Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698057038390.pdf (Philippines)
Part One RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 18th Congress 1 RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 18th Congress Preamble We, the Members of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, in order to fulfill our constitutional duty to make laws that effectively respond to the needs of our people and fulfill their aspirations for a just and humane society where every Filipino can enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy under a Government strengthened by the rule of law, social justice and people empowerment, hereby promulgate and pledge faithful obedience to these Rules.
Declaration of Principles and Policies I The House of Representatives is the House of the People.

The involvement and participation of the people in the processes of legislation shall be encouraged, guaranteed and sustained.

II Public office is a public trust.

The House of Representatives and every Member thereof are accountable to the people at all times.

They shall perform their legislative mandates with utmost competence, efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and fidelity to the people’s welfare.
III Efficient and effective access to and dissemination of appropriate and accurate information are imperative in lawmaking.

The development of institutional capabilities to harness technology to improve the legislative process and to continually inform the public of legislative performance in all facets of legislative work shall be pursued vigorously.

IV The continuing development of the capabilities of Members to craft and secure the passage of socially relevant legislation is imperative.
3 Rules of the House of Representatives Continuing educative programs in disciplines relating to legislative work and its effective management shall be implemented for the Members.

The establishment of institutional continuing education instrumentalities and systems and the pursuit of cooperative and coordinative networks with academic communities and the private sector for the purpose shall be fostered and strengthened.
V The harnessing and development of a competent and efficient corps of professionals able to provide necessary legislative support services is a paramount concern.

Programs for the continuing recruitment, training and development of qualified professionals and the establishment of appropriate organizational systems to best utilize their talents and skills to enhance institutional legislative performance shall be undertaken.

RULE I Convening and Organizing the House Section 1.
First Meeting and Organization of the House.

– The Members shall meet and proceed to the organization of the House on the fourth Monday of July immediately following their election at the place designated for the holding of their sessions.

The Secretary General of the immediately preceding Congress shall preside over the inaugural session of the House until the election of a new Speaker.
As presiding officer, the Secretary General shall call the session to order, call the roll of Members by provinces, cities and municipalities comprising districts, and by party-lists in alphabetical order, designate an acting Floor Leader, and preserve order and decorum.

After the designation of an acting Floor Leader, the body shall proceed to the election of the Speaker.
The Speaker shall be elected by a majority vote of all the Members through a roll call vote with Members casting their vote without explanation.

The presiding officer shall record the vote of each Member in the Journal.

4 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines After the oath-taking of the newly-elected Speaker, the body shall proceed to the adoption of the rules of the immediately preceding Congress to govern its proceedings until the approval and adoption of the rules of the current Congress.
Thereafter, the body shall proceed to the election, in successive order, of the Deputy Speakers, the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms who shall be elected by a majority of the Members, there being a quorum.

Section 2.

Convening of the House.


- The House shall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular session unless a different date is fixed by law, and shall continue to be in session for such number of days as it may determine through a legislative calendar: Provided, That a regular session shall end not later than thirty (30) days before the opening of the next regular session exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
The President may call a special session at any time.

Section 3.

Convening of the House in Exceptional Cases.
– (a) Pursuant to Section 10, Article VII of the Constitution, the House shall, at ten o’clock in the morning of the third day after the vacancy in the offices of the President and Vice-President occurs, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call and within seven days enact a law calling for a special election to elect a President and a Vice-President to be held not earlier than forty-five days nor later than sixty days from the time of such call.
The bill calling such special election shall be deemed certified under paragraph 2, Section 26, Article VI of the Constitution and shall become law upon its approval on third reading by the Congress.

Appropriations for the special elections shall be charged against any current appropriations and shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article VI of the Constitution.

The convening of the Congress cannot be suspended nor the special election postponed.
No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within eighteen months before the date of the next presidential election; (b) Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written 5 Rules of the House of Representatives declaration of inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office of the President and until a written declaration to the contrary is transmitted to them, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
Whenever a majority of all the members of the cabinet transmit to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that no inability exists, the President shall reassume the powers and duties of the office of the President.
Meanwhile, should a majority of all the members of the cabinet transmit within five days to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of the President, Congress shall decide the issue.

For that purpose, Congress shall convene, if it is not in session, within forty-eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of call.
If Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written declaration, or, if not in session, within twelve days after it is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses, voting separately, that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of the President, the Vice-President shall act as the President; otherwise, the President shall continue exercising the powers and duties of the office; and (c) Whenever the President suspends the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law, the House, if not in session, shall, within twenty- four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with these rules without any need of a call.
6 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines RULE II Membership Section 4.

Composition.

– The membership of the House shall be composed of elected representatives of legislative districts and those elected through the party-list system.

Membership as Representative of a legislative district commences upon proclamation as a winning candidate, the administration of an oath for the office by a duly authorized public officer and assumption of office on June 30 following the election.
In cases where a candidate has been proclaimed winner by the Commission on Elections, and the validity of the proclamation is put in question in any judicial or administrative body, such candidate who has been proclaimed winner and assumed office on June 30 following the election shall remain a Member of the House absent final and executory judgement on or resolution of the question over the proclamation of the Member by the appropriate judicial or administrative bodies.

Section 5.

Term.
Section 5.

Term.

– The Members of the House shall be elected for a term of three (3) years which shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following their election.

A Member cannot serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Voluntary renunciation of office for any reason and for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption of the full term for which the Member is elected.
In case a Member dies, resigns, is permanently incapacitated or lawfully barred from performing the duties of a Member, or is lawfully removed from office, vacancies may be filled as follows: (a) for vacancies in the representation of legislative districts, special elections may be called to fill the vacancies; and (b) for vacancies in the representation of party-lists, party-list representatives may be chosen to fill the vacancies in the manner provided by law.
A Member elected or designated to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the duration of the unexpired term.

Section 6.

Oath or Affirmation of Members.

- Members shall take their oath or affirmation collectively or individually before the Speaker in open session.

The oath of office administered by the 7 Rules of the House of Representatives Speaker in open session to all Members present is a ceremonial affirmation of prior and valid oaths of office administered to them by duly authorized public officers.
Following parliamentary precedents, Members take their oath before the Speaker in open session to enable them to enter into the performance of their functions and participate in the deliberations and other proceedings of the House.

Section 7.

Duties.

- The primary duty of Members is to legislate.
In order to fulfill this duty, Members shall: a. prepare, introduce and work for the passage of legislative measures to effectively address social, political and economic needs and concerns; b. attend plenary sessions and meetings of committees of which they are members or where their proposed legislative measures are under consideration; c. participate actively in deliberations on legislative measures; d. articulate faithfully the demands and interests of their constituencies as well as those of other sectors that are affected by proposed legislative measures or by conditions, issues and concerns requiring legislative action; e. secure, through every lawful means possible, any and all data and information relevant and necessary for the determination and formulation of appropriate legislative actions and measures on public issues and concerns; f. make information pertaining to the performance of their legislative and constituent functions and duties available and accessible to the public; and g. perform such other functions and activities as may be lawful and necessary to ensure the swift passage of legislative measures needed to effectively address social, political and economic needs and promote national development, as well as the efficient and timely conduct of legislative oversight.
8 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Section 8.

The Majority and the Minority.

– Members who vote for the winning candidate for Speaker shall constitute the Majority in the House and they shall elect from among themselves the Majority Leader.

The Majority Leader may be changed, at any time, by a majority vote of all the Majority Members.

The Minority Leader shall be elected by the Members of the Minority and can be changed, at any time, by a majority vote of all the Minority Members.
The Majority and Minority shall elect such number of Deputy Majority and Minority Leaders as the rules provide.

A Member may transfer from the Majority to the Minority, or vice versa, at any time: Provided, That: a.

The concerned Member submits a written request to transfer to the Majority or Minority, through the Majority or Minority Leaders, as the case may be.

The Secretary General shall be furnished a copy of the request to transfer; b.
The Majority or Minority, as the case may be, accepts the concerned Member in writing; and c. The Speaker shall be furnished by the Majority or the Minority Leaders, as the case may be, a copy of the acceptance in writing of the concerned Member.

In case the Majority or the Minority declines such request to transfer, the concerned Member shall be considered an independent Member of the House.
In any case, whether or not the request to transfer is accepted, all committee assignments and memberships given the concerned Member by the Majority or Minority, as the case may be, shall be automatically forfeited.

Members who choose not to align themselves with the Majority or the Minority shall be considered as independent Members of the 9 Rules of the House of Representatives House.
They may, however, choose to join the Majority or Minority upon written request to and approval thereof by the Majority or Minority, as the case may be.

Section 9.

Immunities.

– Members shall be privileged from arrest for any and all offenses punishable by not more than six (6) years imprisonment while Congress is in session.

A Member shall neither be questioned nor held liable in any other place for any speech delivered or debate undertaken in the House or in any of its committees.

Section 10.
Section 10.

Salaries and Benefits.

– Salaries and benefits of Members shall be determined in accordance with law.

Any increase in the compensation and benefits of Members shall take effect after the expiration of the full term of all the Members approving such increase.
Any Member legally barred by competent authority from attending sessions and performing such other functions as a Member of the House of Representatives shall be denied salary, other compensation, office space and other privileges to which Members are entitled as of the date the bar becomes effective.

However, upon the lifting or cessation of such bar, the salary and other entitlements that were denied shall, forthwith, be restored.

RULE III Officers Section 11.

Election of Officers.


- The officers of the House namely the Speaker, the Deputy Speakers, the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be elected at the commencement of each Congress and whenever there is a vacancy.

At the commencement of each Congress, the Speaker shall be elected by a majority vote of all the Members and the Secretary General shall record the vote of each Member which shall be cast without explanation.
Thereafter, the Deputy Speakers, the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be elected in successive order by a majority vote of the Members present, there being a quorum.

10 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Likewise, whenever there is a vacancy, the Speaker shall be elected by a majority vote of all the Members and the Secretary General shall record the vote of each Member which shall be cast without explanation.
The Deputy Speakers, the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members present, there being a quorum.

Section 12.

Term of Office.

– The officers shall hold office until the term of the Congress in which they were elected ends unless they resign, are removed from office, or are permanently incapacitated to perform their duties.
The incumbent Secretary General and Sergeant-at-Arms at the close of a Congress shall, however, remain in office and, respectively, preside over and maintain order during the inaugural session of the succeeding Congress until after the election of a new Speaker.

Section 13.

Vacancy.

– A vacancy is created whenever any of the officers dies, resigns, or is permanently incapacitated, or when the House declares any office vacant.
In case of death, resignation or permanent incapacity of the Speaker, an Acting Speaker chosen by a majority of the Deputy Speakers from among themselves, shall assume the duties of the Speaker until a new Speaker is elected.

Should a day lapse without an Acting Speaker having been chosen by a majority of the Deputy Speakers, they shall proceed to choose an Acting Speaker by lot from among themselves.
In case of death, resignation or permanent incapacity of any of the Deputy Speakers, the Secretary General, or the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Speaker shall designate an Acting Deputy Speaker, Secretary General, or Sergeant-at-Arms until the election of a new Deputy Speaker, Secretary General, or Sergeant-at-Arms, as the case may be.

Except for the position of Speaker, any position may be declared vacant by a majority vote of the Members present, there being a quorum.
The position of Speaker may only be declared vacant through nominal voting by a majority vote of all the Members.

In cases when all offices are declared vacant, the incumbent Secretary 11 Rules of the House of Representatives General shall preside over the proceedings of the House only for the purpose and until the election of a new Speaker.

Section 14.

Absence or Temporary Incapacity.


- In case of absence of any of the officers or temporary incapacity to perform the functions of their office, the following rules shall apply: a.

The Deputy Speaker chosen by a majority of the Deputy Speakers from among themselves shall assume the duties and powers of the Speaker when the latter is absent or temporarily incapacitated.
Should a day lapse without an Acting Speaker having been chosen by a majority of the Deputy Speakers, they shall proceed to choose an Acting Speaker by lot from among themselves; b.
The Speaker may designate a Member as acting Deputy Speaker who will assume the powers and duties of an absent or temporarily incapacitated Deputy Speaker until such time that the latter returns to office and resumes work; c. The Speaker may designate from among the Deputy Secretaries General an Acting Secretary General who will assume the duties and powers of the Secretary General until such time that the latter returns to office and resumes work; and d. The Speaker may designate an Acting Sergeant-at-Arms from among the senior officers of the Office of the Sergeant- at-Arms who will assume the duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms until such time that the latter returns to office and resumes work.
RULE IV The Speaker Section 15.

Duties and Powers.

- The Speaker, as the political and administrative head of the House, is responsible for the overall management of the proceedings, activities, resources, facilities and employees of the House.
12 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines The Speaker shall: a. prepare the legislative agenda for every regular session, establish systems and procedures to ensure full deliberation and swift approval of measures included therein, and may, for the purpose, avail of the assistance of the Deputy Speakers, the Majority Leader, the chairpersons of the standing committees and other Members of the House; b. conduct regular monthly caucus of all Members or groups thereof or as often as may be necessary to discuss priority measures and to facilitate dialogue, consensus and action on issues and concerns affecting the House and the performance of its functions; c. exercise general supervision over all committees and, in furtherance thereof, conduct regular monthly meetings with the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of all standing and special committees to set legislative targets, review performance in the attainment of targets, ensure that the priority legislative measures of committees are attuned to the legislative agenda of the House, and resolve such other issues and concerns that affect the operations and performance of the committees; d. establish, as far as practicable, an efficient information management system in the House utilizing among others, modern digital technology, that can: 1. facilitate access to and dissemination of data and information needed in legislation inclusive of facilitating real time translation of plenary proceedings in the major Philippine dialects and languages; 2. provide a simplified and comprehensive process of gathering, recording, storage and retrieval of data and information relating to activities and proceedings of the House; 3. sustain a public information program that will provide accessible, timely and accurate information relating to the House, its Members and officers, its committees and its legislative concerns inclusive of facilitating, as far as practicable, broadcast coverage of plenary and committee proceedings; 13 Rules of the House of Representatives e.
 establish an efficient and effective system to monitor and evaluate the performance of legislative tasks and duties of the House, its Members and its committees; f. establish coordinative linkages with the Senate of the Philippines to efficiently monitor and facilitate Senate action on House measures pending with the same; g. preside over the sessions of the House and decide all questions of order subject to appeal by any Member who may explain the appeal in not more than five (5) minutes: Provided, That the appeal shall not be subject to debate, and no explanation of vote shall be allowed in case of nominal voting; h. designate a Member as temporary presiding officer after informing the Deputy Speakers: Provided, That any such designation shall be effective for one session day only; i. j. take appropriate measures as may be deemed advisable or as the House may direct, to preserve order and decorum in the session hall, the galleries, lobbies, chambers, offices, corridors and premises of the House; sign all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenae that may be issued by or upon order of the House; k. perform administrative functions such as, among others: k1.
appointment of personnel of the House with authority to delegate this power; k2.

suspension, dismissal or imposition of other disciplinary measures on House personnel in accordance with Civil Service rules: Provided, That the suspension or dismissal of the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at-Arms shall take effect only upon the concurrence of the majority of all the Members; 14 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines k3.
consolidation or splitting of vacant positions carrying salaries and wages which may be increased or reduced in the process, and/or creation of new positions in accordance with the General Appropriations Act: Provided, That the total amount involved shall not exceed the total amount appropriated for the salaries and wages of the personnel of the House; k4.
implementation of merit-based policies and programs on personnel recruitment, training and development, promotions, incentives and benefits to ensure that the House has a corps of competent professionals able to provide needed legislative support services; and k5.

review, approve, and sign contracts entered into by the House of Representatives, with the authority to delegate this power.
l. prepare the annual budget of the House with the assistance of the Committee on Accounts; m. prepare, in consultation with the Committee on Rules, the rules and regulations governing public access to personal data and related information, including statements of assets and liabilities, of Members of the House; n. develop through an appropriate entity of the House a system for drug testing in the House of Representatives, which may provide for the testing of any Member, officer, or employee of the House, and otherwise shall be comparable in scope to the system for drug testing in the executive branch: Provided, That the expenses of the system may be paid from applicable accounts of the House for official expenses; and o. require the submission of performance reports at the end of every regular session and fiscal year from the committee chairpersons, the Secretary General and the Sergeant-at- Arms, and such other reports as may be required from all concerned officers and offices of the House.
15 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 16.

Representation in International Parliamentary Gatherings and Organizations.

- The Speaker shall be the permanent head of delegation and representative of the House in all international parliamentary gatherings and organizations: Provided, That the Speaker may designate any Member to be the representative of the Speaker.
The Speaker shall also determine, upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader, in consultation with the chairperson of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy and the Minority Leader, who shall constitute the House delegation to any international conference or forum of parliamentarians and legislators and the secretariat support staff to be mobilized for the purpose.

RULE V The Deputy Speakers Section 17.

Duties and Powers.
- The duties and powers of the Deputy Speakers are: a. to assume the duties and powers of the Speaker when so chosen by a majority vote or by lot among themselves, as the case may be, in cases of absence or temporary incapacity of the Speaker, until such time that the Speaker returns to office and resumes work; and, in case of resignation, removal, permanent incapacity or death of the Speaker, until such time that a new Speaker is elected and qualified; b. to preside over the session when, even if present, the Speaker does not preside, or has not designated any other Member as temporary presiding officer as provided in Section 15(h) of Rule IV; c. to monitor, coordinate and facilitate action on measures filed, requests, and other concerns of Members representing constituencies to which they may be assigned by the Speaker; d. to recommend to the Speaker appropriate policies, strategies and programs of action to improve the process 16 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines of legislation and the quality of legislative measures, and to effectively address concerns of Members on matters affecting them, their constituencies, and the overall operations and integrity of the House; e. to appoint personnel of the House when so authorized by the Speaker; and f. to perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned or delegated to them by the Speaker.
RULE VI The Secretary General Section 18.

Duties and Powers.
- The duties and powers of the Secretary General are: a. to call the session to order, to call the roll of Members by provinces, cities and municipalities comprising districts and by party-lists in alphabetical order, to designate an acting Floor Leader, to preserve order and decorum, and to decide all questions of order, as presiding officer pending the election of the Speaker, during the inaugural session of the House; b. to prepare the Order of Business for the inaugural session of the House which shall include: b.1.
a Resolution informing the President of the Philippines that the House of Representatives has been organized its Speaker, Deputy Speakers, and has elected Secretary General and Sergeant-at-Arms; b.2.

a Resolution informing the Senate of the Philippines that the House of Representatives has been organized and has elected its Speaker, Deputy Speakers, Secretary General and Sergeant-at-Arms; b.3.
a Concurrent Resolution of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines 17 Rules of the House of Representatives providing for a joint session to hear the State of the Nation Address of the President of the Philippines; and b.4.
a Concurrent Resolution authorizing the appointment of a joint committee of both Houses to inform the President of the Philippines that Congress, in joint session, is ready to receive the President for the State of the Nation Address; c. to enforce orders and decisions of the House; d. to prepare and distribute copies of the Order of Business of the House to all Members; e. to attend, personally or through representative, all sessions of the House, call the roll of the Members and read bills, resolutions, messages, communications, memorials, petitions and other documents which should be reported to the House or the reading of which is required by the House or the Speaker; f. to note all questions of order and the decisions thereon, the records of which shall be printed at the close of each session for the use of the Members as appendix to the Journal of such session; g. to keep, certify and distribute to the Members the Journal of each session which shall be a clear and succinct account of the business conducted and actions taken by the House: Provided, That Journals of executive sessions shall be recorded in a separate book and kept confidential; h. to provide the House with information on approved bills to be transmitted to the President for action; i. to distribute to Members, within six (6) months after the close of a regular session, copies of the Record of the House for a regular session and the acts and resolutions passed and adopted during the same; 18 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines j. to make available on the House website within six (6) months after the close of every regular session, the Record of the House; k. to distribute to Members, at the commencement of every regular session, a list of the reports submitted to the House by each head of department of the Executive and Judicial Departments; l. to procure and retain sufficient copies of books, records and documents for the use of the Members and the officers of the House in the library of the House and in the office of the
 Secretary General; m. to attest to and affix the seal of the House on all writs, warrants and subpoenae issued by or upon order of the House or the Speaker; n. to certify and affix the seal of the House on all approved measures, orders, acts and resolutions; o. to submit to the Speaker all contracts and agreements for approval; p. to ensure that the employees of the House perform their duties competently, efficiently and effectively, and in furtherance thereof, to impose necessary disciplinary measures and recommend dismissal of erring employees to the Speaker in accordance with Civil Service rules, and to recommend to the Speaker policies and programs on recruitment and hiring of competent professionals, the improvement of the capabilities of House personnel to provide needed technical and other support services to the Members, and the acquisition, improvement and upgrading of necessary facilities and equipment; q. to appoint personnel of the House when authorized by the Speaker; 19 Rules of the House of Representatives r. s. to serve as custodian of the property and records of the House and all government property within the House premises, and to make an inventory of all these property and records at the beginning and end of each regular session; to cause the publication of the attendance record of Members in sessions of the House and their voting records on bills of national application in accordance with rules and regulations to be issued by the House; and t. to perform other duties that may be assigned or ordered by the House or by the Speaker.
Section 19.

Reports of the Secretary General.

- The Secretary General shall prepare and submit to the House, through the Speaker, at the end of each fiscal year, a comprehensive report on the performance of the House Secretariat and the expenditures incurred in the operations thereof.

RULE VII The Sergeant-at-Arms Section 20.

Duties and Powers.
- The duties and powers of the Sergeant-at-Arms are: a. to attend all sessions of the House unless excused by the Speaker or the Presiding Officer, and personally or through his designee(s), all meetings of the committees; b. to strictly enforce rules relating to admission to the session hall, the galleries, offices, corridors and premises of the House building; c. to ensure that employees under the office of the Sergeant- at-Arms observe proper behavior and faithfully perform their duties; 20 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines d. to implement orders and serve all processes issued by authority of the House or by the Speaker; e. to secure and maintain order in the session hall, galleries, offices, corridors and premises of the House building during sessions, during the conduct of meetings of committees and during such other proceedings or activities of the House whether or not the House is in session; f. to secure the safety of the Members while in the House premises or in any other place as the Speaker may direct; g. to secure the properties of the House; h. to recommend and implement upon the direction of the Speaker, security management systems, policies and programs that will ensure the maintenance of order in the House and its premises, protect the safety of the Members and employees, visitors and other persons who are within the premises of the House on official business, and the preservation of properties, equipment, facilities, documents and records of the House; and i. to act as custodian of the Mace, which shall be the symbol of authority and shall be borne by the Sergeant-at-Arms while enforcing order on the floor.
Section 21.

Reports of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

- The Sergeant-at- Arms shall prepare and submit to the House, through the Speaker, at the end of every fiscal year, a performance report relative to programs and activities relating to the security and maintenance of order in the House.

RULE VIII The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments Section 22.

Representation of the House.


– The House contingent in the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission 21 Rules of the House of Representatives on Appointments composed of six (6) and twelve (12) Members respectively, who shall be chosen on the basis of proportional representation of the political parties and parties or organizations registered under the party-list system represented therein, shall be constituted within thirty (30) days after the election of the Speaker.

Section 23.
Section 23.

Election of Members.

The motion or resolution to elect Members to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and Commission on Appointments shall not be subject to a division of the House.

Section 24.

Vacancy.

- Any vacancy in the House contingent in the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments shall be filled through a motion or resolution presented to the House in accordance with Sections 22 and 23 hereof.
In case a vacancy occurs during a recess of Congress, the Speaker may fill the vacancy temporarily with a Member belonging to the same party or organization as the former incumbent upon nomination of the parties or organizations concerned.

Section 25.

Rules and Regulations.

- The House recognizes the power of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments to adopt their own rules and regulations.

RULE IX The Committees Section 26.

Duties and Functions.


- Committees shall study, deliberate on and act upon all measures referred to them inclusive of bills, resolutions and petitions, and shall recommend for approval or adoption by the House those that, in their judgment, advance the interests and promote the welfare of the people.
In furtherance thereof, committees shall establish appropriate systems and procedures to ensure that constituencies, sectors and groups whose interests are affected by any pending measure are given sufficient opportunities to be heard.
Committees shall pursue dialogues and consultations with affected sectors and constituencies, 22 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines conduct researches, and engage the services and assistance of experts and professionals from the public or private sectors as may be needed in the performance of their functions.
Committees shall have oversight responsibilities to determine whether or not laws and programs addressing subjects within their jurisdictions are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress and whether or not they should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated.
In the performance of these responsibilities, committees shall review and study on a continuing basis, or upon order of the House: a. the application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of laws and programs addressing subjects within their respective jurisdictions; b. the organization and operation of national agencies and entities having responsibilities for the administration and execution of laws and programs addressing subjects within their respective jurisdictions; and c. any conditions or circumstances that may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation addressing subjects within their respective jurisdictions.
Each committee may establish an oversight sub-committee, or require its sub-committees to conduct oversight within their respective jurisdictions, to assist in carrying out its oversight function.

The Speaker, with the approval of the House, may create ad hoc oversight committees for the purpose of reviewing specific matters within the jurisdictions of more than two (2) committees.
Committees may also, motu proprio, upon a majority vote of all their Members, conduct hearings and inquiries on issues and concerns within their respective jurisdictions.

Section 27.

Standing and Special Committees.

- The House shall have standing and special committees that shall be organized, 23 Rules of the House of Representatives except for the Committee on Rules, on the basis of proportional representation of the Majority and the Minority.
Standing committees shall have jurisdiction over measures relating to needs, concerns, issues and interests affecting the general welfare and which require continuing or comprehensive legislative study, attention and action.
Special committees are intended to address measures relating to special or urgent needs, concerns, issues and interests of certain sectors or constituencies requiring immediate legislative action, or to such needs, concerns, issues and interests that may fall within the scope of the jurisdiction of a standing committee, but which the standing committee concerned is unable to act upon with needed dispatch.

Section 28.

Standing Committees.


- The House shall, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Rules, organize the following standing committees, the membership and jurisdictions of which shall be as hereinafter stated: a.

Accounts, 55 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the internal budget of the House including budget preparation, submission and approval, disbursements, accounting and financial operations.

b. Agrarian Reform, 40 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to agrarian reform, the resettlement of and other support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and the implementation and amendment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.

c. Agriculture and Food, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to food and agricultural production, agribusiness, agri-economics, agricultural research and technology, agricultural education including extension services, soil conservation, soil survey and research, irrigation, farm credit and security, animal industry and quarantine, and crop and livestock production, insurance, and guarantee programs.
24 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines d. Appropriations, 125 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the expenditures of the national government including payment of public indebtedness, creation or abolition and classification of positions in government, and the determination of salaries, allowances and benefits of government personnel.

e. Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, 55 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to aquaculture and fisheries production and development, the business of aquaculture, use of aquatic resources, fresh water and fisheries culture research and technology applications, aquaculture and fisheries education and training including extension services, conservation of streams, rivers, lakes and other fisheries resources, and fishpond and fisheries culture production and development including related technical, financial and guarantee assistance programs.
f. Banks and Financial Intermediaries, 45 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to banking and currency, government-owned or controlled banks and financial institutions, non-government banks and financial institutions, insurance, securities and securities exchange.

g. Basic Education and Culture, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to pre-school, kindergarten, primary and secondary education, science high schools except the Philippine Science High School System, teachers and students’ welfare, alternative learning systems, special education and community adult education, the national language, libraries and museums, and the preservation and enrichment of Filipino arts and culture.

h. Civil Service and Professional Regulation, 35 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to the organization, operation, management, rules and regulations of the civil service; the status, welfare and benefits of government officers and employees; and the regulation of admission to and the practice of professions.

25 Rules of the House of Representatives i.

Climate Change, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to policies, programs, strategies, practices, technologies and innovation addressing climate change causes and impacts, including, but not limited to, avoidance and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate risk management to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability to climate risks, all matters relating to adaptation and mitigation to enhance resilience and to promote sustainable development, the country’s compliance with relevant international agreements, and cooperation with other countries.
j.

Constitutional Amendments, 55 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to amendments or revisions of the Constitution.

k. Cooperatives Development, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to cooperatives inclusive of cooperative movements and organizations; urban and rural-based credit, consumer, producers, marketing, service and multi-purpose cooperatives; electric cooperatives registered with the Cooperative Development Authority; and the implementation or amendment of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.

l. Dangerous Drugs, 45 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to illegal or prohibited drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, the production, manufacture, use and trafficking thereof, as well as the rehabilitation and treatment of drug dependents.

m. Disaster Resilience, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to disaster and calamities, whether natural or man-made, as well as policies, plans, programs and projects related to disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management including disaster preparedness and resiliency, relief and rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

26 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines n. Ecology, 35 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to ecosystem management including pollution control.

o.

Economic Affairs, 35 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to economic development planning and programs inclusive of economic and socio-economic studies and development policies and strategies.

p. Energy, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the exploration, development, utilization or conservation of energy resources, including the development and utilization of alternative and renewable energy resources and the entities involved in energy or power generation, transmission, distribution and supply.

q.

Ethics and Privileges, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges and immunities, dignity, integrity and reputation of the House and its Members.

r. Foreign Affairs, 55 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the relations of the Philippines with other countries, diplomatic and consular services, the United Nations and its agencies, and other international organizations and agencies.

s. Games and Amusements, 65 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to all forms and places of gaming and amusements.

t. Good Government and Public Accountability, 45 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance in office committed by officers and employees of the government and its political subdivisions and instrumentalities inclusive of investigations of any matter of public interest on its own initiative or upon order of the House.

27 Rules of the House of Representatives u.

Government Enterprises and Privatization, 35 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to the creation, organization, operation, reorganization and amendments of charters of government-owned or controlled corporations including the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System and similar institutions, but excluding government-owned or controlled banks and financial institutions.

v. Government Reorganization, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the reorganization of the government or any of its branches, departments and instrumentalities, excluding government-owned or controlled corporations, and the creation, abolition or change of the principal functions or nature of any government department, agency, commission or board.

w. Health, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to public health and hygiene, and quarantine, medical, hospital and other health facilities and services.

x.

Higher and Technical Education, 65 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to higher education and post-secondary technical-vocational education, open distance learning, students and teachers’ welfare, and centers of excellence and development.

y.

Housing and Urban Development, 55 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to shelter delivery including services, agencies and instrumentalities of government related thereto, and the management of urbanization issues and concerns such as, among others, urban planning and development, urban land reform and welfare of the urban poor in the overall context of enhancing housing and shelter services delivery.

z.

Human Rights, 35 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the protection and enhancement of human rights, assistance to victims of human rights 28 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines violations and their families, the prevention of violations of human rights and the punishment of perpetrators of such violations.

aa.

Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, 25 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples and the development of their communities.

bb.

Information and Communications Technology, 55 Members.
– All matters relating to postal, telegraph, radio, broadcast, cable and satellite television, telephone, mobile cellular networks, convergence, computers and telecommunications technologies including but not limited to broadband access to wired and wireless connectivity to the internet such as voice over internet protocol (VOIP), video conferencing, and audio/video/data streaming; any and all other public and private electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and transmitting information for information technology; information systems inclusive of hardware, software and content applications; mobile short messaging system (SMS) applications affecting upstream and downstream business applications; and networks that enable access to online technology.
cc.

Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, 45 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to inter-parliamentary relations and linkages with international parliamentary organizations such as but not limited to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Asian- Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union (APPU), Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU); establishment of inter-parliamentary friendship societies; and visits of parliamentary delegations as well as other foreign dignitaries.

dd.

Justice, 55 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the administration of justice, the Judiciary, the practice of law and integration of the Bar, legal aid, penitentiaries and reform schools, adult probation, 29 Rules of the House of Representatives impeachment proceedings, registration of land titles, immigration, deportation, naturalization, and the definition of crimes and other offenses punishable by law and their penalties.

ee.

Labor and Employment, 40 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to labor, the advancement and protection of the rights and welfare of workers, employment and manpower development inclusive of the promotion of industrial peace and employer-employee cooperation, labor education, labor standards and statistics, and the organization and development of the labor market including the recruitment, training and placement of manpower.

ff.

Legislative Franchises, 45 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the grant, amendment, extension or revocation of franchises.

gg.

Local Government, 55 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to autonomous regions, provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays including their revenues and expenditures.

hh.

Metro Manila Development, 35 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs to promote and enhance the development of the Metro Manila area.

ii.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, 25 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs on entrepreneurship development including the promotion of entrepreneurship, support to entrepreneurs, and the establishment and continuing viability and growth of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.

jj.

Mindanao Affairs, 60 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to the development of Mindanao including the preparation of a comprehensive and integrated development plan for Mindanao.
30 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines kk.

Muslim Affairs, 20 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to Muslim affairs inclusive of the welfare of Muslim Filipinos and the development of predominantly Muslim areas.

ll.

National Defense and Security, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to national defense and national security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, citizens army, selective services, forts and arsenals, military bases, reservations and yards and coast and geodetic surveys.

mm.

Natural Resources, 65 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to natural resources, except energy and fisheries resources, and their exploration, conservation, management and utilization, lands of the public domain, mines and minerals, forests, parks and wildlife, and marine resources.

nn.

Overseas Workers Affairs, 35 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers and their families.

oo.

People’s Participation, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the role, rights and responsibilities of people’s organizations, non-government and civic organizations, and other similar groups, and the establishment of mechanisms for consultation with and participation of the people in governance and in legislation including the establishment and maintenance of a databank on all such organizations.

pp.

Population and Family Relations, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to population growth and family planning, population census and statistics and family relations.

qq.

Poverty Alleviation, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs to 31 Rules of the House of Representatives address the poverty situation in the country and other actions to alleviate the plight of the poor and promote their right to equal access to opportunities for a better quality of life.

rr.

Public Accounts, 42 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to the examination and scrutiny of audit reports on the performance of all government agencies to determine their adherence to or compliance with the plans and programs authorized through appropriations approved by the legislature.

ss.

Public Information, 35 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the production and dissemination of information to the public through all forms of mass communications and media such as print and broadcast media, movie and television, video, advertising, cable television and the internet, including the regulation thereof, and the rights and responsibilities of persons and entities engaged therein.

tt.

Public Order and Safety, 55 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the suppression of criminality including those on illegal gambling, private armies, terrorism, organized crime and illegal drugs, regulation of firearms, firecrackers and pyrotechnics, civil defense, private security agencies, and the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

uu.

Public Works and Highways, 95 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the planning, construction, maintenance, improvement and repair of public infrastructure inclusive of buildings, highways, bridges, roads, parks, drainage, flood control and protection, water utilities and utilization of waters of the public domain.

32 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines vv.

Revision of Laws, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the revision and codification of laws.

ww.

Rules, 30 Members.


- All matters relating to the Rules of the House, Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, Order of Business, Calendar of Business, the referral of bills, resolutions, speeches, committee reports, messages, memorials and petitions, and the creation of committees inclusive of determining their respective jurisdictions.
The Majority Leader shall be the chairperson, the Deputy Majority Leaders shall be the vice-chairpersons, and the Minority Leader and the Deputy Minority Leaders shall be Members of the committee: Provided, That, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives of the immediately preceding Congress who is still a Member of the present House of Representatives shall be an ex-officio Member of the Committee on Rules.

xx.

Rural Development, 25 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the development of rural areas and islands through policies, programs, support services and other interventions to include livelihood and enterprise development, microfinancing, community mobilization and development, area development planning, and access to rural project funding and financing.

yy.

Science and Technology, 35 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to science and technology including scientific and technological research and development, technology transfer, science and technology education including the Philippine Science High School System, intellectual property rights on biotechnology, and climate and weather forecasting.

zz.

Social Services, 35 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to social development and social services and interventions that develop and enhance the quality of individual and community life.

33 Rules of the House of Representatives aaa.

Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, 35 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the protection and advancement of the right of suffrage and the conduct of elections, plebiscites, initiatives, recalls and referenda.

bbb.
bbb.

Sustainable Development Goals, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to the achievement of the country’s commitment to the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development including, but not limited to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, promoting health and well-being, obtaining quality education, achieving gender equality and empowering women, ensuring access to waters, sanitation for all, ensuring access to affordable and clean energy, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work.

ccc.
ccc.

Tourism, 55 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the development and promotion of tourism both domestic and international.

ddd.

Trade and Industry, 55 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to domestic and foreign trade, intellectual property rights, patents, trade names and trademarks, standards, weights and measures, designs, quality control, consumer protection, prices and marketing of commodities, handicrafts and cottage industries, and the development, regulation and diversification of industry and investments.

eee.

Transportation, 85 Members.
- All matters directly and principally relating to land, sea, and air transportation and all public utilities and services connected thereto, as well as the establishment, operation, management and regulation of airports, seaports and other mass transportation systems including light and heavy rail systems and roll on-roll off systems (RO-RO), civil aviation, air transport agreements, transportation safety standards, air transport security, maritime security, ballast water 34 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines management, ship financing, ship mortgage, maritime liens and transportation related insurance.
fff.

Veterans Affairs and Welfare, 30 Members.

- All matters directly and principally relating to the welfare of war veterans, veterans of military campaigns, military retirees, and their surviving spouses and other beneficiaries.

ggg.

Visayas Development, 35 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to policies, programs and related initiatives affecting the economic, social, political and cultural development of municipalities, cities and provinces in the Visayas regions including needs, concerns and issues that impact on the welfare of constituencies therein.

hhh.

Ways and Means, 75 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the fiscal, monetary and financial affairs of the national government including tariff, taxation, revenues, borrowing, credit and bonded indebtedness.

iii.

Welfare of Children, 20 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to the needs and overall welfare of Filipino children, including children with special needs, and all actions to ensure the availability of and their continuing access to affordable and appropriate programs and resources that facilitate and contribute to the attainment of their welfare.

jjj.

Women and Gender Equality, 55 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to the rights and welfare of women including girl-children, inclusive of their education, employment, working conditions, their role in nation building, and all concerns relating to gender equality.

kkk.

Youth and Sports Development, 35 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to youth development including the development of their leadership potentials and the promotion of their moral, physical, intellectual and social well-being, and sports development.

35 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 29.

Sub-committees.

– Each standing committee may create such sub-committees as may be necessary for the efficient and effective performance of its functions.

Section 30.
Section 30.

Special Committees.

– The Committee on Rules may, motu proprio or upon request of any Member, recommend to the House, for its approval, the organization of special committees on the basis of proportional representation of the Majority and the Minority, and shall determine their membership and jurisdictions.

Their Members shall be chosen and their membership affirmed in the same manner as those of standing committees and they shall exercise the same powers as standing committees.
The House shall, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Rules, organize the following special committees the membership and jurisdictions of which shall be as hereinafter stated: a.

Special Committee on Bases Conversion, 20 Members.


– All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs relating to bases conversion, the operation of special economic zones in former military bases, sale of military camps, and disposition of proceeds thereof, relocation of military camps and personnel and the construction of new military camps.

b.

Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs to promote and enhance the development of the Bicol area inclusive of developmental projects, care programs and the Bicol river basin project.

c. Special Committee on East ASEAN Growth Area, 20 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to social, political and economic policies affecting the countries within the area, and the promotion of trade and investment among these countries.
d. Special Committee on Flagship Programs and Projects, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating 36 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines and/or to the monitoring, evaluation and review of highly strategic infrastructure or programs and projects identified and approved by the NEDA board Committee on Infrastructure Investment Coordination (INFRACOM) Committee (ICC), and included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), including the proposal of possible game- changing and high-impact flagship programs and projects, and the necessity of recommending requisite courses of action in relation thereto.
the e. Special Committee on Food Security, 20 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to programs and policies on food production and distribution, including the factors affecting food supply in the country, and other actions intended to achieve sustained growth and self- reliance in the production of basic food commodities, the availability and accessibility of these commodities to the people, and long-term food security for the nation.
f. Special Committee on Globalization and WTO, 20 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to the effects on various social sectors of WTO policies and other actions to harness opportunities offered by globalization for economic development.

g. Special Committee on Land Use, 20 Members.


- All matters directly and principally relating to land use issues inclusive of the enhancement of resource use and management of indigenous cultural communities, land valuation regulation, preservation of historical and cultural heritage sites, and public-private partnership as well as linkages among national and local agencies and stakeholders in land resource management.

h. Special Committee on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to all policies and programs concerning the development of municipalities, cities, provinces and other local communities in the northwest Luzon area, and 37 Rules of the House of Representatives other actions to promote growth and expand avenues of economic cooperation with contiguous areas.

i.

Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to negotiations and other policy and program initiatives in pursuit of the peace process and national reconciliation, the cessation of hostilities generated by internal armed conflicts, and the welfare of rebel-returnees.

j.

Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to the needs, rights, welfare of persons with disabilities as well as policies and programs that will enhance their active participation and integration in society.

k. Special Committee on Reforestation, 20 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs on reforestation including the effects of forest denudation, and other actions to ensure the implementation of a sustained community-based nationwide reforestation program.
l. Special Committee on Senior Citizens, 20 Members.

– All matters directly and principally relating to the needs and welfare of senior citizens as well as policies and programs that will enhance their active participation in society.

m. Special Committee on Strategic Intelligence, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to strategic intelligence initiatives, activities, and programs of the Philippine government including but not limited to counter-intelligence, counter terrorism, foreign intelligence, and economic intelligence.

n. Special Committee on Southern Tagalog Development, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to the development of the Southern Tagalog area inclusive of those affecting agricultural areas, tourism, economic and industrial estates, and processing areas therein.

38 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines o.

Special Committee on West Philippine Sea, 20 Members.
– All matters directly and principally relating to West Philippine Sea issues, including territorial and boundary disputes, national and regional peace and security issues, joint cooperation arrangements and maritime and environmental concerns.

Section 31.

Members and Officers.

– Members of each committee constituting the Majority and the Minority therein shall be chosen by the Majority and Minority, respectively.
Their membership shall be affirmed in plenary session upon motion of the Majority Leader and Minority Leader, as the case may be, and shall not be subject to a division of the House.

As far as practicable, each region shall be represented in every committee.
The Speaker, the Deputy Speakers, the Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leaders, the Minority Leader and the Deputy Minority Leaders and the chairperson of the Committee on Accounts or a Member deputized by any of the aforementioned officials shall have voice and vote in all committees: Provided, That the committee to which a particular Member has been deputized by any of the said officials shall inform the Committee on Rules of such deputation.
Every standing and special committee shall have a chairperson and vice-chairpersons.
The Member elected whose name appears first on the list of committee members shall be the chairperson and the Members whose names appear successively thereafter shall be the vice-chairpersons which number shall be determined in accordance with the following: Except the Committee on Rules, a committee of twenty (20) to thirty-five (35) Members shall have four (4) vice-chairpersons; a committee of forty (40) to fifty-five (55) Members shall have six (6) vice-chairpersons; a committee of sixty (60) to seventy-five (75) Members shall have eight (8) vice-chairpersons; a committee of eighty (80) to one hundred (100) Members shall have ten (10) vice-chairpersons: Provided, That, a committee with more than one hundred (100) members will have such number of vice-chairpersons as may be determined by the Speaker.
39 Rules of the House of Representatives The Member whose name appears first on the list of committee members elected on the part of the minority shall be considered as the senior minority member.
A Member who is the author of a bill or a resolution referred to a committee or, if there be several authors, the first two authors named in the bill or resolution, or their duly designated co-authors, as the case may be, shall be considered as members of the committee of referral for the purpose and throughout the duration of the consideration of said bill or resolution, but shall have no vote in the committee.

Section 32.

Vacancy and Succession.


- A vacancy in any committee shall be filled upon motion of the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader, as the case may be, and by affirmation of such action by the House in plenary session: Provided, That the proportional representation of the Majority and the Minority in the committee is maintained.
In case of absence or temporary incapacity of the committee chairperson, the highest ranking vice-chairperson or the Member whose name appears next to the name of the chairperson in the list of committee members shall automatically assume the duties of the chairperson until such time that the latter returns to office and resumes work.
In case of absence or temporary incapacity of the highest ranking vice-chairperson, the Member next in succession in the list of committee Members shall automatically assume the duties of the chairperson and so on.

In case of vacancy in the position of committee chairperson by reason of death, resignation, permanent disability or removal, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as when the chairperson is absent or temporarily incapacitated.
The Member who succeeds shall perform the duties of the chairperson only until such time that a new chairperson is chosen and assumes office in accordance with Section 31 hereof.

Section 33.

Limitations.

– A Member of the House cannot serve as chairperson of more than one (1) committee.

A Member of the 40 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines House contingent in the House Electoral Tribunal or the Commission on Appointments cannot serve as chairperson of any committee.
A Member of a committee shall not participate in committee deliberations or vote on any matter that directly or indirectly affects the Member’s business, financial or pecuniary interest.

Section 34.

Rules of Committees.

- Standing and special committees may adopt their own rules by a majority vote of all their Members: Provided, That these rules are consistent with the Rules of the House and will not expand or in any way alter their jurisdictions as provided herein.
The committees shall furnish the Committee on Rules with a copy of their rules.

Section 35.

Place, Time and Notice of Meetings.

- All committees and sub-committees shall conduct their meetings, conferences or hearings at such time they may determine in any of the conference rooms within the House premises or, whenever necessary, in any other place when so authorized by the Speaker.
The Speaker, in consultation with the Majority Leader and subject to the internal rules that shall be adopted by each committee pursuant to Section 34 hereof, may authorize committees to conduct meetings, conferences, or hearings through electronic platforms like video conference, telecommunications and other computer online technologies.

Only the Committee on Rules and such committees to which it has granted permission, may meet while the House is in plenary session, has adjourned, or is in recess.
Members shall be notified in writing through electronic mail or instant messaging three (3) calendar days before a regularly scheduled committee or sub-committee meeting, conference or hearing except when the Speaker authorizes the conduct of immediate meeting or hearing for the passage of urgent legislative measures.

Such notices shall specify the date, time and place of the meeting, the measures and other matters to be taken up and the names of the resource persons invited.
It shall include, as far as practicable, copies of the measures together with fact sheets, research data and other information materials related thereto.
41 Rules of the House of Representatives The committees or sub-committees, through their respective committee secretariats, shall undertake measures to ensure that public notices or announcements regarding the conduct of any of its meetings or public hearings are issued in writing at least three (3) days before said meeting, conference or hearing, through electronic mail, posting in the House of Representatives website or instant messaging.
They shall undertake measures and establish systems to ensure that constituencies, sectors or groups whose welfare and interests are directly affected by measures to be discussed are enabled to participate in these meetings or public hearings.

Meetings and public hearings shall be open to the public subject to reasonable regulations in the interest of security, order, and the safety of persons in attendance.
A bill, resolution or petition shall be set for hearing only after it has been referred in plenary session to an appropriate committee.

Members of a committee or sub-committee shall be notified in writing or through electronic mail or instant messaging at least five (5) calendar days before the initial hearing on any bill, resolution or petition except when the Speaker authorizes the immediate passage of the bill, resolution or petition.
The committees and sub-committees, as far as practicable, shall schedule bills, resolutions or petitions on similar or related subject matters for the same meeting or hearing.

Section 36.

Attendance in Meetings.

– Every Member of a committee shall be present in all the committee meetings and public hearings unless prevented from doing so by sickness and other unavoidable circumstances duly reported to the concerned committee through the committee secretary.
As far as practicable, Members who are attending meetings through electronic platforms, as authorized by the Speaker, shall register their attendance by joining the virtual conference which shall be verified and authenticated by the committee secretary.

Members who are unable to join the virtual conference due to technical reasons, may register their attendance through mobile phones or other electronic accounts previously registered with and verified by the committee secretary.
A Member of 42 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines a committee who incurs three (3) consecutive unexplained absences within a regular session shall forfeit membership in that committee.

Section 37.

Regular and Special Meetings.

- The committees shall hold regular meetings at least twice a month.
Special meetings may be held by the committee which may be called by the chairperson or by one-fourth (1/4) of all its Members: Provided, That the Members shall be notified in writing or through electronic mail or instant messaging indicating therein the date, time, place and agenda of the meeting.

One-fifth (1/5) of all the Members of a committee or sub- committee shall constitute a quorum.
Pursuant to Section 36 hereof, Members who are attending via electronic platforms such as virtual conference shall be included in the determination of quorum.

However, a committee or sub-committee may authorize a smaller number to conduct public hearings on measures pending before it.
The Speaker, the Deputy Speakers, the Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leaders, the Minority Leader, the Deputy Minority Leaders and the chairperson of the Committee on Accounts or any Member deputized by any of the aforementioned officials shall be included in the total number of committee Members for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum if they are present in a meeting.
In cases of joint meetings, a quorum must be present in each of the committees concerned which shall include Members who are attending via electronic platforms such as virtual conference pursuant to Section 36 hereof.

During committee meetings, Members of the majority and the minority shall be allowed to speak alternately, when practicable.
If the committee or sub-committee deems that the subject matter of the discussion in a public hearing may endanger national security or may be offensive to decency or public morals, it shall conduct the meeting in an executive session.

43 Rules of the House of Representatives When a committee decides to hold an executive meeting, only those persons specifically authorized by the committee shall be admitted to the meeting.
They shall preserve the confidentiality of everything read or discussed in the meeting.

Section 38.

Public Hearings.

- Committees and sub-committees may hold public hearings on any measure: Provided, That the measure is made available to the public and notices are issued in writing and, as far as practicable, through electronic mail or through the House website three (3) days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

Section 39.

Committee Reports and Orders.


- Committee reports or orders on any bill, resolution, speech, message, memorial or petition shall be considered in formal meetings and approved by a majority of the Members present, there being a quorum.

A committee report, once approved, shall be signed by the chairperson of the committee.

In cases of joint referrals, committee reports shall be approved in the joint meeting by a majority of the Members present in each committee, there being a quorum.
The committee report shall be signed by the chairpersons of the committees concerned.

Once a committee report is approved, the report and the corresponding measure it covers shall no longer be subject to any change, amendment or alteration, except correction(s) of typographical error(s).
Technical working groups may be created and tasked to ensure that measures and their corresponding committee reports are carefully crafted and faithfully express the ideas, sentiments and consensus of the committee relative to said measures and reports.
When a committee submits a report, a Member thereof shall be presumed to have concurred with the report and shall be precluded from opposing the same during plenary debate unless the Member files an objection or dissenting vote in writing with the Secretary General within seven (7) calendar days from the inclusion thereof in the Order of Business, or is allowed to do so by the Speaker upon satisfactory explanation in writing made by the Member within 44 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines the same period: Provided, However that the foregoing provision does not apply to a member of the committee who did not vote in the affirmative or was absent with explanation during the voting.
Dissenting opinion(s), if any, shall, as far as practicable, be attached to the committee report.

Section 40.

Reconsideration.

- When a measure is adopted or lost, a Member of the committee who voted with the majority may move for its reconsideration during the same meeting or on the same or succeeding day after the meeting, in which case the motion for reconsideration shall be made in writing.

Only one (1) motion for reconsideration shall be allowed.

Section 41.

Reports of the Committee on Rules.


- The Committee on Rules may meet any time and report on any matter within its jurisdiction or referred to it by the House for its determination.

The consideration of its reports shall always be in order.

RULE X Bills, Resolutions, Messages, Memorials and Petitions Section 42.

Bills and Resolutions.


- Bills and resolutions shall be signed by their author(s) and, together with an electronic copy thereof, filed with the Secretary General, who shall assign a number to each bill or resolution.

The Secretary General shall not receive a bill or resolution unless it is accompanied by an electronic copy thereof.

In case of any discrepancy between the printed and the electronic copies of the bill or resolution, the printed copy shall be followed.
The Secretary General shall thereafter transmit the bill or resolution to the Committee on Rules which shall, through the Majority Leader, determine the appropriate committee(s) to which the bill or resolution shall be referred: Provided, That at the opening of a Congress, pending the organization of the Committee on Rules, the acting Floor Leader shall determine the appropriate committees to which measures shall be referred.
Members who are refiling bills and resolutions that were filed in previous Congresses by other Members of the House shall 45 Rules of the House of Representatives acknowledge and recognize the latter as prior authors thereof in the explanatory notes of the refiled bills and resolutions.

A bill or resolution shall have only one (1) subject matter that shall be expressed in the title thereof.
In case a bill or resolution has more than one (1) subject matter, the Committee on Rules, through the Majority Leader, shall immediately inform the author(s) thereof so that appropriate changes or amendments can be made.
In cases of bills of local application seeking the establishment of the same kind of facilities or the delivery of the same services or the grant of the same assistance and privileges to various local government units within the same legislative district or province filed by the same author(s), the Secretary General, for the purpose of reporting these bills for First Reading, may make a summary statement on the titles thereof citing such similar facilities, services, assistance or privileges sought to be provided to various recipients, and the numbers assigned thereto proceeding from the number assigned to the bill first filed up to the number assigned to the bill last filed.
Measures submitted to the House through people’s initiative shall be referred to the Committee on Rules for appropriate action.

Section 43.

First Reading.

- The Secretary General shall report all bills and resolutions to the House for First Reading within three (3) session days from receipt thereof.

The First Reading shall involve only the reading of the number, title and author of the bill or resolution, followed by the referral thereof by the Speaker to the appropriate committee.
During the First Reading, the principal author may propose the inclusion of additional authors by submitting their names to the Secretary General or by making appropriate motions in plenary session.

In case of measures reported out by a committee after conducting, motu proprio, hearings or inquiries on issues and concerns within its jurisdiction in accordance with Section 26 hereof, the referral thereof to the Committee on Rules shall be considered its First Reading.
46 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Section 44.

Referral to Committee.

- As a general rule, a bill or resolution shall be referred to only one (1) committee.
Whenever a bill or resolution covers a subject matter that relates to the jurisdiction of more than one (1) committee, it shall be referred to the committee whose jurisdiction the subject matter directly and principally relates to: Provided, That if the bill or joint resolution entails the appropriation of public funds or contains tax or revenue proposals, the committee to which the bill or joint resolution is referred shall subsequently refer the same to the Committee on Appropriations and/or the Committee on Ways and Means, as the case may be, for actions relative to the appropriation or tax or revenue aspects only.
The committee to which the bill or joint resolution is referred shall be principally responsible for submitting a report to the House.
It may incorporate therein the recommendations of the Committee on Appropriations and/or the Committee on Ways and Means, as the case may be: Provided, That if there is dissenting action from the Committee on Appropriations and/or the Committee on Ways and Means, as the case may be, the same shall be attached as an annex to the committee report to be submitted by the committee of referral.
In case of bills of local application transmitted to the Committee on Appropriations for comments relative to the funding provision, the chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations may act on the same: Provided, That the chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations shall furnish the Members of the committee a list of these bills.
A committee to which a bill or resolution is referred may request, through its chairperson, another committee, through its chairperson, for comments on a bill or resolution pending before it and, subject to the consent of the latter, await such comments within a period mutually agreed upon before preparing the committee report on the bill or resolution.

Section 45.

Change of Referral.


– The chairperson of a committee to which a bill or resolution is referred may make a written request to the Committee on Rules for a change of referral of such bill or resolution.

The Committee on Rules shall decide on the request within a reasonable time from receipt thereof.

47 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 46.

Consolidation or Substitution.


– A committee may decide to approve a bill or resolution with or without amendments, a substitute bill or resolution, or a consolidated bill or resolution.

A substitute measure of a bill or resolution shall have as author/s the author/s of the original bill or resolution.
A consolidated bill or resolution or a substitute measure covering two (2) or more bills or resolutions shall have as authors those of the original bills or resolutions in the order in which their names appear in the bills or resolutions and according to the dates of filing of the bills and resolutions or the numbers assigned to them.
The names of the committee chairpersons, other Members of the committee and other Members of the House may, thereafter, be listed as co-authors of the measure if they so desire.

In case of two (2) or more bills or resolutions on the same subject matter with conflicting provisions, the author of the measure which provisions are substantially adopted in the consolidated or substitute measure shall be considered as the principal author thereof.

Section 47.

Status of Measures.


- The Committees shall provide periodic updates to Members on the status of measures referred to them by posting the same in the House website and, as far as practicable, through electronic mail.

Section 48.

Bills and Resolutions Favorably Acted Upon.


- When a committee action on a bill or resolution is favorable, the bill or resolution and the corresponding report together with other supporting documents and information materials shall, together with electronic copies thereof, be filed with the Secretary General, who shall assign a number to the report.
Thereafter, the sponsoring committee shall transmit the same to the Committee on Rules in such number of copies as required by said committee together with the electronic copy thereof.
In case of bills or resolutions that are identified as priority measures of the House, which were previously filed in the immediately preceding Congress and have been approved on 3rd reading, the same may be disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the Members of the committee present, there being a quorum.
In case of local bills which were previously filed in the immediately preceding Congress and have been approved on 3rd reading, the same may be disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the Members of the committee present, there being a quorum.

48 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines The committee secretary shall immediately prepare the necessary committee reports on said measures for inclusion in the Calendar of Business.

Section 49.
Section 49.

Bills Unfavorably Acted Upon.

- When a committee action on a bill or resolution is unfavorable, the bill or resolution shall be laid on the table.

The author(s) shall be notified in writing and, as far as practicable, through electronic mail of the action within five (5) days after the bill or resolution has been laid on the table, stating the reason(s) therefor.

Section 50.

Discharge of Committees.


– Any Member may present to the Secretary General a motion in writing to discharge a committee from the consideration of a bill or resolution referred to it if such committee fails to act thereon after more than thirty (30) session days from its referral.

The motion shall be placed in the custody of the Secretary General who shall arrange a convenient place where Members can affix their signatures.
A signature may be withdrawn by a Member in writing at any time before the motion is entered in the Journal.

When one-fifth (1/5) of all the Members sign the motion, it shall be included in the Calendar of Business and reported in the next session of the House.

Section 51.

Consideration of Motion to Discharge.

- After the Privilege Hour on any Monday, except during the last fifteen (15) days of a regular session, any Member who signed a motion to discharge may demand its consideration.
The House shall proceed to vote on the motion after debate thereon for a period not exceeding thirty (30) minutes.

If a motion to discharge is adopted, a motion to proceed to the immediate consideration of such bill or resolution shall be in order; and if such motion prevails, the bill or resolution shall be considered immediately.
If a motion to discharge is lost, it shall not be in order to entertain any other motion to discharge the same committee or any other committee from the consideration of the same bill or any other bill with substantially the same subject matter during the same session year.
After the House acts on the motion to discharge, all other motions to discharge relating to bills or resolutions with 49 Rules of the House of Representatives similar subject matter which are pending in the Calendar of Business shall be stricken off the Calendar and shall not be acted upon for the remainder of the same session year.

Section 52.

Urgent Bills and Resolutions.

– The Committee on Rules, through the Majority Leader, may, at any time declare a bill or resolution urgent.
It shall prepare a timetable which shall fix the date when the bill or resolution must be reported by the committee concerned, the number of days or hours to be allotted for the consideration of the bill or resolution in plenary session, and the date and hour debate must be concluded and final vote taken.

Section 53.

Second Reading and Debate.

– A bill or joint resolution on Second Reading shall be read in full unless copies thereof have been distributed to the Members.
The bill or joint resolution shall be subject to debate and pertinent motions.

Debate shall begin with the sponsorship speech of the chairperson of the sponsoring committee or by any duly designated Member thereof, followed by those of the authors of the measure, if they desire to do so.

Section 54.

Cloture.


- When a matter under consideration has been sufficiently discussed by a Member who has the floor or when a question on any matter has been asked repeatedly, and there are several Members who have signified their intention to speak on the same matter, the Speaker may, motu proprio or upon motion of a Member, order the Member having the floor to desist from speaking further so that other Members may be given the opportunity to speak.

Section 55.

Motion to Close Debate.


– A motion to close the debate on a measure shall be in order after three (3) speeches in favor and two (2) against, or after only one (1) speech in favor and none against: Provided, That within the last fifteen (15) days before adjournment, a motion to close debate on a measure shall be in order after two (2) speeches in favor and one (1) against, or after only one (1) speech in favor and none against.

Section 56.

Amendments.


- After the close of debate, the House shall proceed to the consideration of committee amendments subject 50 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines to the five-minute rule.

A Member who desires to speak against a committee amendment shall also have five (5) minutes.

After the committee amendments, individual amendments shall be considered and shall likewise be subject to the five-minute rule.
The five-minute rule shall also apply in the consideration of an amendment to an amendment, or of an amendment by substitution.

Section 57.

Approval of Bill or Joint Resolution on Second Reading; Adoption of Resolution.

- After the amendments are acted upon and the period of amendments is closed, the House shall vote on the bill or joint resolution on Second Reading or vote on the adoption of a resolution, as the case may be.
Bills and resolutions of local application under the Calendar of Business may be summarily approved on Second Reading through an omnibus motion of the Majority Leader citing the numbers assigned thereto and the page(s) of the Calendar of Business on which they are listed.

Section 58.

Third Reading.

- A bill or joint resolution approved on Second Reading shall be included in the Calendar of Bills and Joint Resolutions for Third Reading.
On the Third Reading of a bill or joint resolution, no amendment thereto shall be allowed.

Nominal voting thereon shall be done immediately and the result shall be entered in the Journal.

Explanation of votes shall be allowed only after the announcement by the Secretary General of the results of the nominal voting: Provided, That no other motions shall be considered until after the explanation of votes, if any.
No bill or joint resolution shall become law unless it passes three (3) readings on separate days and printed copies thereof in its final form are distributed to the Members three (3) days before its passage except when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency.

Section 59.

Recommitment of Measure.

– A bill and joint resolution reported out may be recommitted to the originating committee before its approval on Second Reading.
51 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 60.

Transmittal to the Senate.

- The Secretary General shall transmit to the Senate for its concurrence all bills and joint or concurrent resolutions approved by the House and the amendments of the House to the bills or resolutions of the Senate.
If the measures approved without amendment are bills or resolutions of the Senate, or if amendments of the Senate to bills of the House are accepted, the Secretary General shall forthwith notify the Senate of the actions taken: Provided, That such transmittal by the Secretary General to the Senate of measures passed by the House shall be made only after the lapse of the reglementary period within which a Member can file a motion for reconsideration.

Section 61.

Measures from the Senate.


- Bills and resolutions from the Senate shall be referred to and shall be acted upon by the appropriate committee in the same manner as bills and resolutions presented by Members of the House.

In cases where the Senate bills and resolutions are substantially the same as House bills or resolutions previously reported by a House committee, these may be disposed of as such measures entered in the record of matters already reported.
If the House bill or resolution is on Second Reading, the House may, during the period of amendments, adopt the provisions of the Senate measure as an amendment to the House bill or resolution.

If the House bill or resolution is on Third Reading, the House may reconsider its approval on Second Reading.

Thereafter, the House may, during the period of amendments, adopt the provisions of the Senate measure as an amendment to the House Bill or resolution.
Bills or resolutions of the House with the amendments of the Senate, as well as Senate bills or resolutions which are substantially the same as House bills or resolutions previously approved, may be disposed of immediately as pending matters.

The House may concur with the Senate amendments to the House bill or resolution or adopt the Senate bill or resolution as the House version of the measure.

Section 62.

Conference Committee.


– In cases where the House does not agree with the Senate on any amendment to any House 52 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines bill or joint resolution, or where the Senate has approved a similar bill to a House-approved bill, and these measures have conflicting provisions, differences may be settled by conference committees composed of representatives from both chambers.
In resolving the differences between the two measures, the House panel shall, as much as possible, adhere to and support the House bill or joint resolution.

If the differences with the Senate bill or joint resolution are so substantial that they materially impair the House bill or joint resolution, the panel shall report such fact to the House for the latter’s appropriate action.
The Speaker shall appoint the Members of the House panel in a conference committee whose names shall be manifested in open session and entered in the Journal: Provided, That the chairperson of the committee that reported out the bill or joint resolution under consideration and the principal author(s) thereof shall be Members of the House panel; and Provided, further, That equitable representation of the Majority and the Minority in the panel shall be ensured.

Section 63.

Conference Committee Reports.


- The conference committee shall finalize a report within sixty (60) session days from the date of its organization.

Otherwise, the Members of the House panel shall submit a report to the House explaining why the conference committee is unable to prepare a report.

A conference committee report shall be signed by a majority of the Members of both panels on the last page and every page thereof.
The report shall contain a clear and detailed statement of the changes in or amendments to the subject measures.

Copies of the original measures approved by the House and the Senate shall be attached to the report.

The report shall be filed with the Secretary General together with an electronic copy thereof.

The consideration of conference committee reports shall always be in order, except when the Journal is being read, while the roll is being called, or the House is dividing on any question.
The consideration of the conference committee report shall not be in order unless copies thereof are distributed to the Members: 53 Rules of the House of Representatives Provided, That in the last fifteen (15) days of each session period, it shall be deemed sufficient that three (3) copies of the report, together with an electronic copy thereof, are filed with the office of the Secretary General.
A conference committee report shall be ratified by a majority vote of the Members of the House present, there being a quorum.

Section 64.

Enrollment of Bills and Joint Resolutions.

– The Speaker shall order the enrollment of approved bills or joint resolutions within three (3) days after final approval by both Houses.
The Bills and Index Service and the secretariat of the committee(s) that reported out the bill shall ensure that the bill is in the correct form and contains the provisions approved by both Houses.

The enrolled bill or joint resolution shall be signed within five (5) working days by the Speaker and the Secretary General.

The Secretary General shall report to the House the time of presentation of the bill or joint resolution to the President and the record thereof shall be entered in the Journal.
Upon the lapse of thirty (30) days from receipt of the bill or joint resolution by the Office of the President, and no communication of a veto made thereon by the President is received by the House within the same period, the Secretary General shall certify to this fact which shall be recorded in the Journal.

Section 65.

Action by the President.

- Every bill or joint resolution passed by Congress shall be presented to the President for approval.
If the President approves the bill or joint resolution, the President shall sign it; otherwise, the President shall veto it and return the same to the House together with the specific objections.

The President shall communicate the veto on any bill or joint resolution to the House within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof, otherwise, it shall become a law as if it was signed.

Section 66.

Procedure on Vetoed Bills and Joint Resolutions.


- If the President vetoes a bill or joint resolution, or any part thereof, the House shall record the objections of the President in the Journal and may proceed to reconsider the bill or joint resolution, or item(s) 54 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines thereof that were vetoed.

During reconsideration, the House shall proceed to nominal voting on the bill or joint resolution, or the vetoed item(s) thereof.
The affirmative and negative votes with the names of the Members voting shall be recorded in the Journal.

If the bill or joint resolution, or vetoed item(s) is passed by a vote of two- thirds (2/3) of all Members of each House, the bill or joint resolution vetoed by the President, or the bill or joint resolution with vetoed item(s) shall become a law.

Section 67.

Procedure for Resolutions.


- Resolutions shall be subject to the same procedure as bills regarding introduction, reference to the appropriate committee, and consideration: Provided, That the Committee on Rules may calendar any resolution for immediate consideration by the House for reasons of urgency.

Section 68.

Messages.

- Messages from the President of the Philippines and the Senate shall be reported to the House and when necessary, referred to the appropriate committees.

Section 69.
Section 69.

Communications, Memorials and Petitions.

- Communications from heads of departments of the Executive and the Judiciary, memorials and petitions shall be reported to the House and, when necessary, referred to the appropriate committee(s).

RULE XI The Session Section 70.

Commencement of Daily Sessions.


- Daily sessions shall commence at three o’clock (3:00) in the afternoon on Mondays through Thursdays, and if necessary, every Friday at ten o’clock (10:00) in the morning, unless the House decides otherwise.

Section 71.

Attendance in Sessions.

- Every Member shall be present in all sessions of the House unless prevented from doing so by sickness or other unavoidable circumstances duly reported to the House through the Secretary General.
While the House is in session, the following shall be deemed present: 55 Rules of the House of Representatives a.

Members who are attending committee meetings as authorized by the Committee on Rules, in accordance with Section 35 hereof, upon written notification to the Secretary General by the concerned committee secretary; b.

Members who are attending meetings of: b.1.

The Commission on Appointments; b.2.

The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal; and b.3.
Bicameral Conference Committees c. Members who are on official mission as approved by the Speaker.

Section 72.

Order of Business.

- The daily Order of Business shall be as follows: a.

Roll call; b.

Approval of the Journal of the previous session; c. First reading of bills and resolutions; d. Referral of committee reports, messages, communications, petitions and memorials; e. Unfinished Business; f. Business for the Day; g. Business for a Certain Date; h. Business for Thursday and Friday; i.
Bills and Joint Resolutions for Third Reading; and j. Unassigned Business.

The daily Order of Business shall be posted in the House website and, as far as practicable, sent through electronic mail to the Members one (1) hour before the commencement of session.

Section 73.

Call to Order.

- The Speaker shall call the House to order.

After calling the House to order, the National Anthem shall be sung followed by an invocation by a Member designated by the Speaker or by a silent prayer.

Section 74.
Section 74.

Roll Call.

- The names of Members shall be called by surnames alphabetically.

When two (2) or more Members have the 56 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines same surnames, the full name of each shall be called.

If there are two (2) or more Members with the same names and surnames, their legislative districts or party-list affiliations shall also be called.

Section 75.

Quorum.

- A majority of all the Members of the House shall constitute a quorum.
The House shall not transact business without a quorum.

A Member who questions the existence of a quorum shall not leave the session hall until the question is resolved or acted upon, otherwise, the question shall be deemed abandoned.

Section 76.

Absence of Quorum.

- In the absence of a quorum after the roll call, the Members present may compel the attendance of absent Members.

In all calls of the House, the doors shall be closed.
Except those who are excused from attendance in accordance with Section 71 hereof, the absent Members, by order of a majority of those present, shall be sent for and arrested wherever they may be found and conducted to the session hall in custody in order to secure their attendance at the session.

The order shall be executed by the Sergeant-at-Arms and by such officers as the Speaker may designate.
After the presence of the Members arrested is secured at the session hall, the Speaker shall determine the conditions for their discharge.

Members who voluntarily appear shall be admitted immediately to the session hall and shall report to the Secretary General to have their presence recorded.

Section 77.

Automatic Call of the House.


- When results of the voting on a question shows the absence of a quorum and a Member calls the attention of the House to this fact, there shall be a call of the House to compel attendance of absent Members who shall be given the opportunity to vote unless the House adjourns.
If those voting on the question and those who are present but abstain from or do not participate in the voting should, together, constitute a majority of the House, the Speaker shall declare that a quorum is present, and pending questions shall be resolved as the majority of those voting shall decide.

Thereupon, further proceedings under the call shall be dispensed with.

57 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 78.

Motion to Adjourn Vacates Call.


- At any time after the roll call is completed, a motion to adjourn shall be in order and, if approved by a majority of those present, all proceedings under the preceding section shall be vacated.

Section 79.

Approval of Journal.

- The Journal shall be submitted to the House for approval.

Prior to approval, the Journal shall be read in full unless copies thereof have been distributed to the Members.
Upon approval, the Journal shall be posted in the House website and, as far as practicable, sent to the Members through electronic mail.

The Journal for the last day of a regular or special session shall be approved in the manner determined by the House.

Section 80.

Calendar of Business.

– The Calendar of Business shall consist of the following: a.

Unfinished Business.

- This is business being considered by the House at the time of its last adjournment.
Its consideration shall be resumed until it is disposed of.

The Unfinished Business at the end of a session shall be resumed at the commencement of the next session as if no adjournment has taken place.

At the end of the term of a Congress, all unfinished business are deemed terminated.

b.

Business for the Day.

- These are bills, resolutions and other measures set on the Calendar of Business for the Day by the Committee on Rules.
They shall be considered, as far as practicable, in the order in which they are listed in the Calendar of Business and after the Unfinished Business.

c. Business for a Certain Date.

- This is business set for consideration on a certain date.

Measures shall be considered in chronological order until disposed of on the date set and on subsequent days unless the continuation of the consideration of any business therein included is set for another day.
No business in this Calendar of Business shall be set for consideration unless it has been placed therein two (2) session days prior to such consideration.

58 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines d. Business for Thursday and Friday.

– These are bills, resolutions and other measures of local application set on the Calendar for Thursday and Friday.

Such bills and resolutions shall be arranged and considered in the order set by the Committee on Rules.
e. Bills and Joint Resolutions on Third Reading.

- Bills and Joint Resolutions shall be submitted to final vote by nominal voting after printed copies thereof in final form have been distributed to the Members at least three (3) days prior to the final vote thereon except when the President certifies to the necessity of their immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency.

f. Unassigned Business.


- Bills, resolutions, and other measures reported out by the committees but not calendared for Second Reading by the Committee on Rules may be included in the Calendar of Unassigned Business.

Any business included in this Calendar may be set for consideration on motion of a Member with the unanimous approval of the House: Provided, That it shall be included in the Calendar of Business at least two (2) days prior to such consideration.
The Calendar of Business shall be distributed each day of session, posted in the House website and, as far as practicable, sent through electronic mail to the Members before the commencement of session unless there is no addition to the one previously distributed, in which case a note to this effect on the Order of Business shall be sufficient.

Section 81.

Voting.

- Every Member present shall vote on every question unless a Member inhibits from voting on account of personal or pecuniary interest therein.
The names of Members who abstain, inhibit themselves or opt not to vote shall be entered in the Journal of the House.

Section 82.

Sessions Open to the Public.

- Sessions shall be open to the public.

However, when the security of the State or the dignity 59 Rules of the House of Representatives of the House or any of its Members are affected by any motion or petition being considered, the House may hold executive sessions.
Guests and visitors in the galleries are prohibited from using their cameras and video recorders.

Cellular phones and other similar electronic devices shall be put in silent mode.

Section 83.

Executive Sessions.

- When the House decides to hold an executive session, the Speaker shall direct the galleries and hallways to be cleared and the doors closed.

Only the Secretary General, the Sergeant-at-Arms and other persons specifically authorized by the House shall be admitted to the executive session.
They shall preserve the confidentiality of everything read or discussed in the session.

Section 84.

Confidential Documents.

- The contents of confidential documents transmitted by the President or a head of a department of the Executive Department, as requested by the House, which require consideration in an executive session, shall not be revealed without leave of the House.

Section 85.

Suspension, Adjournment and Cancellation of Sessions.
– Sessions shall not be adjourned except by direction of the House.

The Speaker may declare a suspension or recess of short interval at any time.

In cases of natural calamities and other fortuitous events of such nature as to render the attendance of Members to sessions of the House or the conduct of such sessions extremely difficult or impossible, the Speaker may declare the cancellation of the conduct of sessions on any given period of time.

Section 86.

Emergency Session.


- The House, if not in session, shall convene without need of a call within twenty-four (24) hours following the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or the occurrence of any national emergency.

Section 87.

Convening of the House During a Recess.


- The Speaker, in consultation with the Majority and Minority Leaders and their 60 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Senate counterparts, may convene the House in session at any time during a recess or between sessions to consider urgent legislative matters or concerns.

Section 88.

Opening and Adjournment of Sessions.

- The exact hour of opening and adjournment of a session shall be entered in the Journal.
RULE XII Conduct of Plenary Sessions through Electronic Platforms Section 89.

Conduct of Sessions through Electronic Platforms.
– In cases when the attendance of Members in sessions becomes extremely difficult or impossible - such as on occasions of natural calamities, pandemics, strikes, riots, and civil disturbances, whether fortuitous or not - and there is urgent necessity to act on any measure, the Speaker, in consultation with the Majority and Minority Leaders, may authorize the conduct of sessions through electronic platforms like video conference, telecommunications and other computer online technologies.

Section 90.
Section 90.

Attendance.

– Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 74 hereof, Members shall, as far as practicable, register their attendance by joining the virtual conference.

This shall be verified and authenticated by the Secretary General.
Members who are unable to join the virtual conference due to technical reasons or those who are performing official tasks as authorized by the Speaker and subject to Section 71 hereof, may register their attendance through mobile phones or other electronic accounts previously registered with and verified by the Secretary General.

Section 91.

Nominal Voting.


– Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 58, 119 and 120 hereof, Members shall register their votes through virtual conference or through their respective mobile phone numbers or other electronic accounts previously submitted to and verified by the Secretary General.

61 Rules of the House of Representatives RULE XIII Decorum and Debate Section 92.

Manner of Addressing the Chair.


– When any Member desires to speak or deliver any matter to the House, such Member shall rise and respectfully address the Chair as “Mister Speaker” or “Madam Speaker”, as the case may be.

Section 93.

Recognition of Member.

– The Chair shall recognize a Member who rises to speak.
When two (2) or more Members rise at the same time, the Chair shall recognize who shall speak first: Provided, That as far as practicable, Members of the Majority and the Minority shall be allowed to speak alternately on the floor.

Section 94.

Time Limit.

– A Member shall not be allowed to speak for more than one (1) hour in debate on any question.
During budget deliberations, a Member shall not be allowed to speak for more than thirty (30) minutes in debate: Provided, that a second round of interpellations may be allowed upon motion of the Majority Leader.
No Member shall speak more than once on the same question without leave of the House, unless the Member is the proponent of the motion or has introduced the question or the matter pending, in which case the Member shall be permitted to speak in reply, but not until every Member who chooses to speak on the pending question or matter shall have spoken.

Section 95.

Sponsor to Open and Close Debate.

- The Member sponsoring a measure shall open and close the debate.
If the debate extends beyond one (1) day without being closed, the Member shall be entitled to an additional thirty (30) minutes to close the debate.

Section 96.

Decorum.

- A Member who has the floor shall speak only on the question under debate, avoid personalities in all cases and refrain from indecorous words or acts.
The Chair may, motu proprio, or as the House may direct, declare statements, remarks or words 62 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines unparliamentary, and order that these be stricken off the record.

A Member who calls to order another Member for words spoken in debate, shall indicate the words objected to.

The Secretary General shall note and read aloud such words.
However, the Member who is called to order shall not be held to answer nor be subject to censure by the House if further debate or other business intervenes.
Debate may include references to actions taken by the Senate or by committees thereof which are a matter of public record, references to the pendency or sponsorship in the Senate of bills, resolutions, and amendments, factual descriptions relating to Senate action or inaction concerning a measure then under debate in the House, and quotations from Senate proceedings on a measure then under debate in the House and which are relevant to the making of legislative history establishing the meaning of that measure, but may not include characterizations of Senate action or inaction, other references to individual members of the Senate, or other quotations from Senate proceedings.
Section 97.

Conduct and Attire During Sessions and Committee Meetings.

– During sessions, Members shall wear proper attire which is barong filipino or coat and tie for men, and Filipina dress or business suit for women, and observe proper decorum.

During Monday sessions, female Members are encouraged to wear traditional Filipina dress and male Members are encouraged to wear barong filipino.
Members who are not in proper attire shall be considered absent and thus cannot participate in the proceedings of the House in plenary including voting and shall not be recognized by the presiding officer to speak on the floor on any question.

Other persons occupying the first gallery of the session hall shall, at all times, wear proper attire which is smart casual or business attire.
During committee meetings, Members may wear barong filipino, coat and tie, business attire or polo barong for men, and Filipina dress or business suit for women.

Resource persons and guests shall also wear appropriate attire which is business suit or polo barong.

Other persons attending committee meetings shall, as far as practicable, wear proper attire which is smart casual or business attire.
63 Rules of the House of Representatives Wearing of the following are considered inappropriate for sessions and committee meetings: 1.

Denim jeans; 2.

Faded or distressed jeans; and 3.

Sneakers Officers and members of the secretariat shall wear barong filipino or coat and tie for men and filipina dress or business suit for women, or the prescribed official uniform during sessions and committee meetings.
Members shall not be allowed to stand near the Secretary General’s desk during roll call or counting of votes, pass between the Chair and another Member who has the floor, walk out or walk across the session hall while the Speaker is addressing the House or putting a question.

Cellular phones and other similar electronic devices shall be put in silent mode so as not to disrupt the proceedings.

Section 98.

Smoking Prohibited.


- Smoking is prohibited inside the session hall, conference rooms and other enclosed areas except in smoking areas designated as such by the Secretary General.

RULE XIV Motions and Their Precedence Section 99.

Recording of Motions.

- Every motion shall be entered in the Journal with the name of the Member making it unless it is withdrawn on the same day.

Section 100.

Reading and Withdrawal of Motions.


- The Speaker shall state the motion or, if in writing, shall direct the Secretary General to read the motion before being debated upon.

A motion may be withdrawn any time before it is put to a vote.

Section 101.

Precedence of Motions.
- When a question is before the body, the following motions shall be entertained and, subject to Sections 58 and 121 of these Rules, shall take precedence in the following order: 64 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines - Motion to Adjourn; First Second - Motion to Raise a Point of Order; - Motion to Raise a Question of Privilege; Third - Motion to Declare a Recess; Fourth - Motion for Reconsideration; Fifth Sixth - Motion to Lay on the Table; Seventh - Motion to Postpone to a Day Certain; Eighth Ninth Tenth - Motion to Refer to or to Re-Refer; - Motion to Amend; and - Motion to Postpone Indefinitely The first seven (7) motions shall be decided without debate, while the last three (3) motions shall be decided subject to the five-minute rule: Provided, That, during the last five (5) days before adjournment of every session period or during the last fifteen (15) days before adjournment of a regular session, a question of privilege shall only be entertained after the consideration of urgent measures pending in the Calendar of Business as determined by the Committee on Rules.
Section 102.

Prohibition of Riders.

- A motion on a subject matter that is different from that under consideration shall not be allowed under the guise of amendment.

Section 103.

One Motion for One Subject Matter.

- A motion shall cover only one (1) subject matter.

Section 104.

Point of Order.

- A Point of Order is a privileged question that raises a violation of the Rules in relation to the matter under discussion on the floor.
A motion to read any part of the Rules is equivalent to a Point of Order and takes precedence over any motion other than a motion to adjourn.

Section 105.

Questions of Privilege.

- Questions of privilege are urgent matters directly and principally affecting the duties, conduct, rights, privileges, dignity, integrity or reputation of the House or of its Members, individually or collectively.
Subject to the ten-minute rule, every Member has the right to raise a question of personal or collective privilege.

However, prior to availing of this right, a Member 65 Rules of the House of Representatives shall seek the permission of the Chair which shall, in turn, allow the Member to proceed upon a determination that the request is in order.
The presiding officer shall declare out of order a Member who, having previously registered for the Privilege Hour to speak on a specific subject matter, rises on a question of personal and collective privilege on the same subject matter.

The presiding officer shall also declare out of order a Member who rises on a question of personal or collective privilege to speak on concerns that are principally and directly related to the subject matter of measures pending in any committee or in plenary session.
Section 106.

Reconsideration.

- When a measure, report or motion is approved, adopted or lost, a Member who voted with the majority may move for its reconsideration on the same or succeeding session day.

Only one (1) motion for reconsideration shall be allowed.

The motion for reconsideration shall take precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn, a point of order, a question of privilege, and a motion to declare a recess.
A bill, resolution, memorial or petition recommitted to a committee or ordered to be printed shall not be brought back to the House on a motion to reconsider.

Section 107.

Amendments.

- When any matter is under consideration, a motion to amend and a further motion to amend the amendatory motion shall be in order.

When an amendment is rejected by the proponent of the original motion, the proponent of the amendment may appeal to the body.
The proponent of the original motion and the proponent of the amendment may explain their positions, on appeal, subject to the five-minute rule.

It shall also be in order to move for amendment by substitution of a specific provision, but said motion shall not be voted upon until the text of the original measure is perfected.
A motion by the Majority Leader to amend by substitution of the entire bill or joint resolution shall precede consideration of individual amendments to the bill or joint resolution under consideration.

66 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Any amendment may be withdrawn any time before a vote is taken thereon.

Section 108.

Amendment of Title.

– Amendment(s) to the title of a bill or resolution shall be in order only after amendment(s) to the text thereof have been completed.
Amendment(s) to the title shall be decided without debate.

Section 109.

Motion to Strike and Insert.

- A motion to strike and insert is indivisible.

The loss of a pure motion to strike shall not preclude an amendment or a motion to strike and insert.

Section 110.

Motion to Postpone.

- After a motion to postpone to any day certain or to postpone indefinitely is lost, such motion shall not again be allowed on the same day.

Section 111.

Vote on Paper Objected To.


- A vote shall be taken without debate on a motion to read a paper other than that which the House is called to vote upon.

Section 112.

Appeal from Ruling of the Chair.

- Any Member may appeal from the ruling of the Chair and may be recognized by the Chair, even though another Member has the floor.

No appeal is in order when another appeal is pending.

The Member making the appeal shall state the reasons for the appeal subject to the five- minute rule.
The Chair shall state the reasons for the ruling and forthwith submit the question to the body.

An appeal cannot be amended and shall yield only to a motion to adjourn, to a point of order, to a question of personal privilege or to recess.

A majority vote of the Members present and voting, there being a quorum, shall decide any appeal.

In case of a tie vote, the appeal is lost.

If an appeal is laid on the table, the ruling of the Chair remains in effect.

Section 113.

Recording of Motions.


- Every motion and the name of the proponent thereof shall be entered in the Journal unless the motion is withdrawn on the same day.

67 Rules of the House of Representatives RULE XV Suspension of the Rules Section 114.

Authority to Move.

- Only the Committee on Rules can move for the suspension of the rules.

Section 115.

Vote Requirement.

- A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Members present, there being a quorum, is required to suspend any rule.

Section 116.
Section 116.

Interruption of Motion.

- When a motion to suspend the rules is pending, one (1) motion to adjourn may be entertained.

If the latter is lost, no similar motion shall be entertained until the vote is taken on the motion to suspend the rules.

Section 117.

Debate; Effect of Suspension.

- A motion to suspend the rules for the passage of a measure may be debated on for one (1) hour, which shall be divided equally between those in favor and those against.
The House shall proceed to consider the measure after voting to suspend the rules.

A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Members present, there being a quorum, shall be necessary for the passage of said measure.

RULE XVI Voting Section 118.

Manner of Voting.

– The Speaker shall rise and state the motion or question that is being put to a vote in clear, precise and simple language.

The Speaker shall say “as many as are in favor, (as the question may be) say ‘aye’”.
After the affirmative vote is counted, the Speaker shall say “as many as are opposed, (as the question may be) say ‘nay’”.

If the Speaker doubts the result of the voting or a motion to divide the House is carried, the House shall divide.

The Speaker shall ask those in favor to rise, to be followed by those against.
If still in 68 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines doubt of the outcome or a count by tellers is demanded, the Speaker shall name one (1) Member from each side of the question to count the Members in the affirmative and those in the negative.

After the count is reported, the Speaker shall announce the result.

An abstention shall not be counted as a vote.

Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution or by these rules, a majority of those voting, there being a quorum, shall decide the issue.
Section 119.

Nominal Voting.

– Upon motion of a Member, duly approved by one-fifth (1/5) of the Members present, there being a quorum, nominal voting on any question may be called.

In case of nominal voting, the Secretary General shall call, in alphabetical order, the names of the Members who shall state their vote as their names are called.

Section 120.

Second Call on Nominal Voting.

- A second call on nominal voting shall be made to allow Members who did not vote during the first call to vote.
Members who fail to vote during the second call shall no longer be allowed to vote.

Section 121.

Explanation of Vote.


– During nominal voting, the vote made may be explained by the concerned Member in not more than three (3) minutes: Provided, That in case of approval on Third Reading of bills and joint resolutions, explanation of vote shall be allowed only after the announcement by the Secretary General of the results of nominal voting thereon; Provided further, That no other motions shall be considered until after the explanation of votes, if any.

Section 122.
Section 122.

No Interruption During Voting.

- The voting shall not be interrupted by any other business or question.

Section 123.

Tie Vote.

– The Speaker shall vote only in case of a tie.

A tie on an appeal from the ruling of the Chair sustains the decision of the Chair.

Section 124.

Recording of Results of Nominal Voting.

- The affirmative and negative votes on any question subject to nominal voting shall be entered in the Journal.
69 Rules of the House of Representatives RULE XVII Privilege Hour Section 125.

Day for Privilege Hour.
– On Mondays, after the First Reading and referral to committees of bills, proposed resolutions, messages, communications, petitions and memorials, there shall be, without extension, a Privilege Hour which shall not be interrupted by any question or motion except a point of order or a motion to adjourn: Provided, That in exceptional circumstances where the person or integrity of a Member or the integrity of the House is in clear danger of, or has been inflicted with, such grave harm or injury, a question of personal or collective privilege may be allowed to interrupt the Privilege Hour.
Upon the unanimous consent of the House, the Privilege Hour, having expired, may be continued after the consideration of the Business for the Day.

On any other day, upon the unanimous consent of the House, there shall be a Privilege Hour after the consideration of the Business for the Day.
During the last five (5) days before adjournment of every session period or during the last fifteen (15) days before adjournment of a regular session, the availment of the Privilege Hour shall be suspended upon motion of the Majority Leader to ensure the consideration of urgent measures pending in the Calendar of Business as determined by the Committee on Rules.

Any Member may speak on any matter of general interest.
If more than one (1) Member desires to make use of this privilege, the first to register, either in writing with the Committee on Rules or verbally in open session, shall be given precedence.

If sufficient time is left of the hour after a Member finished speaking, the next Member who registered to speak may do so, and so on until the full hour is consumed.
If requests to make use of the Privilege Hour remain recorded at the expiration of the hour, they shall be recorded in the same order for the next Monday, or for such other day that a Privilege Hour is conducted, as the case may be.

70 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Members shall not avail of the Privilege Hour to speak on concerns that are principally and directly related to the subject matter of measures already pending in any committee or in plenary session.
Any member availing of the Privilege Hour shall, as far as practicable, submit a copy of the privilege speech upon registration with the Committee on Rules.

If the Member wishes to make audio- visual presentation in the course of the Member’s privilege speech, the Member shall submit an electronic copy of the audio-visual presentation to the Majority Leader before the intended date of availment of the Privilege Hour.

RULE XVIII Question Hour Section 126.


Appearance Upon Initiative of Department Head of the Executive Department.

- When a department head desires to appear before the House on any matter pertaining to the concerned department, the department head may, with the consent of the President of the Philippines, notify the House through the Speaker, who, with the concurrence of the House, may set the date and hour of the appearance.

Section 127.

Appearance Upon Request of the House.


- A department head may be requested to appear before the House and be heard on any matter pertaining to the concerned department.

The request shall state specifically the questions to be answered and the date and hour for the appearance of the department head.

Such appearance shall be scheduled at least three (3) days from receipt of the request.
The Order of Business shall specify the subject of the questions, the department head requested to answer them, and the proponent(s) thereof.

Section 128.

Day of Appearance.

- The appearance of department heads shall be scheduled on any Wednesday or on such other day(s) as may be determined by the Speaker or a majority of the Members 71 Rules of the House of Representatives of the House.

The department head may answer the questions of the House Members either verbally or in writing.
Interpellations of Members shall not be limited to the written questions but may cover matters related thereto.

Such interpellations shall conform with the standards for questions herein provided.

The questions and answers shall be recorded in the Journal.

Section 129.

Appearance in Executive Session.

- The appearance of a department head shall be conducted in an executive session when the security of the State or the public interest require and the President so states in writing.

Section 130.
Section 130.

Questions.

- Written questions shall be submitted to the Speaker in triplicate.

Questions of an urgent nature or those relating to current issues shall be given priority.

Questions may be withdrawn by the proponent when no answer has yet been made.

The withdrawal shall be in writing, addressed to the Speaker, and submitted before the day of the scheduled appearance.

Section 131.

Standards Set for Questions.


- Questions shall be based on facts, and asked to obtain information or press for action.
No question shall: a. be argumentative; b. suggest its own answer; c. include offensive or unparliamentary expressions; language or d. pertain to sub judice matters; e. seek an opinion on a question of law; f. include names or statements other than what is strictly necessary to make the question intelligible; g. relate to matters directly under the responsibility of another department head; h. refer to an item of the agenda of the current month’s session or to proceedings of a committee not yet reported; suggest amendments to bills before the House of Representatives; or repeat a question previously asked and answered.
j. i.

72 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Section 132.

Form of Questions and Answers.

- In form, questions and answers of excessive length are not in order.

Section 133.

Questions not Conforming with Standards.

- If the questions do not conform with the foregoing standards, the Speaker shall return them to the Member concerned and the latter may modify or restate the questions to make them conform with the said standards or appeal the action of the Speaker to the House.
Said appeal shall be resolved like all other appeals from the rulings of the chair.

Section 134.

Classification and Disposition of Questions.

- Questions may be classified and grouped together by subject matter by the Speaker who shall decide the order in which the said questions are to be dealt with.
During the appearance of the department head, the Speaker shall direct the Secretary General to read the questions according to their precedence, the name of the proponent and the department head to whom the question is directed.

Section 135.

Standards for Answers.

- Answers should be directly related to the questions propounded without need for discussing general policies or programs, concise, responsive and should not be argumentative.
They should conform with the standards set for questions, where these are applicable.

Section 136.

Questions of Local Significance.

- The Speaker may direct that questions of local significance be answered in writing only.

Section 137.

Unanswered Questions.

- Questions that are left unanswered may be answered in writing or, where necessary, during a day set aside by the Speaker before the next Question Hour or at any succeeding Question Hour.
Questions not taken due to the absence of both the proponent and the department head shall be taken at any other day.

Section 138.

Interpellations and Comments of Proponents of Original Questions.

- At the end of every Question Hour, it shall be in order for any proponent of the original questions to interpellate the department head concerned and make comments, observations 73 Rules of the House of Representatives and statements relative to the answers given.
The interpellations and comments of the proponent shall be subject to the ten-minute rule.

Section 139.

Service Unit.

- A Service Unit shall be organized in the Committee on Rules to facilitate, coordinate and expedite all matters relative to the conduct of the Question Hour.

RULE XIX Committee of the Whole House Section 140.

Constituting the Committee.

- The House may constitute itself into a Committee of the Whole on motion of the Majority Leader to act upon a bill or resolution.
When the House constitutes itself into a Committee of the Whole, it functions as one committee acting upon a bill or resolution, and conducting its proceedings like a regular committee with its membership composed of all the Members of the House.

If a motion to constitute the House into a Committee of the Whole is lost, a similar motion shall not be presented within the same session day.

Section 141.

Proceedings.

- The Speaker shall appoint a chairperson to preside over the committee.
The committee shall conduct business only when there is a quorum.

If there is no quorum, the chairperson shall report the same and move that the committee immediately suspend its proceedings.

The Speaker may take part in the proceedings.

The Speaker and all the Members shall vote on all questions before the committee.
Documents and papers in the possession of the House may be called for by any Member and read by the Secretary General for the information of the committee unless the committee orders otherwise.

Resource persons and/or technical assistants may be invited to attend the proceedings, and upon permission of the chairperson, may directly answer questions and inquiries propounded by Members.
74 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines The chairperson shall have the power to clear the session hall and the galleries in case of disturbance.

The committee, however, cannot punish disorderly conduct of its Members but must report the same to the House for appropriate action.

The committee may, at any time during its proceedings, report to the House its desire to close the debate or to limit the time allowed for Members to speak.
The committee may, on motion, suspend consideration of any matter and to reconvene at any time to resume its proceedings.

The motion shall take precedence over all motions and shall be immediately decided without debate.

If the committee, for want of time, fails to complete deliberations on any matter under consideration, it may, on motion and at any time, recess and reconvene.
A motion that the committee suspend its proceedings, reports progress and reconvenes, may be made at any time, and shall take precedence over all other motions.

The motion shall be decided without debate.

When the Committee has disposed of bills, resolutions and other measures before it, on motion, it shall rise and the chairperson shall be instructed to report the action of the committee to the House.
At this point, the Speaker shall reassume the chair, and the chairperson shall, thereafter, make a report to the House.

Matters reported shall then be presented before the House for action as though reported by any other committee.

RULE XX Code of Conduct Section 142.

Code of Conduct.

– There is hereby established in the House the following Code of Conduct: a.

A Member shall act at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House; b.
A Member shall adhere to the spirit and the letter of the Rules of the House and to the rules of the committees; 75 Rules of the House of Representatives c. A Member may not receive compensation or any pecuniary interest and may not permit compensation or any pecuniary interest to accrue to the Member’s beneficial interest from any source, the receipt of which would occur by virtue of influence improperly exerted from the Member’s position in Congress; d. A Member shall not hold any other office or employment in the government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality including government-owned or controlled corporations or subsidiaries, during the Member’s term without forfeiting the Member’s seat in the House; thereof, e. A Member shall not also be appointed to any office created or the emoluments thereof increased during the Member’s term; f. A Member shall not personally appear as counsel before any court of justice, the electoral tribunals, or any quasi- judicial or administrative body or be directly or indirectly financially interested in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiaries, during the Member’s term of office; g. A Member shall not intervene in any matter before any office of the government for personal pecuniary benefit or where the Member may be called upon to act on account of the Member’s office; h. A Member shall not acquire or receive any personal pecuniary interest in any specific business enterprise which will be directly and particularly favored or benefited by any law or resolution authored by the Member that is approved or adopted by Congress during the Member’s term.
It shall be unlawful for the Member to continue to retain such interest thirty (30) days after such approval; 76 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines i.
A Member may not authorize or allow an individual, group or organization not under the direction and control of the House to use the words “Congress of the Philippines”, “House of Representatives” or “Official Business”, or any combination of these words, or the seal of the House of Representatives, or any other representation thereof on any letterhead or envelope or for any other purpose; and j.
A Member shall not disclose any classified information received in the course of the service with the House of Representatives, except as authorized by the House of Representatives or in accordance with its Rules.

The House may, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics, punish its Members for any violation of this Code of Conduct and for disorderly behavior.

Section 143.

Vote Requirement.


– The House may censure or reprimand an erring Member with the concurrence of the majority of all its Members.

It may suspend or expel an erring Member with the concurrence of two-thirds (2/3) of all its Members: Provided, That a penalty of suspension shall not exceed sixty (60) days.

RULE XXI Proposals to Amend the Constitution Section 144.

Proposals.
Proposals.

– The Congress, upon a vote of three- fourths (3/4) of all its Members, may propose amendment(s) to or revision of the Constitution.

Section 145.

Form of Proposals and Procedure for Adoption.

- Proposals to amend or revise the Constitution shall be by resolution which may be filed at any time by any Member.

The adoption of resolutions proposing amendments to or revision of the Constitution shall follow the procedure for the enactment of bills.
77 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 146.

Constitutional Convention.

- The Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its Members, call a constitutional convention or, by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate the question of calling such a convention.

RULE XXII Papers, Books and Records Section 147.

Congressional Record.


- The Congressional Record shall be a substantially verbatim account of remarks made during the proceedings of the House, subject only to technical, grammatical, and typographical corrections authorized by the Member involved.

Section 148.

Delivery of Papers to Archives.

- All papers and records relating to the completed business of the House shall be delivered to, kept by and preserved in the Archives.
All pending matters and proceedings shall terminate upon the expiration of the term of a Congress and the records pertaining thereto delivered to the Archives within fifteen (15) days after such expiration.

Section 149.

Duty of Committee Secretaries.


– Committee Secretaries shall, within seven (7) days after the enactment of bills or joint resolutions, and fifteen (15) days after final adjournment of Congress, deliver to the Archives all bills, resolutions, petitions and other papers referred to their respective committees including all records of proceedings, reports of investigations conducted, and all evidences taken by such committees together with the electronic copies thereof.
Upon neglect or failure of the Committee Secretaries to comply with this rule, the Secretary General shall, within seven (7) days thereafter, take custody of all such papers and may impose appropriate disciplinary action on concerned Committee Secretaries.

Section 150.

Records and Books Open to the Public.

- The records and books of accounts of the House including plenary records shall be preserved and be open to the public in accordance with law.
Books of accounts of the House shall be available for audit by the Commission on Audit.

78 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines RULE XXIII Broadcasting the House Section 151.

Closed-Circuit Viewing of Floor Proceedings.

- The House shall establish a system for closed-circuit viewing of floor proceedings of the House in the offices of all Members and in such other places in the House as the Speaker considers appropriate.
Such system may include other telecommunications functions subject to rules and regulations issued by the Speaker.

Section 152.

Public Broadcasting and Recording of Floor Proceedings.

(a) The House shall administer a system for complete and unedited audio and visual broadcasting, recording, and live streaming through the internet of the proceedings of the House.
The system shall include the distribution of such broadcasts and recordings to news media, for the storage of audio and video recordings of the proceedings, and for the closed-captioning of the proceedings for hearing- impaired persons.
Any such public broadcasting and system of recording of floor proceedings shall be subject to rules and regulations issued by the Speaker; (b) All television and radio broadcasting stations, networks, services, and systems including cable television systems that are accredited to the House radio and television correspondents’ galleries, and all radio and television correspondents who are so accredited, shall be provided access to the live coverage of the House; and (c) Coverage made available under this section, including any recording may not be: (1) used for any political purpose; (2) used in any commercial advertisement; and (3) broadcast with commercial sponsorship except as part of a bona fide news program or public affairs documentary program.
79 Rules of the House of Representatives RULE XXIV Response to Subpoenas Section 153.

Compliance to Subpoenas.
- When a Member, officer, or employee of the House is properly served with a judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order directing appearance as a witness relating to the official functions of the House or for the production or disclosure of any document relating to the official functions of the House, such Member, officer, or employee shall comply, consistently with the privileges and rights of the House, with the judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order as hereinafter provided, unless otherwise determined under this Rule.
Section 154.

Notification of the House.

- Upon receipt of a properly served judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in Section 153 hereof, a Member, officer, or employee of the House shall promptly notify the Speaker of its receipt in writing.

Such notification shall promptly be laid before the House by the Speaker.
During a period of recess or adjournment of longer than three (3) days, notification to the House is not required until the reconvening of the House, when the notification shall promptly be laid before the House by the Speaker.

Section 155.

Determination of Proper Exercise of Jurisdiction.


- Once notification has been laid before the House, the Member, officer, or employee of the House shall determine whether the issuance of the judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in Section 153 hereof is a proper exercise of jurisdiction by the court, is material and relevant, and is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
Such Member, officer, or employee shall notify the Speaker before seeking judicial determination of these matters.

Upon determination whether a judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in Section 153 hereof is a proper exercise of jurisdiction by the court, is material and relevant, and is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House, the Member, officer, or employee of the House shall immediately notify the Speaker of the determination in writing.
80 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Section 156.

Notification of the House of Proper Exercise of Jurisdiction.

- The Speaker shall inform the House of a determination whether a judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in Section 153 hereof is a proper exercise of jurisdiction by the court, is material and relevant, and is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
In so informing the House, the Speaker shall generally describe the records or information sought.

During a period of recess or adjournment of longer than three (3) days, such notification is not required until the reconvening of the House, when the notification shall promptly be laid before the House by the Speaker.

Section 157.

Submission of Documents.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) hereunder or otherwise ordered by the House, upon notification to the House that a judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in Section 153 hereof is a proper exercise of jurisdiction by the court, is material and relevant, and is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House, the Member, officer, or employee of the House shall comply with the judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order by supplying certified copies; (b) Under no circumstances may minutes or transcripts of executive sessions, or evidence of witnesses in respect thereto, be disclosed or copied; and (c) During a period of recess or adjournment of longer than three (3) days, the Speaker may authorize compliance or take such other action as the Speaker considers appropriate under the circumstances.
Upon the reconvening of the House, all matters that transpired under this clause shall promptly be laid before the House by the Speaker.

Section 158.

Transmittal of Rules to Court.

- A copy of this rule shall be transmitted by the Secretary General to the court when a judicial or administrative subpoena or judicial order described in 81 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 153 hereof is issued and served on a Member, officer, or employee of the House.

Section 159.
Section 159.

Guarantee of Rights and Privileges.

- Nothing in this rule shall be construed to deprive, condition, or waive the constitutional or legal privileges or rights applicable or available at any time to a Member, officer, or employee of the House, or of the House itself, or the right of such Member, officer, or employee, or of the House itself, to assert such privileges or rights before any court.

RULE XXV Session Hall, Conference Rooms, Lounges, Lobbies and Rooms Section 160.
Use of the Session Hall, Conference Rooms, Lounges and Lobbies.

- The session hall shall be used only for plenary sessions.

Conference rooms and all building lobbies shall be used only for committee meetings, caucuses and meetings of Members in the performance of legislative functions except when the House directs otherwise.

The South Lounge shall be for exclusive use of Members.

The North Lounge may be used by Members and their guests upon approval by the Speaker.
The entire premises of the House of Representatives shall also be used only for the official functions of the House of Representatives.

The Philippine flag and the seal of the House of Representatives shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous place in all offices and conference rooms inside the House premises.
Communications, documents, publications and other information materials written by or prepared under the direction of a Member, may be distributed in the session hall by such Member, personally or through facilities or employees of the House: Provided, That the author or source thereof is properly identified in such communications, documents, publications and other information materials.
Any Member who wishes to make audio-visual presentation in the course of the Member’s speech, shall submit an electronic copy 82 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines of the audio-visual presentation to the Majority Leader before the intended date of the Member’s speech.

Section 161.

Assignment of Seats in the Session Hall and the Gallery.

- Seats of House Members in the session hall shall be assigned in accordance with the instructions of the Speaker.
Seats in the VIP gallery shall be reserved for cabinet officials, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps.

Seats in the first gallery shall be reserved for the members of the family of House Members, and those officials and staff of the House secretariat and congressional staff members and other persons authorized by the Secretary General.

The second and third galleries shall be open to the public subject to the rules of procedure prescribed by the Secretary General.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall not permit persons other than Members and authorized House personnel to enter or stay within the space designated in the session hall for Members and House personnel needed therein while the House is in session.

Fifteen (15) minutes before the session, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall clear said space of all other persons and it shall be so kept until recess or adjournment.
This section shall not be suspended, except with respect to resource person(s) or technical assistant(s) needed by the reporting committee or by the proponent of a motion under consideration.

Section 162.

Assignment of Rooms to House Members.

– Assignment of rooms to House Members shall be done, as far as practicable, by lot to be drawn upon submission to the Secretary General of complete documentary requirements for assumption of office.
Re-elected Members may choose to retain the rooms previously assigned to them.

RULE XXVI Precedents and Suppletory Provisions Section 163.

Rulings as Precedents.

- Rulings on questions raised by Members shall form part of the parliamentary practice of the House.

83 Rules of the House of Representatives Section 164.

Suppletory Provisions.


- The parliamentary practices of the Philippine Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Philippines and the Batasang Pambansa shall be suppletory to these rules.

RULE XXVII The Mace and the Official Seal Section 165.

The Mace.

– The Mace shall be the symbol of authority of the House and shall be displayed at the Speaker’s rostrum when the House is in session.

It shall serve as the warrant of the Sergeant- at-Arms in enforcing order in the House.

Section 166.
Section 166.

Official Seal.

– The House shall adopt its official seal.

Use of the official seal shall be restricted to official documents, transactions and other related official legislative purposes unless otherwise permitted or directed by the House through the Speaker or his duly authorized representative.

RULE XXVIII Amendments Section 167.

Amendments to the Rules.


- Any provision of these Rules, except those that are also embodied in the Constitution, may be amended by a majority vote of all the Members of the House.

RULE XXIX Effectivity Section 168.

Effectivity.

- These rules shall take effect on the date of adoption.
Adopted, June 5, 2020 84 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives 85 Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives ⅔ vote of the Members 55, 68, 77, 78 ⅔ vote of both Houses 6 3rd day after vacancy 5 4th Monday of July 4, 5 5-minute rule 51, 65, 66 10 o’clock in the morning 5, 55 10-minute rule 65, 74 A Absences Committee Chairpersons 40 Member 43 of any Officer 12 Accounts, Committee on 15, 39, 43 Acting Deputy Speaker 11, 12 Acting Floor Leader 4, 17, 45 Acting Secretary General 11, 12 Acting Sergeant-at-Arms 11, 12 Acting Speaker 11, 12 Action by the President 54 Adoption of resolution 51, 77 Agrarian Reform, Committee on 24 Agriculture and Food, Committee on 24 Amendments 66-67 Bills 46, 48, 51, 52, 53, 63, 66, 72 Committee 51 Constitution 26 Proposals 77 Individual 51 Period of 51, 52 Resolutions 46, 48, 51, 52, 53, 63, 66 Rules 83 Title 67 Answers Form 73 Standards 73 Appeals Ruling of the Chair 73 Appearances Day of appearance 71-72 in Executive Session 72 upon initiative of Department Head of the Executive Department 71 upon request of the House 71 Appointments, Commission on 56 Appointments, House of 87 Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on 21, 22, 41 Appropriations, Committee on 25, 47 Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, Committee on 25 Archives, Legislative Delivery of papers to 78 Article VI (sec.
25, ¶4) 5 Article VI (sec.

26, ¶2) 5 Article VII (sec.
10) 5 Assignments Committee 9 Rooms 83 Seats 83 Gallery 83 House Members 76, 83 VIP Gallery 83 Attendance 57, 60, 61 Absence of quorum 57 in Meetings 42 in Sessions 55 Record Quarterly publication 20 Attire 63-64 Audit, Commission on 78 Authorship 40, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 53 Automatic Call of the House 57 Aye 68 B Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Committee on 25 Bases Conversion, Special Committee on 36 Basic Education and Culture, Committee on 25 Bicameral Conference Committees 56 Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, Special Committee on 36 Bills Action by the President 54 Amendment of title 67 Amendments 51, 52, 63, 66, 72 Approval on Second Reading 51, 52 Approved 18, 53 Enrollment 54 Authorship 40, 48, 49, 50 Cloture 50 Consideration 40, 49, 50, 53, 66 Consolidation 48 Electronic copy 48 Enrollment 54 Favorably acted upon 48, 49 First Reading 46, 47, 56, 70 Motion to close debate 50 Motion to discharge Consideration 49-50 Recommitment of measure 51 Referral 33, 46, 47, 49, 70 Change of 47-48 to Committee 47, 70 Second Reading and debate 50 Status 48 Substitution 48 Third Reading 51, 52, 56, 59, 69 Transmittal to the Senate 52 Unfavorably acted upon 49 Urgent 50 Vetoed Procedure 54, 55 Bills and Index Service 54 Bills and Resolutions 45-46 Action by the President 54 Adoption of resolution 51 Approval on Second Reading 51 Approved Enrollment 54 Authorship 40, 45, 46 Consolidation 48 Electronic copy 45, 48 Favorably acted upon 48-49 Filing/refiling 46, 48 First reading 56 from the Senate 52 Status of measures 48 Substitution 48 Urgent 50 Books of Accounts 78 Broadcasting the House Floor proceedings Closed-circuit viewing 79 Public broadcasting and recording 79 Business for a certain date 56, 58 Business for the day 56, 58, 70 Business for Thursday and Friday 56, 59 C Cabinet members Written declaration Inability of President to discharge powers and duties 6 Calendar of Bills and Joint Resolutions 51 Calendar of Business 49, 50, 51, 58- 59, 65, 70 Business for a certain date 58 Business for the day 58
 Business for Thursday and Friday 59 Unassigned business 59 Unfinished business 58 Call to order 56 Caucus 13 Chairpersons, Committee 15, 48, 62 Absence 40 Manner of addressing 62 Succession 39 Temporary incapacity 40 Civil Service and Professional Regulation, Committee on 25 Civil Service Commission Rules 14, 19 Climate Change, Committee on 26 Closed-Circuit Viewing 79 Cloture 50 Co-Authorship 40, 48 Code of Conduct 75-77 Vote requirement 77 Commission on Appointments 56 Commission on Audit 78 Commission on Elections 7 Committee of the Whole House 74- 75 Constituting the Committee 74 Proceedings 74-75 Committee on Accounts 15, 24, 39, 43 Committee orders 74 Committee reports 33, 44-45, 49, 56 Conference 53-54 Committee Secretaries 42, 43, 49, 56 Duties 78 Committees Assignments 9 Chairpersons 15, 40, 48, 62 Discharge 49 88 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives Duties and functions 22-23 Limitations 41 Meetings 41, 42, 43 Attendance 42 Attire 63-64 Conduct 63-64 Notice 41-42 Place 41-42 Regular 43-44 Special 43-44 Time 41-42 Members and officers 39-40 Orders 74 Oversight 23 Public hearings 44 Reports and orders 44 Rules 41 Secretaries 42, 43, 49, 56, 78 Special committees 13, 23-24, 36- 39, 41 Bases Conversion 36 Bicol Recovery and Economic Development 36 East ASEAN Growth Area 36 Flagship Program and Projects 37 Food Security 37 Globalization and WTO 37 Land Use 37 North Luzon Growth Quadrangle 37-38 Peace, Reconciliation and Unity 38 Persons with Disabilities 38 Reforestation 38 Senior Citizens 38 Southern Tagalog Development 38-39 Strategic Intelligence 38 West Philippine Sea 39 Standing committees 13, 24, 36 Accounts 15, 24, 39, 43 Agrarian Reform 24 Agriculture and Food 24 Appropriations 25, 47 Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources 25 Banks and Financial Intermediaries 25 Basic Education and Culture 25 89 Civil Service and Professional Regulation 25 Climate Change 26 Constitutional Amendments 26
 Cooperatives Development 26 Dangerous Drugs 26 Disaster Resilience 26 Ecology 27 Economic Affairs 27 Energy 27 Ethics and Privileges 27 Foreign Affairs 27 Games and Amusements 27 Good Government and Public Accountability 27 Government Enterprises and Privatization 28 Government Reorganization 28 Health 28 Higher and Technical Education 28 Housing and Urban Development 28 Human Rights 28-29 Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples 29 Information and Communications Technology 29 Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy 29 Justice 29-30 Labor and Employment 30 Legislative Franchises 30 Local Government 30 Metro Manila Development 30 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development 30 Mindanao Affairs 30 Muslim Affairs 30 National Defense and Security 31 Natural Resources 31 Overseas Workers Affairs 31 People’s Participation 31 Population and Family Relations 31 Poverty Alleviation 32 Public Accounts 32 Public Information 32 Public Order and Safety 32 Public Works and Highways 32 Revision of Laws 33 Rules 15, 24, 33, 36, 39, 41, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 55, 56, 58, 59, 65, 68, 70, 71, 74 Rural Development 33 Science and Technology 33 Social Services 33 Suffrage and Electoral Reforms 34 Sustainable Development Goals 34 Tourism 34 Trade and Industry 34 Transportation 34-35 Veterans Affairs and Welfare 35 Visayas Development 35 Ways and Means 35, 47 Welfare of Children 35 Women and Gender Equality 35 Congressional Record 78 Consolidation 48 Constituencies 8, 16, 17, 22, 24, 35, 42 Constitution 26, 69, 84 Article VI (sec.
25, ¶4) 5 Article VI (sec.

26, ¶2) 5 Article VII (sec.
10) 5 Proposals to amend 77-78 Adoption of resolution 77 Constitutional Convention 78 Form 77 Procedure for adoption 77 Constitutional amendments 26 Constitutional Amendments, Committee on 26 Constitutional Convention 78 Contracts 15 Convening 5 4th Monday of July 4-5 During a recess 60-61 Exceptional cases 5-6 First meeting 4-5 Cooperatives Development, Committee on 26 D Daily sessions Youth and Sports Development Commencement 55 35 Dangerous Drugs, Committee on Sub-committees 23, 36, 41, 42, 44 Succession 40 Technical working groups 44 Vacancy 40 Vice Chairpersons 13, 33, 39, 40 Communications 55, 56, 72, 82 Concurrent resolutions Transmittal to the Senate 52 Conduct Committee meetings 63-64 Sessions 63-64 Conference Committees 52-53 Bicameral 56 Reports 53-54 Conference rooms 41, 64, 82 Conferences 41 Confidential documents 60 Conflicting provisions 48, 53 Congress Convening 5 26 Debates 10, 14, 44, 49, 50, 51, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 75 Sponsor opens and closes 62 Time limit 62 Decorum 62-63 Addressing the Chair 62 Attire 63-64 Conduct 63-64 Recognition of Member 62 Smoking prohibited 64 Department heads 71, 72, 73 Deputy Majority Leader 33, 39, 43 Deputy Minority Leader 33, 39, 43 Deputy Secretaries General 12 Deputy Speakers 13, 14, 16-17, 39, 43 Absence 11 11 Death Election 10, 11 90 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives Permanently incapacitated 11, 12 Powers and duties 16-17 Resignation 11 Disaster Resilience, Committee on 26 Dissenting opinions 45 Documents Confidential 60 Submission 81 Drug testing 15 E East ASEAN Growth Area, Special Committee on 36 Ecology, Committee on 27 Economic Affairs, Committee on 27 Effectivity 84 Elections 5, 34 Deputy Speakers 10-11 Secretary General 10-11 Sergeant-at-Arms 10-11 Speaker 10-11 Emergency session 60 Energy, Committee on 27 Enrollment of bills and joint resolutions 54 Ethics and Privileges, Committee on 27 Executive sessions 60, 81 Journal 18 F First Reading 46, 47, 56, 70 Five-minute rule 51, 65, 66
 Flags Philippines 82 Flagship Programs and Projects, Special Committee on 37 Floor Leader, Acting 4, 45 Designation 4, 17 Floor Proceedings Closed-circuit viewing 79 Public broadcasting and recording 79 Food Security, Special Committee on 37 Foreign Affairs, Committee on 27 G Gallery Assignment of seats 83 First 63, 83 VIP 83 Games and Amusements, Committee on 27 General Appropriations Act 15, 37 Globalization and WTO, Special Committee on 37 Good Government and Public Accountability, Committee on 27 Government Enterprises and Privatization, Committee on 28 Government Reorganization, Committee on 28 Guests 60, 63, 82 H Health, Committee on 28 Hearings 23, 42, 43, 46 Public 44 Higher and Technical Education, Committee on 28 Hours Privilege 49, 66, 70-71 Question 71-72 House Members Affirmation 7, 8 Assignments Rooms 83 Seats 83 Assumption of office 7, 83 Attendance in meetings 42 Attendance in sessions 55 Attendance record Quarterly publication 20 Attire 63-64 Conduct 63-64 Decorum 62-63 Drug testing 15 Duties 8 Immunities 10 Membership Majority 9-10 Minority 9-10 Oath of office 7-8 Official mission 56 Recognition 62 Salaries and benefits 10 91 Term of office Death 7 Lawfully barred 7 Permanently incapacitated 7 Resignation 7 Removal from office 7 House of Representatives Annual Budget 15 Drug testing 15 House of the People 3 Members and officers 13 Personnel Appointments 14, 19 Erring employees 19 Recruitment 15, 19 Suspension 14 Vacant positions 15 Seal 19, 77, 82, 84 House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments 21-22 Members 22 Election 23 Representation of the House 21- 22 Rules and regulations 22 Vacancy 22 Housing and Urban Development, Committee on 28 Human Rights, Committee on 28-29 I Immunities 10, 27 Inaugural session 4, 11, 17 Independent Member 9 Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, 29 Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Committee on 29 Information management system 13
 Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Committee on 29 Interpellations 62, 72, 73-74 J Joint meetings 43 Joint referrals 44 Joint resolutions Action by the President 54 Approval on Second Reading 51 Approved Enrollment 54 Authorship 53 Enrollment 54 Recommitment of measure 51 Second Reading and debate 50 Third Reading 51, 56, 59, 69 Transmittal to the Senate 52 Vetoed Procedure 54, 55 Journal 4, 18, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55, 59, 61, 64, 67, 72 Approval 56, 58 July (4th Monday) 4 June 30 7 Jurisdiction 23, 24, 33, 36, 41, 45, 46, 47 Proper exercise 80 Determination 80 Notification of the House 81 Justice, Committee on 29-30 K L Labor and Employment, Committee on 30 Land Use, Special Committee on 37 Legislative actions 8 Legislative agenda 13 Legislative calendar 5 Legislative districts 7, 57 Legislative Franchises, Committee on 30 Legislative Library 19 Legislative measures 8, 13, 17, 41 Legislative performance 3, 4 Legislative support services 4, 15 Live coverage 79 Live streaming 79 Lobbies 14, 82 Local Government, Committee on 30 Lounges 82 92 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives M Mace 21, 84 Majority 9 Transfer of membership 9 Majority Leader 9, 39 Martial Law 6, 60 Measures from the Senate 52 Priority 13 Recommitment 51 Status 46-47, 48 Substitute 48 Meetings Confidentiality 44 Executive 44 Regular 43 Special 43 Members, House Affirmation 7-8 Assignments Rooms 83 Seats 83 Assumption of office 83 Attendance in meetings 42 Attendance in sessions 55 Attendance record Quarterly publication 20 Attire 63-64 Conduct 61, 63-64 Decorum 62 Drug testing 15 Duties 8 Expulsion 77 Immunities 10 Membership Forfeiture 9 Independent 9 Majority 9 Minority 9 Transfer 9 Oath of office 7-8 Official mission 56 Recognition 62 Receipt of subpoena 80 Salaries and benefits 10 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 15 Suspension 77 Term of office Death 7 Lawfully barred 7 93 Permanently incapacitated 7 Removal from office 7
 Resignation 7 Transfer of membership 9 Membership 7-10 Affirmation of Members 7 Composition 7 Duties 8 Forfeiture 9, 43, 76 Immunities 10 Majority 9 Minority 9 Oath 7-8 Salaries and benefits 10 Term 7 Transfer 9 Memorials 14, 18, 33, 44-45, 55-56, 70 Messages from the President 55 from the Senate 55 Metro Manila Development, Committee on 30 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Committee on 30 Mindanao Affairs, Committee on 30 Minority 9 Transfer of membership 9 Minority Leader 9, 39 Mondays 4, 5, 49, 55, 63, 70 Motions Adjourn 65 Amend 65 Amendments 66 Appeal from the ruling of the Chair 67 Declare a recess 65 Interruption 65 Lay on the Table 65 One motion for one subject matter 65 Point of Order 65 Postpone Indefinitely 65 Postpone to a Day Certain 65 Precedence 64 Prohibition of riders 65 Questions of privilege 65 Raise a Point of Order 65 Raise a Question of Privilege 65 Reading 64 Reconsideration 45, 52, 55, 65, 66 Recording 64, 67 Refer 65 Re-Refer 65 Strike and insert 67 Suspend the Rules 68 Vote on paper objected to 67 Withdrawal 64 President’s SONA Joint Committee 18 Joint Session 17-18 Resolutions to inform President 17 Senate of the Philippines 17 Overseas Workers Affairs, Committee Motu proprio 23, 36, 46, 50, 62 Muslim Affairs, Committee on 31 on 31 N National Defense and Security, Committee on 30 P Papers Delivery to Legislative Archives 78 Party-lists 4, 7 Natural Resources, Committee on Representation 7 31, Nay 68 News media 79 Nominal voting 14, 51, 61, 69 Declaration of Vacancy for the position of Speaker 11 Question 68 Recording of results 69 Second call 69 North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, Special Committee on 37-38 Notices 41 O Oath of Office 7-8 Oath-taking Speaker 5 Office of the Secretary General 19, 54 Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms Senior Officer as Acting Sergeant- at-Arms 12 Officers 10-12 Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Special Committee on 38 People’s initiative 46 People’s Participation, Committee on 31 Performance
 evaluation 14 Persons with Disabilities, Special Committee on 38 Petitions 45, 55-56 Philippine Flag 82 Plenary sessions 8, 61, 82 Point of Order 65-67, 70 Population and Family Relations, Committee on 31 Poverty Alleviation, Committee on 32 Preamble 3 Precedence of Motions 64 Precedents 83 President Inaugural session 17 Vacancy in office Special election 5 Written declaration Absence or temporary incapacity Inability to discharge powers 12 Election 10 Term of office 11 Vacancy 11 Official mission 56 Official seal 19, 77, 82, 84 Order of Business 17-18, 33, 45, 56, 59, 71 Inaugural session Concurrent Resolutions for the and duties 5-6 Presiding Officer Temporary 14, 16 Privilege hour 70-71 Day for 70 Suspension 70 Privilege speech 71 Procedures Resolutions 55 94 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives Vetoed bills and joint resolutions 54-55 Proceedings Committee upon request of the House 71 Interpellations and comments of proponents of original questions 73 Broadcast coverage 13 Questions Floor Closed-Circuit Viewing 79 Public broadcasting 79 Recording 79 Plenary Broadcast coverage 13 Translation 13 Prohibition of riders 65 Proposals Amend the Constitution Constitutional convention 78 Form of proposals and procedure of adoption 77 Public Books 78 Broadcasting 13, 79 Audio 79 Closed-captioning for the hearing-impaired 79 Closed-Circuit Viewing Live streaming 79 Video 79 Hearings 41, 42 Information Program 13 Records 79 Sessions 59-61 79 Public Accounts, Committee on 32 Public Information, Committee on 32 Public Order and Safety, Committee on 32 Classification and disposition 73 Form 73 Local significance 73 Not conforming with standards 73 Original 73 Standards 73 Unanswered 73 Service Unit 74 Questions 72 Classification and disposition 73 Form 73 Local significance 73 Not conforming with standards 73 Original 73 Standards 72-73 Unanswered 73 Written 72 Questions of Privilege 65 Quorum 5, 10-11, 43-44, 49, 54,
 57, 67-69, 74 Absence of 57 Meetings (regular/special) 43-44 Proceedings of the Committee of the Whole 74-75 R Public Works and Highways, Recess 22, 41 Committee on 32 Q Question Hour 71-74 Answers Form 73 Standards 72 Appearance Day of appearance 71 in Executive Session 72 upon initiative of Department Head of the Executive Department 71 95 Convening of the House 60 Motion to declare 65 Recognition of Member 62 Recommitment of measure 51 Reconsideration 45, 66 Record of the House 18-19, 78 Referrals Change of 47-48 Committee 44 Reforestation, Special Committee on 38 Regular session 5, 18-19 Closing 19 Commencement 19 Record of the House 18-19 Representation of the House 21-22 Representatives Affirmation 7-8 Assignments Rooms 83 Seats 83 Assumption of office 7, 83 Attendance in meetings 42 Attendance in sessions 55 Attendance record Quarterly publication 20 Attire 63-64 Conduct 61, 75-77 Decorum 62 Drug testing 15 Duties 8 Expulsion 77 Immunities 10 Membership Forfeiture 9 Independent 9 Majority 9 Minority 9 Transfer 9 Oath of office 7-8 Official mission 56 Receipt of subpoena 80 Recognition 62 Salaries and benefits 10 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 15 Suspension 77 Term of office Death 7 Lawfully barred 7 Permanently incapacitated 7 Removal from office 7 Resignation 7 Transfer of membership 9 Resolutions 45 Acted upon 48, 49 Adoption 51, 77 Amendments 51, 52, 63, 66 Amendment of title 67 Authorship 40, 48, 49, 50 Cloture 50 Concurrent 18, 52 Consideration 40, 49, 50, 53, 55, 66 Consolidation 48 Electronic copy 48 Favorably acted upon 48, 49 First Reading 46, 47, 56, 70 Joint 51 Motion to close debate 50 Motion to discharge Consideration 49-50 Procedure 50 Referrals 33, 46, 47, 49, 70 Change of 47-48 Committee 47, 70 Signing 14 Status 48 Substitution 48 Third Reading 52 Unfavorably acted upon 49 Urgent 50 Revision of Laws, Committee on 33 Roll call 4, 56-58, 64 Rooms Assignment 83 Rules of the House of Representatives Adoption 5 Amendments 84 Bills,
 Resolutions, Messages, Memorials and Petitions 45-55 Broadcasting the House 79 Code of Conduct 75-77 Committee of the Whole House 74-75 Committees 22-44 Conduct of Plenary Sessions through Electronic Platforms 61 Convening and Organizing the House 4-6 Declaration of Principles and Policies 3-4 Decorum and Debate 62-64 Deputy Speakers 16-17 Effectivity 84 House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Appointments 21-22 Mace and Official Seal 84 Membership 7-10 Motions and their Precedence 64- 67 Officers 10-12 Papers, Books, and Records 78 Preamble 3 96 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives Precedents and Suppletory Provisions 83-84 Privilege Hour 70-71 Proposals to Amend the Constitution 77-78 Question Hour 71-74 Response to Subpoenas 80-82 Secretary General 17-20 Sergeant-at-Arms 20-21 Session 55-61 Session Hall, Conference Rooms, Lounges, Lobbies and Rooms 82-83 Speaker 12-16 Suspension of the Rules 68 Voting 68-69 Rules, Committee on 15, 24, 33, 36, 39, 41, 45-48, 50, 55-56, 58-59, 65, 68, 70-71, 74 Authority to move 68 Reports 44-45 Service Unit 74 Rulings as precedents 83 Rural Development, Committee on 33 S Science and Technology, Committee on 33 Seal, Official 19, 77, 82, 84 Seats Assigned to House Members 83 VIP Gallery 83 Second Reading 50-52, 59 Amendments 51 Approval of bill or joint resolution 51 Debate 50 Reconsideration 52 Secretary General 4, 9-12, 17-20 Acting 11, 12 as Presiding Officer 4 Death 11 Election 10 Incumbent 11 Permanently incapacitated 11 Powers and duties 4, 17-20 Reports 20 Resignation 11 Suspension 14 Senate President 6 Senate of the Philippines 14, 52, 84 Approved bills and resolution Transmittal to 52 Inaugural session 17 Linkages 14 Measures from the 52 Suppletory provisions 84 Senior Citizens, Special Committee on 38 Senior Minority Member 40 Sergeant-at-Arms 5, 10-12, 14, 20- 21, 83 Death 11 Election 10 Incumbent 11 Permanently incapacitated 11
 Powers and duties 20-21 Reports 21 Resignation 11 Suspension 14 Service Unit 74 Session Hall 82 Assignment of seats 83 Use 82 Sessions 55-61 Adjournment 60-61 Approval of journal 58 Attendance 55-56 Attire 63-64 Automatic call of the House 57 Calendar of Business 58-59 Bills and joint resolutions on third reading 59 Business for a certain date 58 Business for the day 58 Business for Thursday and Friday 59 Unassigned business 59 Unfinished business 58 Call to order 56 Cancellation 60 Conduct 61, 63-64 Conduct of plenary sessions through electronic platforms Attendance 61 Nominal voting 61 Convening during recess 60-61 Daily sessions Commencement 55 Emergency 60 97 Executive 60 Confidential documents 60 Inaugural 4, 11 Motion to adjourn vacates call 58 Open to the public 59 Opening 61 Order of Business 56 Quorum 57 Absence of 57 Regular 5 Roll call 56-57 Special 5 Suspension 60 Voting 59 Smoking prohibition 64 Social Services, Committee on 33 Southern Tagalog Development, Special Committee on 38-39 Speaker of the House 5-6, 9-10, 12- 16, 41 Absence 16 Death 11 Election 10, 11 Permanently incapacitated 11 Powers and duties 12 Representation in international parliamentary gatherings and organizations 16 Resignation 11 Tie vote 69 Special committees 13, 23-24, 36- 39, 41 Bases Conversion 36 Bicol Recovery and Economic Development 36 East ASEAN Growth Area 36 Flagship Program and Projects 37 Food Security 37 Globalization and WTO 37 Land Use 37 North Luzon Growth Quadrangle 37-38 Peace, Reconciliation and Unity 38 Persons with Disabilities 38 Reforestation 38 Senior Citizens 38 Southern Tagalog Development 38-39 Strategic Intelligence 38 West Philippine Sea 39 98 Special election Bill 5 President 5 Vice-President 5 Special sessions 5, 58 Sponsor 62 Standing committees 23-36 Accounts 15, 24, 39, 43 Agrarian Reform 24 Agriculture and Food 24 Appropriations 25, 47 Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources 25 Banks and Financial Intermediaries 25 Basic Education and Culture 25 Civil
 Service and Professional Regulation 25 Climate Change 26 Constitutional Amendments 26 Cooperatives Development 26 Dangerous Drugs 26 Disaster Resilience 26 Ecology 27 Economic Affairs 27 Energy 27 Ethics and Privileges 27 Foreign Affairs 27 Games and Amusements 27 Good Government and Public Accountability 27 Government Enterprises and Privatization 28 Government Reorganization 28 Health 28 Higher and Technical Education 28 Housing and Urban Development 28 Human Rights 28-29 Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples 29 Information and Communications Technology 29 Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy 29 Justice 29-30 Labor and Employment 30 Legislative Franchises 30 Local Government 30 Metro Manila Development 30 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines Index to the Rules of the House of Representatives Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development 30 Mindanao Affairs 30 Muslim Affairs 30 National Defense and Security 31 Natural Resources 31 Overseas Workers Affairs 31 People’s Participation 31 Population and Family Relations 31 Poverty Alleviation 32 Public Accounts 32 Public Information 32 Public Order and Safety 32 Public Works and Highways 32 Revision of Laws 33 Rules 15, 24, 33, 36, 39, 41, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 55, 56, 58, 59, 65, 68, 70, 71, 74 Rural Development 33 Science and Technology 33 Social Services 33 Suffrage and Electoral Reforms 34 Sustainable Development Goals 34 Tourism 34 Trade and Industry 34 Transportation 34-35 Veterans Affairs and Welfare 35 Visayas Development 35 Ways and Means 35, 47 Welfare of Children 35 Women and Gender Equality 35 Youth and Sports Development 35 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 15 Strategic Intelligence, Special Committee on 38 Sub judice 72 Subject matter 65 Subpoenas 14, 19, 80-82 Compliance 80 Guarantee of rights and privileges 82 Notification of the House 80 Proper exercise of jurisdiction Determination of 80 Notification of the House 80 Response to 80-82 Signing 14 Submission of documents 81
 Transmittal of Rules to court 81- 82 Substitute measures 48 Substitution 48 Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Committee on 34 Suppletory provisions 83-84 Suspension of the Rules Authority to move 68 Debate 68 Effect 68 Interruption of motion 68 Vote requirement 68 Sustainable Development Goals, Committee on 34 T Technical working groups 44 Temporary incapacity 12, 16, 40 Ten-minute rule 65, 74 Term of office 11 Death 7 Lawfully barred 7 Permanently incapacitated 7, 11 Removal from office 7, 11 Resignation 7, 11 Third Reading 5, 51-52, 56, 59, 69 Tie vote 67, 69 Time limit 62 Title Amendment of 67 Tourism, Committee on 34 Trade and Industry, Committee on 34 Transmittal of Rules to Court 81 Transmittal to the Senate 52 Transportation, Committee on 34- 35 U Unassigned business 59 Unfinished business 58 V Vacancy 7, 11 Death 11 Permanently incapacitated 11 99 Resignation 11 Website (House) 41 42, 44, 48, 56, Veterans Affairs and Welfare, 58-59 Wednesdays 71 Welfare of Children, Committee on 35 West Philippine Sea, Special Committee on 39 Women and Gender Equality, Committee on 35 Writ of habeas corpus 6, 60 Writs 14, 19 Y Youth and Sports Development, Committee on 35 Committee on 35 Veto 54 Vetoed bills and joint resolutions Procedures 54-55 Vice Chairperson Absence 40 Succession 40 Temporary incapacity 40 Vice-President As Acting President 6 Vacancy in office Special election 5 Virtual conference 42-43, 61 Visayas Development, Committee on 35 Visitors 60 Vote on paper objected to 67 Vote requirement Erring Members Expulsion 77 Suspension 77 Voting 68-69 Explanation of vote 69 Majority 4, 5, 9 Declaration of vacancy of any position 11 Manner 68 No interruption during 69 Nominal Declaration of vacancy for the position of Speaker 11 Question 69 Recording of results 69 Second call 69 Question 59 Roll Call 4 Suspension of the Rules 68 Tie vote 69 Without explanation 4 Voting records in the Journal 4 Published in newspapers of general circulation 20 W Warrants 14, 19 Ways and
 Means, Committee on 35, 47 100 18th Congress of the republiC of the philippines