Why the duty of the Senate matters to every Filipino

Neil Gregori Garen
May 3
4 min read

Who really holds the power to shape national policies, investigate wrongdoing, and keep the government in check? And what kind of decisions go through the upper chamber of Congress?

While the Senate is often seen in headlines and soundbites, its real work runs deeper and has even greater impact. This institution plays a critical role in crafting laws, approving treaties, deciding on the national budget, and guiding the country through crises. Understanding its core functions gives us a better grasp of how our democracy works and how it can work better.

The Senate is not just a political stage. It is a constitutional institution with responsibilities that affect the everyday lives of Filipinos. It is designed to balance power, demand accountability, and shape the country’s long-term direction through legislation, oversight, and national leadership.

What does the duty of the Senate really look like in action? These five responsibilities, grounded in the 1987 Constitution, give us a clear picture:

They create the laws that shape our lives

From tuition fees to tech regulations, many of the rules that govern our daily lives begin as bills in the Senate. Senators propose and debate measures, collaborate with the House of Representatives, and pass laws that uphold rights, address urgent problems, or introduce reforms.

For young Filipinos trying to make ends meet or raise families, these laws can hit close to home, especially when it comes to taxes. As you juggle bills, entry-level salaries, or small business income, the Senate plays a role in shaping tax policies that impact how much you take home, what gets deducted, and how public funds are spent.

This power is rooted in Article VI, Sections 1, 24, and 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which establish the Senate’s co-equal role in lawmaking and allow it to shape or block any proposed law, including those on revenue.

They keep the government in check

The Senate doesn’t just create laws; it also keeps an eye on how they’re put into action. When signs of corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of power emerge, senators can launch investigations “in aid of legislation.” These inquiries help them gather facts, identify loopholes, and propose new laws or amendments to fix what’s broken.

During these hearings, they can summon government officials, examine key documents, and ask the difficult questions that demand honest answers.

This oversight role is supported by Article VI, Sections 21 and 22 of the Constitution, which empower Congress to conduct inquiries and compel witnesses to appear. Through these provisions, the Senate helps protect the public interest and reinforces the idea that no one is above the law.

Making every peso count is a fiscal duty of the Senate

Before government funds are spent, senators review and debate the proposed national budget submitted by the executive branch, the judiciary, and even their own institution. They go line by line through spending priorities, scrutinizing allocations, proposing adjustments, and working with the House of Representatives to pass the General Appropriations Act.

This process is guided by Article VI, Sections 24 and 25 of the 1987 Constitution, which give the Senate the power to amend and approve the final budget. Through this responsibility, senators help ensure that national spending addresses real needs—whether it’s building classrooms, funding hospitals, or supporting disaster response.

They sign off on major national decisions

Senators don’t just write laws. They also help chart the country’s course in foreign policy and top-level leadership. When the President appoints key officials—such as department secretaries or ambassadors—the Commission on Appointments, which includes members of the Senate, must first give its approval.

In matters of international relations, any treaty signed by the executive branch must be ratified by at least two-thirds of the Senate before it can take effect. These powers, detailed in Article VII, Section 16 and Article VII, Section 21 of the Constitution, ensure that no major decision is made without checks, collaboration, and the broader voice of the nation. Through these responsibilities, the Senate serves as a vital gatekeeper for decisions that shape the Philippines' role on the world stage.

Standing firm in crisis is a protective duty of the Senate

When the country is faced with a national emergency or a political crisis, the Senate plays a crucial role in maintaining order and upholding the Constitution. If the President declares martial law, the Senate, together with the House of Representatives, has the power to review the proclamation and decide whether it should be extended or revoked.

In times when high-ranking officials are accused of serious offenses, such as betrayal of public trust or corruption, the Senate serves as the impeachment court. It is tasked with trying and judging officials like the President, the Vice President, members of the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman.

These duties are clearly outlined in Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution for martial law oversight, and in Article XI, Sections 2 and 3 for the Senate’s role in impeachment trials.

By stepping into this role during moments of crisis, the Senate helps protect democratic institutions and ensure accountability at the highest levels of government.