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Functions of the Senate

The popular impeachment trial that went on for a little more than a month must have given us a pretty hazy picture of what the Senate is or does. But aside from the power to try a president, the Senate is many other things and has other important functions that many of us might never have known. Since the Senate goes under the legislative department, its primary role is to make the laws for the country as a whole and not based on the demands of different localities like the House of Representatives. Because the Senate concerns itself with the nation's interests, their major concern is the welfare of the people. Now the laws the Senate makes aren't drawn by lots or other games of chance, but should concern major issues such as on economy, peace and order, education, health, and social welfare. Other functions:

• Checking the Administration Many debate on whether the executive branch of our government is more powerful than the other branches, when they actually should be equal. This equality can be maintained by the legislature by controlling the executive budget or making or renewing laws. Also, appointments by the President still have to be reviewed by the Congress
• Educating the Public The Senate has the responsibility of informing and instructing the public. This is done by giving privilege speeches on the floor, debates during sponsorships of measures or in some committee hearings, or even when being interviewed by the media to explain bills or their position on policies and issues. Non-legislative Powers:
• Investigative Power The investigative power of the Senate is taken from Section 21, Article VI of the Constitution which provides the Congress the power to conduct "inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rights of procedure" provided that they still respect the rights of the individuals who are in any way part of the investigation.
• Taxing Power This is the power to provide revenue measures that must be uniform and equitable. Uniform means that persons or things in the same class should be taxed at the same rate. Equitable means that the tax burden should be according to how much a taxpayer can actually pay.
• Oversight Power. To make sure that the laws made by the Senate are being executed, it has the power to oversee the activities, programs, policies and actions of the Executive Branch along with its agencies, subdivisions, etc.
• Contempt Power In the most basic sense, contempt power is the power of the Legislature to accuse a person not of the Congress of contempt like, for example, if a witness in an investigation made by the Senate refuses to cooperate in the procedures.
• Power to Declare the Existence of a State of War
• Concurrence to Amnesty Proclamation The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, commutations and remit fines even after one is convicted. This power, however, can only be used if it is supported by a majority of the members of Congress.
• Membership in the Commission on Appointments
• Canvassing of Votes and Proclamation of Winners to the Positions of President and Vice-President
• Impeachment Proceedings Only the Senate has the power to try and decide all cases of impeachment. Impeachable officers include the President, Vice-President, members of the Supreme Court, members of the Constitutional Commission, and the Ombudsman
• Power to Revoke the Declaration of Martial Law
• The Senate President as Third in Line of Succession
• Propose Amendments to the Constitution: A Constituent Power

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