The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines. Unlike the U.S. Senate, the Philippine Senate is composed of 24 senators who do not represent any particular geographical district.

Senators serve 6-year terms, with half of the senators elected every 3 years. This way, the Senate is a continuous body. The first elections held for the current senate was in 1992. In that election, the top 12 senators served until 1998, while the bottom 12 served until 1995 only. Thereafter, each senator elected serves the full 6 years.

The senate has not always been complete. Currently, there are 23 senators after Senator Teofisto Guingona was appointed vice-president following the ascension of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to presidency.

The senate is the only body authorized to ratify treaties.

Historically, senators did represent groups of provinces, but this was removed following the adoption of the 1987 Constitution.

Structure of the Senate

Senate President, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Majority Floor Leader, Minority Floor Leader, ...

Famous Senators

• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, current Philippine President
• Benigno Aquino Jr., Marcos Opposition leader and husband of Philippine President Corazon Aquino
• Joseph Estrada, former Philippine President
• Raul Manglapus, former Philippine Foreign Affairs Minister, former candidate for President
• Ferdinand Marcos, former Philippine President
• Blas Ople, former Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO)
• Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., activist and current Senator
• Gil Puyat , statesman
• Jovito Salonga, Marcos Opposition leader
• Lorenzo Tañada , statesman
• Arturo Tolentino, statesman and former Philippine Vice President
• Manuel Villar , current Senator
• Claro M. Recto, statesman

Important Senate bills and decisions

• 1992 Vote to remove U.S. Bases from the Philippines
• Visiting Forces Agreement

Related articles

• Philippines
• President of the Philippines
• Executive Departments of the Philippines
• Congress of the Philippines
• House of Representatives of the Philippines
• Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Constitution of the Philippines

External links

• Official Website of the Philippine Senate
• Official Philippine Government Portal