List of philippine senators at present
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Francis Pancratius "Kiko" N. Pangilinan
Sen. Current Members of the Philippine Senate
Introduction
The Senate of the Philippines serves as the upper chamber of the Congress of the Philippines, the bicameral legislative body established under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
Quorum requires a majority (13 senators), and voting is typically by viva voce or division.
Historical Context
The Philippine Senate traces its roots to the 1935 Constitution, which established a unicameral National Assembly, later amended to create a bicameral Congress in 1940. Notable historical developments include the shift from district-based to at-large elections post-1987, aimed at fostering national perspectives over parochial interests.
The Senate has been instrumental in key legislation, such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act No.
6657), the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479), and responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic via the Bayanihan Acts.
Current Composition (As of Known Data Pre-2025 Elections)
Note: The composition of the Senate changes following elections. No. 221697, 2016), which clarified natural-born citizenship in the context of foundlings.
Term of Office and Limitations
Article VI, Section 4 stipulates a six-year term, commencing at noon on the 30th day of June following the election.
Vacancies are filled through special elections if more than 18 months remain in the term, or by appointment in certain cases, though the latter is rare.
Powers and Privileges
The Senate's legislative powers are co-equal with the House, but it holds exclusive authority in specific areas:
- Concurrence in treaties and international agreements (requiring a two-thirds vote, Article VII, Section 21);
- Trial of impeachment cases (Article XI, Section 3), where the Senate acts as a court, as seen in the trials of Chief Justice Renato Corona (2012) and President Joseph Estrada (2001, though aborted);
- Confirmation of certain presidential appointments, such as ambassadors and Cabinet members (Commission on Appointments, composed of senators and representatives).
Senators enjoy parliamentary immunity for speeches and votes (Article VI, Section 11) and freedom from arrest while Congress is in session for offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment.
Committees handle specialized areas like finance, justice, and foreign relations, with chairmanships often allocated based on majority coalitions.
Sessions are held from the fourth Monday of July to June of the following year, with adjournments and special sessions called by the President. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva
Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III
Sen.
Franklin "Frank" M. Drilon
Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara
Sen. Without access to post-election updates, the following reflects the membership of the 19th Congress, which included senators serving terms ending in 2025 and 2028. Senators also exercise oversight functions through committee hearings and investigations in aid of legislation, as empowered by Article VI, Section 21.
This ensures continuity, as only half the Senate turns over at a time. Alliances shift, as seen in past floor leadership changes, such as Zubiri's election as Senate President in 2022.
Challenges and Reforms
The Senate faces criticisms for elitism, dynastic politics (e.g., multiple Cayetanos, Villars, and Estradas), and inefficiency.
Judicial interventions, such as in Tolentino v.
Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV
Sen. COMELEC (G.R. Cynthia A. Villar
The following senators are elected on May 2016 and will serve until June 30, 2022.
Sen. Compensation is determined by law, currently set under Republic Act No. 6758 (Salary Standardization Law), with additional allowances regulated by the Senate itself.Organization and Leadership
The Senate elects its President, who serves as the presiding officer and third in the presidential line of succession (after the Vice President and House Speaker).
Current Members of the Philippine Senate
Introduction
The Senate of the Philippines serves as the upper chamber of the Congress of the Philippines, the bicameral legislative body established under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
Quorum requires a majority (13 senators), and voting is typically by viva voce or division.
Historical Context
The Philippine Senate traces its roots to the 1935 Constitution, which established a unicameral National Assembly, later amended to create a bicameral Congress in 1940. Notable historical developments include the shift from district-based to at-large elections post-1987, aimed at fostering national perspectives over parochial interests.
The Senate has been instrumental in key legislation, such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act No.
6657), the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479), and responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic via the Bayanihan Acts.
Current Composition (As of Known Data Pre-2025 Elections)
Note: The composition of the Senate changes following elections. No. 221697, 2016), which clarified natural-born citizenship in the context of foundlings.
Term of Office and Limitations
Article VI, Section 4 stipulates a six-year term, commencing at noon on the 30th day of June following the election.
Vacancies are filled through special elections if more than 18 months remain in the term, or by appointment in certain cases, though the latter is rare.
Powers and Privileges
The Senate's legislative powers are co-equal with the House, but it holds exclusive authority in specific areas:
- Concurrence in treaties and international agreements (requiring a two-thirds vote, Article VII, Section 21);
- Trial of impeachment cases (Article XI, Section 3), where the Senate acts as a court, as seen in the trials of Chief Justice Renato Corona (2012) and President Joseph Estrada (2001, though aborted);
- Confirmation of certain presidential appointments, such as ambassadors and Cabinet members (Commission on Appointments, composed of senators and representatives).
Senators enjoy parliamentary immunity for speeches and votes (Article VI, Section 11) and freedom from arrest while Congress is in session for offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment.
Committees handle specialized areas like finance, justice, and foreign relations, with chairmanships often allocated based on majority coalitions.
Sessions are held from the fourth Monday of July to June of the following year, with adjournments and special sessions called by the President. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva
Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III
Sen.
Franklin "Frank" M. Drilon
Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara
Sen. Without access to post-election updates, the following reflects the membership of the 19th Congress, which included senators serving terms ending in 2025 and 2028. Senators also exercise oversight functions through committee hearings and investigations in aid of legislation, as empowered by Article VI, Section 21.
This ensures continuity, as only half the Senate turns over at a time. Alliances shift, as seen in past floor leadership changes, such as Zubiri's election as Senate President in 2022.
Challenges and Reforms
The Senate faces criticisms for elitism, dynastic politics (e.g., multiple Cayetanos, Villars, and Estradas), and inefficiency.
Judicial interventions, such as in Tolentino v.
Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV
Sen. COMELEC (G.R. Cynthia A. Villar
The following senators are elected on May 2016 and will serve until June 30, 2022.
Sen. Compensation is determined by law, currently set under Republic Act No. 6758 (Salary Standardization Law), with additional allowances regulated by the Senate itself.Organization and Leadership
The Senate elects its President, who serves as the presiding officer and third in the presidential line of succession (after the Vice President and House Speaker).