Hopeful developments this advent

Our most-awaited Christmas Day is barely two weeks away!

Yet, this early, the Filipino people may just get their best Christmas presents yet, if the following hopeful developments will be truly realized soonest.

Late Tuesday, December 9 afternoon news bannered the unexpected but very welcome Malaca?ang announcement that “In a LEDAC [Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council] Meeting, attended by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and other congressional leaders,  the President instructed both Houses to take a closer look at and prioritize the passage as soon as possible of these four bills: 1) Anti-Dynasty Bill, 2) Independent People’s Commission Act, 3) Party-list System Reform Act, and, 4) Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability or the CADENA Act.”

Why are these bills very important for our people and our country?

“The Anti-Dynasty Bill aims to prevent political families from monopolizing government positions and to ensure equal access to public office. It states that anyone related up to the fourth degree, by blood or marriage, to a sitting nationally elected official may not run for or hold another national elective position.

The Independent People’s Commission Act seeks to establish the Independent People’s Commission (IPC), which will serve as a stronger body than the existing Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The IPC will investigate alleged anomalies in government infrastructure projects and other related sectors.

The Party-list System Reform Act, for its part, aims to reduce — if not completely eliminate — opportunities for misuse and corruption within the party-list system.

Lastly, the CADENA Act will institutionalize transparency and accountability in public finance once enacted.”

Some immediate FB initial reactions: “By certifying a bill as urgent, it will sail through Congress, passing the 2nd, 3rd readings in a single day. He can sign it into law the next day.”

This reply: “I don’t think it’s that easy with a political dynasty dominated Congress and Senate. An act of self-immolation for them, including Marcos, who needs to survive this political and leadership crisis.

We, the people, have to show strong political force by being very visible, consistent all throughout the various stages of law making including eventual signing by the president.

This will make him a hero. He might just be out to redeem his family’s image but this is a much welcome development.

Exciting phase we are in - miracles are happening indeed!”

And these FB advices for continuing vigilance, for seizing this opportunity for all to learn together, educate ourselves, our people: “While this is a welcome development because this is what we have been waiting for, this sounds too good to be true. We need to remain vigilant, for political camps are currently reading the pulse of the public.

Let's check on the "champions" of these bills and whether the versions they will propose are realistic or reflective of what advocates have been working on. Otherwise, we may have something that is only by name, and once these are made into laws, it may be too bureaucratic for the people to ask for improvements.”

“We can also get copies of the bill online, suggest a research group be created to summarize the feature of the bills filed and also request the principal authors to speak about the bills.”

“Mas maayo pod bitaw naay makagiya nato sa pagsabot niining nagkalainlain nga baruganan/panawagan basi sa ilang politikanhong pagkamao, katutoan ug lintunganay nga tumong.”

“I suggest that we hold focused group discussions with credible political analysts.”

“Perhaps part of our way forward is to clearly articulate our messages, even discuss the details of why our calls are such... This would be helpful for each one, especially as we educate our colleagues.”

“We can have lectures that ordinary Pinoys will be able to understand and absorb...”