‘Senators should work harder’

MANILA, Philippines - With only three bills passed since the start of the 16th Congress in July, two senators are disappointed by the performance of the Senate.

Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said senators should work harder to fulfill the chamber’s primary mandate of crafting laws that will benefit the country.

“Let’s just hope that we will be more prolific in 2014. We owe it to the people,” he said.

Another senator, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal from his colleagues, said the two bills – the 2014 General Appropriations Act and the P14.6-billion supplemental budget – should not even be counted in the accomplishment report because it is Congress’ obligation to pass them.

The senator said the Senate has also approved on third and final reading the bill postponing the Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

At least 2,047 bills were filed since regular sessions opened.

“This could be considered as one of the worst Congresses ever,” the senator said.

‘Challenging’

Senate President Franklin Drilon had a different opinion on the performance of the Senate even as he admitted that a lot of work has to be done next year.

He said the first six months of the year were challenging for the Senate, and for him in particular as its leader.

His return to the post came at a time when the Senate was under fire over the use of its savings.

Senators were also accused of misuse of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel.

“During my first six months as Senate President, the challenge is how to restore the people’s confidence in the Senate as an institution. I think we have succeeded, maybe not fully, because it is a work in progress to completely bring back the confidence of our people,” Drilon said.

He said the Senate had to give up its share of the PDAF even before the Supreme Court ruled it as unconstitutional.

“We have given up the PDAF and realigned the budget to calamity funds in order to help our people in Visayas and Mindanao,” he said.

He also cited the early approval of the 2014 budget bill despite the various calamities that struck the nation.

“We have passed the budget on time, highlighted by the fact that there is over P140 billion for calamity,” he added

Drilon said a number of bills are lined up for approval, including the freedom of information (FOI) bill, when Congress resumes session on Jan. 20.