THE principle of separation of powers governs the Philippine system of government, with the Legislature enacting laws, the Executive executing them, and the Judiciary settling legal controversies that may arise. Each of these three branches of government is independent in its organization and operation.
We are reminded of this matter of independence in the wake of the ongoing discussion on the issue of speakership of the House of Representatives. The House and the Senate make up the Congress of the Philippines and each of these two chambers make decisions on their own. In times when the Senate and the House approve conflicting provisions of a bill, they meet in a bicameral committee to resolve their differences.
There are certain limits to their independence. The President can veto laws passed by Congress. Congress confirms the President’s top appointments and can impeach him. The Supreme Court can overturn an unconstitutional law. Its members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Recently, there were reports of a possible change in the Senate leadership but in the interest of maintaining the independence of the Senate, it was agreed that Senator Vicente Sotto III remain Senate president although he does belong to the administration party, the PDP-Laban.
There is now a great deal of discussion in the House which has to decide on whom to elect speaker. The House today has a super-majority of pro-administration members, but the PDP-Laban cannot elect the speaker by itself. It needs the support of other parties in the coalition.
President Duterte has been asked to name his choice for speaker, but he has refrained from speaking out, saying that the all leading candidates are all right with him. He would rather have the House make its own selection; that would serve to emphasize the independence of the House.
It is indeed true that the Duterte administration today has overwhelming support in Congress, especially in the House. But if only to maintain the ideal of independence of Congress as one of the three separate bodies of the Philippine government, it would be best for our congressmen to refrain from asking the President to name his choice and to elect their speaker by themselves.
