Congress must vindicate itself

Echoes From

BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Congress, whose members are expressly entrusted to represent the people’s welfare and interest, should vindicate itself in the face of the raging issues against the institution.

To maintain its integrity, Congress should never allow itself to be perceived as unfaithful to its vital role as an independent institution, and not as a rubber stamp and prostituted tool of vested interests.

The Supreme Court decision on the PDAP, its failure to pass important reform legislations, including the anti-political dynasty, freedom of information, political party development, and other related measures on energy, public utilities, etc. have decidedly eroded the integrity and credibility of Congress.

Senators and Congressmen are tasked with more serious responsibilities, more important than just being satisfied with their DAP and PDAF bonanzas.

Congress, after its seemingly choreographed and prolonged standing ovation even before President Aquino could start his State of the Nation Address, should now start listening to what discerning and countless poor citizens are talking about.

Congressmen and Senators should now start working on measures to alleviate the suffering of our millions of unemployed, underemployed and hungry citizens.

With the achievements of President Aquino’s administration that have not really eased poverty, our lawmakers must seriously focus their attention to crafting laws that would democratize wealth and elevate the dignity and freedom of our people.

Education, health and employment still remain our most serious concerns. We are sure we can move forward and attain peace and prosperity if our duly elected lawmakers will be true to their mandate as primemovers for reforms. They should stop allowing the executive department to hijack our people’s taxes for self-serving purposes.

Given our badly–damaged and corrupt political culture today, it’s high time for Congress, especially our House of Representatives under the leadership of our friend Speaker Sonny Belmonte, to lead the House in helping steer government along an honest “Daang Matuwid” by crafting measures that could change the complex of our society.

Speaker Belmonte, with his proven leadership and experience, and who is not beholden to any political group for his success, can even rally more knowledgeable, respected, and civic-minded citizens outside the government service to use their collective talents, experience and expertise to help chart our national development thrust.