right to information from the executive

branch whenever it is sought in id of legislation. It the executive branch
withholds such information on the ground that it is privileged, it must so
assert it and state the reason therefore and why it must be respected.

The infirm provisions of E.O. 464, allow the executive branch to

evade congressional requests for information without the need of
explicitly asserting a right to do so and proffering its reason therefor. By
the mere expedient of invoking said provisions, the power of Congress to
conduct inquiries in aid of legislation is frustrated .That is impermissible.

Executive Privilege covers all Confidential or classified

information between the :

President and the Public Officers , including:

1. Military, diplomatic and other national security matters which in the

interest of national security should not be divulged.
2. Information between inter-government agencies prior to the
conclusion of treaties and executive agreements.
3. Discussion in closed-door Cabinet meetings
4. Matters affecting national affecting national security and public
order.

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 What’s In

Do the quiz below to find out how you are familiar with the powers of
the President of the our country
Activity 2. Statement Analysis
Instruction: Which of the following could be done by the President of the
Philippines? Put a check mark ( ∕ ) on the appropriate box
Statements Yes No
1. Issue Absolute Pardon
2. Declare Martial Law
3. Impose National Budget
4. Appoint a Cabinet Member
5. Make Laws

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 What’s New

You are now about to do the activity about the new

lesson .Use a separate sheet of paper to write your answer.

Activity 3. Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast the powers of the executive, legislative and
judicial branches of the Philippine government based on the 1987
constitution. Using the Venn Diagram below, first, identify the exclusive
powers of A the executive branch, B, the legislative branch, and C the
judicial branch of the government. Next, identify the powers that both A
and B,B and C, and C and A are responsible for.Finally, identify that
power that is common to all three branches of the government.

Legislative

Judiciary Executive

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 What is It

Now that your initial understanding about the topic is unpack,

at this point of time, you can already face the next level of this module.
You will now proceed to learn the different Roles, responsibilities
and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the
government.

A. Article VII -The Executive Department

This lesson will introduce you to the Executive Department of the

Philippine Government. The roles and powers of the president of the
country as well as the important part of the executive branch which plays
vital roles in this democratic country.
The Malacanang Palace

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 Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines

Article VII
 Section 1 of the 1987 constitution, vest executive power on the
President of the Philippines.The president is the Head of the
State and the Head of the Government, and functions s the
Commander in Chief of ll Armed Forces of the Philippines.As the
Chief Executive, the President exercises control over all the
executive departments, bureaus and offices. There shall be Vice
president.
 Executive power refers to the power to administer laws, carry
them into practical operation and enforce their due observance
 Section 2. No person may be elected president unless he is a
natural -born citizen of the Philippines , a registered voter , able
to read and write , t least forty years of age on the day of
election and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years
immediately preceding such election
 Section 3. There shall be Vice-President who shall have same
qualifications and term of office and elected in the same manner
as the President. He may be removed from office in the same
manner as the President.
 Section 4.The President and the Vice-President shall be
elected for term of six years. The President shall not be eligible
for reelection.No person who has succeeded as President and
has served for more than four years shall be qualified for
election to the same office at any time.No Vice President shall
serve for more than two consecutive terms . The Supreme Court

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 shall be the sole judge of all contest relating to the election of
the President and Vice President.
 Term of Office refers to the period during which n
officer my claim to hold the office as a matter of
right.
 Tenure of Office refers to the period during which
the incumbent hold the position.
 Section 8.In case of death , permanent disability, removal from
office or resignation of the President and the Vice President shall
become the President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death,
permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of both, the
President and Vice- President , the President of the Senate , or in
case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
shall then act as President until the President or Vice-President shall
have been elected nd qualified.
 Section 9. Whenever there is vacancy in the Office of the Vice -
President during the term for which he was elected, the President
shall nominate a Vice President among the members of the Senate
and the House of Representatives.
 Section 10. The Congress shall, after vacancy in the offices of the
Presdident and Vice-President occurs, convene and enact a law
calling for a special election to elect a President and Vice President.
 Section 13. The President , the Vice-President , the Members of the
Cabinet, shall not , unless otherwise provided in this constitution,
hold any other office or employment during their tenure .They shall
not practice any other profession, participate in any business or be
financially interested in any contract with the government.
The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within
the fourth civil degree of the President shall not during his
tenure be appointed as members of Constitutional
Commission or the Office of the Ombudsman, as Secretaries
or Heads of bureaus or offices.

Specific Powers of the President

 Section 16.The President shall and with the consent of the
Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive
departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or
officers of the armed forces from rank of colonel or naval captain
and other officers whose appointments are vested in the
constitution.
 Appointment is the act of designation by the executive
officer of the individual who is to exercise the functions
of a given office
 Section 17. The President shall have the control of all the
executive departments, bureaus and offices . He shall ensure that
the laws be faithfully executed.

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  Control power .The president may alter or modify or set
aside actions of subordinate officers .He has also the
authority to supervise, investigate , suspend or remove
erring officers.
 Section 18. The President shall be the Commander in Chief of all
Armed Forces of the Philippines, and whenever it becomes
necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or
suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion, he may suspend
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or
any part thereof under martial law.

Restrictions on the President’s power to declare Martial Law

 There must be an invasion or rebellion or when public
safety requires the suspension or proclamation.
 The duration shall not exceed 60 days unless extended
by the Congress
 The president must submit a report to Congress ( in
person or in writing) within 48 hours after the
declaration or suspension:
 The declaration may be revoked by majority of all the
members of the Congress jointly:
 The Supreme Court may inquire sufficiency of the
factual basis of the proclamation.
 Section 19.The President may grant reprieves, commutations and
pardons.
He shall have the power to grant amnesty with all the
concurrence of a majority vote of all the members of the
Congress
1. Reprieve is the postponement of the execution of a death
sentence.
2. Commutation is the reduction of the sentence imposed for
a lesser punishment
3. Pardon is an act of grace which exempts the individual
from punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has
committed.
4. Remission is a condonation of the financial obligation and
return of properties confiscated by reason of the
commission of the offense and conviction of the offender.
5. Amnesty is an act of a sovereign power granting a general
pardon for a past offense granted in favor of a certain class
of persons which have committed crimes of a political
character. When one is granted amnesty , it is like he has
not committed any offense.
 Section 20. The President my contract foreign loans on behalf of
the Republic of the Philippines with the prior concurrence of the
Monetary Board of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and subject to such
limitations as may be provided by law.

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  Section 21.No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and
effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the
Members of the Senate.
 Section 22. The President shall submit to the Congress within thirty
days from the opening of every regular session, as the basis of the
general appropriation bill, a budget of expenditures and sources of
financing, except receipts from existing and proposed revenue
measures.

B. ARTICLE VI -LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Good job learner !You passed the previous lesson of this module
which concern about the roles, responsibilities and powers of the
executive department. Welcome to the Legislative Department .This
lesson will explain the roles and responsibilities of this department in the
progress of the country.
The Legislative Department is composed of the House of Senate or
the Upper House and the House of Representatives or the Lower House
.
The members of the The House of Senate Building
Philippine Senate in session

The Members of the House of Representatives House of Representatives

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 in session Building

 Section 1.The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of

the Philippines which shall consist o Senate and a House of
Representatives,
 Legislative power refers the power to make laws,
subsequently, to alter and repeal them
 Section 2. The senate shall composed of twenty-four Senators.
 Section 3. No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born
citizen of the Philippines and on the day of election, is, at least,
thirty- five years of age, able to read and write, registered voter
and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years
immediately preceding election.
 Section 4. The term of office of he Senator shall be six years.No
Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary
renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be
considered as an interruption of the continuity of his service for the
full term for which he was elected.
 Section 5. The House of Representatives shall be composed of not
more than two hundred and fifty member, who shall be elected from
the legislative districts.
 The party-List representatives shall constitute twenty
per centum of the total number of representatives,
labor,
peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities ,
women , youth and such other sectors as may be
provided by law.

TWO KINDS OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

1. District Representatives.Elected directly and personally

from the territorial unit he is seeking to represent.
2. Party-List Representatives.choosen indirectly , through
the party he represents , which is the one voted for by
the electorate.This is to give an opportunity to
marginalized sectors to have their voices heard.
 Section 6. No person shall be a member of the House of
Representatives unless he is a natural born citizen of the Philippines
and, on the day of election , is , at least twenty five years of age,
able to read and write, and except for the party-list representatives ,
a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected and
resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately
preceding the election.

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  Section 7.The members of the House of Representatives shall be
elected for a term of three years . No member of the House of
Representatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms.
 Section 11. A Senator or member of the House of Representatives
shall in all offenses punishable by not more than six years
imprisonment , be privileged from arrest while the congress is in
session. No member shall be questioned nor be liable in any other
place for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee
thereof.

Freedom from Arrest

 Offenses punishable by not more than six years
imprisonment
 While the Congress is in session

Freedom from Speech and Debate

 Remarks must be made in connection with the
discharge of official duties
 While Congress is in session

Reason for Congressional privileges

 To enable members of the congress to discharge their
functions adequately and without fear.It is true that
their rights maybe abused.However the harm which
would come from its abuse is considered slight,
compared to that which might arise if the privileges
were not given
 Section 12. All members of the Senate and House of
Representatives, shall upon assumption of office, make a full
disclosure of their financial and business interest.They shall notify
the House concerned of a potential conflict of interests that may
arise from the filing of a proposed legislation of which they are
authors.
 Section 13.No Senator or member of the House of Representatives
may hold any other employment or office in the government during
his term without forfeiting his seat .Neither shall be appointed to
any office which may have been created nor the emoluments
thereof increase during the term for which he was elected.
 Incompatible Office.The office which is not held by a
member of Congress outside the legislative

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 department. There is a need for members to devote
their time and attention to discharge of their legal
responsibilities.
 Forbidden Office. The office which a member of a
Congress may not be a beneficiary because being a
participant when said the office was created. Hence, a
member of Congress shall not be eligible for
appointment to such office even if he resigns
 Section 15. The Congress shall convene once every year on the
fourth Monday of July for its regular session, and shall continue to be
in session for such number of days as it may determine until thirty
days before the opening of its next regular session, exclusive of
Saturdys, Sundays and legal holidays. The President may call a
special session at any time.

 Section 16.
 The Senate shall elect its President and the House of
Representatives its speaker by a majority vote of all its
respective Members.
 A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do
business.
 Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings ,
punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the
concurrence of two thirds of all its members, suspend or expel
a Member.A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not
exceed sixty days.
 Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings , and from
time to time punish the same, excepting such parts as may, in
its judgement, affect national security

Quorum

 Refers to a number of membership of an assembly or

collective body as is competent to transact its business.

Legislative Journal

 The official record of what is done and passed in a legislative

assembly and the proceedings occurred from day to day.
 Section 17.The Senate and the House of representatives shall have
its Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contest
relating of all contest relating to the election, returns and
qualifications of their respective members.
 Section 18. There shall be a Commission on Appointments who
shall act on all appointments submitted to it.

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  Section 21. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of
its committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in
accordance with its duly published rules of procedures .The rights of
a person appearing in or affected b such inquiries shall be
respected.
 Section 26. No bill passed by either House shall becomes a law ,
unless it is passed in three readings on separate days, and printed
copies thereof in its final form have been distributed to its members
three days before its passage. Upon the last reading of a bill , no
amendment to it shall be allowed. And the vote thereon shall be
taken immediately after that and the yeas and nays entered in the
journal.

 Detailed Steps in the Passage of a Bill

1. First reading
2. Referral to appropriate committee
3. Second reading
4. Debates
5. Printing and distribution
6. Third reading
7. Referral to the other house
8. Submission to joint bicameral body
9. Submission to the president
Steps in the Passage of a Bill ( Summarized)
 First Reading. Reading of the member , title of the measure
and name of the author.
 Second Reading. The bill is red in its entirety , scrutinized
debated upon and amended when desired.
 Third reading. Members merely register their votes and
explain them.No further debate is allowed.
 Section 27. Every bill passed by the Congress, shall before it
becomes law, be presented to the President. If he approves the
same, he shall sign it; otherwise he shall veto it and return the same
with his objections to the House where it originated, which shall
enter the objections at large on its Journal and proceed to
reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of all
Members of such House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent
to the other House by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
approved by two-thirds of all members of that House, it shall
becomes a law. The President shall communicate his veto of any bill
to the House where it originated within thirty days after the date of
receipt thereof, otherwise it shall becomes a law as if he had signed
it.

Three Ways when a Bill Becomes a Law

 When the President approves the bill by signing it

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  When the president vetoes the bill and the same is overridden by
2/3 votes of all the members of both houses.
 When the President does not communicate his veto within 30 days
after the date of receipt.

The Law
 A body of rules of conduct or action, prescribed by a compelling
authority which the people must follow and obey subject to legal
sanctions and consequences in case of violation.

Types of Laws
 Constitution. It is the fundamental or supreme law of the land
 Statute. This law is passed by the Congress
 Jurisprudence. This law is composed of decisions promulgated by
the Supreme Court
 Treaties. This is an agreement entered between and among the
Philippines and other states or other entities
 Ordinances. This law is passed by the local governments

C. THE JUDICIARY

Hello, my dear learner! In our last lesson, we discussed

the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine senate and
House of Representatives. However, in this lesson, we will
identify the fundamental roles and responsibilities of the
Philippine Judiciary.
This course focuses on the in-depth understanding of
the development of Philippine Judicial system. In this lesson, it
will cover topics such as justices and judge’s qualifications,
scope of judicial power and judicial organizational structure.

The Members of the Supreme Court of the Philippines

Supreme Court on process of decision-making building

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 Structure of the Philippine Judiciary

 Section 1.The Judicial Power will be vested in the Supreme Court

and all lower courts.
 Supreme Court – is the highest court in the land. The
final arbiter of controversies and disputes brought by
the parties to the courts of law.
 Judicial Power refers to the power to apply the laws to
contests or disputes concerning legally recognized
rights and duties between the state and private persons,
or to individuals litigants in cases properly brought
before Judicial tribunals.

What is the scope of Judicial Power ?

1.Adjudicatory Power

 To settle actual controversies involving rights

 To determine whether there has been a grave abuse of discretion to
lack or excess of jurisdiction
2.Judicial Review

 Interpret the law and make them binding judgment

 Constitutionality of the laws
3.Incidental Power

 Powers essential for the discharge of their judiciary function such as

the power to punish persons adjudged in contempt.

Three Kinds of Courts in the Country

1. Supreme Court. The highest court in the land.

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 2. Regular court. Appellate Court, Regional trial Court
3. Quasi-Judicial Bodies. National Labor Commission Relations, SEC,
etc.

Upon Whom the Power of Judicial Power Conferred?

Judicial Power is vested in :
 Supreme Court
 Such other lower courts as may be established by law.

The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts may be
established by law. Art. VIII, Sec. 1 of 1987 Constitution.

What are the classification of Court?

1. Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court is a constitutional court
in the sense of being a creation of the constitution.
2. Statutory Court. All other courts, including Sandiganbayan, are
statutory courts in the sense that they are the creation of law. They
are referred to lower courts in the constitution, meaning courts
below that of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court of the Philippines

 The highest court in the Philippines. It has administrative
supervision over all courts and personnel.
 The court consist of 14 associate justices and 1 Chief Justice.
 The powers of the Supreme Court are defined in Article VIII of the
1987 constitution.
 These functions may be generally divided into two- judicial functions
and administrative functions .The administrative functions of the
court pertaining to the supervision and control over the Philippine
Judiciary and its employees, as well as over members of the
Philippine Bar.
 The Court is further authorized to promulgate the rules for
admission to the practice of law, for legal assistance to the
underprivileged and procedural rules to be observed in all courts.

Kinds of Lower Courts

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 1. Regular Courts include
a. The Court of Appeals ( with 68 associate justices headed by one
presiding justice.The court may sit in division or may sit en banc)
b. Regional Trial Court.( established among thirteen Judicial regions
in the Philippines consisting of regions I to XII and the National
Capital region) There are as many Regional Trial Courts in each
region as the law mandates.
c. Metropolitan Trial Court( for each Metropolitan is established by
law).Assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine
cadastral or land registration cases covering lots where there is
no controversy or opposition, or contested lots the value of which
does not exceed twenty thousand pesos. Same function with the
Municipal Circuit Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court.
d. Municipal Trial Circuit Court.( There shall be a Municipal Circuit
Trial Court in each area defined as a municipal circuit ,
comprising one or more cities and/or one or more municipalities
e. Municipal Trial Court.A court that sits in some cities and larger
towns and that usually has civil and criminal jurisdiction over
cases arising within the municipality

2. Special Courts include:

a. The Court of tax Appeals( created under RA 1125)
b. The Sandiganbayan ( created by Presidential Decree 1606)
c. Sharia District Courts and Sharia Circuit Courts

Qualifications
A. Justices of the Supreme Court
 Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines
 At least 40 years old
 15 years or more as a judge of a lower court or engaged in the
practice of law in the Philippines
 Must be a person of proven competence , integrity ,probity
and independence
B. Judges of the Lower Courts
 A citizen of the Philippines
 A member of the Philippine Bar
 Must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and
independence.

Tenure of Office
 Members of the Supreme Court (SC) and judges of the lower courts
shall enjoy their office in good behavior
 Member of the SC shall enjoy the position until they are removed in
the long and complicated process of impeachment

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  Hold office until they reach 70 years and become incapacitated
 Until dismissed by members of the SC for a probable cause

Powers of the Supreme Court

1. Cases involving ambassadors and public ministers. Petitions for
certiorari, mandamus,quo warranto, prohibition and habeas corpus
 Certiorari. Individual action; a writ issued by a superior court
requiring a lower court or a board of officer exercising judicial
function to transmit the records of a case to a higher tribunal
for purposes of review.
 Prohibition.A written order by which a superior court
commands a lower court or a corporation board, or a person
to desist from from proceedings in action or matter
 Mandamus. N order issued by a higher court commanding
lower court or a corporation board, or person to perform a
certain act, which is its duty to do. It orders a compliance or
performance of an act.
 Quo warranto. An action by the government to recover an
office or franchise from an individual or corporation usurping
or unlawfully holding it.
2. Review judgement of lower courts. Cases involving constitutionality,
legality of any tax, reclusion perpetua and errors on question of law.
3. Assignment of judges to the lower courts
4. Order a change of venue of trial
5. Promulgate rules of court
6. Appoint officials of the judiciary and hire employees for the judicial
branch

Judicial and Bar Council

 Tasked to nominate appointees to the Judiciary

Composition
 Chief Justice
 Secretary of Justice
 Representative from Congress
 Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Representative
 Professor of Law
 Private sector Representative

Rendering Court Decisions

 Once a decision is reached, n SC Justice is assigned to write an
opinion

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  The opinion is certified by the Chief Justice and served on the
parties concerned
 Dissentions and abstentions must be explained
 The view must explain facts of law

Special Courts
 Court of Tax Appeal. It has exclusive jurisdiction over tax appealed
by private citizens and commercial firms who protect the amount of
taxes imposed
 Sandiganbayan. It decides cases involving graft and corruption by
government and employee.
 Ombudsman. Investigates cases of graft and corruption .Otherwise
known as Tanodbayan.

What’s More

To deepen your understanding on the Roles, Responsibilities and

Powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Department of the
Philippines, here are some of the enrichment activities for you to work on.
These activities are also designed to check your further understanding on
the three branches of governments in the Philippines.

Activity 4. Get to Know your Representative

Directions :Answer the questions from the information learned.

1. We elect a Philippine Representative for how many years term of
office?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Why do some provinces /municipalities /cities have more
Representatives than others?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Where do you live in?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

27
 4. How many political districts are there in your province?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Name your district representative
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. When he/she was elected to office?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
7. How many years has he/she been in office?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
8. What is his/her political party?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9. When is the next time a member of the Representative will be
elected again?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
10. What are the important issues in your district which you want
to address to your representative?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Activity 5. Function/Power Organizer

Directions: Based on your understanding of the powers of the executive,
fill out the diagram below.

28
Activity 6.Judicial Framework
Directions: Draw the organizational structure of the Judiciary , label and
indicate their particular function

Activity 7. Identify the following.

Directions: Read the statement carefully. Identify the term that is
described. Choose your answers from the words inside the box below.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
__________1. It is vested in the President of the Philippines.
__________2. The term of office of the President and Vice-President.
__________3. The Commander -in-Chief of the AFP.
__________4. The power to administer laws, which means carrying them
into practical operation and enforcing their due observance.
_________5. The term of office of these people are co-terminus with that of
the President.
_________6. The Martial Law declared b the President must not exceed ____
days.
_________7. It is an act of designation by the executive officer of the
individual who is to exercise the functions of a given office.
_________8.It refers to the postponement of the execution of a death
sentence.
_________9. It is the reduction of the sentence imposed to lesser
punishment.
__________10. Exempts from punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has
committed.

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 Executive power
Six (6) years
President of the Republic of the
Philippines
Executive power
Department Secretaries/Cabinet
Members
Not Exceeding 70 days
Designation
Not exceeding 60 days
Appointment
Reprieve

Activity 8. Slogan Making

My dear learner let us make a slogan to establish how the

judicial system plays political neutrality and fairness.

Rubrics for the Slogan

12pts – Relevance to the topic
8pts - Creativity
5pts - Neatness
25 pts- Total

30
 What I Have Learned

Activity 9. Completing the Diagram

Great Job! You’ re almost done with this module. Let’s summarize what
you have learned from the lessons and activities by answering the
processing questions

Directions: Answer the following questions below base from the diagram
below. Write your answers on separate sheet of paper.

Executive

Philippine
Government
Judiciary
Legislative

1. What are the roles and responsibilities of the three independent

branches of government? Cite at least 5 each in each branch.

31
 _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. What is the relationship of the 3 branches of the Philippine
Government as shown in the graphic organizer?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do

My dear learners, to concretize and apply what you have learned in

this lesson, we should remember always that the concepts and skills that
we learned must be put into action in our daily living.
Activity 8.Share your opinion

Directions:Write down any ideas or thoughts that you have about

justice.As a SHS student how can you show that you value the virtue of
justice in your day to day life? . Cite at least 2-3 concrete examples. Use a
separate sheet of paper to write your answer
1. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
.

Go over again the lessons and activities to review the final assessment. God
Bless You!

32
 Assessment

You have proven your good comprehension of this module. Because

of that, you need to answer this assessment to prove if you really
understood the lessons that are presented in this module. Be confident…
You can do it!!!

Activity 9.Post test

Directions.Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on
a separate sheet of paper. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the
chosen letter on separate sheet of paper.
1. The members of the Congress shall enjoy freedom from arrest and
of speech and debate while the Congress is in session. The reason
for this is;
a. To enable the members of the Congress to discharge their
functions adequately and without fear.
b. They are public official that is why they should enjoy these
privileges.
c. Because they are public officials, they are the persons to be
trusted .Public office is a public trust, as stated in Art.11 Sec.1
of the 1987 Constitution.
d. A member of the Congress shall not be eligible for
appointment to any government office even if he resigns
2. Which statement is true?
a. The President have the power to declare martial law without
informing the Congress.
b. The Congress can override the veto power of the President
with at least ¼ vote of all its members.
c. Th President shall not be eligible for reelection.
d. One of the powers of the Congress is to grant amnesty.

33
3. It refers to an action by the government to recover an office or
franchise from an individual or corporation usurping or unlawfully
holding it.
b. Certiorari b. Prohibition c. Mandamus d.Quo warranto
4. The following are the powers of the Supreme Court except;
a. Veto power
b. Order a change of venue for a trial
c. Assignment of judges to the lower courts
d. Promulgate rules of court
5. It refers to an act of a sovereign power granting a general pardon
for a past offense usually granted in favor of a certain class of
persons which have committed crimes of a political character.
a. Reprieve b. Amnesty c. Pardon d.
Commutation
6. Which of the following is not a classification of the members of the
House of Senate?
a. Able to read and write
b. At least thirty- five years of age
c. A registered voter
d. At least resided in the Philippines for at least 10 years
immediately preceding such election
7. Which statement is true with regards to the appointing power of the
President?
a. The President shall nominate and appoint heads of executive
department, ambassadors and other ministers and consuls
etc. upon the approval of both houses of the Congress
b. The Commission on Appointments shall recommend to the
President appointees like heads of executive department,
ambassadors and other ministers and consuls etc
c. The President shall nominate and appoint heads of executive
department, ambassadors and other ministers and consuls
etc. with the consent of the Commission on Appointments
d. The Supreme Court will has the power to confirm the
appointment
made by the President
8. Which is true with regards to the principle of separation of powers?
a. The president vetoes the bill and the same is overridden by
2/3 votes of all the members of both Houses.
b. Each government branch is not permitted to encroach upon
the powers confided to others.
c. Matters affecting national security and public order
d. Judiciary must declare unconstitutional laws passed by the
Congress
9. .It is an order issued by a higher court commanding a lower court or
a corporation board , or person to perform certain act , which is its
duty to do.It orders a compliance or performance of an act.
b. Certiorari b. Prohibition c. Mandamus d.Quo warranto

34
 10. The President of the Philippines of the Philippines has the power to
contract or guarantee foreign loans on behalf of the Republic of the
Philippines with the concurrence of;
a. Congress of the Philippines c. Philippine National Bank
b. Landbank of the Philippines d. Monetary Board of BSP
11. It is the opening of the regular session of the Congress

a. Every 2nd Monday of May c. Last Monday of June

b. 4th Monday of July d. 2nd week of July

12. The Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

a. Chief Justice of the Philippines c. Secretary of National Defense
b. President of the republic of the Philippines d. Vice- President
13. It refers to the postponement of the execution of a death sentence.
a. Reprieve b. Commutation c. Amnesty d. Pardon
14. No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective
unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of;
a. Supreme Court c. House of Representatives
b. Members of the Senate d. Commission on Appointments
15. The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular
session. This act refers to_____________
a. Welcome Address c. Opening Remarks
b. State of the Nation Address d. Inspirational talk

Additional Activities

This activity helps you to master the takeaways of this module.

Activity 10 .Hits and Misses !
Before you submit this module, you need to comply first the activity
below.

35
Directions: After studying the Powers and Functions of the Executive
Department ,complete the chart below by providing the legacy and main
problem of every president.
President Legacy/Contribution Problems/
Challenges
1. FerdinandE. Marcos
2. Fidel V.Ramos
3. Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo
4. Benigno C. Ninoy
Aquino
5. Rodrigo R. Duterte

This activity will explain the roles and responsibilities of the Legislative
Department in the progress of the country.
Activity 11.Let’s Fill it Up
Directions: Write their word in their appropriate boxes.
24 members Speaker of the House
Term of office is 6 years District Representatives
Party-list representatives Senate President
Term of office is 3 years 250 members

Upper House Lower House

Activity 12.Home Mission !

Direction: Based from your readings from the newspaper or news from the
television,write down a highly celebrated case that the Supreme Court has
decided.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

36
Answer Key

37
 Pretest

1. A 11.B
2. C 12.B
3. D 13.A
4. A 14.B
5. B 15.B
6. D
7. C
8. B
9. C
10.D

Posttest
1. A 11.B
2. C 12.B
3. D 13.A
4. A 14.B
5. B 15.B
6. D
7. C
8. B
9. C
10.D

References:

De Leon, Hector S.(2005). Textbook on the Philippine Constitution, Quezon

City,Philippines, Rex Printing Co. Inc.

38
Mendoza,, Diana J. Ph D.(2016) Politics Without Borders-Philippine Politics
and Governance, Quezon City, Philippines Phoenix Publishing House Inc.

Tabajen, Rhene C. PhD.(2016) Philippine Politics and

Governance ,Manila ,Philippines,JFS Publishing Services

Local Government Code of 1991 ( RA 7160), Sampaloc, Manila,

Philippines, A.V. B. Printing Press

39
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: [email protected] * [email protected]