Creating the Batasan Bayan, Defining Its Functions and Powers, and Appropriating Funds Therefor

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 995

Creation of the Batasan Bayan
- Section 1: Creates a Legislative Advisory Council called the Batasan Bayan.

Composition and Membership
- Section 2: The Batasan Bayan is composed of the President, Cabinet members, officials with Cabinet rank, members of the Lupong Tagapagpaganap (as determined under P.D. No. 925), and other members appointed by the President.
- Section 3: Members hold office while they are Cabinet members, Lupong Tagapagpaganap members, or at the President's pleasure if from the private sector.

Functions of the Batasan Bayan
- Section 4: The Batasan Bayan functions as an advisory body to the President on legislative matters, including:
    - Assisting and advising the President on lawmaking functions (Section 4a).
    - Providing a forum for citizens to express views on national issues and government administration (Section 4b).
    - Providing a forum for rationalizing, unifying, and clarifying Executive Branch policies and programs (Section 4c).
    - Providing a mechanism for reviewing the structures, policies, and efficiencies of Barangays and Sanggunians, and submitting findings and recommendations to the President (Section 4d).

Sessions and Meetings
- Section 5: The Batasan Bayan initially convenes on September 21, 1976, and thereafter convenes at least once a year upon the President's call, for a duration determined by the Rules Committee. Sessions are held in Metro Manila at a place determined by the President.

Officers and Committees
- Section 6: The President is the Presiding Officer and designates an Assistant Presiding Officer. The President constitutes a Rules Committee composed of Cabinet members and officials with Cabinet rank. The Batasan Bayan creates standing committees chaired by Cabinet members or officials with Cabinet rank, who may also be designated as Floorleaders. Other necessary officers are elected according to the Rules.

Quorum, Rules, and Procedures
- Section 7: A majority of members constitutes a quorum. Sessions and deliberations are open to the public, except for matters affecting national security or requiring secrecy. The Batasan Bayan keeps a journal of proceedings, can conduct inquiries and public hearings, and initially considers and deliberates on legislative proposals certified by the President, including proposed guidelines of national policy and government programs. All actions and recommendations are in the form of resolutions submitted to the President after final passage.

Privileges and Compensation
- Section 8: Members can submit legislative proposals related to their Department (for Cabinet members) or locality (for Lupong Tagapagpaganap members). Cabinet members and officials with Cabinet rank receive no additional emolument, while Lupong Tagapagpaganap members may receive reasonable per diem and travel allowance determined by the Rules Committee.

Appropriations
- Section 9: Two Million Pesos is appropriated from the National Treasury's unexpended balance to meet the Batasan Bayan's organizational and other expenses. The President can authorize the release of additional amounts as needed.

Effectivity
- Section 10: This Decree takes effect immediately.