Manila - In a push to increase public engagement in the legislative process, a Philippine senator has emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to participate in crafting and amending laws through online means.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, on Wednesday, reiterated the need for public involvement in the legislative process, as outlined in Senate Bill No. 2344, also known as the Crowdsourcing in Legislative Policymaking Act. According to the bill, individuals or groups will be able to engage in crowdsourcing, providing their inputs and comments on bills under deliberation through social media or online portals of the Senate and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO). "Under this measure, they can participate in the legislative process -- from First Reading, Second Reading, and Third Reading -- through crowdsourcing," Estrada stated.
The public will have the opportunity to submit comments within 15 working days following the filing of a bill in the Senate or after its First Reading. These comments will be considered during committee deliberations. For the Second Reading, a three-working-day window will be available for public comment, and another three days will be allotted for inputs during the Third Reading.
Estrada noted that the PLLO website would facilitate an online platform where people can initiate campaigns or petitions to review, amend, repeal a law, or create a bill. The outcomes of these actions could be transmitted to members of Congress for appropriate action. The PLLO is also tasked with providing an online crowdsourcing feedback report.
Reflecting on the pandemic period, Estrada observed how the virtual format of lawmaking saw increased participation from resource persons in Senate or committee hearings. He believes that the advancement of Information and Communications Technology, which connects people, should be leveraged for the benefit of good governance and public participation.
The bill, as Estrada remarked, aims to expand the reach of Congress, providing channels for lawmakers to prioritize critical issues and problems, solicit solutions, and obtain feedback on implemented solutions and policies.