FULFILLING his commitment to make the House of Representatives more open, responsive, and accountable, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Friday launched LegisHear, a nationwide public consultation initiative that will bring Congress directly to communities across the country to ensure that the voices of ordinary Filipinos help shape the nation’s laws.
Speaking before representatives from various sectors at Isabela State University–Echague, Dy said LegisHear translates into action the message he delivered at the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress—that the House must work harder, listen more intently, and serve with greater accountability.
“Ang layunin nito ay makinig sa ating mga mamamayan, lalong-lalo na tungkol sa pinakamahahalagang programa at mga magiging batas, upang sagutin ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan” said the Speaker.
“Lalong-lalo na sa dami ng mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap sa buhay, iyan po ang layunin ng ating Bagong Kongreso,” he added.
According to the Speaker, LegisHear was inspired by the extensive public consultations conducted during the House deliberations on the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, where citizens actively participated in shaping the measure.
“Habang tinatalakay po ang Anti-Political Dynasty, hindi lamang po ito pinag-usapan sa loob ng Kongreso. Ito po ay inilapit din natin sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao—sa lalawigan ng Cavite, doon po sa Cebu, at gayundin po sa Cagayan de Oro,” shared the former Isabela governor.
“Nakita po namin na napakapositibo ng pagtanggap ng ating mga mamamayan sa pag-uusap tungkol sa ganitong klaseng batas na makaaapekto sa ating bansang Pilipinas,” shared the House chief.
“Kaya po nakita namin na kailangan nating gawin ito upang lalo nating malaman kung ano ang mga pangunahing hakbang at mga panukalang batas na kailangan nating isulong, para lalo nating masagot ang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.”
Under the LegisHear program, lawmakers will travel to different regions to engage directly with farmers, fisherfolk, workers, teachers, students, local government officials, civil society organizations, the business sector, and other stakeholders.
National government agencies participating in the initiative will also bring frontline services anchored on existing laws to communities, providing agencies with valuable feedback to improve implementation.
The agencies will likewise conduct focused discussions with stakeholders to gather insights that could strengthen public services and inform future legislative action.
Among the agencies participating in the LegisHear program are the Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Also involved are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Elections, Land Transportation Office, Government Service Insurance System, National Bureau of Investigation, National Youth Commission, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine National Police, Philippine Regulation Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, and Social Security System.
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