Senate President Francis Escudero vowed Monday to prioritize legislation that alleviates the struggles of overworked and underpaid Filipinos, calling for a fundamental shift in lawmaking to address the needs of the general population over big business interests.
In a speech delivered at the opening of the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress, Escudero committed to craft laws that would ease the plight of working-class citizens. He lamented that for generations, comfortable living has eluded many in the labor sector.
“Their dreams and struggles, more than any policy paper, should define our legislative agenda and inspire us to work hard,” he emphasized. Escudero called for a fundamental change in lawmaking priorities, criticizing the current focus on laws that primarily benefit big businesses.
“I have noticed that we have passed a raft of laws that ease the burden on big business,” he said.
“Even the ease of paying taxes… ease of unloading bad loans,” the Senate chief noted, questioning the shortage of laws aimed at improving the essential aspects of daily life for the general population.
“Why is there no ease of commuting and connecting? Ease of finishing school and finding work? Ease of healthcare for the sick? Ease of acquiring justice? Ease of growing food and feeding our families?” he asked.
Escudero committed to ensuring that every law and budget decision is made with the best interests of the Filipino people in mind.
He detailed the Senate’s meticulous approach to lawmaking, which includes trimming lengthy provisions, reducing projected costs, testing for constitutionality, and addressing stakeholders’ concerns.
“Legislative haste often leads to time and resources wasted,” Escudero noted. “Bills that are not forged in the fire of debate often come out half-baked and eventually require remedial sequels.”
The seasoned lawmaker from Sorsogon emphasized the Senate’s commitment to delivering well-crafted laws to the President.
Escudero also discussed the Senate’s role in the annual budget process, stressing the importance of judicious spending given the sacrifices made by taxpayers. “This includes our decision on the national budget,” he said.
He highlighted the Senate’s dual role in crafting laws and correcting wrong policies. “To write laws is not the only duty of the Senate. It also has the duty to right wrong policies. To this end, irregularities were probed, aid was provided, and justice was pursued without letup,” he said.
Reaffirming the Senate’s independence, Escudero emphasized its commitment to scrutinizing government proposals without external influence.
“Daily, our independence is livestreamed and blasted to all media platforms by members who can only be won over to a cause through debate, not dictation. We are subjects of the people and subsidiary to no other branch, party, person, or interest,” he declared.
“We embrace the full ventilation of views, whether in opposition or support, by those in the majority or the minority. But at the end of the day, we vote. We divide the house on issues based on policy differences, never letting politics permanently divide us. This is the Senate the people need at this point in our history,” he continued.
Escudero concluded his speech with a quote from Quezon: “A Senate which serves the people, the way the people themselves want to be served. A Senate which works for the people, and which is worthy of their support.”
“We cannot fail, for our failure is their failure, and our defeat will be their defeat. But our triumph will be their triumph. And in this regard, the Senate shall not falter,” he said.
