THE House of Representatives (HRep) under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, in collaboration with state-owned People’s Television (PTV) Network, on Monday launched CongressTV, a free-to-air channel aimed at bringing the legislature closer to the people and encourage the citizens’ active participation in the democratic process.
Romualdez sees CongressTV not just a channel but a bridge that connects the HRep to every Filipino.
He stressed that the public’s active participation entails a populace aware of the issues, engaged in the discourse, and empowered to make informed choices.
“CongressTV indeed is our commitment to ensure that no Filipino is left in the dark, that every citizen is afforded a front row seat in the legislative process,” he said.
The Speaker called on the people to demand accountability and participate in the democratic process to ensure that their concerns are reflected in every debate and law.
“CongressTV is not just a one-way street. It is not just broadcasting what happens within the House. It’s about sparking conversations, about fostering a more interactive and participatory form of governance. It’s about you, the people, having direct access to your representatives and the legislative process,” he added.
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo remarked that CongressTV is a platform that would help ensure that every Filipino, regardless of social status, is informed and updated on the institution’s initiatives, policies, and programs.
“It is a tool for empowering citizens to be involved in the democratic process in creating laws…We are reinforcing our commitment to democracy, to transparency, and to the people we serve,” Tulfo said.
Tutok to Win Party-list Rep. Samuel Verzosa Jr. explained that CongressTV is a way for people to see their representatives in action.
“Malalaman ninyo yung mga ipinaglalaban naming mga batas na isinusulong namin…Mas maiintindihan ng publiko kung ano yung ginagawa natin sa House,” Verzosa said noting that this would offer reliable information for the people and curb the proliferation of fake news.
According to PTV4 General Manager Ana Puod, viewers can tune in to CongressTV on PTV’s digital Channel 14, as well as on Channel 46 on GMA Affordabox and Channel 2 on ABS-CBN TV Plus. Airtime is from 9AM to 9PM daily starting January 23.
Present during the launch were Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Jose Manuel “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, and HRep Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Meanwhile, during the plenary session presided by Deputy Speakers Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, House members elected Quezon Rep. David “Jay-Jay” Suarez as deputy speaker to replace former Rep. Ralph Recto, who was appointed to be the Finance Secretary.
About the Author
