The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation TENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES July 24, 1995 RULES OF THE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES. July 24, 1995 RULES OF THE HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES

RULE I THE MEMBERS SECTION 1. Membership. The membership of the House shall include Representatives elected from the different legislative districts of the Philippines, and those elected or selected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties as provided by law. Sec. 2. First Meeting and Organization. The Members of the House of Representatives, shall on the day and time fixed by law, meet at the place designated for the holding of the sessions of the House and proceed to its organization in the manner prescribed in Section 12 (a) of Rule IV. Sec. 3. Oath of Affirmation of Members. The Members shall take their oath or affirmation, collectively or individually before the Speaker, in open session. RULE II THE SPEAKERS Sec. 4. Election. The Speaker shall be elected by a majority vote of all the Members of the House at the commencement of each Congress and whenever there is a vacancy in said office. In such election, the Secretary General shall call the roll and record the viva voce vote of each Member. Sec. 5. Duties and Powers. The duties and powers of the Speaker shall be:
a. To preside over the sessions of the House; b. To preserve order and decorum during the sessions and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct in the session hall, take such measures as he may deem advisable or as the House may direct; c. To decide all questions of order subject to appeal by any Member, who may explain his appeal in not more than five minutes; but the appeal shall not be debatable nor subject to the three-minute rule Section 106 hereof; (d) To sign all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoena issued by or upon of the House;

(e) To exercise supervision over all Committees; a. To appoint the personnel of the House with authority to delegate this power; b. To suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline House personnel in accordance with Civil Service Rules and Regulations: Provided, That the suspension or dismissal of the Secretary General or the Sergeant-at-Arms shall require the concurrence of the majority of all the Members; c. To prepare and submit the annual budget of the House with the assistance of the Committee on Accounts; and d. To consolidate or split vacant positions carrying salaries and wages which may be increased or reduced in the process and/or create new positions: Provided, that the total amount or amounts involved shall not increase the total amount appropriated for the salaries and wages of the personnel of the House.

Sec. 6. Temporary Presiding Officer. The Speaker, after informing the Deputy Speakers, may designate a Member to perform the duties of the Chair, but such designation shall not exceed one day each time without the consent of the House. Sec. 7. Right to Vote. The Speaker shall not be compelled to vote except in case of a tie. Sec. 8. Administrative Head. The Speaker shall be the administrative head of the House and shall exercise such administrative functions and powers as are attached to his office. RULE III THE DEPUTY SPEAKERS Sec. 9. Election. There shall be three Deputy Speakers who shall be elected in the same manner as the Speaker. Sec. 10. Duties and Powers. The duties and powers of the Deputy Speakers shall be:
a. To assume the duties and powers of the Speaker, including his prerogatives under Section 6 hereof, when he is absent or incapacitated. In the event of the Speaker's death or resignation, one of the Deputy Speakers as they may choose by a majority vote among themselves shall likewise assume the duties and powers of the Speaker until a new Speaker is elected and qualified; b. To preside over the session when, even if present, the Speaker does not preside, subject to Section 6 hereof; c. To exercise such powers and functions as the Speaker may delegate; and d. To appoint personnel of the House when so authorized by the Speaker.

RULE IV THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Sec. 11. Election. After the Speaker and the Deputy Speakers are elected and qualified, the House shall proceed to elect the Secretary General by a majority vote of all the Members. He shall hold office until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. Any vacancy in the office shall be filled in the same manner, except when such vacancy occurs during the recess, in which case the Speaker may designate an acting Secretary General. In case of the absence or incapacity of the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General for Operations shall assume the powers and duties of the Secretary General, unless the Speaker designates an Acting Secretary General. Sec. 12. Duties and Powers. The duties and powers of the Secretary General shall be:
(a) At the commencement of each Congress, to call the Members to order, to call alphabetical order the roll of the Members by provinces, cities and municipalities comprising districts by themselves and, pending the election of the Speaker, to preserve order and decorum and decide all questions of order, subject to appeal to the House by any Member; (b) To carry out or enforce orders and decisions of the House when such duty devolves upon him; (c) To keep the Journal of each session, which shall comprise a clear and succinct account of the business transacted and action taken by the House; Provided, That journals, of executive sessions shall be kept in a separate book and maintained confidential; (d) To call the roll of the Members and read bills, resolutions, messages, communications, memorials, petitions and other documents which should be reported by him to the House or the reading of which is required by the House or ordered by the Speaker; (e) To note all questions of order together with the decisions thereon and to print the same at the close of each session for the use of the Members as an appendix to the Record of such sessions; (f) To complete within six months after the close of the session the printing and distribution to the Members of the Record of the House for said session and of the Acts and Resolutions passed and adopted during the same, all property indexed, each Member being entitled to one copy thereof; (g) To retain in the congressional library for the use of the Members and Officers of the House sufficient copies of books and printed documents; (h) To cause to be printed and delivered to each Member or mailed to his address at the commencement of every regular session a list of the reports which each head of Department is required to submit to the House, referring to Act, Resolution or page of the Journal in which it may be contained and placing under the name of each officer the list of reports required of him; (i) To send at the close of each session, or soon thereafter, printed copies of the Record of the House to the President of the Philippines, the Cabinet Members and such other persons or entities as the House may authorize;

(j) To refer to the proper committee or committees, as the Speaker may direct, such bills and other documents as may be presented or endorsed to the House; (k) To attest and affix the seal of the House to all writs, warrants and subpoenae issued by or upon order of the House or Speaker; (l) To certify and affix the seal of the House to all measures, orders and resolutions approved by the House; (m) To submit to the Speaker all contracts and agreements for his approval; (n) To be the custodian of the property and records of the House and all others government property within its premises. At the beginning and end of each session, to make an inventory of all properties, records of the House, and all other government properties within its premises; and (o) To perform other duties inherent in his office although not specified in these Rules.

Sec. 13. Supervisory Power. Subject to the supervision and control of the Speaker, the Secretary General shall be immediate chief of the personnel of the House and shall be responsible for the faithful and proper performance of their official duties. RULE V THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Sec. 14. Election. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be elected by a majority vote of all the Members at the commencement of each Congress. He shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. Any vacancy in the office shall be filled in the same manner, except when such vacancy occurs during the recess, in which case the Speaker may designate an Acting Sergeant-at-Arms. In the absence or incapacity of the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms shall assume the powers and duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms, unless the Speaker designates as Acting Sergeant-at-Arms. Sec. 15. Duties and Powers. The duties and powers of the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be:
(a) To be personally present in all sessions of the House unless excused by the Speaker or the Presiding Officer and to be present, personally or thorough his subordinates, in all meetings of the Committees; (b) To strictly enforce the Rules relating to admission to the Session Hall, the galleries, corridors, and premises of the House building; (c) To be responsible for the faithful and proper behavior and performance of employees under him;

(d) To execute the orders of the House and serve all processes issued by authority thereof or the Speaker; (e) To be responsible for the security and maintenance of order during the session of the House under the direction of the Speaker or the Presiding Officer, during the meeting of any of the Committees or Subcommittees under the direction of the Chairman thereof; and in the antechambers, corridors and offices of the House, whether in session or not, under the direction of the Speaker and, during the period between the final adjournment of one Congress and the organization of the next, under the direction of the Secretary General; (f) To be responsible for the personal safety of the Members while in the House premises or, as the Speaker may direct, in any other place; (g) To be responsible for the security of the properties of the House; and (h) To keep the Mace under his custody.

Sec. 16. 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. The Mace shall serve as the warrant for the Sergeant-at-Arms in enforcing order in the House. RULE VI THE ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL AND THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Sec. 17. Composition. The House representation to the Electoral Tribunal and the Commission of Appointments shall be constituted in accordance with Sections 17 and 18, Article VI of the Constitutions within thirty days after the election of the Speaker. Sec. 18. Election. The motion or resolution to elect the members of the Electoral Tribunal and Commission on Appointments shall not be subject to a division of the House. Sec. 19. Rules and Regulations. The House recognizes the power of the Electoral Tribunal and the Commission of Appointments to adopt their own rules and regulations. Sec. 20. Vacancy. Any vacancy in the Tribunal or Commission shall be filled by the House in accordance with Sections 17 and 18 hereof. In case a vacancy occurs in the Tribunal during the recess of the Congress, the Speaker may fill it temporarily with a member belonging to the same party as the former incumbent upon nomination of the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader, as the case may be.

RULE VII THE COMMITTEES Sec. 21. Standing Committees. The House shall have the following standing committees organized, except for the Committee on Rules, on the basis of proportional representation of the Majority and the Minority, the membership and general jurisdiction of which shall be as hereafter stated:
(1) Accounts, 31 members. All matters relating to the perpetration, submission and approval of the internal budget of the House, and supervision over the accounting and financial operations of the House. (2) Agrarian Reform, 31 members. All matters relating to agrarian reform, landed estates, resettlement and support services to the beneficiaries concerned. (3) Agriculture and Food, 51 members. All matters relating to agriculture; agribusiness, agricultural economics and research; soil survey and conservation; irrigation; agricultural education; fertilizer and pesticides; extension services; animal industry, including livestock quarantine; farm credit and farm security; crop and livestock insurance and guarantee schemes; and organization and supervision of agriculture cooperatives. (4) Appropriations, 69 members. All matters relating to funds for the expenditures of the National Government and for the payment of public indebtedness, and the classification of positions and determination of salaries, allowances and other fringe benefits of government personnel. (5) Banks and Financial Intermediaries, 41 members. All matters relating to banking and currency generally; government-owned or-controlled financial institutions; other financial institutions; private corporations; and insurance, securities and securities exchange. (6) Civil Service and Professional Regulation, 21 members. All matters relating to the operation and rules of the Civil Service and the status of officers and employees of the Government, including their welfare and benefits such as retirement, pension and gratuity; and the regulation of professions and professionals. (7) Civil, Political and Human Rights, 21 members. All matters relating to the enhancement or protection of human rights of all persons in the Philippines and of Filipino abroad; assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families; and the prevention of or punishment for violations thereof. (8) Constitutional Amendments, 31 members. All matters relating to amendments of the Constitution. (9) Ecology, 21 members. All matters relating to ecosystem management including pollution control. (10) Economic Affairs, 41 members. All matters relating to economic or socio-economic studies, planning, programming and development, including social security programs. (11) Education and Culture, 51 members. All matters relating to education and culture; schools, colleges and universities; libraries and museums; non-formal and community adult

education; the national language; and the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of Filipino national culture. (12) Energy, 31 members. All matters relating to the exploration, development, exploitation, utilization or conservation of energy; and public utilities concerned with power generation, transmission, distribution and supply. (13) Ethics, 21 members. All matters relating to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges, dignity, integrity and reputation of the House and its Members, individually or collectively. (14) Foreign Affairs, 41 members. All matters relating to the relations of the Philippines with other countries; diplomatic and consular services; the United Nations and its agencies; and international cultural, health, labor and other organizations. (15) Games and Amusements, 31 members. All matters relating to all forms and places of recreation, games and amusements. (16) Good Government, 31 members. All matters relating to, including investigations of, malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance in office by officers and employees of the Government, its political subdivisions and instrumentalities; and investigations of any matter of public interest, on its own initiative or brought to its attention by any Member of the House. (17) Government Enterprises and Privatization, 31 members. All matters relating to the creation, organization, operation and reorganization of government-owned or controlled corporations other than banks and financial institutions, including Government Service Insurance System, the Social Service System and similar institutions. (18) Government Reorganization, 21 members. All matters relating to the reorganization of the Government or any of its branches and instrumentalities, excluding government-owned or controlled corporations, and the creation or abolition of any government agency or change of its principal functions. (19) Health, 41 members. All matters relating to public health and hygiene; and medical, hospital and quarantine facilities and services. (20) Housing and Urban Development, 31 members. All matters relating to housing and all other forms of human shelter or habitation, wherever located; and urban land reform and development, particularly water supply, electrification and zoning and the upliftment of the condition of the urban poor. (21) Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, 15 members. All matters relating to interparliamentary relations, linkages with international parliamentary organizations such as but not limited to Asian Interparliamentary Organization (AIPO), Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU), Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) and the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU); establishment of interparliamentary friendship societies; foreign travel and attendance in international conference including the formulation of guidelines/standard operating procedures in connection with such foreign travel; and visits of parliamentary delegations as well as other foreign dignitaries. (22) Justice, 41 members. All matters relating to rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation; administration of justice; civil courts, penitentiaries and reform schools; practice of law and integration of the Bar; legal aid; adult probation; impeachment proceedings against

constitutional officers and other officers removable by impeachment; registration of land titles; and immigration, deportation and naturalization. (23) Labor and Employment, 41 members. All matters relating to labor, employment and manpower development; maintenance of industrial peace and promotion of employer-employee cooperation; labor education, standards and statistics; organization of the labor market, including promotion, development, recruitment, training and placement of manpower, here and abroad. (24) Local Government, 41 members. All matters relating to provinces, cities, municipalities, sanggunians and barangays, including those connected exclusively with their revenues or expenditures; (25) Legislative Franchises, 31 members. All matters relating to the grant, amendment, extension or revocation of franchises; (26) Muslim Affairs, 21 members. All matters relating to Muslim affairs and the development of predominantly Muslim areas. (27) National Cultural Communities, 21 members. All matters relating to national cultural communities and the development of predominantly cultural community areas. (28) National Defense, 41 members. All matters relating to national defense and security; Armed Forces of the Philippines citizens army; selective services; forts and arsenals; military bases; reservations and yards; and coast and geodetic surveys. (29) Natural Resources, 41 members. All matters relating to natural resources, except energy, and their exploitation, management, exploration and utilization; lands of the public domain; mines and minerals; forests; and parks. (30) People's Participation, 21 members. All matters relating to the role, rights and responsibilities of people's organizations and establishment of adequate mechanisms for consultation with and participation of the people in the affairs of Government. (31) Population and Family Relations, 21 members. All matters relating to population growth, family planning, census and statistics; family relations, rights and responsibilities; quality of family life, care of the elderly and street children. (32) Public Order and Security, 41 members. All matters relating to civil defense, police and police forces and agencies and private security agencies. (33) Public Information, 21 members. All matters relating to public information and all means of mass communication and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of those engaged therein. (34) Public Works and Highways, 51 members. All matters relating to the planning, construction, maintenance, improvement and repairs of public buildings, highways, bridges, roads, parks and shrine, and monuments and other public edifices of historic interest; and drainage, flood control and protection; water utilities and utilization of waters of the public domain. (35) Revision of Laws, 21 members. All matters relating in general to revision and/or codification of laws.

(36) Rules, 21 members. All matters relating to the Rules of the House; Order of Business and Calendar of Business and the creation of committees and their jurisdiction. The Majority Leader shall be the chairman and Minority Leader a member of this Committee. (37) Rural Development, 21 members. All matters relating to the development of the rural areas, upliftment of the condition of their inhabitants, and delivery of basic services, except housing. (38) Science and Technology, 21 members. All matters relating to the development and advancement of science and technology; and scientific and technological research. (39) Social Services, 21 members. All matters relating to social problems which effect the stability and adjustment of the individual and of the strengthen and develop individual and community life. (40) Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, 21 members. All matters relating to suffrage and the conduct of elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda and recalls. (41) Tourism, 31 members. All matters relating to tourism and the tourist industry. (42) Trade and Industry, 51 members. All matters relating to domestic and foreign trade; patents, trade names and trade marks; standards, weights and measures; design; quality control consumer protection; control of prices of commodities; handicrafts and cottage industries; and the development, coordination, regulation and diversification of industry and investments. (43) Transportation and Communications, 51 members. All matters relating to land, sea and air transportation and all public utilities connected therewith; ports; and postal, telegraph, radio, telephone and other communication services. (44) Veterans Affairs, 21 members. All matters relating to war veterans, veterans of military campaigns, military retirees, their surviving spouses and other beneficiaries. (45) Ways and Means, 51 members. All matters relating to fiscal, monetary and financial affairs of the National Government, including tariff, taxation, revenue, borrowing, credit and bonded indebtedness. (46) Women, 31 members. All matters relating to women's rights, protection and welfare, employment and working conditions and their potential and role in nation building. (47) Youth and Sports Development, 21 members. All matters relating to youth development and promotion of moral, physical, intellectual and social well-being; and sports development in general.

Whenever a measure covers subject matters falling within the jurisdiction of more than one Committee, the measure shall be referred to the Committee within whose jurisdiction the principal subject matters falls, Provided, however, that measures entailing appropriations of funds or embodying tax or revenue proposals shall be referred, respectively, to the Committee on Appropriations or the Committee on Ways and Means for the appropriation or tax or revenue aspect: and Provided, further, that the Committee which acquires original jurisdiction on any measure shall be mainly responsible for submitting a report to the House incorporating therein the appropriate

recommendations of the Committee on Appropriations or the Committee on Ways and Means, as the case may be. Sec. 22. Members, Officers, Election. Each standing committee shall have a chairman and at least two vice-chairmen. The Member elected whose name appears first on the committee list shall be the chairman and the members whose names appear second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh shall be the vice-chairmen, as the case may be. In a committee of twenty-one members, there shall be two vice-chairmen. In a committee of thirty-one, there shall be three vice-chairmen. In a committee of forty-one, there shall be four vice-chairmen. In a committee of fifty-one members, there shall be six vice-chairmen. In a committee of sixty-one members, there shall be seven vicechairmen. Every Member is entitled to be a member of as many standing committees as provided for in the next section hereof: Provided that, as far as practicable, each region shall be represented in every Committee. The Speaker, Deputy Speakers and Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules or a member deputized by any of them shall have voice and vote in all other Committees. Any Member who is the author of a bill proposed resolution referred to a Committee or, if there be several authors, the first two authors whose names appear first in the bill or resolution, or their duly designated co-authors, shall be considered as member or members of the Committee insofar as the consideration of said bill or resolution and others of a like or similar nature is concerned, but shall have no vote in the Committee. Sec. 23. Limitations. No Member of the House shall be chairman of more than one standing committee. A member of the Commission on Appointments or Electoral Tribunal shall not be chairman of a standing committee. No member of the committee shall vote in any matter regarding which he has a substantial pecuniary interest, whether direct or indirect. Sec. 24. Special Committees. The House shall have the following special committees, organized on the basis of proportional representation of the majority and the minority. The chairman, vice-chairman and members thereof shall be elected in the same manner as a standing committee. Their general mandate shall be as hereinafter stated: (1) Special Committee on Employment Generation, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the unemployment situation in the country, including but not limited to, the factors and influences causing it; to recommend to the House

such programs and policies geared toward the creation of employment opportunities sufficient to meet the employment requirements of the country. (2) Special Committee on Poverty Alleviation, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the poverty incidence in the country and to recommend to the House such programs and policy proposals intended to protect and enhance the right of the poor to a decent life. (3) Special Committee of Effective Law Enforcement, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study on matters relating to criminality in the country particularly organized crime, including oversight and review of policies and programs on law enforcement and to recommend to the House such legislation or action as the committee deems necessary with respect to the Philippine National Police and other agencies tasked with crime prevention. (4) Special Committee on export Promotion, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the programs and policies regarding or affecting exports and to recommend to the House by way of legislation, ways and means of accelerating expert growth, reducing the trade deficit and thereafter, maintaining a favorable trade balance. (5) Special Committee on Reforestation, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the policies and programs concerning reforestation including the effects of forest denudation such as soil erosion, siltation and drought and to recommend to the House such legislation or action as it deems appropriate to ensure a successful massive reforestation program. (6) Special Committee on Savings Mobilization, 11 members. To pursue and oversee the implementation of the president's 15 point savings mobilization plan; to conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the policies and programs on domestic savings and to recommend to the House such measures as it deems necessary to generate two hundred billion-peso savings in two years. (7) Special Committee on the Generation of a Million Small Enterprises, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the policies and programs concerning small enterprises and to recommend to the House such legislation or action as it deems necessary to promote and encourage the viability of small enterprises. (8) Special Committee on the Peace Process and Integration, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the policies and programs on amnesty and the integration into the mainstream of society of all rebels, insurgents and other persons who have or may have committed political crimes; and to recommend to the House by way of legislation ways of attaining lasting peace and a successful unification process.

(9) Special Committee on the Fisheries Industry, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of all policies and programs on concerning fisheries and aquatic resources; to recommend to the House such legislation or action as it may deem necessary to develop the fisheries industry and promote the maximum economic utilization of fishery resources. (10) Special Committee on the Northwest Luzon Growth Quadrangle, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study of all policies and programs concerning Northwest Luzon Growth Quadrangle and to recommend to the House such legislation or actions as it may deem necessary for the promotion of greater economic cooperation with proximate economies. (11) Special Committee on the East Asean Growth Area, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the policies, economic and social policies affecting the countries of the participating units in the East Asean Growth Area and to recommend to the House such legislation or action as it may deem necessary to foster and facilities trade and investment among the participating units. (12) Special Committee on Cooperatives Development, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of all policies and programs concerning cooperatives, except agricultural cooperatives; and to recommend to the House such legislation or other action to foster the creation and growth of cooperatives in the country. (13) Special Committee on Food Security, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the programs, and policies relating to food production and distribution, including the factors affecting the supply of basic food commodities such as rice, corn, fish, poultry and hogs; and to recommend to the House legislation or other actions necessary for fast-tracking the development and modernization of the agricultural sector and attaining food security, self reliance, and sustained growth in basic food commodities. (14) Special Committee on Mt. Pinatubo, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the programs, and policies relating to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mt. Pinatubo devasted areas and the inhabitants thereof; and to recommend to the House legislation or other action as it deems necessary to facilitate their recovery, growth and development. (15) Special Committee on Overseas Contract Workers, 11 members. To conduct a comprehensive study and review of the policies and programs affecting overseas contract workers; and to recommend to the House legislation or other action the Committee deems necessary to promote their full protection, employment and welfare. The special committees herein organized may secure from any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government such assistance as may be needed, including technical information, preparation and production of reports and the submission of recommendation or plans as the committee may require.

The House may organize other special committees on the basis of proportional representation of the majority and the minority, and shall determine their membership and general jurisdiction. Their officers and members shall be elected in the same manner as a standing committee upon recommendation of the Committee on Rules. The special committees herein organized and such other special committees that may hereinafter be organized shall cease to exist upon the completion of their objectives. Sec. 25. Vacancy. A vacancy in any Committee shall be filled in the same manner as provided for in Sections 21 and 24 hereof. Sec. 26. Place and Time of Meetings. Committee meetings, conferences or hearings shall be held in the House building or whenever necessary in any government office during periods of session or during recess. They may, however, be held in any other place when so authorized by the Speaker. No committee except the Committee on Rules may meet while the House is sitting in plenary session without special permission from the Committee on Rules. Two days before a scheduled committee meeting, written notice thereof shall be given to all the Members specifying therein the subject matter and the names of the resources persons invited to said meeting. Sec. 27. Regular and Special Meeting. The committees shall determine the frequency of their regular meetings. Special meetings may be called by their chairman or by one-third members, due notice, including the agenda of the meeting, being served upon each Member. One-fifth of all the members of a committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum. However, a committee or subcommittee may authorizer a smaller number to conduct a public hearing on bills or resolutions pending before it. Sec. 28. Subcommittees. Each committee may crate as many subcommittees as it deem necessary. Sec. 29. Committee Reports and Orders. Committee reports or orders on any measures shall be considered in formal meetings. When a committee submits a report thereof shall be presumed to have concurred in the report and shall be precluded from opposing the same unless he enters his objection thereto or files with the Secretary General of the House his dissenting vote in writing within two days after receipt of the report or unless, upon satisfactory explanation made by the Member concerned, the Speaker should allow otherwise. Sec. 30. Reports of the Committee on Rules. The Committee on Rules may at any time report on any matter within its jurisdiction. The consideration of its reports shall be always in order.

Sec. 31. Unexplained Absence. Unexplained absence in three successive committee meetings may operate to relinquish membership therein. RULE VIII THE SESSION Sec. 32. Commencement of Daily Sessions. Unless the House provides otherwise, the daily session shall commence at four o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays through Thursdays and at the ten o'clock in the morning on Fridays. Sec. 33. Call to Order. The Speaker shall open the session by calling the House to order. On every session day, the National Anthem shall be sang followed by one-minute silent prayer or meditation or, at the discretion of the Speaker, an invocation by any Member designated by him. Sec. 34. Attendance in Sessions. Every Member shall be present in all the sessions of the House unless necessarily prevented from doing so by sickness or other unavoidable circumstances duly reported to the House, through the Secretary General. Sec. 35. Voting. Every Member present in the session shall vote on every question put unless he inhibits himself on account of personal or pecuniary interest therein. Sec. 36. Sessions Open to the Public; Exceptions. The session shall be open to the public except when the security of the State or petitions or motions affecting the dignity of the House or a Member are being considered, in any of which events the House may hold an executive session. Sec. 37. Executive Sessions. When the House decides to hold an executive session, the Speaker shall direct the galleries and hallways to be cleared and doors closed. Sec. 38. Persons Allowed in Executive Sessions. Only the Secretary General, the Sergeant-at-Arms and other persons specifically authorized by the House shall be admitted to the executive sessions. They shall preserve the secrecy of whatever may be read or said at the session. Sec. 39. Confidential Documents. When, by request of the House, confidential documents or papers marked as such are transmitted to it by the President or a head of department and require consideration in an executive session, their existence or contents shall not be revealed without leave of the House.

Sec. 40. Suspension and Adjournment of Session. Sessions shall not be adjourned except by direction of the House, but the Speaker may, in his discretion, declare at any time a suspension or recess of short interval. Sec. 41. Emergency Session. The House, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hour 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, convene at ten o'clock in the morning of the day immediately following such proclamation, suspension or emergency, without need of a call. Sec. 42. Convening of the House During a Recess. The Speaker, in consultation with the Majority and the Minority Leaders and the Senate counterpart, may convene the House in session at any time during a recess or between sessions to consider urgent legislative matters. Sec. 43. Opening and Adjournment Entered in Journal. The exact hour of opening and adjournment of a session shall be entered in the journal. RULE IX ROLL CALL AND QUORUM Sec. 44. Roll Call. Upon every roll call, the names of Members shall be called alphabetically by surnames, except when two or more have the same surnames, in which case the full name shall be called. If there are two Members with the same name and surname, their legislative districts shall be added. Sec. 45. Quorum. A majority of all the Members of the House shall constitute a quorum to do business. Sec. 46. Absence of Quorum. In the absence of a quorum after the roll call, the Member present may compel the attendance of absent Members. In all calls of the House, the doors shall be closed. Except those whose attendance are excused pursuant to Section 34 of these Rules, the absentees, by order of a majority of those present, shall be sent for and arrested wherever they may be found and conducted to 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 condition for their discharge. Members who voluntarily appear shall be admitted immediately to the session hall. They shall report to the Secretary General to have their presence recorded. Sec. 47. Automatic Call of the House. When the result 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 it adjourns. If those voting on the question and those who are present but abstain from the voting shall together make a majority of the House, the Speaker shall declare that a quorum is constituted, and the pending questions shall be resolved as the majority of those voting shall decide. Thereupon, further procedure under the call shall be dispensed with. Sec. 48. 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. RULE X ORDER OF BUSINESS Sec. 49. Order of Business. The daily order of business shall be:
(a) Roll call; (b) Approval of the journal of the previous session; (c) First reading and referral to committees of bills proposed, resolutions, messages, communications, petitions and memorials; (d) Committee reports; (e) Unfinished business; (f) Business for the day; (g) Business for a certain date; (h) Unassigned business; and (i) Bills for third reading.

Sec. 50. Approval of Journal. The journal shall be submitted to the House for approval. The journal for the last day of a regular or special session shall be approved in the manner determined by the House. RULE XI CALENDAR Sec. 51. Parts of Calendar. The calendar shall consist of:

(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. Thereafter, the Speaker shall call for the business for the day. (b) Business for the Day. These are bills, resolutions and other measures set on the calendar for the day by the Committee on Rules. They shall be considered in the order in which they are listed in the calendar and after the business mentioned in the preceding paragraph. (c) Business for a Certain Date. This is business set for consideration on a certain date. It shall be considered on the date set and on subsequent days in chronological order until disposed of unless the continuation of the consideration of any business therein included is set for another day.

No business shall be set for consideration unless it has been placed in this calendar two days in advance.
(d) Business for Thursday and Friday. Bills of local application shall be included in the calendar every Thursday and Friday. Such bills shall be arranged and considered in the order set by the Committee on Rules. No such bill shall be considered unless it has been placed in this calendar two days in advance. Any unfinished business in this calendar shall be placed in the calendar for the following Thursday and Friday. (e) Unassigned Business. These are bills, resolutions and other measures reported by the committee but not calendared by the Committee on Rules. Any business included in this calendar may be set for consideration on motion of a Member with the unanimous approval of the House. (f) Bills on Third Reading. Bill shall be submitted to final vote by yeas and nays after printed copies thereof in final form have been distributed to the Members at least three days prior to their passage, except when the President certifies to the necessity of their immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency.

Sec. 52. Distribution of Calendar. The calendar shall be distributed each day 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. RULE XII PRIVILEGE HOUR Sec. 53. Privilege Hour. On Mondays and, at the discretion of the Speaker and the unanimous consent of the House, on any other day, and after the reading of the order of business, there shall be a privilege hour. Any Member may speak on any matter of general interest. If more than one Member desires to make use of this privilege, the first to apply, either in writing in the office of the Secretary General or verbally in open session, shall be given precedence. If, after a Member has finished, sufficient time is left of the hour, the second Member who has asked to speak may do so, and so on successively until the full hour is consumed. If requests to make use of the one-hour privilege remain recorded at the expiration of the hour, they shall be recorded in the same order for the next Monday. RULE XIII

QUESTION HOUR APPEARANCE OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENT Sec. 54. Appearance Upon Initiative of Department Head. When a department head desires to appear before the House on any matter pertaining to his department, he 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 for his appearance. Sec. 55. Appearance Upon Request of House. A department head may be requested to appear before the House and be heard by it on any matter pertaining to his department. The request shall state specifically the questions to be answered and the date and hour for his appearance. His appearance shall be scheduled at least three 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 thereof. Sec. 56. Day of Appearance. The appearance of department heads shall be scheduled on any Thursday and on such other day as may be determined by the Speaker or a majority of the Members of the House after the reading of the order of business. The department head may answer the questions directed to him either orally 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. Sec. 57. 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 requires and the President so states in writing. Sec. 58. Question. 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. Question may be withdrawn by the proponent: Provided, that 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. Sec. 59. Standards Set for Question. Questions shall be based on facts, asked to obtain information or press for action. No question shall:
(a) Contain arguments; (b) Suggest its own answer;

(c) Include offensive or unparliamentary language or expression; (d) Pertain to subjudice 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 falling 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, or suggest amendments to bills before the House of Representatives; or (i) Repeat a question previously asked and answered.

Sec. 60. Form of Questions and Answer. In form, questions and answers of excessive length are not in order. Sec. 61. Written Questions Not Conforming With Standards. If the questions does not conform with the foregoing standards, the Speaker may return the question to the Member concerned and the latter may modify or restate the question to make it 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 ruling of the Speaker. Sec. 62. Classification and Disposition of Questions. Questions may be classified according to the order of priority laid down in Section 58 hereof and grouped together by subject matter by the Speaker who shall decide the order in which the said question 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. Sec. 63. Standards Set for Answers. Answers shall immediately relate to the questions propounded, without need for discussing general policies or programs. They shall be concise and responsive, and shall avoid argumentation. They shall conform with the standards set for questions, where these are applicable. Sec. 64. Questions of Local Significance. The Speaker may direct that a question of local significance be answered in writing only. Sec. 65. Questions Left Unanswered. Questions proposed for a question hour which 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 reset to any other day. Sec. 66. Interpellations and Comments of Proponents of Original Questions. At the end of each question hour, it shall be in order for any proponent of the original questions to interpellate the department head concerned and make comments, observations and statements relative to the answers given and to be interpellated by the department head concerned. Immediately thereafter, the department head concerned may make a reply. The interpellations and comments of proponent and the reply of the department head shall be subject to the ten-minute rule. No interpellation from other Members shall be allowed on the reply of the department head. Only the proponent of the question shall have the right to debate thereon with the department head. The order of interpellation and comments shall be in the same order the original questions were asked. Sec. 67. Questions Hour Service Unit. A Question Hour Service Unit (QHSU) shall be organized in the Office of the Speaker which shall facilitate, coordinate and expedite all matters relative to the Question Hour as provided under Rule XIII of these Rules. RULE XIV BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, MESSAGES, MEMORIALS AND PETITIONS Sec. 68. Bills and Resolutions. Bills and proposed resolutions shall be signed by their author or authors and filed with the Secretary General, who shall assign to each a number. A bill or joint resolution shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof. Sec. 69. First Reading. The Secretary General shall report all bills and proposed resolutions to the House for first reading within three session days from receipt thereof. During the first reading, the principal author may proposed the inclusion of additional authors by submitting a list of such authors to the Secretary General. Sec. 70. Referral to Committee. The first reading shall only be by number, title and author, followed by referral to the appropriate committees. Sec. 71. Consolidation or Substitution. A consolidated or substitute bill or resolution by a committee shall have as authors the first two authors of the original bills or resolutions in the order in which their names appear in the latter and accordingly to their

dates of filing. The rest of the authors shall be thereafter be enumerated in the same order. Sec. 72. Period to Report. The committee shall submit a report on the bill or resolution within fifty session days after it is referred to it, except as herein otherwise provided. Sec. 73. Bills Favorably Reported. If the committee report on a bill or resolution is favorable, the bill or resolution shall be forwarded to the Committee on Rules. Sec. 74. Bills Unfavorably Reported. If the committee report on a bill or resolution is unfavorable, the bill or resolution shall be laid on the table. The author or authors shall be notified within ten days of the action, stating the reason or reasons thereof. Sec. 75. Discharge of Committee on Bills Not Reported. A Member may present to the Secretary General a motion in writing to discharge a committee from the consideration of a bill and resolution which has been referred to it over fifty session days prior thereto and has not been returned to the House. The motion may be placed in the custody Secretary General who shall arrange some convenient place for the signature of Members. A signature may be withdrawn by a Member in writing at any time before the motion is entered in the journal. When one-fifth of all the Members sign the motion, it shall included in the calendar and reported at the next following session of the House. Sec. 76. Consideration of Motion to Discharge. After the privilege hour on any Monday, except during the last fifteen days of any session, any Member who has signed a motion to discharge may demand the consideration thereof. After not more than thirty minutes of debate, the House shall proceed to vote on the motion. If the motion adopted refers to a bill or resolution, a motion shall be in order to proceed to the immediate consideration of such bill or resolution; and if such motion prevails, the bill or resolution shall be considered immediately. After a motion to discharge is lost, it shall not be in order to entertain during the same session year any other motion to discharge the same committee or any other committee from the consideration of the same bill or any other bill of substantially the same subject matter. After the House acts on the motion to discharge, all other motions to discharge dealing on bills or resolutions of similar subject matter which are pending in the calendar of business shall be stricken therefrom and shall not be acted upon during the remainder of the same session year. Sec. 77. Urgent Bills and Resolutions. On motion by the Committee on Rules, the House may declare urgent a bill or joint resolution and consider it in accordance with a timetable. The timetable shall be prepared by the Committee on Rules fixing the date when the bill or resolution must be reported by the Committee concerned, the number of days or

hours to be allotted to the consideration of the bill on second reading, and the date and hour debate must be concluded and final vote taken. Sec. 78. Second Reading and Debate. On second reading of a bill or resolution, it shall be read in full with the amendments proposed by the committee, if any, unless copies thereof are distributed and such reading is dispensed with. Thereafter, the bill shall be subject to debate and pertinent motions. Sec. 79. Motion to Close Debate. In the discussion of any measure, a motion to close debate shall be in order after three speeches for and two against, or after only one speech for and none entered against. During the last fifteen days before adjournment, motion to close debate shall be in order after two speeches for and one against, or after only one speech for and none entered against. Sec. 80. Cloture. When several Members register or signify their intention to speak on the under consideration and when the matter is sufficiently and thoroughly discussed by the Members speaking, the Speaker may motu proprio or upon motion of a Member, order that a Member having the floor desist from speaking further so that other Members may not be deprived of their opportunity to speak. Sec. 81. Amendments. After the close of debate, the House shall proceed to the consideration of committee amendments subject to the five-minute rule. A Member who desires to speak against an amendment shall also have five minutes. The five-minute rule shall apply, likewise, in the consideration of an amendment to an amendment, or of an amendment by substitution. Sec. 82. Approval of Bill on Second Reading. After the amendments are acted upon, the bill shall be voted on second reading. Sec. 83. Third Reading. A bill approved on second reading shall be included in the calendar of bills for third reading. No bill or joint resolution shall become a law unless it passes three readings on separate days, and printed copies thereof in its final form are distributed to the Members three days before its passage, except when the President certified to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency. On the third reading of a bill or resolution, no amendment thereto shall be allowed. The vote thereon shall be taken immediately, and the yeas and the nays entered in the journal. Sec. 84. Transmittal to Senate. The Secretary General, without need of an express order, shall transmit to the Senate for its concurrence all the bills and joint or concurrent resolutions approved by the House or the amendments of the House to the bills or resolutions of the Senate, as the case may be. 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, he shall forthwith notify the Senate of the action taken. Sec. 85. Bills from Senate. The bills, resolutions and communications of the Senate shall be referred to the corresponding committee in the same manner as bills presented by Members of the House. Bills of the House with the amendments of the Senate, as well as Senate bills which are substantially the same as the House bills previously approved, may be disposed of immediately as pending matters. The Senate bills which are substantially the same as the House bills previously reported by a House committee may be disposed of as a measure entered in the record of matters already reported. Sec. 86. Conference Committee. In the event that the House does not agree with the Senate on the amendment to any bill or joint resolution, the differences may be settled by conference committees of both Chambers. Sec. 87. Conference Committee Reports. 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 reports shall be signed by the conferees on the last page. Each of the pages of such reports shall be signed by the Chairman. Each report shall contain a detailed, sufficiently explicit statement of the changes in or amendments to the subject measure. The consideration of such report shall not be in order unless copies thereof are distributed to the Members: Provided, That in the last fifteen days of each session period it shall be deemed sufficient that three copies of the report, signed as above provided, are deposited in the office of the Secretary General. Sec. 88. Action by the President. Every bill passed by Congress shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President. If he approves the same, he shall sign it; otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the House. The President shall communicate his veto of any bill to the House within thirty days after receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall become a law as if he had signed it. Sec. 89. Procedure on Vetoed Bills. If the President vetoes a bill or any part thereof, the House shall record the objections of the President in the journal and shall proceed to consider the bill or item or items vetoed. During reconsideration, the House shall proceed to vote by yeas and nays on the bill or the vetoed item or items thereof. The yeas and nays with the names of the Members voting shall be recorded in the journal. If the bill or vetoed items passed by a vote of two-thirds of all Members of each House, such bill or item shall become law. Sec. 90. Procedure for Resolution. 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, for reasons of urgency, calendar for immediate consideration any resolution except a joint resolution. Sec. 91. Messages. Messages from the President of the Philippines shall be read in full before the House, and those in which any recommendations are made shall be referred to the proper committees. Sec. 92. Memorial and Petitions. Communications from heads of departments, memorials and petitions shall be reported to the House and, if necessary, referred to the proper committees. RULE XV PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION Sec. 93. Form of Proposals. Proposals to amend the Constitution shall be by resolution which may be filed at any time by any Member. Sec. 94. Procedure for Adoption of Resolution. The adoption of resolutions proposing amendments to the Constitution shall follow the procedure for the enactment of bills. Sec. 95. Constitutional Convention. The Congress may, by vote of two-thirds 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 XVI DECORUM AND DEBATE Sec. 96. Manner of Addressing Chair. When a Member desires to speak, he shall rise and respectfully address the Chair "Mr. Speaker." Sec. 97. Recognition of Member. When two or more Members rise at the same time, the Speaker shall recognize the Member who is to speak first. Sec. 98. Time Limit. No Member shall speak more than one hour in debate on any question nor more than once on any question without leave of the House. Sec. 99. Sponsor to Open and Close Debate. The Member reporting a measure may open and close the debate. If the debate extends beyond one day without the debate being closed, he shall be entitled to an additional thirty minutes to close. Sec. 100. Decorum. The Member who has the floor shall confine himself to the question under debate, avoiding personalities in all cases. He shall refrain from indecorous words or acts. The Chair may motu proprio, or as the House may direct, order such unparliamentary statements, remarks or words stricken off the record.

If a Member is called to order by another for words spoken in debate, the latter shall indicate the words excepted to. The Secretary General shall note and read aloud said words. However, the Member called to order shall not be held to answer nor be subject to censure by the House if further debate or other business intervenes. Sec. 101. Conduct During Sessions. During the session, the Members shall be in proper attire and observe decorum: Provided, that during Monday sessions women members shall be in traditional filipina dress. No member shall be near the Secretary General's desk during the roll call or the counting of votes. No Member shall pass between the Chair and another Member who has the floor. While the Speaker is addressing the House or putting question, no Member shall walk out of or cross the Session Hall. Sec. 102. Smoking Prohibited. Smoking is prohibited within the session hall. RULE XVII VOTING Sec. 103. Manner of Voting. The Speaker shall rise to put a question, saying "As many as are in favor of (as the question may be) say Aye" and after the affirmative vote is counted, "As many as are opposed, say Nay." If he doubts the outcome or a division is called for, the House shall divide. Those in favor shall first rise and then those against. If he still doubts or a count by tellers is demanded, he shall name one from each side of the question to count the Members in the affirmative and the negative. After the count reported, the Speaker shall rise and 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, a quorum being present, shall decide the issue. Sec. 104. Nominal Voting. The yeas and nays on any question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the Members present, be entered in the journal. Sec. 105. Second Call on Nominal Voting. After the Members have voted yeas and nays in nominal voting, the Secretary General shall call in alphabetical order the names of those who did not vote so that they may vote. After the second call, no member shall be allowed to vote.

Sec. 106. Explanation of Vote. A Member may explain his vote in not more than three minutes. Sec. 107. No Interruption During voting; Exception. The voting shall not be interrupted except on a question of quorum. Sec. 108. Tie Vote. In case of a tie, the Speaker shall vote. A tie on an appeal from the ruling of the Chair sustains the decision of the Chair. RULE XVIII RECONSIDERATION Sec. 109. Who May Vote; Procedure; Exceptions. When a bill, report or motion is adopted or lost, a Member who voted with the majority may move for its reconsideration on the same of succeeding sessions day. The motion shall take precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn, a question of privilege, and a point of order. Sec. 110. Limitations. No bill, resolution, memorial or petition recommitted to a committee or ordered to be printed shall be brought back to the House on a motion to reconsider. RULE XIX MOTIONS AND THEIR PRECEDENCE Sec. 111. Recording of Motion. Every motion shall be entered in the journal with the name of the Member making it unless it is withdrawn on the same day. Sec. 112. Reading and Withdrawal of Motions. The Speaker shall state the motion or, if in writing, shall cause it to be read by the Secretary General before being debated. A motion may be withdrawn any time before its approval. Sec. 113. Precedence of Motions. When any matter is under debate, no motion shall be entertained except to adjourn, raise a question of privilege, declare a recess, lay on the table or postpone to a day certain (which motions shall be decided without debate), or to refer, amend or postpone indefinitely (which motions shall be decided subject to the five-minute rule). Said motions shall have precedence in the foregoing order. After a motion to postpone to any day certain, refer or postpone indefinitely is lost, it shall nor again be allowed on the same day. Sec. 114. Amendments. When any matter is under consideration, a motion to amend and a further motion to amend the amendatory motion shall be in order. It shall also be in order to move for amendment by substitution, but said motion shall not be voted upon until the text of the original matter is perfected.

Any of said amendments may be withdrawn before a vote is had thereon. Sec. 115. Rider Prohibited. No motion or proposition on a subject matter different from that under consideration shall be allowed under the guise of amendment. Sec. 116. One Motion for One Subject Matter. No motion shall cover more than one subject matter. Sec. 117. 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. Sec. 118. Amendment of Title. Amendments to the title of a bill or resolution shall be in order only after the text thereof has been perfected. Amendments to the title shall be decided without debate. Sec. 119. Vote on Paper Objected To. A motion to read a paper other than that which the House is called to vote upon shall be voted without debate. Sec. 120. Point of Order; Precedence. A motion to read any part of the rules is equivalent to a point of order and takes precedence over any motion other than to adjourn. RULE XX QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE Sec. 121. Definition. Questions of privilege are those affecting the duties, conduct, rights, privileges, dignity, integrity or reputation of the House or of its Members, collectively or individually. Sec. 122. Precedence. Subject to the ten-minute rule, questions of privilege shall have precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn and a point of order. RULE XXI PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS Sec. 123. Definition and Precedence. A privileged motion pertains to a subject matter which, under the Rules, takes precedence over others. The order of precedence of privileged motions is determined in each case by the Rules. RULE XXII

SUSPENSION OF THE RULES Sec. 124. Who Can Move. Only the Committee on Rules can move for the suspension of the Rules. Sec. 125. Vote Required. No rule shall be suspended except by a vote of two-thirds of the Members present constituting a quorum. Sec. 126. Interruption of Motion. When a motion to suspend the rules is pending, one 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. Sec. 127. Debate; Effect of Suspension. A motion to suspend the Rules for the passage of a measure may be debated for one hour, which shall be divided equally between in those in favor and those against. If the House votes to suspend the Rules, it shall forthwith proceed to consider the measure. A two-thirds vote of the Members present constituting a quorum shall be necessary for the passage of said measure. RULE XXIII DISCIPLINE Sec. 128. Discipline of Members. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics, the House may punish its Members for disorderly behavior and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all Members, suspend or expel Members. A penalty of suspension shall not exceed sixty days. RULE XXIV UNFINISHED BUSINESS Sec. 129. Resumption of Unfinished Business. 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. All pending matters and proceedings shall terminate upon the expiration of the term of Congress and the records pertaining thereto delivered to the archives within fifteen days after such expiration. RULE XXV PAPERS

Sec. 130. 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. Sec. 131. Duty of Secretaries of Committees. Secretaries of committees of their equivalent personnel shall, within seven days after the enactment of bills or joint resolutions, and fifteen days after final adjournment of Congress, deliver to the archives all bills, resolutions, petitions and other papers referred to their respective committees together with the records of proceedings, reports of investigations conducted, and all evidence taken by such committees. If the secretary of a committee fails or neglects to comply with this Rule, the Secretary General shall, within seven days thereafter, take into custody all such papers. Disciplinary may be taken against the erring employee. Sec. 132. Records and Books Open to Public. The records and books of accounts of the House shall be preserved and be open to the public in accordance with law, and such books shall be available for audit by the Commission on Audit. RULE XXVI SESSION HALL Sec. 133. Use of Session Hall. The session hall shall be used only for sessions, caucuses, and meetings of Members, except when the House directs otherwise. Sec. 134. Space reserved for Members. The space set aside in the session hall for Members and the House personnel needed therein while the House is in session shall be reserved exclusively for them. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall not permit any other person to enter or stay within the said space. Fifteen 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 a consultant or a technical assistant needed by the reporting committee or by the movant or a motion under consideration. RULE XXVII SEATS AND ROOMS Sec. 135. Assignment of Seats and Rooms, by Lot. Except those assigned to the Deputy Speakers, the Majority Leader and his assistants, and the Minority Leader and his assistants, seats in the session hall and rooms in the House building shall be assigned by lot among the Members.

RULE XXVIII OFFICIAL SEAL Sec. 137. Rulings as Precedents. The House shall adopt its own official seal. RULE XXIX RULINGS AS PRECEDENTS Sec. 137. Rulings as Precedents. Rulings on questions raised by Members shall form part of the parliamentary practice of the House. RULE XXX AMENDMENTS Sec. 138. Amendments. Any portion of these Rules, except as provided for by the Constitution, may be amended by a majority vote of all the Members of the House. RULE XXXI SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS Sec. 139. 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 XXXII EFFECTIVITY Sec. 140. Effectivity. These Rules shall take effect on the date of their adoption. Adopted, July 24, 1995.
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