Senate marks 89th anniversary

The Senate marks today its 89th anniversary.

The Senate was convened on Oct. 16, 1916 by virtue of the Jones Law — the country’s basic law or constitution from 1916 to 1935 — of that year.

A month-long celebration will start today amid a rift with Malacañang caused by President Arroyo’s issuance of Executive Order 464, barring civilian and military officials from appearing before congressional inquiries without her clearance.

Senate President Franklin Drilon is expected to expound on his vision and programs for the 24-seat chamber of Congress when he speaks during the flag-raising ceremony today.

Drilon said the passage of the expanded value-added tax law is one of the Senate’s achievements during the 13th Congress.

"We have enacted measures that will generate the highest revenue in the history of this government," he said.

The enactment of the so-called sin taxes, the attrition bill and the rent-control law, was all geared toward generating revenues to spur the country’s growth, he added.

Next year’s proposed P 1-trillion national budget is premised on the P 185-billion revenue expected to be collected by the government, a 24 percent increase over the amount collected in 2004 to 2005.

Former Senate president Ernesto Maceda and former senators Rene Saguisag and Vicente Sotto III are special guests in today’s flag-raising ceremonies at the Senate grounds.

They will share a sentimental homecoming to rekindle their attachment and impart their experiences to the Senate employees.

Three seminars on the economy and the adopt-a-barangay project, in coordination with the Senate Spouses Foundation, have been scheduled as part of the month-long celebration.

Capping the activities will be a Halloween treat for the children of Senate employees on Oct. 27.

Over the years, the Senate has remained the bulwark of democracy and independence, and has been a stabilizing institution, said Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau chief Jose Garcia.

On Sept. 23, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos padlocked the bicameral Congress after officially declaring martial law two days earlier.

The Senate ceased to exist after the 1973 Constitution was ratified. It was revived after the 1987 Constitution took effect in August of that year. — Christina Mendez