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1-D
makes the law carries out the law evaluates the law
Legislative Power. The legislative or law-making power is the power to make laws
that are legal and binding. According to the 1987 Constitution, the legislative power
is vested in two ways: (1) The new Congress of the Philippines make the laws of
the Republic, and (2) The people may also directly or propose and enact laws or
approve and reject them by means of initiative and referendum.1
1
Zaide, S. M. (1999). Philippine History and Government. 935 Aurora Boulevard corner Pittsburgh St., Alforque
Building, Cubao, Quezon City: All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc. p. 214
2
Ibid. p. 214
3
Ibid. p. 215
4
De Leon, H. S. (2002). Textbook on the Philippine Constitution. 84 P. Florentino St., Quezon City: Rex Printing
Company, Inc. p. 156
Executive Power. This is briefly described as the power to enforce and administer
the laws, but it is actually more than this. In the exercise of power, the President
of the Philippines assumes plentitude of authority, and the corresponding
awesome responsibility, that make him, indeed, the most influential person in the
land. The potentials of executive power are tremendous for good or evil. 5
The Vice-President. The Vice-President shall have the same qualifications and
term of office as the President and may be removed from office on impeachment
as in the case of the President.7
Term of office of the President and Vice-President. The President and Vice-
President enjoy security of tenure. Their term of office is six (6) years “which shall
begin at noon on the 30th day of June following the day of the election and shall
end at noon at the same date six (6) years thereafter.”8
The Cabinet. The Members of the Cabinet of the Philippines is composed of senior
officers / secretaries of each executive department of the government of the
Philippines. They are appointed by the President to help him execute good
governance for the improvement and progress of the economy.9
Judicial Power. The judicial power is the power to interpret the laws of the land in
cases of disputes. It is vested in the Supreme Court and the lower courts.10
The Supreme Court. It is the highest court in the land. It is composed of fifteen
members – the Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices. They are appointed by
the President. To be appointed a member of the Supreme Court, a person must
have the following qualifications: (1) be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines; (2)
5
Isagani, I. and C. (2014). Philippine Political Law. 927 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City: Central Book Supply, Inc.
pp. 334-335
6
Zaide, S. M. (1999). Philippine History and Government. 935 Aurora Boulevard corner Pittsburgh St., Alforque
Building, Cubao, Quezon City: All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc. p. 210
7
The 1987 Constitution. Article XI, Section 2.
8
The 1987 Constitution. Article XI, Section 7.
9
“Cabinet Members of the Philippines 2019.” Retrieved from https://philpad.com
10
Zaide, S. M. (1999). Philippine History and Government. 935 Aurora Boulevard corner Pittsburgh St., Alforque
Building, Cubao, Quezon City: All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc. p. 217
at least 40 years of age; and (3) a judge of record engaged in the practice of law
for at least fifteen years. The Supreme Court holds its sessions in Manila, and
during the summer months in Baguio City. The members of the Supreme Court
remain in office during a good behavior until the age of 70 when they are retired.
Their salaries are fixed by law and cannot be decreased during their term of office.
The Chief Justice receives an annual salary of P240,000 and each of the Associate
Justices, P204,000 each. Any member of the Supreme Court can be removed from
office only by means of impeachment by the Congress.11
The Regional Trial Courts. This replaced the former Courts of First Instance.
There are 13 of these courts, one for each of the 13 regions.
Municipal Trial Courts. These are the courts in cities and municipalities. For
purposes of economy, two or more small municipalities in the provinces can be
merged and placed under a Municipal Circuit Trial Court, with one judge.
The Court of Tax Appeals. This is composed of a Presiding Judge and two
Associate Judges appointed by the President. It has exclusive jurisdiction over tax
cases appealed by private citizens and commercial firms who protest the amount
of taxes imposed by the Bureau of Customs on their property or business. The
assessment or property taxes made by city and provincial assessors may also be
appealed to the Tax Appeals Court. The decisions of this court are final.
11
Ibid. p. 217
12
Ibid. pp. 218-219