Rampart of democracy
ADMITTEDLY, Congress, as the legislative arm of the government, is the first rampart of democracy in this Southeast Asian nation of more than 110 million people.
The two-chamber Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – makes sure that the mushroomng needs of the Filipino people are met.
Watched by the people, notably the poor and lowly, our 24 senators and more than 300 district and party-list solons are seen to work quietly, crafting pieces of legislation.
Without doubt, the electorate expects our legislators to deliver on their many election campaign promises.
This, the lawmakers – senators and congressmen – will do by crafting much-needed bills in consultation not only with supporters but also with well-meaning political opponents.
Thus, we, like the rest of the Filipino people, cannot overemphasize the importance of getting the opinions of all sectors of Philippine society on vital and highly-controversial issues.
“Dapat lang na ipaalam sa publiko, kasama na ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kung anu-anong isyu ang pinag-uusapan sa Kongreso,” said a retired government employee.
The former state employee said “let’s involve the citizens in the law-making process.”
People expect the incoming Congress to unveil comprehensive national programs aimed at addressing the major problems confronting the people and the country.
These problems include the struggling economy, unemployment, homelessness, illegal drugs, criminality, graft and corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
