QUALIFICATION STANDARDS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS BASIS FOR MODIFYING SECTION 6, ARTICLE VI OF THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

Abstract

The progress of a country is largely dependent on the capacity of its leaders to make effective legislation which could help boost trade, increase competitiveness of local companies and lift the economic condition of the country in general. Policy competency is an important ingredient for success for every country. An adequate degree of policy competency is necessary to understand what might result from the policymaking process that could affect a fundamental interest to the public and to effectually participate in the policymaking process. 

Qualification standards primarily refers to knowledge, skills, abilities, characteristics and other competency requirements necessary to uphold the morals and ideals of organizations or units of governance. In the present situation in the Philippines, provided in Section 6, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution is that: No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty-five years of age, able to read and write, and, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the electioni. Under the 15th Congress (2010-2013)ii, the primary duty of Members of the House of Representatives is to legislate. In order to fulfil 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 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.