THE House of Representatives yesterday held an executive course for neophyte lawmakers who will be members of the incoming 20th Congress for them to learn the ropes of lawmaking.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, who led the event, congratulated and welcomed the rookie congressmen, telling them that “I am rooting for all of you.”
“I’m sure your constituents are likewise eagerly awaiting to see you dive into action. This executive course will prepare you to hit the ground running, so to speak. Secondly, you came in at a time when all eyes are on the congressional bodies,” he said.
Velasco reminded the incoming lawmakers that the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives “are under the watchful eye and face with heightened scrutiny of the public, being more engaged and informed than ever.”
“Fortunately, and unfortunately too, they will be ready to back leaders who they feel are dedicated to change and progress, and equally ready to be openly critical of those they feel are remiss of their sworn duties. The 19th Congress, which will end June 30 officially, started with unprecedented challenges,” he said.
Among those who attended the course were Reps. Leandro Legarda Leviste of Batangas, son of Sen. Loren Legarda; Audrey Zubiri of Bukidnon, wife of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri; Rep. Omar Duterte of Davao, son of Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte; and Harold Duterte of PPP party-list, a cousin of Vice President Sara Duterte.
A total of 39 neophyte and returning House members attended the first day of the three-day executive course on legislation held at the Women Legislators’ lounge of the South Wing Annex Building.
There are 97 neophytes and returning lawmakers in the 20th Congress and the second batch of attendees will attend the three-day course on July 7 to 9.
The participants will be taught the process of legislation through the conduct of a mock committee hearing and plenary session.
Among the resource persons are representatives of the Center for Policy and Executive Development (CPED) of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) and former and current House members.
Velasco said the House “takes pride in having hardworking and dedicated officials and personnel who are experts in their respective fields, who can provide indispensable assistance with your administrative requirements as well as in the discharge of your legislative functions and duties.”
“Let me share something interesting with you. I am available 24-7 via Viber or cellphone, FaceTime, Telegram, WhatsApp, WhatsNow. I am available. I will share with you one thing. All travel clearances and travel authorities are signed by me and the Speaker,” he said.
Velasco even joked that single incoming lawmakers may even find love in Congress, citing the case of newly-wed couple Reps. Margarita Nograles (PL, PBA) and Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario.
“Again, the plenary will be organized by region. So if you have any concern about being with someone else that you don’t like, or may crush kayo, baka ma-develop (or if you have a crush on someone or it could develop into something more), we will transfer you. About developing relationships here, we have one marriage that was concluded recently in the 19th Congress,” he said in jest.
“It was Congresswoman Migs Nograles and the neighbor, Davao Oriental, Congressman Almario. There were also some relationships, but they did not end up in marriage. Tsaka ako lang ay tsismis sa inyo kung sino ‘yan (I’ll tell you some other time who they are),” he added.
