Majority Leader of The Senate
In the modern Senate, the second in command is the Majority leader. His primary responsibility is to manage the legislative affairs and the business for the part of the majority in the chamber.
He is chosen by the majority party in the Senate to serve as their official leader in the body.
While nothing in the Rules of the Senate expressly states the powers of the Majority leader, to a great extent, he is very influential in the passage of bills.
As the traditional Chairman of the Committee on Rules, the Majority leader helps formulate, promote, negotiate and defend the majority’s legislative program, particularly on the floor. By tradition also, the Senate President or any Presiding Officer gives the Majority leader priority in obtaining the floor.
He also helps in developing the calendar of the Senate and assist the Senate President with program development & policy formation and decisions.
He also has the power to exercise party discipline in consultation with other senior party leaders, with regards of voting on party policies and programs deemed to be crucial. If ever, a member of his party doesn't vote for the party's proposed measures, he can demote him/her from committee assignments leading to a reshuffle on some of the Senate committees.
Read more about this topic: Floor Leaders Of The Senate Of The Philippines
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