The Constitution of ‘Second Republic’ was adopted by a constitutional convention sitting in Manila in March of 1942. It was a radical departure from the ‘presidential-unitary republic’ that preceded it – drawing far more upon European traditions than those of the United States. Some observers even likened it to that practice of the Roman Republic, for the new constitution placed all real decision-making power in the hands of the Philippine Senate.
The new constitution called for an expanded Senate of forty members, who were to be elected at large and to sit for eight-year, staggered terms, with one quarter of the members being elected every two years. Senators could be re-elected without term limits.
The former House of Representatives was replaced by a Legislative Council of one hundred and sixty members, who would be elected from among the notables of each province, two per province, serving two year terms.
Replacing the former executive branch was a Council of Ministers responsible to the Senate, which was responsible for appointing the President of the Council, the Vice President of the Council and the ministers of the various executive departments. It was provided that no sitting Senator or sitting member of the Legislative Council could serve on the Council of Ministers; it was further provided that the Senate might dismiss the President and/or Vice President of the Council, or any minister, for cause or lack of confidence.
Responsibility for appointing provincial governors and other magistrates for the provinces from among the notables of the region was vested in the Senate. Likewise, the Senate was responsible for the appointment of justices and judges of the courts.
Responsibility for drafting legislation lay with the Council of Ministers; the role of the Legislative Council was to review legislation proposed by the Council of Ministers and recommend approval or disapproval to the Senate; the role of the Senate was to approve, or disapprove, proposed legislation.
This post has been edited 1 times, last edit by "BruceDuncan" (Mar 14th 2012, 1:47pm)