Salceda seeks re-activation of Congress oversight panel

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda is batting for the re-activation of the Congress oversight committee to ensure the achievement of the 60 commitments President Duterte gave in his first state of the nation address (SONA) last July 25.

Salceda said based on the transcripts of the SONA, Congress identified at least 60 commitments “with quantifiable targets to fulfill.”

Of the 60 commitments, 12 require legislation, with federalism topping the priorities.

“While the SONA did not set specific targets for each, three have clear timelines or deadlines: war on drugs, three to six months; federalism, three to six years; and anti-colorum, immediately,” said Salceda, former governor of Albay.

Other commitments are concerns on tourism, Bangsamoro Basic Law, tax reforms, bank secrecy laws, media, whistle-blower protection program, passport law, overseas Filipino workers, freedom of information, West Philippine Sea dispute, communist insurgency, Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, business permits and licenses, and access roads.

To help the executive branch, Congress must reactivate the oversight committee as a working group to monitor and rate the performance of the executive branch. The focus should be on government agencies instructed by the President to achieve SONA targets, Salceda explained.

“By periodic monitoring and constantly engaging these agencies, Congress similarly shines upon emerging and evolving trends in public needs, public sentiment and marketplace,” he added.

 Salceda initiated the formation of the Congressional Oversight System in 2001. He chaired the committee, which has been on the backburner since 2010. It was not constituted in the 15th and 16th Congress.