How Senate committees work and why they matter

As both blocs of the Senate are fighting for control, not only of the Senate presidency, but also of committees, the public is often left wondering: what exactly do these committees do, and why do they matter?

Each of the Senate’s 41 committees oversees a specific policy area and holds direct influence in shaping legislation, enforcing accountability, and hearing various sectors and institutions. This grants the committee chairpersons significant influence over choosing which issues will get attention and which matters will be prioritized. 

These committees are required to hold meetings and public hearings to deliberate on bills and resolutions to produce committee reports that must be approved by a majority of their regular and ex-officio members before they even reach the plenary (TIMELINE: Coups, gunshots, and standoff in the 2026 Senate mess). 

Four of these committees have recently drawn renewed attention due to clashes over who will chair them and how they can be leveraged for political advantage. 

Blue Ribbon Committee (17 members)

The Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations — popularly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) — is tasked with investigating wrongdoing by public officials and government branches. It also holds the power to initiate probes into any matter of public interest. This makes the BRC one of the most powerful and most coveted legislative panels. 

The committee has seen a rapid succession of leadership changes in the 20th Congress. 

Senator Rodante Marcoleta first held the position from July 29 to November 11, 2025, followed by Senator Panfilo Lacson, who served until May 11, 2026. Senator Pia Cayetano then briefly chaired the committee from May 19 to June 3, 2026, before being succeeded by Senator Erwin Tulfo. This, in turn, resulted in a major clash between the two blocs.

Despite Tulfo’s election, Cayetano pushed through with a flood control probe on June 4, defying the Senate’s decision to postpone the hearing to June 8. Their bloc, led by her brother Alan, refuses to recognize the authority of the new majority — including Tulfo’s BRC chairmanship — following the June 3 Senate leadership shake-up (READ: Was the Senate blue ribbon probe staged by Cayetano bloc real or fake?).

Basic Education (15 members)

The Senate Committee on Basic Education tackles issues and provides solutions on matters related to early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. It also oversees the operations of sports high schools and science high schools — with the exception of the Philippine Science High School system. 

The panel’s most important task is shaping legislation related to student and teacher welfare, scholarships, and educational subsidies.

Senator Bam Aquino initially chaired the panel from July 29, 2025, to May 11, 2026. Senator Loren Legarda then briefly took over the position from May 19 to June 3, 2026, before the chairmanship was returned to Aquino.

Finance (20 members) 

The Senate Committee on Finance handles all matters related to public spending. The committee also leads the hearings to review the General Appropriations Bill, which becomes the basis of the country’s annual national budget. 

The committee is also responsible for the review of the funding for national government operations, managing the payment of public debt, and regulating inter-governmental revenue sharing. It also oversees the audit of state accounts and handles the claims against the government, including regulation of inter-governmental revenue sharing. 

Rules (9 members)

The Senate Committee on Rules discusses all matters affecting the internal rules of the chamber and the management of its legislative calendar. 

Essential to the daily operations of the upper house, the committee determines which bills reach the floor for debate and when. According to the Rules of the Senate, the Senate majority leader automatically serves as the committee’s chairperson, while the deputy majority leader assumes the role of vice chairperson.

Here is the list of other Senate committees and their functions: 

– Rappler.com