In celebration of the EDSA People Power Day, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his push for the passage of a measure that will allow direct people participation in legislation.
The CIBAC solon had earlier filed House Bill 7147, or the proposed “Crowdsourcing Act,” which aims to provide a mechanism through internet and mobile applications where people can directly provide and initiate legislative ideas. He emphasizes that the spirit of “People Power” must not be a thing of the past but must translate into substantial, concrete and actual citizen participation in governance.
“The true essence of People Power is not confined to a single historic moment. It must be embedded in our institutions,” he said. “Through this measure, we open wide the doors of legislation and governance to the Filipino people wherever they are — at home or abroad.”
Under the bill, both Houses of Congress will open their legislative processes to public inputs through official online portals. Committees may consider citizen submissions in their deliberations and issue feedback reports acknowledging public participation. The comments from the public shall be part of committee deliberations.
Further, the measure mandates the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to provide an online platform where people can start a campaign or petition to review, amend or repeal a law, or create a bill, the result of which will be transmitted to Congress for appropriate action.
The bill also requires registration safeguards consistent with the Data Privacy Act and mandates monitoring systems to analyze public sentiment and emerging policy concerns.
“The Constitution declares that sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them. In the digital age, that democratic mandate must evolve and adapt. We must take advantage of the technological advancement to give flesh to this principle. By bridging the gap between the people and the halls of legislation, this measure makes policymaking more democratic, participative, transparent, inclusive, and responsive. In doing this, we give more voice to the real people power,” Rep. Villanueva ended.
